Psalm 24

 

Psalm 24 declares that the fullness of the earth and everyone who dwells in it belongs to the Creator.  In wonder, the psalmist states that a worshiper who has "clean hands and a pure heart," through righteousness received from the God of his salvation, is given the privilege to enter the LORD's presence and seek His face!  The personifications of the gates and doors opening for the King of glory only add to the grand image of welcoming the victorious King!

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:

  • Verses 1-2:
    • How should viewing everything as ultimately belonging to the LORD be lived out in my life?
    • The Apostle Paul quotes Psalm 24:1 in 1 Corinthians 10:26, and then says "So, ... whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (vs 10:31).  Thus, what additional insights does the 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 passage provide?
  • Verses 3-6:
    •  Similar to what was asked in Psalm 15, who are those given the privilege of entering the holy presence of the LORD?
    • Verse 6 refers to the generation of those who seek God.  Pray that in spite of our fallen sinful broken pandemic-weary environment, that our generation and especially the younger generations will still seek the face of God!
  • Verses 7-10:
    • What a wonderfully grand image of the King of glory these verses paint.  Pray for all those around us who need to open the doors of their hearts to welcome in the King of glory, who has victoriously defeated sin and death.


If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video:

  • "Lift Up Your Heads" from Handel's Messiah:  Link

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 149

Image
  Psalm 149 is part of the Final Hallel section (146-150), providing a doxology to the Book of Psalms.  These praise psalms begin and end with "Praise the LORD!" or "Hallelujah!"  This psalm is likely a victory song of praise from God's People to their King for deliverance but also judgment against their enemies. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-5 God's people are called to praise Him no matter where we are, together in assembly (v. 1) as well as alone in our beds (v. 5).  What do these verses teach us about praising the LORD? The last part of verse 4 may be translated "crowns the humble with victory," "adorns the afflicted with salvation," "beautifies the meek with salvation," "glorifies the lowly with salvation," or "exalts the oppressed by delivering them."  C.H. Spurgeon says that each "gives a new shade of meaning, well worthy
Read more

Psalm 120

Image
  Psalm 120 is the first in the Songs of Ascents series (Psalms 120-134). These songs were likely sung during the three annual festival processions to Jerusalem (Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles). The Feasts may typically be associated with joy, celebration, and worship, however in Psalm 120, the psalmist is crying out to the LORD in distress.  He is facing lies and deceit, such as from those in the foreign lands around him who hate peace. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-4 Why would it be better to turn to the LORD when facing "lying lips" and "a deceitful tongue"? Verses 5-7 What can we do when we live "among those who hate peace"? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "I Cry Unto the Lord" (Psalm 120) by Timeless Vocal Tapestry: Link
Read more

Psalm 142

Image
  Psalm 142 is in the last set of those attributed to David (138-145). This is a cave psalm (like Psalm 57), likely when David was fleeing from Saul and hid in a cave when his life was in danger. Thus, this is a prayer, crying out to the LORD for deliverance. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-2 What are some troubles that drive me to cry out to the LORD? Verses 3-7 When we feel overwhelmed, afraid, and alone, how is God our refuge, portion, deliverer? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Psalm 142" by Calvary Westlake:  Link
Read more