Psalm 28

 

As David begins Psalm 28, he is once again in a dark place.  In other psalms, he has talked about God's hiddenness; and here, he feels God's silence, as he asks God not to be deaf to his prayers. Maybe David felt this way because he was weighed down by his own sin.  We see that he pleas for mercy, contemplates the actions and fate of the wicked, and talks about not wanting to "go down to the pit" nor to be dragged "off with the wicked."   However, toward the end of this prayer, David gains perspective, and recognizes that the LORD indeed hears and answers.  So David is able to close in praise and thanksgiving, for God is his strength, shield, refuge, and shepherd.

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

  • Verses 1-2
    • Whenever I have felt like God is silent and not answering my prayers, what might be some of the reasons I felt that way, in spite of the truth that God does hear and answer?
    • Just as David lifts up his hands in prayer, how can physical expressions enhance our prayers to the LORD?
  • Verses 3-5
    • What thoughts come to my mind as I contemplate the actions and fate of the wicked?  (For example, the need for evangelism? Or patience to endure through sufferings related to evil?)
  • Verses 6-9
    • Attributes or images of God that repeatedly bring David comfort in times of darkness include the LORD as his strength, shield, refuge, and shepherd. What attributes or images of God bring me the most comfort and encouragement in dark times?
    • Verse 9 says that we are God's heritage, inheritance, or possession.  Moses said to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 4:20, "But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be a people of his own inheritance, as you are this day."  Similarly, Titus 2:14 says that Jesus "gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good."  Reflect on what a blessing it is that we belong to the LORD!


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

  • "Blessed Be the Lord" (Psalm 28) by The Psalms Project:  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

Book of Psalms Review and Summary

Image
  The Book of Psalms is a beloved collection of 150 psalms grouped into five books:  Book I (1-41), II (42-72), III (73-89), IV (90-106), and V (107-150).  Some have considered parallels between these and the Pentateuch (i.e., Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): Book I begins the psalms and introduces the overall theme of wisdom literature that the righteous are blessed but the wicked will receive judgment.  God is typically referred to as the Covenant LORD . Book II focuses on deliverance , particularly God's deliverance of David from his enemies.  God is often referred to as Elohim, Almighty God . Book III includes psalms of community worship and laments.  Many of these psalms are written by Levitical worship leaders such as Asaph or the Sons of Korah. Book IV starts with a psalm of Moses and includes some historical psalms.  Several of these psalms also show the depravity of man. Book V focuses on God's Word (e.g., Psalm 119) and concludes in doxolo
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