Psalm 41

 


Psalm 41 is the last psalm in Book 1 of the Psalms.  Verse 1 starts with "Blessed" just as Psalm 1:1 does at the beginning of Book 1.  Here, the righteous are those who "consider the poor."  Blessings to the righteous include the LORD's deliverance, protection, sustenance, and restoration.  The psalmist also prays for God's grace and healing as he faces his sins and his enemies.  In John 13:18 Jesus quoted Psalm 40:9, referring to Judas as the one who will inflict a painful wound through the betrayal of friendship.  This psalm and Book 1 closes with a doxology to offer grateful blessings to the LORD forever.  Amen and Amen!

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:
  • Verses 1-3
    • The "poor" in verse 1 do not just refer to those who are in economic poverty but can more broadly include those in any need, whether physical or spiritual. In what ways can I fulfill the command to love my neighbor by giving consideration to the poor?
    • How have I experienced the LORD's deliverance, protection, sustenance, and restoration in my life?
  • Verses 4-12
    • In what areas of my life do I need to pray for the LORD's grace and healing?
    • Even more painful than the malice of enemies is the betrayal of a close friend.  Knowing that Jesus faced both, how does that help me when I am faced with enemies and the betrayal of close friends?
  • Verse 13
    • Verse 13 is the closing doxology in Book 1 of the Psalms.  Book 1 primarily includes psalms explicitly attributed to David (except for 10 and 33), introduces common themes such as the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, and provides examples of the literary variety in the psalms with laments, prayers, praise, wisdom, etc. Through reflecting on what I have learned from meditating on Book 1 of the Psalms, what grateful blessings might I personally offer to the LORD? 

If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video:
  • "Consider the Poor" (Psalm 41) by Randy Gordon:  Link


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