Sunday, 9/7/14 pm
STUDIES IN PSALMS
My Heart is Steadfast
Psalm 108
We do not have the particular occasion for the writing (or re-writing)
of this psalm, but it serves a valuable lesson as we begin.
Sometimes, repetition can be a good thing.
We all need to revisit teachings from time to time (if not more
often). Both Paul (Phil.
3:1) and Peter did this (2 Peter 3:1-2).
a.
From Psalm 57:7-11 –
Believed to have been written early in David’s life.
According to the superscription, it was as he was fleeing from
Saul in the wilderness.
David demonstrates his trust in God even during those trying times.
In our present, written perhaps later on, David recalls these
words (Could he again be in flight? Cf. 2 Sam. 15-18)
b.
My heart is steadfast
–“fixed” (KJV, ASV), with firm resolve.
What a way to begin a psalm!
A resolve to trust in God, even when facing troubling times.
We need that same steadfastness – 1 Cor. 15:58, Heb. 3:14.
We need integrity and faith that will not waver (Eph. 4:14).
We need a determination that will not give up, even in the
difficult times.
c.
I will sing and give
praise, even with my glory.
We have discussed these principles throughout the psalms.
They STILL apply!
Just be reminded that with joy comes singing. (cf. James 5:13)
d.
Awake, lute and harp
– David used these instruments and others.
But as we have noted on many occasions, that is NOT authority for
us to use them today. We
worship God as WE are commanded!
e.
I will awaken the
dawn –
praise as you begin your day.
There is no better way to begin the day than with worship.
Some arise early, while the mind is clear, read God’s word and
pray for a while. It can
certainly help fashion the direction a day will go.
But consider this: If the picture is again troubling times, we
find a test of character.
When we are struggling, do we awaken with a steadfast heart?
AND while it is one thing to demonstrate resolve at such times, what
about PRAISE at those times?
Like Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25; Phil. 4:4 – written from
prison).
f.
Praise among the
people, the nations
– again, we are reminded this is not something He kept to himself.
g.
For your mercy is
great above the heavens, truth above the clouds
– the mercy of God is mentioned frequently in the psalms.
In fact, “mercy” is used about 100 times in the psalms alone
(about 40 of which we have yet to examine).
The mercy of God is worthy of frequent consideration – His mercy is His
compassion toward us in spirt of our rebellion, sinfulness, weaknesses
and flaws. As we have noted
in common terminology, it is God NOT giving us what we deserve.
In this psalm, His mercy is describes as great above the heavens – it is
greater than any earthly mercy that man can extend.
Consider this in light of rebellious Israel, even up to the day
of David.
Truth above the clouds – there is no standard of truth greater
than His words – Isaiah 55:9.
Many today challenges absolute truth in matters of morals and
religion. We know there IS
absolute truth, and it is the product of God!
John 8:32 tells us the truth shall make you free.
Ephesians 1:13 describes the truth as “the gospel of your
salvation.”
h.
Be exalted, O God,
above the heavens, and your
glory above all the earth
a.
David now appeals to
another psalm he wrote, Psalm 60:5-12.
The superscription describes the psalm as when David returned
from victory as king with Joab his general.
WE are not certain of which battle (if it is one recorded) this
is. But it was related to a time of defeat even though David still
trusted and praised God.
b.
That your beloved may
be delivered, Save with your right hand, and hear me
– we again find an
appeal for deliverance.
Whatever the circumstance, he needs God.
When we are facing troubles, to WHOM do we turn?
Do we cast all our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7).
Or do we turn to man, who often disappoints and at times is
incapable of the deliverance we need.
Another thought to consider here is that the original psalm was offered
on behalf of the nation that needed it.
David prayed for His people.
WE, as Christians pray for ourselves, but are we His ONLY
beloved? What about His
church? Will we pray for he
that she will be delivered from ungodly men, from error, from apostates,
from persecutions, from discouragement, etc.
c.
God has spoken in His
holiness
– David now quotes
the Lord speaking (vs. 7-9) and he mentions several cities and nations.
Let us be reminded, that whatever He speaks is holy!
We dare not question His will or His words!
What He speaks will come to pass – Ezekiel 12:25, 24:14, Matt. 24:35.
d.
I will divide the
lands Shechem, Succoth, Giled, Manasseh, Ephraim, Judah
– cities and tribes in Israel (at the time of David).
The cities mentioned here include His dividing
Shechem and the valley of Succoth
– the former was west of the Jordan and the latter was east of the
Jordan. Perhaps David
recalls how God had promised to give the land of Canaan to Israel and He
did. They received land on
both sides of the Jordan River.
It was “divided” among the brethren.
Gilead is a prominent
city east of the Jordan.
Manasseh
a tribe that possessed land on both sides, with large amounts on the
east.
Ephraim was a large tribe
WEST of the Jordan.
Ephraim was described as
His (God’s)
defense (or helmet) and
Judah as His lawgiver
(actually the word is scepter).
God would USE Israel to accomplish His goals.
HE DID! Ultimately,
He did this in bringing Christ to this earth.
e.
Moab, Edom, Philistia
will be overcome
– enemies who will be overcome by Him.
This is David’s confidence.
f.
Who will bring me
into the strong city, lead me to Edom?
David continues on his geographical challenge and trust in God.
I am told that Petra is in the land that was Edom.
It was believed to be an impenetrable city.
Access was limited and fairly easily defended.
But in time, even it fell.
The Point: David knows that with God’s help, even such a stronghold
cannot stand. What
faith! David’s confidence
is in God.
g.
Is it not you, O God
– the One who cast them off is the one (the ONLY one) who would bring
them back (He is in control).
Again we are reminded that He rules the whole earth!
h.
Give us help from
trouble, for the help of man is useless
- A great lesson for us to remember is the folly of trusting in man for
help.
Often in Israel’s history they turned to surrounding nations for help.
It almost always ended in disaster.
There are times we need to realize that ONLY God can help us!
There are times we need to put our trust in Him.
I am reminded of passages like
Romans 8:31
which says, “What then shall we
say to these thing? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
and Vs. 37, “Yet in all
these things we are more than conquerors though Him who loved us.”
Hebrews 13:6,
“So we may boldly say: ‘the Lord
is my helper; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?”
Where are we putting our trust?
i.
Through God we will
do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies.
As we conclude this psalm and the hope of David we are reminded that our
trust in is our heavenly Father.
He is able to deliver.
THEREFORE, we must demonstrate proper trust in Him to do that.
Do we have the courage we need to stand up for Him, EVEN in the
difficult times? Even when
it means standing up for what is right when you might face unpleasant
reactions? We are told to
stand fast in the faith, be brave and strong. (1 Cor. 16:13)
For example: Consider when we need to withdraw from a sinning
brother? Will we stand
with the decision of our elders (provided it is true to God’s word)?
Will we tell the one withdrawn from that we cannot have
fellowship with them?
In our text I am reminded of 2 things: 1) With God on our side, we will
develop courage to do what is needed.
2) We will realize WHY we are doing it – because it is He who
shall tread down our enemies!
Consider why we withdraw from a sinning brother – to save his
soul in the end (1 Cor. 5:5).
IF we truly are concerned, we will need to trust in God!