April 29

Sunday April 29, 2012
Psalms of Joy and Praise! (Psalms 8 8, 9, 16, 19, and 21)

Psalm 8
This psalm had one line that stuck out to me, and it is "what is man that you are mindful of him" because it is almost the same exact wording as a lyric of one of the songs we sing called "I Am A Friend Of God." I'll put the link to the song at the end, because it's a catchy song and it nicely sums up the message from this psalm.
The title says "Praise for man's glory and status in God's sight" and it is, but it's more than just David praising God for his titles and status. David also recognizes God's power and craftsmanship in His organization of the universe. David is praising God for His treatment of man, but also praising his majesty.

Psalm 9
The first stanza of this psalm, to me, hints that David wants God's help because of all of the "I will"'s. How many times do you bargain with God? Tell Him you'll do anything if He would help you out. This is what I feel David is doing here.
He then acknowledges God's work in David's beating his enemies, saying how God has destroyed the wicked. But then David says that though the Lord does judge, He judges justly. The line that I love from this stanza is "the Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you" because even though the stanza before commented on the power of God, this one line really brings home the idea that if you are with God, He can be the best friend you could ever have in your life.
Then David gets to his point, this is where he is asking God for the help he needs.

Psalm 16
This psalms is David's expression of thanks to God for all that He's done for him. This psalm is probably one of my favorites we've read this year, because it is so nice. David takes all this time to thank God, something that I don't think I do enough. Usually I'll think Him after something goes my way, but why not when it doesn't? He does everything for us, even when we think He might have missed us. My old principal used to say that everyone has their crosses to bear, but God will never make yours too heavy for you to carry. That is sure something to be thankful for.

Psalm 19
This psalm is my second favorite one we've read. The first two stanzas are so poetic, especially the second one. It hints at David's character, because while he does write many psalms with beautiful messages, this psalm has such a beautiful wording, at least for the first two stanzas. Then he gets to his point and is pretty straightforward about how perfect God and his laws are.

Psalm 21
This psalm is talking about how all David asked for is his life, but God gave him that and so much more. God helped David win all the battles he entered, and this is the people of David praising God for all of the help He gave their king.
It is also a reminder to all the people who are against God that He is not someone to be crossed.

Hope you all had a great Sunday!
Gina

here's the song!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuI4SrBa_VA&feature