The Psalms and God’s Children

Communing with God

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly .;.;. but his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.—Psalm 1:1,2Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.—Psalm 95:2

The Book of Psalms is a collection of sentiments that reflects a variety of feelings and heartfelt expressions ranging from the peaks of joy to the depths of sorrow. Though the psalms may have been written originally as songs and were frequently used during religious ceremonies, they offer even greater purpose by providing doctrine and prophetic lessons to be applied throughout the ages. Christians in this chaotic world of today can greatly benefit from the melodious words and instructions of the psalms by allowing them to have their effect of encouragement and arousal of devotion, praise and thanksgiving.

As "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16), so it is with the Book of Psalms. The psalms are a provision by God and a means for his people to commune with him for the purpose of transforming their minds into the mature development of new creatures.

Vital to knowing the heavenly Father and his word is the understanding of his majesty and power. Like clanging cymbals the psalms boldly announce, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens" (Psalm 19:1; 8:1). Without hesitation God is magnified and an invitation is offered to come before his presence and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms (Psalm 95:2). Humble adoration is encouraged with, "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker" (verse 6). Faith securely rests in knowing that, "the law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple" (Psalm 19:7).

The psalms emphasize the character of God. "For thou, Lord art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone."—Psalm 86:5,8,10

Jesus Knew His Role

Not only did Jesus know the psalms, in them he could recognize his role as Messiah and redeemer for the human race. In Psalm 89:19-29, David, a name meaning "beloved," beautifully pictures Jesus. These verses allowed Jesus to identify himself as the mighty one anointed with the holy oil and promised God’s strength, faithfulness, and mercy to be with him always. In verse 27 he is labeled the firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. Jesus undoubtedly found great comfort to have his relationship with his heavenly Father proclaimed in the Scriptures.

The necessity of a ransom is revealed in Psalm 49:7, "None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him." This psalm taught Jesus that no man could save himself or another; salvation was dependent upon a ransom. The proclamation of Psalm 118:22, "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner," confirmed to Jesus that he would be chief of all saints. Psalm 110:1,4 declares, "Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool .;.;. Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."

Jesus’ Response

With all the reassurances through the psalms from the heavenly Father, Jesus expressed his understanding with his actions. He presented himself at the river Jordan fulfilling Psalm 40:7,8, "Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will O my God; yea thy law is within my heart." This psalm was clearly written on his heart for he knew without hesitation that his will was one with the Father. The words of Psalm 2:7 must have rung loud and clear in his ears: "Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee." Jesus truly had the reassurance of his heavenly Father!

His determination to be at one with his Father is further confirmed as he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matthew 26:39). The psalms, indeed, had provided the sure word and strength for Jesus to rise above the experience in full faith and trust.

Lessons from the Psalms

During his ministry Jesus taught the multitudes. As he taught on one occasion he was interrupted with a message that his mother and brethren wished to speak with him. This was a perfect opportunity for Jesus to emphasize the unity of the body for as he swept his hand over the crowd he said, "Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother" (Matthew 12:49,50). The psalms proclaim, "I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee" (Psalm 22:22).

Another example of how Jesus learned from the psalms and then applied the lesson in his teachings is found in Luke 12:13-21. When Jesus was approached by a man who was concerned that his brother would not divide an inheritance fairly, Jesus offered a parable that emphasized the unimportance of earthly possessions. In verse 20 Jesus said, "Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." These words are an echo of Psalm 49:16,17, "Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased: for when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him."

Jesus must have been familiar with the psalm that pointed to the betrayal of one he had chosen. As the events of the last supper progressed, Jesus said, "I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me." Jesus must have been saddened when he realized the fulfillment of Psalm 41:9, "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me." Yes, with Judas’ betrayal, this psalm as a prophecy was fulfilled.

Wonderful Words

Along with Jesus receiving knowledge and instruction regarding his future as the Messiah and ransom, came wonderful words of encouragement. He was assured of his prayer relationship with the heavenly Father in Psalm 55:22, "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Assurance of strength and God’s overruling power in time of need is confirmed in Psalm 20:1,6: "The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand."

Just as Jesus found the Book of Psalms to be the inspired word of God which supplied full assurance of faith to complete his mission and fulfill his covenant of sacrifice, so is it true for all his footstep followers. Though fear, disappointment, and occasional failure may be encountered on the Christian path, the psalms offer warm assurance of forgiveness and encouragement. As the Christian listens intently to the harmony of the psalms, the message rings clear that one is never alone. As a psalm tugs at the heartstrings and the gnawing conscience is soothed, the sharp awareness occurs that fellow Christians are bonded together in the sharing of daily experiences frequently revealed in the psalms. The Book of Psalms is a gift from God; it provides a tool which permits his people to commune with him and be taught, guided, encouraged and assured of his great love and mercy.

"Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!"—Psalm 31:19