Easter 3
Preaching
Aids To The Psalms
Exploring The Message
Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies?
Selah
But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
When you are disturbed, do not sin;
ponder it on your beds, and be silent.
Selah
Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
There are many who say,
"O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!"
You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grain and wine abound.
I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
Alternate Image
The Singer examines his stock portfolio happily. It shows
strong, steady growth, promising security for his old age and a
significant legacy to his children. He stretches his arms and
legs and thinks how lucky he is to enjoy such good health at this
stage of his life. The Singer gazes at a picture of his children
and their families. A good looking, industrious, happy and
contented group they are. He is very proud of his progeny.
He turns to his wife and tells her about his happiness and
contentment with life. He lists the blessings they have received
in material wealth, health and children. He expresses his hope
that these blessings continue and hopes for even more. His wife
says that she is sure God will continue to bless them in spite of
their worldly reliance.
Surprised at her response, the Singer says, "We are God's
people, we are faithful, we try to do what God commands, and God
has blessed us. I get so frustrated with those who are self-
serving and just plain mean. May God give to them what they
deserve." His wife smiles and says, "I am sure we are part of
God's family and we are loved by God. I am also convinced that
God is angry when we do things that hurt each other, this world,
or ignore our dependence upon God. But, it doesn't improve things
to wish bad things on others, that would only make things worse.
Better that they would understand and appreciate the blessings
you have mentioned. Certainly we don't want to do anything to
harm our brothers and sisters."
The Singer gazes lovingly at his wife. How wise she is. What a
blessing she is. The Singer feels joy.
Reflection
This Psalm is a wonderful dialogue between the psalmist and
God. The psalmist appreciates God's blessings but also wants
those who are his and God's enemies, who are not like him, to be
punished, and he is willing to be the punisher. God tells him
that he lacks real faith and that all will work out according to
God's plan. God tells the psalmist it is okay to be angry with
evil, but not to become evil in response. The psalmist
acknowledges God's wisdom and asks to learn.
The psalmist here describes how we find joy. Joy is found in
what, or rather who, is behind all blessings -- God. It is God's
steadfast love for us that provides us with joy. Knowing that
joy, we are enabled to live life to its fullest, no matter what
our circumstances.
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies?
Selah
But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
When you are disturbed, do not sin;
ponder it on your beds, and be silent.
Selah
Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
There are many who say,
"O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!"
You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grain and wine abound.
I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
Alternate Image
The Singer examines his stock portfolio happily. It shows
strong, steady growth, promising security for his old age and a
significant legacy to his children. He stretches his arms and
legs and thinks how lucky he is to enjoy such good health at this
stage of his life. The Singer gazes at a picture of his children
and their families. A good looking, industrious, happy and
contented group they are. He is very proud of his progeny.
He turns to his wife and tells her about his happiness and
contentment with life. He lists the blessings they have received
in material wealth, health and children. He expresses his hope
that these blessings continue and hopes for even more. His wife
says that she is sure God will continue to bless them in spite of
their worldly reliance.
Surprised at her response, the Singer says, "We are God's
people, we are faithful, we try to do what God commands, and God
has blessed us. I get so frustrated with those who are self-
serving and just plain mean. May God give to them what they
deserve." His wife smiles and says, "I am sure we are part of
God's family and we are loved by God. I am also convinced that
God is angry when we do things that hurt each other, this world,
or ignore our dependence upon God. But, it doesn't improve things
to wish bad things on others, that would only make things worse.
Better that they would understand and appreciate the blessings
you have mentioned. Certainly we don't want to do anything to
harm our brothers and sisters."
The Singer gazes lovingly at his wife. How wise she is. What a
blessing she is. The Singer feels joy.
Reflection
This Psalm is a wonderful dialogue between the psalmist and
God. The psalmist appreciates God's blessings but also wants
those who are his and God's enemies, who are not like him, to be
punished, and he is willing to be the punisher. God tells him
that he lacks real faith and that all will work out according to
God's plan. God tells the psalmist it is okay to be angry with
evil, but not to become evil in response. The psalmist
acknowledges God's wisdom and asks to learn.
The psalmist here describes how we find joy. Joy is found in
what, or rather who, is behind all blessings -- God. It is God's
steadfast love for us that provides us with joy. Knowing that
joy, we are enabled to live life to its fullest, no matter what
our circumstances.
