PSALM 91 — REVISED

Trust in God Alone

This psalm has been an encouragement to believers for thousands of years, and it can encourage you as well. This psalm can be divided into three segments: The Psalmist’s Trust in God (1-2), The Psalmist’s Teaching About God (3-13), and The Lord’s Promise (14-16).

The psalmist lays out the principle in verse 1, the person who trusts in the Lord will dwell in the safety and security of God presence. He exclaims that God has his trust (2).

The psalmist then moves to instruct his readers in the midst of personal trials to trust the Lord (3-13). God delivers from dangers that are seen (men), and dangers that are unseen (pestilence) (3-6). He is sovereign and there is nothing outside of His knowledge and control. Ten thousand may fall around you of pestilence or war, but you do not have to be afraid (7). In the day of judgment, your faith will be vindicated as you are spared and the wicked receive their justice (8-10).

In the days of tribulation God gives His angels charge concerning His children. They watch over and protect believers (Heb 1:14)(11-12). The church is more than just survivors, you are victors (13).

The psalmist ends this psalm in 14-16 with a promise made by the Lord. Those that love Him will be secure no matter what adversity they face (14). Brethren, our God hears our prayers and is ever close to us (15). He saves us and honours us, His children. Trust in Him and you will be satisfied and experience the joy of His salvation (16).

Brethren, rest assured that God loves you and is in sovereign control over all aspects of your life. Dwell not at the dangers around you, rather keep your focus on your great God.

PSALM 89 — REVISED

The Promised King

How do we, as believers, handle hard circumstances in our lives when things are so utterly out of our control? The psalmist, an Ezrahite, is writing this psalm after returning to the land with the nation of Israel from their exile in Babylon. They had been disciplined by God and the Davidic kingship has yet to be reestablished. They are being ruled by Gentile Kings.

The psalmist begins by determining to give God the praise He rightly deserves (89:1-18). He declares he will sing of the love and faithfulness of the Lord forever (89:1-2). He praises God for the covenant promise that He made with David to establish his linage as kings over Israel forever (89:3-4).

He asks the rhetorical question, “who is like You” (89:8)? Neither the holy angels (89:5-7), nor Egypt herself can stand against God’s might (89:9-10). He created all things, from the north to the south; and thus He should be exalted (89:11-13). God’s sovereign rule is not tyrannical however, for His throne is founded upon righteous justice, and whatever He chooses to do is preceded by grace and truth (89:13-14). How truly blessed are the people who know the joyful sound of the praise of the saints (89:15-18).

Brethren, the psalmist praises God for His divine perfections: His love, His faithfulness, His righteousness, His power, and His grace. We must remember that in the midst of confusing and inexplicable times God is still sovereignly in control of all circumstances. The psalmist asks God to restore the David kingdom so that the nation will bear the reproach of their enemies no more (89:46-51). The psalmist is praying for a Davidic king to rule. Little does he know that the next Davidic king to rule will be the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Acts 2:22-36).

PSALM 87 — REVISED

The City of God

Psalm 87 is a song of praise to God and celebration of Jerusalem as the centre of Israel’s spiritual life. The psalmist speaks of the grand position of the city of Zion as YHWH’s chosen dwelling place among the peoples of the world (87:1-3). Glorious things are spoken of Jerusalem because of God’s presence among His people (87:3).

The psalmist continues with God drawing attention to the worshippers of His that have come from the many Gentile nations (87:4). They have come to faith as if they had been born in Jerusalem like the Israelite worshipers (87:4).

We see this idea repeated in the New Testament in John 1:12-13, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God...” God’s design for Jerusalem was to be a “city on a hill,” drawing the world to worship the one true God. The city has never quite lived up to this ideal. Yet, there will be a joyous time in the future, that ever-increasing numbers of believers will be incorporated into her as eternal citizens (87:5-7).

This psalm anticipates the glorious reality of the restored Jerusalem that will be established during the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ (Zech 14:16-21). It will be the seat of Jesus Christ’s worldwide rule and the spiritual centre for worship for all the earth (Jer 3:17). Maranatha!

A PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR

Length of days does not profit me
Except the days are passed in Thy presence, in Thy service to Thy glory.

Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains
Sanctifies, aids every hour,
That I might not be one moment apart from Thee,
But may rely on thy Spirit
To supply every thought,
Speak every word,
Direct every step,
Prosper every work,
Build up every mote of faith,
And give me a desire
To show forth Thy praise,
Testify Thy love,
Advance Thy kingdom.

I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,
With Thee, O Father, as my harbour,
Thee O Son, at my helm,
Thee O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.
Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,
My lamp burning,
My ear open to thy calls,
My heart full of love, my soul free.

Give me Thy grace to sanctify me,
Thy comforts to cheer me,
Thy wisdom to teach,
Thy right hand to guide,
Thy counsel to instruct,
Thy law to judge,
Thy presence to stabilise.

May Thy fear be my awe,
Thy triumphs my joy.

From: Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions