November 16, 2021 – Psalms 101-105

David wrote, “I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music. I will ponder the way that is blameless” (101:1,2). Do you remember how David played before Saul to calm the king when he was tormented? “Whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him” (1 Samuel 16:23). Do you remember how Elisha called for a musician to play? “And when the musician played, the hand of the Lord came upon him" (2 Kings 3:15). Charles Spurgeon believed that, likely, the musician sang one of David’s psalms, and “Under the influence of minstrelsy [Elisha’s] mind grew quiet, his agitation subsided, his thoughts were collected, and the Spirit of God spake through him.”

Often, the music and words of David were used to comfort but, even more, David sang of God’s greatness and faithfulness. Hear David’s words in the following psalms. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” (103:1) “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (103:8). “Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty” (104:1). And, so, David sings! “I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord” (104:33,34). And, so, we sing!

When all thy mercies, O my God,

my rising soul surveys,

transported with the view, I’m lost

in wonder, love, and praise.

Through all eternity, to thee

a joyful song I’ll raise,

but, oh, eternity’s too short

to utter all thy praise! -- Joseph Addison (1712)