In Psalms 141 - 150 I see a collection of two bookends binding the range of expression that exists in a life with God. One bookend, Psalms 141 - 143 is one dominated by extreme fear of one’s enemies. The other bookend is the extravagant expression of praise, awe, and reverence for the God who created us.
The Bookend of Fear
In the first bookend, David the songwriter is expressing his deep fears of being pursued by King Saul and other political/spiritual enemies he faced in his life. David had seen the hand of God successfully intervene on his and God’s chosen behalf many, many times. How can he be so anxious? David is a conquering warrior, feared by his enemies, a poet, a King admired by his subjects, and a man after God’s own heart. Yet David’s fears were very real. David’s language and imagery is personal, desperate, vivid, and urgent.
David pleads with God to protect him,
“O LORD, I am calling to you, Please hurry!” Psalm 141: 1
“I cry out to the LORD I plead for the LORD’s mercy” Psalm 142: 1
“Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my plea!” Psalm 143: 1
“Come quickly, LORD, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me or I will die.” Psalm 143: 7
to help him escape from his enemies, to help him stay away from doing evil,
“Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness.” Psalm 141: 4
“I look to you for help, O Sovereign LORD, You are my refuge; don’t let them kill me.” Psalm 141: 9
“Rescue me from my enemies, LORD; I run to you to hide me.” Psalm 143: 9
to not abandon him, and instruct him to walk the way of righteousness.
“Led the godly strike me! I will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine, Don’t let me refuse it.” Psalm 141: 5
“When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn.” Psalm 142: 2
“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.” Psalm 143: 10
David is unafraid to ask God to follow-thru with mercy, faithfulness and righteousness to his covenant promise. He is asking God, to be for him and not against him. Isn’t that way it is or us? For the believer whose enemy is a life threatening disease, a chronic debilitating disease, financial problems, broken and contentious work/family relationships, being overwhelmed by the continuous bad news around the globe, or when a believer falls short on living a righteous God honoring life. David speaks to this universal despair that we all encounter in different seasons of our life. In the end David always rests on the goodness of God.
“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.” Psalm 143: 8
The Hallelujah Bookend
The second bookend, the Hallelujah bookend is the one I want to live continuously in. These last seven psalms close out the Book of Psalms with reverence, awe, a comprehensive look at ALL of God’s attributes of Holiness, Goodness, Love, Creativeness, Help, Protection, Restoration and Power over all creation and what is evil in the world. Psalm 144 and 145 are written by David and are a strong counterpoint to psalms 141-143. David leads the transition by “singing a new song” focusing on God’s greatness, power and blessing in contrast to man’s insignificance and praise.
One of my favorite verses is from Psalm 144. “ I will sing a new song to you, O God!” I feel that this captures one dimension of life with God after you have received Jesus as your Lord and Savior and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. You really do want to sing a new song to Him! Those ancient hymns that seemed meaningless or empty before come to life with a restored heart.
Psalms 146-150 are full of Hallelujah’s. The Hebrew word for “Praise the Lord”. Each psalm in these five start and end with Hallelujah. In many ways these five are like the final crescendo of a great symphony. The psalmist’s composes in words a posture for the created being. A posture of thankful worship toward the Creator-God. The psalmist words stir me up and give me perspective on the human - God relationship. Instructs me where I should place my trust. These psalms speak to what a right relationship looks like. Way before Jesus brings the Good News. Jesus message to all that had ears to hear and eyes to see. God’s unconditional LOVE offered as a free gift, not through good works such that any should boast, but to all those who will give their life up, to follow Him. In a life marked by trust, letting go of your self interests, with a focus of dependence and obedience to God.
A Christian musician songwriter, Esther Mui, has put to music Psalm 145: 1-13, “ I will Extol You” and Psalm 144: 1-9, “Blessed be the LORD My Rock”. Please take a moment, shut out all distractions and just listen and seek the Lord’s face. Be sure to skip the Youtube AD that precedes each song ;-)
This one is very tender, based on Psalm 31 “Make Your Face to Shine Upon Your Servant”, by Esther Mui.
I’m thankful for musicians and vocalists who have the ability to take God’s Word and give it emotional wings that speak to our body, mind, soul, and heart!