Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

The Psalms are a record of praise and a testament to the efficacy of looking to the Lord for EVERYTHING. They were written under the Old Covenant, so some of the phrases are not applicable as written, but are fulfilled in Jesus. For example in Psalm 51:11 the psalmist exhorts the Lord not to take His Spirit away, but in the New Covenant Holy Spirit ALWAYS dwells with us and NEVER leaves (Hebrews 13:5). We don’t have to pant or long for the presence that lives within us (1 Corinthians 3:16). There are Psalms where the psalmist calls for judgment upon their enemies, but Jesus teaches us to forgive because in Him we truly can. The Psalmist might beg for understanding, but we have access to Jesus’ mind (1 Corinthians 2:16). On the whole, they are a great road map for praise and worship with MANY points that we can meditate on and gain instruction from – whether it is from something we should do/have or something that is fulfilled and accessible through Jesus (John 15:5). ALL of them are valuable (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Psalm 1 is about the path we should be walking as righteous people (2 Corinthians 5:21). It shows the differences between the lives of the godly and ungodly – as well as how the ungodly end up sooner or later. Combined with Proverbs, it is a great tool for getting our thinking back on track when we feel we are drifting.

Psalm 2 is about the victory of Messiah Jesus over the kings of the earth and all its rulers. Some has come to pass already spiritually, and there is a future physical fulfillment when Jesus returns to judge the Earth and all within it.

Psalm 3 is about our prayers and thoughts when our enemies seem to be multiplying. It is about a focus on the Lord and understanding that He is the only one who can bring lasting and effective help. Everything else is a band-aid.

Psalm 4 is a cry to lying people for understand what God has really done for us. Will they turn away from the Way and do their own thing? Or will they return to the only true God and worship Him with more than words or sacrifices, but a true heart intent?

Psalm 5 is a plea for the Lord to hear the prayer of the psalmist. We in the New Covenant do NOT have this issue (1 John 5:14-15). The psalmist states they will start first thing in the morning and not stop until they lie down in bed at night. He asks for the Lord to lead him in God’s Way. He calls for the Lord to destroy his enemies and thanks God that He is a shield and shelter.

Psalm 6 is a declaration of trust in God in spite of things not looking well. It is a plea for mercy. He is greatly troubled and seeks relief. He prays for salvation, for a redemption before he is killed. He trusts in God and thanks Him in advance, declaring his prayer answered in spite of how things looked.

Psalm 7 is a prayer thanking God for His mercy. The psalmist is calling to be shown if he was in wrongstanding with the Lord. If he had done anything to call God’s judgment on Him (we have a better covenant – Hebrews 8:6). It is a declaration that the Lord would save him, the Lord was a just judge, and the Lord would deliver him.

Psalm 8 is a praise toward God in all His glory and splendour. It is also a question about why, since God was so great, He was concerned with humanity who were so not great. It looks to the wonder of creation and thanks God for showing so much of His goodness within it.

Psalm 9 is a thanksgiving song about all the Lord as just judge had accomplished. They put their trust in God and He does not forsake them. Individuals and nations could not stand. They have all been debased before Almighty God.

Psalm 10 is a song of confidence in God who doesn’t SEEM to be doing anything while the wicked are doing a LOT. It looks at the behaviour of the wicked and sees how they cannot succeed. It praises the Lord for being king forever and the bringer of true justice.

Psalm 11 is a song of trust in the Lord. Trust in His ability to save and deliver. Trust in His ability to protect. Trust because the Lord is righteous. Trust because the Lord upholds the upright.

Summary

Key Players: God, Psalmist (various, mostly David)

Key Verse(s): Psalm 8:1-6