Psalms Part 2

The Psalms offer a variety of uplifting praise and yet invoke emotions of torment, sorrow, or frustration. In this study of the Psalms one of the first points for theology brought out in The New Interpreter's Bible - Volume IV (Abingdon Press) is found in the first word in Psalm 1:1. The NIV uses "blessed" and NRSV uses "happy".

Happiness can come through a variety of experiences and situations. We sing "Happy birthday to you.... " wishing a person well on the date of their coming into the world. The Psalms, though, clarify that the happiness is from placing our focus on God. "The 'happy' are those who constantly delight in God's 'instruction'. In short, happiness derives from the complete orientation of life to God, including perpetual openness to God's instruction." (NIB, page 666)

The study continues that happiness is tied to taking "refuge" in God. "In short, happiness derives from living in complete dependence upon God rather than upon self." To take refuge, we must "trust".

Grounds for trust include God's power and strength (Ex. 14:31, II Ti. 1:12), His unfailing love (Ps. 13:5), and salvation that He offers. We respond to what He has done through praise and worship, perseverance in faith, and holding to His promises. The end results for us show in peace, security, protection from danger, freedom from fear, prosperity, strength, and physical life. (Zondervan)

Getting back to refuge, the definition given in Zondervan Dictionary of Bible Themes states, "A safe retreat; a place of healing and renewal; also a stronghold from which to launch a counter-attack." God is indeed our true refuge.

Jesus tells his followers, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand." (John 10:27-29)

That message continues to the churches as the apostle Paul declares, "... If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?.... For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor power, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:31-32, 38-39)

And as we put our trust in Him, our happiness is filled up. Not with things of this earth, but in knowledge of a God bigger than anything here. The apostle Paul encourages us, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice! ... The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all comprehension shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.... whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let you mind dwell on these things. " (Phil. 4:4, 6-8)

The Psalms are encouraging each of us to turn our hearts to the Lord, taking refuge in Him and trusting Him. And we shall know happiness.

Amen....