Of Highs and Lows

Psalm 111 to 118

Ps 111: 1 “Praise the LORD.”

Ps 113:3 “From the rising of the sun

To the place where it sets,

The Name of the LORD is to be praised.

5 Who is like the LORD our God,

The One who sits enthroned on high,

6 Who stoops down to look

On the heavens and the earth?”

Ps 115:1 “Not to us, O LORD,

Not to us

But to your name

Be the Glory

Because of your love

And faithfulness.”

Ps 116:1 “I love the LORD

For He heard my voice

He heard my cry for mercy.

2 Because He turned His ear to me,

I will call on Him as long as I live.

5 The LORD is grace and righteous

Our God is full of compassion.

6 The LORD protects the simplehearted;

When I was in great need He saved me.

7 Be at rest once more

O my soul

For the LORD has been good to you.

8 For you, O LORD,

Have delivered my soul from death,

My eyes from tears,

My feet from stumbling,

9 that I may walk before the LORD

In the land of the living. “

There are lots of theories that govern the writing dates of the Psalms.  Today’s reading includes series of “Hallelujah”   or “Praise the LORD” Psalms.  Some were most likely written after the exile when people were coming to their land contemplating life in a whole new context.   Sung by people, not on their way to Jerusalem, but singing of its former glory, and singing of being delivered from terrible things.  Remembering better days.

And some songs written during David’s reign.

Some after the kingdom was divided.

But still…..singing.  

These Psalms talk about and praise God for His goodness, His greatness, and His majesty.  The works of His hands.  And thankfulness for deliverance from bondage. 

“Let me be singing when the evening comes.” 

We are still writing songs like that today.

Songs from the heart of the writer for the lips of God’s people.

Songs that plumb the depths with despair and desperation, and soar the heights with rejoicing. Amazed at God’s deliverance and what can be lost. And about what is gained and life in the land of the living.  Milk and honey. 

Of small, simple-hearted people serving a majestic faithful God wholeheartedly.