A Psalm to Calm

 

If you need a Psalm to calm you today, read Psalm 33.  It starts out with an exclaimation to sing joyfully; to lift up our hearts in songs of praise.  This is not just aimless singing but to "praise the Lord..." and to play skillfully (if you have musical talent upon any given instrument).  The psalmist even says to "shout for joy" (vs 3).

The focus of the joy is upon the LORD's word which is right and true and upon Him for His faithfulness, righteous justice and unfailing love!  Most people want to be loved and have justice especially if it's for themselves. He loves and cares about each of us so we can praise and rejoice.  Focus on Him.

 Our God is just.  Rejoice.  Sing because of Him.  

Our God is righteous.  Rejoice.  Sing because of Him.

Our God is faithful.  Rejoice.  Sing because of Him.

Our God serves us with his unfailing love.  Rejoice.  Sing because of Him.

So much to sing about.

Even in light of current events in the Russian - Ukraine conflict.  My heart was actually saddened to the point of tears, yesterday.  I learned that missionary friends who formerly worked among the Mariupol people, have now lost connection with them.  Things are dark, quiet. Uncalm.

All that's left now is to beseech our faithful, loving Father on their behalf.  My friends said calmly that when the dust settles, brothers and sisters from a neighboring country will attempt to go in, if allowed, to see what has become of those dear saints. 

We all know our Heavenly Father, God, has the last say, no matter how much the nations dither and plan against one another.

"The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples but the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations" (Psalm 33:10-11 NIV).

Did those nations make the LORD, their God?  At least one of those current ones engaged in warfare denies existence of God while the other has a form of Christianity but maybe not faith in Jesus.  The psalm, of course, refers to the nation of Israel but this can be applied in some way now.  They all need our prayers that they will turn to the Lord in truth and faith and hope; that they will turn and see what the Lord's purposes are and bring peace to their hearts and lives and nations.

During David's time - led by him, Israel really did make the LORD their God.  The LORD's eyes were upon them and saw they feared Him and put their hope in Him.  No wonder they could be filled with joy, rejoicing, praise and song.  What a wonderously happy time that must have been!

We too can turn to our Heavenly Father, put our hope in Him, through Jesus our Savior and hang on to joy.  Depend upon Him.  Let His purposes be ours.  Sing a psalm.  Pray a psalm.

Let a psalm, calm.

                                                          ~ERC  May 2022

Based on Psalm 33 NIV.

Sing, You Are Faithful, along with Hillsong Worship.