This praise is inspired
Every day we're reading or listening to part of the Bible together and sharing thoughts with you. Today it’s Bern Leckie:
What did I like about today’s passage?
The Psalms are a great example of inspired praise. I don't think David's words are entirely his own, because they don't just reflect his experience and feelings. I'm sure David is sincerely bringing himself in praise to God, confessing that he desires and relies on God, calling out for help in real difficulties, and thanking God for real victories.
But some of it sounds a bit too good to be true, for him at least. "I have been blameless before him." Really? "My feet have not stumbled." Wasn't there that time...? "You will not... let your faithful one see decay." Is David talking about himself?
I'm thinking the Spirit has put words into his mouth, and David is really identifying with Jesus. David did ask God to show him the wonders of his love, and God is answering this prayer by showing him what it would be like to praise if he were completely innocent, totally righteous, fully in good relationship with God. No-one would have this relationship before Jesus, but God's Spirit of praise was able to bring David into God's presence as if Jesus' work were already done in him. What we can read, as a result, is pure, inspired, uplifting praise.
What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?
God wants us to draw close to him and the Spirit enables this when we bring ourselves wholeheartedly. We might start with our own experience and moods when we pray, but the Spirit can influence our praise to the point where we don't just open our own hearts, but learn about God's heart.
What am I going to do differently as a result?
I don't know if I'm allowing God to shape my prayers and praise like this - if I'm determined to do things my own way, and on my own limited timetable, I don't think it's surprising that there isn't much room for God to have influence and extend my experience in praise and worship. So I'm going to set aside some time to praise without a plan, and see what happens.
Who am I going to share this with?
I think I'll mostly do this in my own time, but next time I pray with other people I'll see if we can find more time to praise God together.