The Psalms: Deep Calls to Deep
Today’s reading: Psalms 12, 42, 72, 102, 132.
- Psalm 12 (The Vanishing Faithful):
- Historical Meat: David wrote this when he felt like the “godly man” was disappearing from the earth and everyone was speaking with “flattering lips.”
- The Deep Dive: It’s a contrast between the empty words of men and the pure words of God, which are “purified seven times.” It teaches us to trust the Word when society feels dishonest.
- Psalm 42 (The Exile’s Thirst):
- Historical Meat: Written by the Sons of Korah. This was likely written while the author was in exile, away from the Temple, looking at the mountains of Hermon.
- The Deep Dive: This contains the famous line, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You.” It’s the meat of spiritual depression—asking your soul, “Why are you cast down?” and then choosing to hope in God anyway.
- Psalm 72 (The King’s Legacy):
- Historical Meat: A Psalm for Solomon, likely written by David at the end of his life as a prayer for his son’s reign.
- The Deep Dive: It’s a prayer for a just leader who cares for the poor and the needy. It ends the “Second Book” of Psalms with a massive “Amen and Amen.”
- Psalm 102 (The Afflicted Man’s Complaint):
- Historical Meat: This is a prayer of one who is “overwhelmed.”
- The Deep Dive: The author feels like “smoke” and “withered grass.” Yet, he pivots to the fact that God “shall endure forever.” It’s a lesson in perspective: our troubles are temporary, but the Throne is eternal.
- Psalm 132 (The Resting Place):
- Historical Meat: A “Song of Ascents” reflecting on David’s desire to build a house for the Ark of the Covenant.
- The Deep Dive: It recalls David’s vow to not sleep until he found a place for the Lord. It teaches us the beauty of devotion—prioritizing God’s presence over our own comfort.
The Proverb: Practical Wisdom
Proverbs 12 (The Root of the Righteous)
- The Wisdom: Solomon focuses heavily on the power of the tongue in this chapter. He notes that “heaviness in the heart makes it stoop, but a good word makes it glad.”
- The Takeaway: Your words can be “like the piercings of a sword” or they can be “health.”
The Key Verse: “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.”
The Discipline: 5 Psalms to learn how to get along with God. 1 Proverb to learn how to get along with man.
