God’s glory is above the heavens. This truth is in David’s heart as he offers a song of praise to our perfect God. His words (the fruit of his lips) lifts him into the presence of God with thanksgiving and praise (cf. Ps 100:4). The opening verses to his hymn should be encouraging and instructional in how we can approach God with joy. Here are some thoughts to reflect on that could help us to delight in our prayer life this week.
Hallow His Name. When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he instructed that their opening words to God communicate their affection (as his children) and acknowledge his sovereign lordship over them, “Our Father in Heaven,…” We are to also pray that his Holiness be revered and honored in all creation, “hallowed by your name” (Mt 5:9). In a similar way David proclaims, “majestic is your name in all the earth!” In other words, the name(s) of God reveals his character. It is one of the reasons we sing the popular song, “There is Power in the Name of Jesus.” It is the reason we declare from our hearts that Jesus be exalted above all creation (Phi 2:9). God is majestic which reveals his awesomeness and magnificence. David stresses God’s dominion over his creation with his opening words, “O Lord, our Lord.” When we draw near to God in prayer (or song) we exalt his name with our hearts and words. He is the priority of our life (even our fellowship with him). Such worship should fill our hearts with unspeakable joy, even if during such prayer our present lives seem to offer nothing but sorrow, grief, and bewilderment (e.g. Acts 16:16-31). The glory of his name (character) leads us to his feet. Remember, our joy is not simply a feeling, but God is our joy, “Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! (4) Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God” (Ps 43:3-4).
God displays his strength in human weakness. When we think of children, we often view them as helpless and in need of (i.e. of strength, knowledge, provision, protection, etc…). Yet David describes a God who manifests his strength through little ones (i.e. poor in spirit) to bring to nothing the plans of his enemies and thus closing their mouths, “out the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.” God anoints the weak to mystify the strong and cause them to stumble in their ways, “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; (28) God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things ate are not, to bring to nothing things that are…” (1 Cor 1:27-28). This is why this passage (v2 of our focus Psalm) was quoted by gospel writer Matthew when he records Jesus “Triumphal Entry ” into Jerusalem where the religious elite despised the praise he received (Mt 21:16). Jesus is worthy of all praise! He will get his glory even if hardened lifeless stones have to cry out (Lk 19:40, cf. 1 Pt 2:4-5). Amen
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com