WATCHFUL (Psalm 123)

"Saddlerock"--a popular hiking destination in our valley--is 

said to be an old volcanic neck and definitely (with its prominence)

a sight we "look up" to!

(Part of an ongoing series of the 48 psalms commended for times of "feeling down," from pastor/counselor Dr. David Seamand's book, Healing for Damaged Emotions.)

This psalm makes me think of the arrogant king in the musical/film “The King and I.”  His arms crossed in a position of power, he was tended to by servants who watched for some hand signal (was it snapped fingers?) to tend to his needs. When this psalm was composed, it likely referred to the Jews under Babylonian captivity, when many were slaves to the wealthy or political leaders. The Jewish servants—male or female—constantly had to watch for the hand signals that indicated what they had to do.

The analogy is right in the opening words:

I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven. (v. 1)

In Psalm 121, the believer looked to “the hills”—presumably the location of the holy city of Jerusalem or further skyward in aspiring to the invisible God who is “high and lifted up.” But Psalm 123 is more intimate, and thus more encouraging for times when discouraging circumstances drag us down. I pick that up from the two key words of this psalm: “eyes” and “mercy.”  With our spiritual eyes we watch for mercy and help in trying times.

TRYING TIMES

The psalm describes these “trying times” as enduring “much ridicule from the proud…much contempt from the arrogant” (v. 4). If this psalm reflects the trials of Jews who returned to rebuild Jerusalem after their 70-year captivity in Babylon, that’s a good description of what happened. The books of Nehemiah and Ezra show it wasn’t a smooth transition. Through those ancient stories come the lessons that apply to our own trials from another's grudges, bitterness, or unkind actions.

The very first verse offers the key instruction for times when we feel put down and discouraged: “I lift up my eyes to you.”  Lifting our spiritual eyes to God cancels the “lower vision” of discouraging trials. The author of Hebrews took this analogy to Christ’s example:

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:2-3)

In its purest distillation, this verse says: “Jesus understands. He endured the worst of it.” If that’s not enough, remember the seasoned counsel of John, one of Jesus’ closest disciples. In his letters, believed written in very old age, he couldn’t find enough words to describe the Lord’s love:

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1)

We’re not stuck in the throne room of an earthly palace, on constant edge for the whims of a potentate. Nor do we need to live on “edge” for events or people who threaten our security. Those who are “children of God” can look to His throne and rejoice in being secure and loved. For times of “feeling down,” it’s the best perspective-changer ever.

PROTECTED (PSALM 121)

My mother, whose hobbies included oil-painting, did this art of

Mount Rainier for me. A few months later she died of cancer.

I know I’m in trouble when I lapse into the thinking that “it’s just me against the world.” When I feel overwhelmed by negative people or circumstances, I’m in a downward spiral—until I look spiritually “up”…to God.

I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. (121:1-2)

I don’t lift my eyes to the “ills”—the problems—but to the higher, invisible presence of God.

Some of my reminders to do that come from paintings or photos in my home of Mount Rainier, the 14,000-feet-plus snow-capped, sleeping volcano that squats above the valley where I grew up. In that area’s rainy climate, it wasn’t always visible. But on sunny days, if I went to the end of the street to peek between rooftops, I could see it and report back home, “The mountain is out.” I’m aware that scientists say it could, like Mount St. Helens, cause great damage and loss of life if it ever erupted. Still, whenever I read the opening words of Psalm 121, in my memory I “look to the hills” (and this mountain) because my human tendency in thinking of God is to look “up.” In doing so, I remember that Christ ascended into heaven, wherever that is in the mystery of God.

When I learned that Psalm 121 was one of the psalms “of ascent,” sung by pilgrims headed to Jerusalem (“up” in the hills), I better understood why it referred to the “hills.” These people, traveling to their Holy City, were looking “to the hills” for the first evidence of Jerusalem’s temple. The primitive route there, however, harbored risk. Besides harsh weather, snakes and other animal dangers, they were vulnerable to bandits. But they focused instead on what was ahead: the religious celebrations and reunions with other God-followers. These would remind them that their true help wasn’t in rituals but from their Creator God.

WATCHED

Five times the psalmist refers to God as watching us. He watches us instead of “sleeping” (vv. 3-4) He watches as a protective shade (v. 5). He watches out for possible harm to us (v. 7), and our comings and goings (v. 8). Does that mean bad things will never happen?  Of course not. We experienced “harm” when involved in two serious auto wrecks caused by drivers who were allegedly drinking or just plain careless. But was God there? Of course! In the midst of the frantic and scary stuff, He hadn’t left us.

Paul experienced that through many life-threatening situations—stonings, mob attacks, bandits, intrigue, shipwreck (check out the list in 2 Corinthians 11)--yet left this golden verse in his letter to the Philippians:

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

Bandits called discouragement and doubt still hide behind the boulders of life’s journey. They’re “bandits” because they want to take away what is most precious to us, and that is peace with God. Depression can slither in from such attacks. At such times I need to get my eyes off the rocks in the path and up to the destination: of communion with the God whose ultimate goal is fellowship now and forevermore (v. 8).

LOVING-KINDNESS! (Psalm 118)

This trellis arch of climbing roses is a summer delight--

and a reminder that His banner over me is love.

(Part of an ongoing series on the 48 psalms commended for study during times of feeling "down," from pastor/counselor David Seamands' book, Healing for Damaged Emotions)

Critical, demeaning, abusive--enduring such behaviors inevitably contributes to feeling emotionally and spiritually down. But Psalm 118 tries to define the healing potion, a quality that’s spelled chesed or hesed in Hebrew and requires many English words to define. The common one is “loving-kindness,” but in reference to God it embraces His steadfast love, grace, mercy, faithfulness, goodness and devotion.  Want a challenge? Trying writing a hymn about that!

Surprise: someone did, and it’s found in Psalm 118. Five times (1-4 and 29) it proclaims:

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love [chesed] endures forever.

BIG THANKS

Scholars believe Psalm 118 was composed around 400 B.C. when an estimated 50,000 Jews returned from seven decades of Babylonian captivity, only to find their homeland and its crown city, Jerusalem, in ruins. First, they put up a worship structure. It wasn’t as glorious as what Solomon had built, but it gave them a worship center. Later, with Nehemiah's leadership, they restored the walls that provided safety to the city.

Psalm 118 was also composed with public worship in mind.  Its repeated phrases suggest how a worship leader, chorus, and common people all had a part in what might be tagged a responsive “liturgy.” As a child growing up in a liturgical church, I participated in this ancient practice. When this "responsive" or liturgical psalm was introduced centuries ago, no doubt its inclusion in worship brought vibrant and enthusiastic participation. I can almost hear the worship leader’s voice ringing out the first phrase and the hundreds of worshippers shouting back the end of it. Wow.

What’s this have to do with getting through depression? This: that worship gets our eyes off our negative circumstances and onto the praiseworthy chesed of God. Psalm 118 reminds us to find joy in what the Lord has done. Choosing joy means refusing to harp about the trivialities until they grow into trials and despair.

BIG IDEAS

Besides such long, liturgical prayers, God hears short, desperate, and bold prayers. “In my anguish,” the psalmist said, “I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (vv 5-6). God doesn’t necessarily snap His fingers and take away problems, but He promises to be our Refuge and Helper. Four times the psalmist speaks of calling on “the Name of the Lord” (vv. 10-12, 26). To do so is not some magic trick, but a deliberate turning over a problem to Him as capable of handling it.

The psalm also looked prophetically forward to a Messiah. When Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem, people heralded Him with waving palm branches and chanting the words of Psalm 118:26:

Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord!

A few days later they would yell, “Crucify him.” Yet all was part of God’s plan to bridge the sin-gap between Himself and humans. We know now that the psalmist’s remark about the rejected stone becoming the critical temple “capstone” really referred to Jesus Christ. The cross put the last essential piece in place.

Trials will come in this life. Sometimes they’ll really knock us down:

I was pushed back and about to fall… (v. 13a)

But hang onto the “but”:

 ….but the LORD helped me. The Lord has become my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.(vv.13b-14)

And all of that goes back to God’s chesed. He loves us more than we can imagine. Even the days we feel less than celebratory, He waits. The celebration parade, with a risen Jesus at the front, will happen. Count on it.

RENDER (Psalm 116)

I have one bed of iris that rarely bloom (blame my black thumb!), 

but this rogue lily yearly pops up in the midst of them. Being red,

they make me think of "the Lamb of God, who takes away

the sin of the World."

(Part of an ongoing series of the 48 psalms recommended for study during times of "feeling down," from pastor-counselor David Seamands' book "Healing for Damaged Emotions.")

A classic Peanuts cartoon shows Lucy harassing Linus.  He groans, “Aaugh!” and rips his shirt apart. In the final panel, he declares, “Thou hast caused me to rend my garment!” I’d call that “expressing anger” with, ah, destructive enthusiasm. Psalm 116 has one verse that could be described as “anger”—“all men are liars” (v. 11) but the rest of it hinges on a word close to “rend,” but with a different meaning: “render,” to give back or restore.

RESCUED

God probably hears many prayers that begin, “Things are a mess and getting worse. Help!” But here, instead of woe, the psalmist begins with wonder and praise:

I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy,

Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.(vv. 1-2)

Pagan faiths don’t have such access to God. They hope their god(s) is(are) in a hearing mood when they do their sacrifices and routines. Our God doesn’t have office hours. He’s 24/7, anywhere.

The psalmist then relates a situation where his life was in danger. “The cords of death entangled me,” a metaphor also used in David’s Psalm 18:4, graphically depicts a desperate situation. But the psalmist’s reaction was to call “on the name of the LORD,” and he experienced God’s compassion in his great need. Significantly, he called himself “the simplehearted” (v. 6). Our inscrutable God is accessible to us, the “simplehearted”!  

RENDERED

News media sometimes relate how a stranger saved someone in a dangerous situation. The “rescued” wants to express deep gratitude to the “rescuer,” but has no name or contact information. The psalmist, however, knew just Who to thank for his “rescue.”   In  his time and culture there was a religious rite called the “fellowship offering” of meat, bread and wine to render thankfulness to God . (Explained in Leviticus 3, 7:11-21, it’s also called “thank offering” or “sacrifice of thanksgiving.”) Besides sacrificing an animal as a token of the person’s gratitude, the priest would pour out a portion of wine to symbolize a life poured out to God (the “cup of salvation,” v. 13). Part of this food offering was set aside for the person and his family to eat—truly a “thanksgiving” meal (without a turkey!).

RELEASED

For me, the most precious verse in this psalm is this:

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. (v. 13)

I will never forget my dad sitting by my mother’s hospital bed in her last comatose hours before dying of cancer at age 59. Weary from his “last watch,” he opened a Bible and read this psalm aloud to her, not knowing if she could even hear. His voice broke at this verse. Such a hard, wrenching moment—yet it was “precious” in that this Christian woman would soon know “the other side” of being with the Lord.

I’ve heard it said that a believer’s death is “not an accident but an appointment.” Psalm 139:16 says God has ordained all our days. Psalm 39:4-5 recognizes the fleeting character of life. Psalm 90:12 speaks of our numbered days. Our lifespan is in God’s hands.

What should be our response? To declare, as verse 1 says, “I love the Lord.” Life on this planet will never be perfect until God turns everything upside down at the end of time and brings forth the new heavens and new earth. But, for now, He bids us look around and recognize His hand of grace and help. 

The last line of this psalm is significant: “Halle lujah” (Hebrew for “Praise the Lord”). When life drags us down, we’re more apt to do the Linus shirt-ripping trick (“Aaugh!”). Psalm 116 reminds: don’t rend your garment.  Render praise.

ADVOCATE (Psalm 110)

Years ago someone gave us a "Christmas cactus"

which faithfully blooms in the winter and summer. The

mix of red and white flowers are appropriate reminders

of sacrifice and holiness--two standards of

the sacrificial system that Christ fulfilled.

A series on the 48 psalms commended for study during times of depression, from David Seamand’s book, Healing for Damaged Emotions.

The last few years I’ve been blessed by someone who declared, “I’ve got your back,” as I went through trying times with some relational issues. It meant so much to have somebody praying for me and offering counsel for that situation. As I came to Psalm 110 with its enigmatic references to a man with a tongue-twister name (“Melchizedek”), I thought about how this is how Christ “has my back.”

MELCHIZZY-WHO?

A little background on this strange-named fellow is imperative. He’s part of a war story told in Genesis 14. Abraham had just come from a battle to free his nephew Lot from enemy kings. On the way home, Abraham stopped at a town called Jerusalem, whose king, Melchizedek, served as both political and spiritual leader (priest). Many generations later, when God set up through Moses the priesthood descended from Aaron, no priest would serve as king. Though neither his birth or death are recorded, Melchizedek was indeed a real-life human being of considerable wealth and influence.  Somehow, he was a believer in the true God.

This psalm is a big deal in the Bible, quoted more than any other psalm in the New Testament. Jesus used the two titles in verse 1 (one God’s holiest, never-spoken-aloud name, and the other denoting “Messiah”)  to silence the Pharisees’ complaints about His claim to deity (Matt. 22:41-46). Hebrews 6 thoroughly discusses how the real-life, old-time king was a “type” or symbol of Jesus Christ. Jesus had an earthly virgin mother and an earthly stepdad, but in His deity, He was established as One from past eternity to future eternity. The Old Testament king’s name meant “King of righteousness” or “king of peace,” both of which describe Christ.

OUR KING AND PRIEST

As king, Jesus is ultimate victor over all our enemies. We may feel dragged down in continuing battles against others’ wrongdoings against us, but His death on the cross has evil on a predetermined path to extinction. As priest, Jesus is our Advocate, the One who knows how it feels to be rejected, demeaned and even killed.

Psalm 110 is actually part of a path that winds through Gethsemane, where Jesus agonized over His impending death, realizing this is why He came to earth.  Hebrews 5:7 says He “offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death.” Yet Jesus knew He had to go through this awful death to be a Savior.

Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.(v. 8)

And guess what follows that:

[He] was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek. (v. 9)

He was—IS—our King and our Priest, the never-has-sinned representative who intercedes to the Father on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25).

I admit, this is some pretty heady theology. It’s hard for me to wrap my mind around it. But the simple fact is that Jesus loves us and defends us. He is our Advocate. And when I feel under spiritual attack, I know I have a Defender—and a Friend—in the Lord Jesus. He may bring affirming and wise friends into my life, but in the end, He has my back!

THANKFUL (Psalm107)

This fog sits above the valley where I live, just below hills full of orchards 

(shown in fall). Often in life, we're trying to find our way through the 

fog of trials and disappointments, but God is still above it all--

and still in control.

(A series on the 48 psalms recommended for study during times of depression by pastor- counselor David Seamands, author of Healing of Damaged Emotions)

Studying Psalm 107 is something like working at an archeological site. The deeper you dig, the more treasures you find. In this case, instead of broken relics, you discover timeless truths of how thanksgiving heals broken spirits. It starts out with this unapologetic truth:

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Then, after each of the four pictures of desperation, it repeats a similar phrase of gratitude (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31):

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.

Scholars believe this psalm reflects the experiences of the Jews after 70 years of Babylonian captivity ended. Their descendants trudged hundreds of wilderness miles to return to their ancestral homeland. But there was no warm welcome home. Jerusalem was in ruins. Disheartening! Yet this psalm’s repeated message is give thanks!

I’m reminded of a saying from the 1970s, “Praise the Lord, anyhow,” which I suspected was just a disguised way of saying, “I don’t like this but I’ll do a token thank-you to God.” The core message of Psalm 107 is so different. In the worst of times, in the most desperate of situations, they chose better over bitter. The psalm provides five pictures of God’s power and mercy in the worst of times.

*The wandering (vv. 4-9). Imagine being released from a long jail sentence. Exchanging prison garb for "regular" clothes, you walk to freedom, the prison gates clanging shut behind. But nobody’s there to take you home, wherever home is. You trudge down the road, no water or food.That’s a picture of facing discouraging circumstances, such as a major disappointment, divorce, crushing debt, or death of someone we cherished. We become refugees in the land of disillusionment, taking one difficult step at a time in hope of finding wholeness. Yet, God is there (v. 9). 

*The prisoners (vv. 10-16). They’re described as sitting “in darkness and the deepest gloom, prisoners suffering in iron chains” (v. 10). These miserable people had rejected God’s commands, and ended up shut away behind bars. Could those bars be bitterness, blaming, anger, prejudice and pettiness--any of which can imprison people for miserable, extended periods of time? Here’s the secret for release: “They cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress.  He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains” (v. 14). 

*The sick (vv. 17-22). When we’re well, we should praise and thank God. But here’s the reality: good people get sick and die and bad people get sick and die. If God permits healing for the time being, we need to follow up with Vitamin P—“praise.” Still, sickness reminds us of the brevity of life and that we all someday die to face God for judgment.  

*The storm-tossed (vv. 23-30). The Jews weren’t sea-faring people, so this section’s description of a horrific storm at sea shares their utter fear of being in a primitive vessel at the mercy of mountainous waves. A memorable application of these verses occurred in 1748 with a man known for his mean, blasphemous ways. Facing death on a storm-tossed ship, John Newton remembered his mother’s prayers and Bible lessons when he was a lad. Cold salt water drenching him, he experienced God’s amazing grace for a complete change in his life. He left the sailing world and became a pastor. And yes, he wrote that hymn, “Amazing Grace.” If God can do that for a renegade like Newton, He can do it for anyone who cries “out to the Lord in their trouble” (v. 28).  He can calm the storm and guide them to a desired haven (vv. 29-30).

GOD’S PROVIDENCE

The psalm’s final verses describe the providence of God—that is, His dealings with this world according to His wisdom. Some are lifted up, others brought down. Some blessed, others suffering. But no matter what happens, He is there. If He chooses to let us go through a difficult experience, He’s on the other side of it offering two alternatives. One is to complain and grow bitter.  The other is to trust Him, and grow better.

The Rx for discouragement? The last verse:

Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the LORD. (v. 43)

CREATED/SUSTAINED (Psalm 104)

I'm looking forward to summer and another crop of blueberries! Every

handful reminds me of God's creativity in providing us with food.

(A continuing series of the 48 psalms recommended for study during times of “feeling down,” as listed in pastor/counselor David Seamands’ book, Healing for Damaged Emotions.)

Getting away from it all, like going to an inspiring outdoors location, is a well-known “medicine” for times when life gets you down. Psalm 104 is the guidebook for such mental health rehabilitation. From time to time we need respite to just absorb in the splendor of God’s creation. If getting away isn’t possible, then there’s value in finding a quiet corner and reading thoughtfully through Psalm 104.

If music aids you in worship, find a hymnal and sing through Robert Grant’s 1830 hymn, “O Worship the King,” based on this psalm. Pause as its lyrics exalt God as King, Shield, Defender, Ancient of Days, Maker, Redeemer, and Friend. Marvel at the poetic expressions for things that are hard to wrap our minds around: His power, might, grace, bountiful care, love, and majesty. In singing this hymn, bear in mind that Grant was born into British political privilege in India. Both he and his father served in high British political positions, including posts in Parliament and India governance. Yet Grant was also known for his love and zeal for the Lord and his mission efforts. India, his adopted homeland, named a medical school in his honor.

Yet despite his worldly honors, his heart remained true to scripture study and worship. His study one day of Psalm 104 led to the lyrics later matched to a hymn tune. Though nearly two centuries old, they still instruct us in how to “gratefully sing [of] His pow’r and His love.” 

CREATOR

Psalm 104 strands in awe of God as Creator and Sustainer, the One “clothed in splendor and majesty” (v. 1) .We get a hint of that in just drinking in the beauty of nature—the land, water, foliage, skies. The psalm restates in poetic form the Genesis-revealed sequence of creation, starting with Genesis 1:3’s “Let there be light.” That’s followed by expressions of God separating out the waters, rising up land and plants, assigning time to the sun and moon, creating animal life (fish, birds, animals), and providing food and a “sprinkling system” to grow them. Finally, there’s the crown of creation—people—with work (purpose) and sustenance. 

In a nod to Genesis 2:7, which described the first man coming alive through the breath of God, Psalm 104:29 reminds us of the mortality that sin imposed: “When you take away their breath, they die and return to the earth.” We depend on God for our very breath.  As someone who takes medicine for my asthma, I’m acutely aware of that—and also that some day, I will take the final breath that separates my earthly existence from eternity.

My blessings far outnumber the generous number

of berries from this picking!

WORTHY

Life would be a meaningless churn of birth, living, and death without a purpose under God. That’s where Psalm 104 ends:I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. (vv. 33-34).Then it breaks in with disturbing reality: But may sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more. (v. 35) That’s reality. Those who reject God will not enjoy eternity with Him.  How much better the attitude reflecting in the psalm’s ending high note of praise: Praise the Lord, O my soul. Praise the Lord. (v. 35b). In Hebrew, that phrase is “Hallelu jah!” It acknowledges the vast and amazing creation of God and His comprehensive care of it all.  He opens His hand, and we are filled with good (v. 28). No wonder the psalmist urges us to look around and be lifted up in realizing we know and serve such a great God. 

ANOTHER ‘SUSTAINED’ ILLUSTRATION A little over seven years ago, the then-pastor of my church challenged the congregation to “be the church” in the community. That led to a day of volunteerism involving repairs, painting, and cleanup among our community’s needy. The planned projects weren’t the greatest for me as an asthmatic, but I can sew—and in the past had taken patchwork baby blankets to our community’s pro-life ministry, to give women deciding to keep their babies. Others were now fulfilling that agency’s needs, but I learned our local hospital could use these blankets to give babies born into impoverishment.Can you imagine being so poor you don’t even have a nice blanket for your baby, and maybe “home” is a car? Some, I was told, would go with newborns placed in foster homes. I put a way-out-there goal for myself--50-- obviously to be accomplished in more time than just that one “be-the-church” day. With each completed blanket (usually a two-hour effort) and each delivery of several at a time, I sensed the smile and sustaining presence of God. The "50" became 100 and more. People started giving me fabric, batting, and thread, even gift cards to fabric stores. I found other supplies at thrift stores and yard sales.  A few weeks ago, I finished blanket #1,000 and took it to one of five hospitals within 100 miles where I donated regularly. Yes, the staff knows they’re for “people in need”—“and we have many of those,” the head obstetrics nurses in those hospitals have assured me. Who would have guessed that a simple baby blanket could be a ministry?