Soulfood

The Psalms of the Day for day twenty-three are 23, 53, 83, 113, and 143.

Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known (perhaps the best-known) psalms. We pray with David to the God Who provides for all of our needs, defends us and comforts us, shares His glory with us, and brings us into His house to dwell with Him forever. I often pray this psalm when I am feeling discouraged and/or exhausted – the memorable words provide the comfort and encouragement they speak of as I pray them. 

 

Psalm 53 is a prayer for God to make Himself known in a world that rejects Him and denies His existence. We pray for our King to save us from our enemies – the world, our flesh, and the devil – and to look upon us through the righteousness of Christ, the Son of Man who did good and understood the will of the Father so that we would no longer be God’s enemies, but rather those who can rejoice and be glad in the salvation He has brought out from Zion for us!

 

Psalm 83 is likewise a prayer that God would put His enemies to shame. We pray with the psalmist that the wickedness we see around us would be ended, and that as God has acted in history to destroy evil He would do the same in our day. Oh YHWH, let us not be like Your enemies, and let them be filled with shame that they may seek Your name!

 

Psalm 113 is a hymn of praise to the YHWH Whose name is great throughout all the earth. We will praise Him tomorrow from the rising of the sun (and earlier!) until it sets, proclaiming His glory and mighty works as we hope in faith to see Him praised in all the earth!

 

Psalm 143 is a prayer for mercy. As we remember those of us who are downcast, afflicted, feeling crushed and oppressed by various ailments and circumstances, we turn to the God Who hears our prayers. We know that in Christ, YHWH answers us with Yes when we cry for mercy – and so we have hope, both in this life and the next, that He will preserve our lives and deliver us from the pit. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers!