Rather than becoming victims of our circumstances, we can take responsibility for our lives. We’ve been made “response-able,” given the ability to respond. So many of the Psalms reflect this response to His faithfulness. Though each song is unique, many of them follow this basic format:
Part one- INTIMACY. When we tell God what we are going through, and how we feel about it, He loves to meet with us “in the light.” What touches us touches Him. In the Psalms this honest interaction is expressed in a variety of creative ways, i.e., “Tears have been my food day and night. All my friends have left me. It even feels like God has forsaken me.” If you thought Country Music cornered the market on sad songs, take a closer look!
Part two- REVELATION. In response to our honest expression of our hearts, the Lord brings an open expression of His heart. He enjoys filling us with memories of His faithfulness—from our personal experiences (i.e., He heard me, helped me, sheltered me) to the experiences of others (i.e., He parted the Red Sea).
Part three- PRAISE. His revelation inspires unhindered praise. The word frequently used for “praise” is yada—a word meaning “to thrust the uplifted hand.” It was a way of telling the Lord, “I thrust my life into Your presence. I cast my cares upon you.” This “trust thrust” said, “I entrust all of my life to Your constant care!”
Part four- GOD’S RESPONSE. His answers from heaven are “above and beyond all we could ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). The songwriter cries, “All Your waves and breakers have swept over me” (Psalm 42:7). The phrase “swept over” is an image of being completely engulfed in His atmosphere. Sinking in His presence. Once ensnared by our circumstance, we suddenly find ourselves overwhelmed by our Father’s love!
–Dave Hess
Christ Community Church 