Tiny Little Things

Unlike Psalm 3, in this psalm, we are not told what the circumstances were when David wrote this song. The only thing he gave was opening instruction “To the choirmaster,” which indicates that this psalm was to be adapted or directed by the music leader (a Levite who was in charge of the Holy Temple service) and (to be delivered) “with stringed instruments” or Neginoth, some kind of harp in Hebrew music instruments.

In front of the congregation, this Psalm could be chanted or sung by the choirmaster with the accompaniment of the stringed instruments. The tune, I believe, sounds either like the usual Jewish chant or ancient Hebrew music.

Let us see what we could learn from this psalm and make it our song!

What about us? How do we address God in our prayer and why do we say it?

I had been long settled with “Dear God,” or “Dear heavenly Father” without really mean what I said because I was accustomed to it. Even when I recite “Our Father in heaven,” I often forget that the Lord is my Father and that I must behave in front of Him and respect Him all the way and that I shouldn’t be afraid of anything because He protects and takes care of me. I also used to start my prayer with “Lord Jesus” without treating Him as my lord; I did what I thought best for me instead of what was best in God’s eyes, I listened to my dream that screams louder than God’s words in my ears, I made myself the lord of my life instead of Jesus.

But it’s not the same with David; he meant what he said. Because God is his righteousness, David was able to face anything in front of him, including those who did him unrighteously.

Yet, David embodied 2 Timothy 4:2 before it was written. He reproved, rebuked, and exhorted with patience and teaching, demonstrating God’s righteousness in action.

When David wrote this psalm, he may have intended to address the antagonists of the story. However, it can also be applicable to us. We, who prioritize our egos over others, turn a blind eye to the needs of those around us, ignore the cries of the weak, and use words to hurt others for our amusement. We, who choose to lie instead of telling the truth. This stanza serves as a call to repentance and to make God our righteousness.

The Hebrew word translated to “angry” here is from the word râgaz and can also mean “tremble,” “be excited,” or “be agitated,” according to lexiconcordance. The Hebrew for Christians website suggests that “râgaz” represents reverence and awe induced by the fear of the LORD, which should be prevalent among the Jews. “Stand in awe,” and do not sin.

In stanza 2, there seems to be a deliberate use of the word “angry”. It is important to reflect on why it has been used. However, it is crucial to understand that focusing on God will help us shift our attention away from what people do to us. Our understanding of God’s righteousness will keep us from sinning. It is essential to remember who God is.

“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.”

1 Peter 1:15 (ESV).

Now is the time for everyone to worship, as the teachings have been delivered and the call for repentance has been made. All are invited to join in!

Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD.
There are many who say, "Who will show us some good? 
   Lift up the light of Your face upon us, O LORD!" 

David, who was a king, heard the cry of his people when they said, “Who will show us some good?” Even though David failed at one point, he responded to the people’s call by praying, “Lift up the light of Your face upon us, O Lord!” because God is the source of his righteousness.

You have put more joy in my heart 
   than they have when their grain and wine abound.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; 
   for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

People often seek happiness in the world, but the joy that comes from the Lord is much deeper and more satisfying than any pleasure the world can offer. David wrote about this kind of joy, which is unlike the excitement one feels after a bountiful harvest of grain and wine. The joy that comes from the Lord brings peace and a sense of trust, calming the heart and satisfying the soul. David discovered this joy because he made God his righteousness.

Now, how can we take inspiration from this psalm and apply it to our lives? Despite facing many challenges, David found strength in God and relied on Him for his righteousness. Do we also look to God as our source of righteousness?

Thank you for reading this article, I hope you feel blessed as I do! I would be really happy to hear your thoughts too about God and all His goodness. I am currently working on other psalms by David and also the songs for the church in the Epistles. You can subscribe to get the newest updates from these articles. See you!