A Glad Heart Sings A Joyful Song Series

BIG IDEA:

WHEN IT COMES TO JOY, THE RIGHTEOUS HAVE IT ALL OVER THE WICKED

I. (:1-4) THE BEST INSTRUMENT OF PRAISE IS A HEART FILLED WITH JOY

A. The Value of Praise

"It is good to give thanks" and "to sing praises"

B. The Testimony of Praise

1. To His Lovingkindness

in the morning I anticipate that His mercies are new every day and will continue

2. To His Faithfulness

in the evening I reflect on His goodness throughout the day

C. The Instruments of Praise

lute

harp

lyre

D. The Object of Praise

"to the Lord"

"to Thy name, O Most High"

to the Lord who has done great works on our behalf to make us glad

II. (:5-9) THE WICKED CAN’T COMPREHEND THE GOD OF MAJESTY AND ARE DESTINED FOR DESTRUCTION

A. They Can’t Comprehend the God of Majesty

1. He is Majestic in His Works

"How great are Thy works"

2. He is Majestic in His Wisdom

"Thy thoughts are very deep"

3. He is Majestic in His Worship

"on high forever" and deserves our worship

Why can’t they comprehend?

they are senseless = have no knowledge

they are stupid

B. They Are Destined for Destruction

1. Their Temporary Prosperity sets them up for Destruction

"sprouted up like grass"

"flourished"

2. Their Destiny is in contrast to the Permanent Reign of the God of Majesty

"But Thou, O Lord, art on high forever"

3. Their Character Determines Their Destiny

a. Their Character = Wicked

enemies of God

those who do iniquity

b. Their Destiny = Destruction

will perish

will be scattered

III. (:10-15) THE RIGHTEOUS GROW STRONG AND FRUITFUL IN THE PRESENCE OF THE GOD OF MAJESTY

A. Their Growth and Strength Come from the Lord

1. Planted by the Lord

2. Grow like a cedar in Lebanon

3. Flourish like a palm tree

4. Exalted in power like the horn of a wild ox

B. Their Growth and Strength Are in the Presence of the Lord

"in the house of the Lord"

"in the courts of our God"

C. Their Mature Growth Yields the Fruit of Continued Testimony to the Lord

1. Old Age does not diminish the fruit

still full of vitality: "full of sap and very green"

2. Old Age only matures the Testimony."the Lord is upright "

"He is my rock "

"there is no unrighteousness in Him "

* * * * * * * * * *

DEVOTIONAL QUESTIONS:

1) The psalmist tells us the deep and profound thoughts of God are impossible for the foolish and stupid to comprehend. As a Christian with God’s Spirit in you, are there any of God’s thoughts that are still restricted from your searching out and understanding

them?

2) Why do evildoers and wicked people seem to succeed in life, apart from God’s blessing?

3) How do the cries of your enemies impact you? Are you able to pray for them and their needs, even if they are seeking to harm you? What would God have you do?

4) Are physical limitations or advancing years any excuse to not be active about the Lord’s work? What type of ministry or service can you envision doing in your later years?

Download the entire Psalms commentary in pdf format

(including notes on each psalm from other commentators)

from:

http://www.bibleoutlines.com