Psalm 33
Time with the Lord in the Psalms! The notes you’ll find here are the nuts & bolts of my efforts to understand & apply the Psalms to my life. I hope that they’ll be an encouragement as you glean the Scriptures for guidance & encouragement.
You’ll notice 3 basic pieces to my notes: A basic outline, the question “What sticks out this time?” and the final question “What difference does this make?” These are the three regular parts of my time in the word. The outline will vary in length and detail. It’s simply a product of my efforts to understand & keep track of the flow of each Psalm. The first question is an effort to stay sensitive to what God is featuring for me as I read that day. The final question is an effort to apply the truth to my life – my thoughts, my choices, etc.
I want to profit from God’s word. As your brother in Christ, I want you to profit from it. I want you to carry these 3 basic pieces into every passage you study anywhere in Scripture.
Enjoy your time in the Word!
A Basic Outline
The reason to rejoice: Praise is beautiful, 1
The manner of praise, 2-3
..with the harp…instrument of ten strings.
..sing to Him a new song (fresh)
..play skillfully with a shout (passion)
The reason for this kind of praise, 4-7
..the word of the Lord is right
..His work is done in truth
..He loves righteousness and justice
..earth is full of the goodness
..by the word… the heavens were made
..He gathers the waters of the sea
The reason for respect & awe: 8-11
..the Lord’s work of creation, 9
..the Lord’s sovereignty over nations, 10
..the certainty of His plans, 11
The resulting blessings for Israel, 12
(Is verse 12 an aside… something the psalmist takes note of or is he reminded of this as he records the certainty of God’s counsel and plans?)
The awareness & involvement of the Lord, 13-15
..the Lord looks from… sees all… looks on all
..He fashions their hearts
..He considers all their works
A declaration of what doesn’t save, 16-17
..no king is saved by… army
..a mighty man is not delivered by… strength
..a horse is a vain hope for safety
..neither shall it deliver any by it’s strength
Who saves? 18-19
..the eye of the Lord = The Lord!
Whom does He save? 18-19
..those who fear Him
..those who hope in His mercy
What is His purpose? 18-19
..to deliver their soul
..to keep them alive
A declaration of determination, 20
..our soul waits for the Lord
..He is our help… shield
The reason for determination to trust, 21
..our heart rejoice in Him b/c we trust
(Rejoicing results from trusting)
A request for God’s mercy in direct measure to our trust, 22
What sticks out?
All of Your work is done in truth. You love righteousness.
What difference does that make?
This helps me relax when I don’t see Your affirmative answers to our prayers. Even when You say no or wait, You can be trusted. Sink this truth deeper into my heart. I want to trust You when You say no.
What sticks out?
The stars were made by Your word, Your breath.
What difference does that make?
The common thing, the thing that requires no effort or thought, the small thing called breath… With You it is a phenomenal means of creation. If this small thing does phenomenal acts then what happens if You exert Yourself? And if You’re that powerful and my Shepherd then what do I have to worry about.
You fashion each of our hearts. We don’t feel like Your handiwork sometimes. In the exercise of our free will we don’t act like Your handiwork. You look and consider what I’m doing… The eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy.
Come and have Your way here this AM simply out of Your kindness and mercy. There is no merit on our part. Come with Your eyes on Jesus. Come because of His merit. Carve out Your space in my heart. Make yourself at home.
What sticks out?
“Our heart rejoices…because we trust in His holy name.” So the psalmist reveals the source or spring of his joy. “My joy has come from trusting You.”
What difference does this make?
At first, I’m challenged. Do I believe this? Will this decision to trust You be a source of future joy? It will! You’ve proven that again and again.