Here are more Psalms of David, some from the sons of Korah, one from Ethan and one from Moses man of God (a prayer). Then a dozen or so unidentified ones – then a return to David beginning in Psalm 101. The sense of this grouping of songs is deep gratefulness resulting in expressive praise.
This is a place difficult to find. To be deeply grateful we must have been tested or even suffered loss. To find true gratefulness is humbling to the heart. This then results in a deeper level of experiential praise and thanksgiving. At least, that’s the way I see it 🙂
The sons of Korah were tasked with caring for the dwelling place (tabernacle) of God Most High. While they were not designated as priests, the sons of Kohath (Korah) were key to caring for God’s Holy Presence among the people. Moses’ song (90) is beautiful on many levels, and serves as a reflective poem of a life well-lived in active faith. Check this out:
PSALM 90
A Prayer of Moses, the man of God. (my favorites in bold)
“Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world,
even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. You turn man back into dust and say, “Return, O children of men.” For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it passes by, or as a watch in the night.
You have swept them away like a flood, they fall asleep; in the morning they are like grass which sprouts anew. In the morning it flourishes and sprouts anew; toward evening it fades and withers away. For we have been consumed by Your anger and by Your wrath we have been dismayed.
You have placed our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your presence.
For all our days have declined in Your fury; we have finished our years like a sigh.
As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; for soon it is gone and we fly away.
Who understands the power of Your anger and Your fury, according to the reverence that is due You? So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.
Do return, O LORD; how long will it be? And be sorry for Your servants. O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness,
That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days You have afflicted us, and the years we have seen evil.
Let Your work appear to Your servants and Your majesty to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and confirm for us the work of our hands. Yes, confirm the work of our hands.”
What do you consider your psalms of gratefulness? Your grateful songs?
What are the things that most capture the grateful and thankful part of your heart?
What a great journey through the Psalms! Are you identifying your 20 or so favorite songs which best reflect your heart-thoughts?
Selah! (tapping into the highway of praise)
Dave & Burnadette