This psalm describes God in ways similar to the image of the prodigal father in the story from Luke. The psalmist writes passionately of the steadfast, forgiving, embracing love of God.
I am finding this Psalm particularly relevant to the parable, also. In fact, I am thinking of using the chant in the United Methodis Hymnal to draw more attention to it...
Chris in Limbo
Ah hah! I think this is a chiastic Psalm, (do you see it differently?)
The Psalmist started out with the first premise in v.1,2: “Bless are those whose sin is forgiven and covered”; v.2 amplified this work as from God (note, “imputed” and that there is a new spirit within them).
Then in v.3,4 he talked about the problem of not confessing, where ourselves are anguish and God’s hand pressures us.
The third and central premise was the personal act of confession to God (v.5), the Psalmist also call for corporate respond to God (v.6a)
Then the Psalmist backed track to the second premise, where he talked about the result of forgiveness, how God become a place of refuge (in contrast with the heavy hand), and how he will instruct the hearers God’s way (in contrast with remaining silence).
Finally in v.10,11 the Psalmist backed track to the first premise, about how are those who trusted in God should be glad and rejoice since they will not be facing “torments of the wicked”
Reflection: Dear God; help me to practice the discipline of confession better. Many times, I would just swept sin away, scoop it up, dumped it into the garbage can so mechanically without even confessing to you. Help me to develop a community of confessors to you and to each other. Preserve me in your hiding place so that our confession will not be used to tear down, but become joy and gladness of deliverance. Help me to experience this truth in my life and my congregation, O Lord.
Coho, Midway City
I don't usually like what happens when the poetry is extracted from the Psalms, but this in one in which I find Peterson's "The MESSAGE" helpful in paraphrasing and deconstructing a bit. I wouldn't use his version on Sunday morning, but it helps me a bit in my preperatory exploration for worship... Waddayathink?
Chris in Limbo
Chris in Limbo, I actually OFTEN read the Psalm (generally, a re-reading) from The Message. In addition, I receive the Rumours newsletter, and there I occasionally find a very modern retelling of the Psalm by a fellow names Jim Taylor. Initially, I confess it didn't feel/sound like scripture. Now, I realize that it took the beloved, the comfortable, the memorized, and forced me to reconsider everything I'd read. lkinhc
Last week we were told to turn around. This week we learn how to and the glorious results of doing so. God is so amazing!
There's a great explanation about the word "happy" or "blessed" in Dr. Morrisey's sermon on Sermon Central. Some of you with gifts other than those I've been given may already know this info, but I found it helpful. lkinhc