To read and study the psalms is like coming upon a hidden treasure. The more you study it, the more beautiful and priceless the treasure becomes. The first 19 psalms covered many subjects. Many touched on how to deal with the problems and suffering of life. Psalm 19 was especially beautiful as it pictured the presence of God in His creation. Now, another treasure is revealed in Psalm 20. This psalm is a song of encouragement, and the structure of the psalm gives some strong indications as to how the song was sung and by whom.
The subtitle states that David wrote Psalm 20. It was apparently written for a special occasion when David and his army was about to set out on a military campaign against a foreign enemy. In addition, the psalm was written in a statement – response style.
The first five verses were written with such words as: he, you, we, our, and etc. The same was also used in verses 7-9. Such words indicate that probably the people of David’s army sang the first and last part of the psalm. In verse 6, on the other hand, the psalm changed to the first person, with the word “I”. Again, the indication was that a high priest, or David himself, sang the response in verse 6.
The poetic picture surrounding the reciting of Psalm 20 is very impressive and beautiful. David and his men were going to war. The people sang for their king before the Lord. The king responded with his faith in the Lord, and the people again sang of their assurance that they had in the Lord.
Many may wonder what possible application such a psalm could have today; but across the centuries, this psalm of David reaches out and touches the lives of people today. Every person has to deal with the struggles of life – whether that person is a Christian or not. However, for a Christian, there is help that will bring victory over the conflicts of this life. Some of that help comes in the form of fellow Christians who can give spiritual support, encouragement, and comfort to those who are struggling – just like fellow soldiers will do in an army.
Then there will be times where we will be the one in a position to give support and encouragement. Psalm 20 holds the key in understanding how this works. The first 5 verses contain words of comfort and hope that we would give a brother or sister who is in need. Carefully read the first 5 verses and see how they can be used. All of the good feelings, love, and hope are reflected in those verses.
Verse 6 also applies today just like it did in the past. In the Psalm, David, or the king, is talking to his people. In David’s time, it was a declaration of his trust in the Lord – “Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed….” As inspired prophecy, David also pointed to the future certainty of Jesus’ victory over death.
Jesus Christ is now the King, and He has plainly said that all authority now belongs to him. Verse 6 reflects the assurance that any of God’s children can have.
Whatever we face, whatever happens, we know that Jesus Christ is King. He is the Victor; and, in Him, we are also saved and victorious
Finally, verse 7 – 9 is also very appropriate today. Read these verses, and focus on the words in verse 7. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Instead of chariots and horses, we can substitute other words as careers, money, power, family, security, happiness, or pleasure. Whatever the words, the principle is still the same. Others may trust in all sorts of things, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Through God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, the battle is won! The victory is ours!
Jim Shelburn
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Just a Little of My Time
Every now and then an announcement is made or an email is sent out to our members about a need for help. Someone needs a ride to services or, due to events, maybe some meals provided for a time. Thankfully, this church has members who always step-up to the task.
It only take a little of my time to do these good deeds. Perhaps I have to leave fifteen or twenty minutes earlier to pick someone up for services, and then I get home a little later after dropping them off. Is the “bother” too much if I love my brethren? Would I want someone to do the same for me or my family if we needed their help?
When I don’t volunteer or seldom volunteer to help then others must take up my slack. The next time a call for help is issued I hope we will all jump at the chance to do something good. It is far better to have to turn people away because we have too much help than it is to have to go looking for people because we do not have enough help.
Terry Starling