Dear RTB’ers,
Two psalms today, the first a deliverance prayer by David, the second a recognition of Zion (Jerusalem) as God’s holy city.
My Study Bible noted that Psalm 86 is the only psalm written by David that is included in Book 3 of the Psalter. Like so many of David’s psalms from Book 2, David speaks praise in the first thirteen verses before he gets to his need for God’s deliverance in the last four verses. It’s a pattern that I would do well to copy! So often my prayer moves so quickly to the many needs I have for myself and my family and friends. I give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify Your name forever. (86:12) Yes, it’s a good pattern to follow.
Glorious things of you are spoken… (v. 87:3a). How many of us can read those words without singing them! Yeah, we would replace “you” with “thee”, but it’s a standard song in any church hymnal. Written by John Newton (“Amazing Grace”) in 1779, it has clearly stood the test of time. On the holy mount stands the city He founded; the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob. (87:1-2) I hope to visit Jerusalem someday, but it looks more and more that it’ll be the endtimes before I get there!
Blessings.
Fred