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This Psalm tells of the joy of being in God’s house. “My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord!” It is a true blessing to join our fellow like-minded believers in Gods’ house. There we have opportunity to hear His Word, to be assured of God’s forgiveness, to praise His saving Name, and to encourage one another in our faith.

It is the God-given responsibility of every generation to pass down the faith to their children, “telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord.” Soon after they are born we bring our children to Jesus through Baptism. We follow that up by teaching them of their Savior’s love from the Bible. We pray that our children remain in the faith to life everlasting!

The writer prays that the same blessings of grace and peace, which God pronounced upon Israel, will be experienced by all nations. Jesus paid for the sins of all, and wants all to be saved. Let’s pray for the salvation of all, and also pray He opens our mouths to speak of our Savior to those who do not know Him by faith.’

David had enemies. We enemies because we hold to Christ and His Word. In foreign countries many Christians are put to death. In our country Christians are ridiculed for their faith. The hatred of the world will only become more vicious the closer we get to the end, but with David we say: “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.”

David expresses his repentance for the sin of adultery. The psalm, however, holds universal truths of God’s grace for all sinners. Though we are sinful from birth, and daily sin much, God speaks joy to our guilty hearts. For Jesus’ sake He blots out our iniquity. In thankful response we pray for a clean heart and a steadfast spirit.

Our Savior God is the King of all the earth. The words “God has gone up with a shout” point ahead to Christ’s triumphant ascension and exhaltation. His Gospel now goes out into all lands. In joyful response we clap our hands! We sing praises to God! We sing praises to our King! We sing to Him a psalm of praise!

The city of God – the Holy Christian Church – is planted by the river of God’s precious Word and Sacraments. Built up in God’s grace filled promises, the Church looks confidently to God for refuge and strength. In a chaotic world, the Church knows God is control. He speaks peace to His people, saying: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

In these psalms there is hope for the depressed. Three times the writer asks: “Why are you cast down, O my soul?” Each time the writer responds: “Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.” Ask yourself, “Why am I so down?” Then, right away, speak God’s promises to yourself. This will help you in times of excessive sorrow.

The Old Testament (“the scroll”) wrote of Jesus the Messiah. In verses 7 and 8 we prophetically hear of His ardent desire to do the will of His Father. He would do His Father’s will by keeping the law for us, by preaching the goodness and faithfulness of God, and finally by suffering and dying for us.

This Psalm begins with a triple assurance:: Our transgressions are forgiven, our sins are covered, the Lord does not count our sin against us. When burdened with a sense of guilt, don’t hold on to it. Confess it to the Lord right away. He will forgive. How blessed is the sinner who has this confidence in his Savior.

“Lift up your heads, O you gates!” The King of Glory, Jesus the Savior, calls to one and all to lift up the gates of their hearts. He is the Lord of hosts, coming in glory through the Gospel, intent on entering our hearts with kingly riches of forgiveness, peace, and salvation.

David’s shepherd psalm is the most beloved of all psalms. With the Lord as our shepherd we lack nothing. With Him by our side we need not fear. His goodness and mercy will follow us through time into eternity. Jesus is that shepherd, so good, that He even laid down His life for His sheep!