HEART-MEDITATIONS IN THE PSALMS

“Let the words of my mouth and the MEDITATION of my HEART be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord...” – Psalm 19:14a

As we march majestically into the Month of March, we shall engage in HEART MEDITATIONS in the PSALMS: “Let the words of my mouth and the MEDITATION of my HEART be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psa.19:14). The Psalms make up the longest book of the Bible and comprise songs, prayers, and poetry in devotion to God. King David is attributed with writing 75 of the 150 Psalms, a man whose heart God described in such sterling words: “a man after My own Heart; he will do everything I want him to do” (Acts 13:22). The remaining Psalms are attributed to other authors including King Solomon and Moses, with about fifty not being attributed to any particular author. The Book of Psalms is one of the most treasured books of the Bible.

The Psalms provide insight into God’s Heart and the diversity of human hearts, offer comfort in times of despair, strength in trials, and celebration in times of triumph. Jesus quoted the Psalms often, including His last words on the Cross, “Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit” (Lk.23:46), referencing Psalm 31:5. Moreover, the Psalms have some wonderful prayers, the verses of which can be used to inspire and shape our own prayers. Whether we desire to declare God’s goodness, plead with Him to listen, or praise His Holy Name, there’s a psalm that can become our prayer. We can do this by personalising and praying psalms back to God.

By the Grace of God, we’ll take some moments each day of this month to meditate and pray on the Theme of Hearts in the Psalms. Proverbs 27:19 says, “As in water face reflects face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.” Also, it is written: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Lk.6:45). It then seems apt to examine the heart of David as seen in few of his Psalms.

Joyful and glad heart – “You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased” (Psa.4:7)

Grateful and praise-full heart – “I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works” (Psa.9:1)

Reverent and faithful heart – “I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies” (Psa.18:3).

Humble heart – “He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble in His way” (Psa.25:9)

Penitent or repentant heart – “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psa.51:10)

A heart of Integrity – “So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands” (Psa.78:72).

Obedient heart – “Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart” (Psa.119:34).

Trusting and fearless heart – “Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!” (Psa.31:19). David further testified: “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), in God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” (Psa.56:3-4).

David’s example is a worthwhile road map for how our hearts should be nurtured to bless other hearts and relate to God’s Heart.