What I Noticed Today (Psalms 102-104)
Psalm 102
Psalm 102 is a prayer of someone who is afflicted by reaching out to God for help.
In verses 1-2, the psalmist prays that God will hear him, and because he is in great distress, he asks God to answer him quickly.
In verses 3-11, the psalmist describes his situation with his body deteriorating. His enemies are taunting him as though he was cursed. He believes his condition is a result of God’s wrath as he continues to wither away like grass.
In verses 12-22, the psalmist switches from describing his own condition to praising the Lord, who is enthroned forever. He speaks with confidence about the Lord rescuing the people of Jerusalem and that in His glory, other nations would fear and praise Him.
In verses 23-28, the psalmist ends with another appeal for the Lord to notice his condition and not to shorten his days. Because God is unchanging and will never perish, He will be faithful to all future generations.
Psalm 103
Psalm 103 is a psalm of David in which David calls on all creation to bless the Lord.
In verses 1-5, David told himself to praise the Lord, who forgives, heals, and redeems because of His love and mercy.
In verses 6-18, David refers to God’s righteousness and justice while recounting Israel’s history. God made His covenant with Moses. God forgives sins because He loves the people. God has compassion for the people because God knows how weak and frail man is. Despite man’s weakness, the Lord’s love is with those who obey him.
In verses 19-22, David concludes blessing the Lord, who has dominion over all the earth.
Psalm 104
Psalm 104 begins with the same words as Psalm 103 in praise of the Lord.
In verse 1, the psalmist blesses the Lord, who is very great.
In verses 2-23, the psalmist describes the majesty and greatness of the Lord in the lights, clouds, wind, and fire. He describes the majesty of the earth, the water, the food for animals and man, and how the earth is amazingly designed for all forms of life.
In verses 24-30, the psalmist recognizes God’s wisdom displayed in His great creation.
In verses 33-35, the psalmist promises to sing to the Lord all his days in hopes that his meditation will be pleasing to God, and hopes that the sinners and wicked will be no more.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
