Psalms 39, 62, 50, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 and 80

The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

John 4:19-24

As with all inspired scripture, the psalms of David record divine truth meant for our instruction and sanctification. The delivery “device” may be poetry and the purpose may be “praise”, but these beautiful verses are filled with truth. Actually, they ARE truth (PSALMS 119:160 and JOHN 17:17). The most beautiful words ever penned in the perfection of stanza and rhyme could be written about Dagon or Baal. Even so, they would be empty and meaningless. The essence of true praise and true worship is truth. Our worship to Elohim must be offered in spirit and grounded in truth to be acceptable to Him.

In Psalm 39, David praises God in the truth that wisdom is from God alone. Man does not tout our inherent inferiority and helplessness, rather man exalts himself and is arrogant. We teach that we can make our own way and might makes right. God teaches that He is the author and grantor of salvation. The divine truth of humility in coming to God is the essence of our praise.

In Psalm 62, David praises God in the patience granted to mankind to wait upon the LORD. Me strive against one another and trust in power and wealth. David praises God in the understanding that God is our only hope, refuge and Savior. Looking to this world is vanity. The divine truth of dependence upon God is the essence of praise.

In Psalm 50, David praises God not only for His righteousness, but His justice and judgment in righteousness. All He has created declare His righteousness. If God is not the Creator, then this is a lie. If God IS the Creator, then our praise is grounded upon that great truth. He then has the right to command, because He is God and I am not. The divine truth of our call to faithfulness in His righteousness is the essence of praise.

In Psalm 73, David praises God for the clear choice between the way of evil and the way of righteousness. In free will we all have the ability to choose to turn from God or turn to Him. In free will we are informed by truth of the end result of both choices. Even so, the God of compassion has given us compassionate hearts and we mourn for those who are lost. All people need God. Some will turn to Him. The divine truth of redemption is the essence of our praise.

In Psalm 74, David praises God in the midst of struggles and oppression. The world blames God, but the righteous seek Him in the storm. In the worst of times, we must exalt God. The divine truth of God’s sovereignty is the essence of our praise.

In Psalm 78, David praises God for His patient lovingkindness toward His people even when they rebel. Truth is a persistent standard, and the truth of God stands as a witness against all people. Truth conveys God’s morality, worship and salvation. Choosing to ignore or violate truth is rebellion. Even though we may be faithless, God is unfailingly faithful. The divine truth of God’s integrity is the essence of our praise.

In Psalm 79, David praises God in His righteous wrath. Rebellion is not the answer. Forgiveness and mercy are the answer for those who stir the anger of Almighty God. When we fail Him, we must not shun Him. Instead return to Him as He waits to be gracious to us. Knowing the outcome for the penitent sheep, David is thankful. The divine truth of human gratitude for divine shepherding is the essence of praise.

In Psalm 80, David praises God for restoration. Yahweh makes thing right again when people mess things up. Faithful to His promises, God removes His hedge when people demand to be free from Him. Truthful in His warning, troubles come as certainly as the morning. Compassionate when we cry out, God restores us to Himself. The divine truth of God’s glory shining in revival is the essence of praise.

The difference between a poem and praise is truth. The difference between the LORD and an idol is truth. Praise in spirit with no truth is activity without purpose. Praise in truth without spirit is activity without vitality. Anyone, anywhere and at any time can offer spirited activity in the name of deity – but, truth is the essence of true praise.

Consider His nature. Consider His ways. Strive to love Him more!