TEXT: Psalm 65:1-4
READING: Psalm 63:1-11
SUBJ: Praise forthcoming at every appearance of God and the blessedness of His people declared.
AIM: That we might participate in the praise and rejoice in such blessedness -- A communion meditation.
INTR: The reasons of blessedness (happiness) are found throughout the Psalms and elsewhere in the Word of God. Several thoughts emerge at that thought:
1. The blessed man in Psalm 1, the blessed nation whose God is the Lord (Psalm 33:12), Forgiveness in Psalm 32:1-2, The man who trusts –faith (Psalm 40:4), the man who is chastened (Psalm 94:12) and many more.
2. Perhaps as important as any are our Lord’s words: Matthew 11:6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
3. And it is impossible to praise the Lord as His redeemed and not be happy at the same time.
THESIS: True happiness never comes apart from an awareness of God’s proactive involvement in our salvation. It is in this that we learn reasons for assurance, encouragement and hope in that we realize that what He has done and is doing shall be forever.
I. The praise that waits in Zion (vv. 1-3)
1. There are various thoughts on “praise waiting” and where it waits:
1) The place commended, In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. (Isaiah 26:1-2)
2) Praise so high as to be incapable of full expression.
3) That there is no comparison between what is given and what is deserved.
4) From those waiting for every opportunity to praise – at His appearing (consider the Blessed hope and appearing…) or even at the end of the trials of this life.
i. It is the place where the Lord’s people meet, praise for Him is the expectation and primary occupation. They wait for a signal from Him.
ii. It is certain that where there is true salvation there is praise and adoration that will find a way of response to His presence and in the presence of all who worship.
2. “Unto Thee” only is the vow to be performed which is praise. See Psalms 116:13-14 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. 14 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. AND Psalms 116:17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
1) A thought on vows made of old and the warning
2) The thought of vows made by believer upon coming to know the Lord.
3. In verse 2, another attribute is given in this context: “Thou Who hearest prayer.”
1) An exclusive thought that only He could hear with any thought to answering.
2) In response to the vow to “call upon Him.”
3) From Spurgeon: “…We come weeping in conversion, hoping in supplication, rejoicing in praise, and delighting in service.”
4. Another “unto Thee” as the exclusive recourse and the exclusive resource:
1) All people
2) With resignation and submission – every knee bowing
5. The confidence of David is expressed in verse 3 with regard to:
1) Words or matters of iniquity are against me – Even our besetting sin.
2) As for our transgression thou shalt purge them away: the expectation of the redeemer God, the Lamb of God – the reason for blessedness.
II. The benediction (blessedness) pronounced (v. 4)
1. Whom thou choosest – we note two aspects:
1) In eternity: Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
2) Chosen for calling (or the act of choosing) as in the case of the Apostles or any coming to Him with the work of redemption promised and obtained.
2. Causes to approach – effectual calling
1) Compare typical religious efforts which we confront on every hand
2) The work of the Spirit is that we may approach (able and willing)
3. Dwelling in thy courts (not only to approach, but to stay)
1) The ultimate desire in those coming – there is no thought of a return trip.
2) The purpose of God fulfilled
4. Promised satisfaction – We shall be satisfied
1) Permanence is preciousness – Spurgeon
2) Satisfied with Christ and all His provision to cohabit with Him in God.
3) Looking for no other – “even so come Lord Jesus.”
