Psalm 9:11
David began Psalm 9 by declaring that he would praise God with his whole heart. But now in verse 11 he writes, "Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion; declare among the people His doings.'' Plainly he is calling others to do what he had been given grace to do. And the truth behind this is that if we truly are singing Gods praises wholeheartedly, we will want others to do so as well.
A question we must answer therefore is whether we do sing God's praises with our whole heart. The question is not whether we sing His praises with our voices and tongues. There are many who hate God, and never enter into His house of prayer to worship Him, who will sing certain hymns or oratorios because they like the music or are seeking the praise of men. And a pointed and important question is, "What are your favorite songs?'' Are they the songs of men, or songs of praise to God? And is this one your favorite song because of the words, the truth expressed in it that praises God, or is it because of the smooth flowing melody and rich harmony?
Another question is whether we are singing to men or to God. Do we have God in our thoughts when we sing? Are we perhaps singing so rapidly that we cannot even give thought to the truth we express with our lips? Notice the versification of this Psalm (PRC Psalter):
Sing praises to the Lord Most High,
To Him Who doth in Zion dwell:
Declare His mighty deeds abroad,
His deeds among the nations tell.
Here is a call to sing praises unto God as well as of God. We must declare His mighty deeds abroad, but in a way that we direct our praise to God. We must do it in a way that teaches others to praise Him. We must want others to know what He did for us in His Son, but our deepest concern must be that others confess Him, and with us praise Him as the one of Whom, through Whom, and unto Whom are all things. We must be interested in their salvation, but chiefly because we want God to have all the praise that is due unto His name. Then we will sing only that which is based on true Biblical doctrine.
Read: Psalm 107:1-31
Psalter versification: #17:5
Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism
Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
II Samuel 13
John 17
Psalm 119:81-96
Proverbs 16:6-7
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Quote for Reflection:
… The end of the pilgrim’s journey that starts outside of the gate and on the which you are called to bear the reproach of the Sufferer of Golgotha, is the beautiful City of God.
And it is about to come. . .
Yet a little patience, and a little suffering, yet a little struggle and a little battle and the end of your journey shall have been reached.
A very light affliction, quickly passing.
And then eternal joy!
Seek that City!
Press on! – Herman Hoeksema (Standard Bearer - Vol. 2, pg. 99)
Additional Info
- Date: 28-May
Heys, John A.
Rev. John A. Heys was born on March 16, 1910 in Grand Rapids, MI. He was ordained and installed into the ministry at Hope, Walker, MI in 1941. He later served at Hull, Iowa beginning in 1955. In 1959 he accepted the call to serve the South Holland, IL Protestant Reformed Church. He received and accepted the call to Holland, Michigan Protestant Reformed Church in 1967. He retired from the active ministry in 1980. He entered into glory on February 16, 1998.