How Can I Keep From Singing (pt. 2)
The structure of Psalm 22 is interesting as we consider song in the church.
First, note that the title given this Psalm mentions that this is intended "for the director of music" and is to be sung "to the tune A Doe In The Morning".
Then, notice the brutal honesty with which the Psalmist (David) describes his present experience. In verses 1-2, 6-8, and 12-18 he paints a very graphic picture of his discouragement and anxiety.
Next, take note of the places where, almost like a refrain, he sings as if to remind himself of the truth he knows - God is holy and faithful. For instance, look at verses 3-5 and 9-11. The flow of these sections seem to respond to the sections that proceed them that cry out in despair.
In verses 20-21 he cries out to God for deliverance. From there the song flows into the beautiful scene of the great assembly that we considered on Monday.
When we assemble on a Sunday there are certainly times when we are feeling despair. What a great time to sing! There are no doubt occasions where we need a refrain of assurance to remind us God is holy and faithful. What a great time to sing! There are moments when we need to cry out to God for rescue. What a great time to sing! And then, there is the precious experience of adding our voice to the great assembly - its brutal honesty - What a great time to sing!
What observations have you made of Psalm 22 this week?
First, note that the title given this Psalm mentions that this is intended "for the director of music" and is to be sung "to the tune A Doe In The Morning".
Then, notice the brutal honesty with which the Psalmist (David) describes his present experience. In verses 1-2, 6-8, and 12-18 he paints a very graphic picture of his discouragement and anxiety.
Next, take note of the places where, almost like a refrain, he sings as if to remind himself of the truth he knows - God is holy and faithful. For instance, look at verses 3-5 and 9-11. The flow of these sections seem to respond to the sections that proceed them that cry out in despair.
In verses 20-21 he cries out to God for deliverance. From there the song flows into the beautiful scene of the great assembly that we considered on Monday.
When we assemble on a Sunday there are certainly times when we are feeling despair. What a great time to sing! There are no doubt occasions where we need a refrain of assurance to remind us God is holy and faithful. What a great time to sing! There are moments when we need to cry out to God for rescue. What a great time to sing! And then, there is the precious experience of adding our voice to the great assembly - its brutal honesty - What a great time to sing!
What observations have you made of Psalm 22 this week?
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