By Terry Kirby
Senior Pastor, Alpha Baptist Church, Morristown
Focal Passage: Psalm 89:1-2, 5-8, 15-18
The Bible says in II Timothy 3:16 that “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” What does that mean? It means that every word of The Word of God is from God. God wants us to hide every word of it in our hearts. Most of God’s Word is God speaking to His called ones. He gave His people instructions, warnings, and prophesies among many other timeless words. Although written thousands of years ago, this truth continues to speak to us today. Among all of the books of the Bible Psalms is special and unique. Some people say that Psalms is a hymn book. In this study, we will take it a step further; it is God’s instructions on how His people are to praise Him.
The Psalm under consideration is Psalm 89. This psalm describes God’s faithfulness even though His people had demonstrated complete unfaithfulness to Him and His Word. Romans 3:3-4 states, “What then? If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it? May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar. …” The inspired words of Paul echo the lesson found here in Psalm 89, God is faithful.
The sections of the text in Psalm 89 under consideration reveals three different groups that are under the protective cover of God’s faithfulness.
Section one is found in Psalm 89:1-2 and shows that the writer of this psalm knows God’s faithfulness. The writer of the psalm states that he will sing, proclaim, and declare God’s faithfulness forever. In verse two the writer even shares the specific words that he will use in his praise concerning God’s faithfulness. The writer has limited personal knowledge of that faithfulness compared to the next group, the residents of heaven.
The second section of the text is found in verses five through eight. In these verses, the different groups in heaven declare God’s faithfulness. The groups include: the heavens, the assembly of the holy ones, the skies, the heavenly beings, the council of the holy ones and all who surround Him. These groups have full-time residence in the presence of God. Who would know better God’s work and wonder of the Lord God? They testify to the many traits of a Holy God. In addition to God’s faithfulness, they mention His wonders, His incomparability of strength, and the fact that He is to be feared. The final phrase proclaims that God’s faithfulness surrounds Him.
The final section of the text includes verses 15 through 18. These words describe the effect that the faithfulness of God has on His people. Although sometimes disobedient, His people know that God is faithful. The impact of God’s faithfulness is powerful and the result is joy. The people of God shout with joy because of the faithfulness of God. The people of God rejoice in the name of God “all day long.” There is a second effect on the people of God because of His faithfulness. The people are strengthened. The strength that the faithfulness of God provides increases the resolve of His people to remain steadfast in God’s faithfulness. Humanity, even God’s people have a natural tendency to be self-reliant and thus faithful in oneself. Experience under the shield of God’s faithfulness decreases the dependency on self and shifts it back to God.
God is faithful. God speaks about His faithfulness. God promises His faithfulness. God demonstrates His faithfulness. Heaven testifies to His faithfulness. God’s people testify to His faithfulness. God is faithful.
— Kirby is senior pastor of Alpha Baptist Church, Morristown
