Psalm 1-3 Sin and Worship

“Sinners will not worship with God’s people.”  We are all sinners, but as Christians we are also God’s people.  It seems to follow then that when we sin, we are effectively cutting ourselves off from worshiping God.

Chapter 2 then says, “Obey the Lord with great fear.  Be happy, but tremble.  Show that you are loyal to His Son…”  Lack of obedience is the sin of chapter 1.  Obedience is the opposite of sin.  Sin is rebellion.  Obedience is loyalty.  Even when we obey, we should experience the awesomeness of all God is and realize how insignificant we are.  Our propensity to sin should cause great fear.  Our obedience results in happiness, but that propensity to sin also causes us to tremble.

Chapter 3 shows us the benefits of obedience and loyalty to God.  Despite being attacked, we have courage because we know that God is for us and in control of everything and that He protects us.  The assurance of His protection allows us to sleep at night and be refreshed and strengthened by it.  When David cries, “Lord, rise up!  My God, come save me!,” he isn’t worried that God may have become distracted or uncaring.  My commentary said these words reflected what was happing in the wilderness when God moved the pillar of fire or the cloud, signaling the people to get up and move with it.  David is expecting God to work.

Father, thanks for reminding me of how even the slightest sin can keep me from true worship.  Obedience is of utmost importance, for it glorifies You, and that is what our existence is all about.  It is worship.  Thank You for glorifying Yourself by rising up to protect me.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford