DEPENDENCY AND CONFIDENCE

Today’s psalm has a simple structure: the introduction in verse 1 is followed by two brief stanzas, each developing its own motif. The overarching theme is looking to God for mercy in total dependency while enduring painful reproach from enemies. The psalmist speaks as a representative or spokesperson of the whole community—note the change from the first person singular, ‘I’, in verse 1 to ‘our’ and ‘we’ in the rest of the psalm.

The psalmist uses two vivid similes drawn from domestic life in verse 2: a male slave and a female servant or maid. Both are looking to their master, in hope of mercy. While such imagery may sit somewhat uncomfortably with modern readers, this was a common situation in the ancient world. The author’s point seems to be to emphasize the total reliance God’s people have on him and to encourage his readers to wait in utter dependence upon God.

Reading this psalm in the light of the cross and resurrection, we can jubilantly declare that God has answered the psalmist’s plea and poured out his mercy lavishly through Christ. We are still thoroughly dependent upon God’s mercy yet, because of what Christ has done, we stand justified before him. We can approach his throne of grace with confidence that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.2 This combination of total dependency and absolute confidence is the unique privilege of followers of Christ. It is also the ideal springboard for spiritual growth. We acknowledge with the psalmist our utter need for God, and yet rejoice that his mercy has been extravagantly poured out. The only reasonable response is grateful service.

Apply this great reality to the challenges and heartaches of your life. Read the psalm aloud, asking God for his mercy in your particular circumstances and thanking him for Jesus.