Discussion of Psalm 23 & Psalm 51

Psalm 23

A psalm 23, a Psalm of King David, illustrates people that God is a shepherd, whose job and responsibilities are to care about His people, support them at times of difficulties, challenges, and misfortunes on their life path. David wrote this psalm and tried to address the God’s honest intentions, justice, and duties before His people. David viewed the Lord as a helper, a guide, a shepherd, who cares about His people, protects them from ruining thoughts, dangers, and evil: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. / He makes me lie down in green pastures, / he leads me beside quiet waters, / he refreshes my soul.” (23:1-3) The Psalm 23 is not only about simple words, God’s care, or help; this psalm is about a process of “retracing” the individual’s actions, choices, intentions and behaviors. The Psalm may help people to evaluate their feelings, emotions, and thoughts and set a balance and harmony in life.  The lines also encourage collaboration and unity between people. I consider this psalm has a unique power to eliminate negative emotions and destructive thinking, despair, and feeling of loneliness. The Scripture says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley,/ I will fear no evil, / for you are with me; / your rod and your staff, / they comfort me.” (23:4) On my own experience, I felt the power of this psalm several times, its positive impact on identity, relationships with people and environment, its positive effect on the individual’s inner potential and self formation. David in His psalm showed that God gave people everything that they need for good life on Earth, including His care, love, protection and guidance: “Surely your goodness and love will follow me / all the days of my life, / and I will dwell in the house of the Lord / forever” (23:6).

Psalm 51

This Psalm is considered one of the greatest biblical pieces about true repentance, about regrets, about a person’s desire to be cleared from all of his sins, bad behaviors, and negative actions. The scripture writes, “Have mercy on me, O God, / according to your unfailing love; / according to your great compassion / blot out my transgressions. / Wash away all my iniquity / and cleanse me from my sin.” (51:1-2) As seen, David was not perfect but possessed a perfect sensitivity; He asked for forgiveness and completely, confessed His guilt about sins praying for inner restoration and renewal: “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; / wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” (51:7). He promised thanks, obedience, and ministry, saying, “Then I will teach transgressors your ways, / so that sinners will turn back to you. / Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, / you who are God my Savior, /and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. / Open my lips, Lord, / and my mouth will declare your praise.” (51: 13-15). All of us committed sins, and all of us want to be justified and be blameless in Lord’s sight. But sometimes people lose hope, or lack of inner power or strengths to restore their purity, and clear their heart, even if God helps and supports them. On my own experience, I want to note that constant praying is crucially important here; we should realize that because of our sins, we may lose our spirit and become rejected by Lord. David prayed to God to restore his soul, heart, and spirituality. In general, the psalm shows that God does not want human sacrifices; instead, He wants to notice human obedience and understanding of the past, present, and future. God has an ability to feel so-called “right sacrifices”, honest intentions, and trust; only then He will clear human heart and soul, restore the previous relationships and enhance spiritual well-being.       

References:

Holy Bible, New International Version (n.d.). Psalms 23, 51. Retrieved 9 August 2018 from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016.

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
Available at:

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]
close
Haven't found the right essay?
Get an expert to write you the one you need!
print

Professional writers and researchers

quotes

Sources and citation are provided

clock

3 hour delivery

person