The Upright in Heart

(Psalm 64)

Andy Nagahara

A. Let us desire three things (0-2)

0 For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 Hear me, O God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from that noisy crowd of evildoers.

B. The danger we’re facing (3-6)

3 They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows.
4 They shoot from ambush at the innocent man; they shoot at him suddenly, without fear.
5 They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, “Who will see them?”
6 They plot injustice and say, “We have devised a perfect plan!” Surely the mind and heart of man are cunning.

C. Let us continue to do these two things:

1) Wait for God’s judgment (7-9)

7 But God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be struck down.
8 He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads in scorn.
9 All mankind will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done.

2) Maintain an upright heart (10)

10 Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him!

Summary

The suffering we face might look different for each of us, but no one can escape suffering altogether. No one can claim to be the only one suffering. The church is not a place where people who aren’t suffering care for those who are. It is a place where we bring our burdens to God and serve one another as members of God’s family. Let us fulfill our part as members of the body of Christ, listening to and protecting one another. Let us maintain an upright heart as we wait for God’s judgment.

For Discussion

What is causing you suffering right now?
What does it mean to have an “upright heart”?