Preparing to Preach
I'm trying my first attempt at preaching a Psalm this week. I'm preaching from Psalm 54, which is related to either 1 Samuel 23 or 26. Here's the text of the Psalm (ESV):
TO THE CHOIRMASTER: WITH STRINGED INSTRUMENTS. A MASKIL OF DAVID, WHEN THE ZIPHITES WENT AND TOLD SAUL, “IS NOT DAVID HIDING AMONG US?”
O God, save me by your name,
and vindicate me by your might.
O God, hear my prayer;
give ear to the words of my mouth.
For strangers have risen against me;
ruthless men seek my life;
they do not set God before themselves. Selah
Behold, God is my helper;
the Lord is the upholder of my life.
He will return the evil to my enemies;
in your faithfulness put an end to them.
With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;
I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good.
For he has delivered me from every trouble,
and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.
I'm excited.
Good luck, this is a great Psalm!
You should understand this one very well, since you know something about senseless and relentless harassment.
Excited with you, brother!
Thanks, guys! It is an excellent psalm! I'm raring to go, I just wish I could get an opening illustration that equaled my excitement. I think I may finally have something that works.
As to Ed's comment… I thought that might still be too raw to address head on, but I think it does inform some of what I say.