An In-Depth Look at Psalm 65
I love the book of Psalms. Over the last few weeks I have found myself going there often when I reach for my Bible. I love to read them, because you can hear the intensity with which the writer writes. They’re very raw and vulnerable—just like we are sometimes when we’re at our worst or lowest. Not only do I love to read them, I love to write them out and I love to turn them into prayers. I’ve been doing that lately, reading them aloud and turning them into prayers.
I was reading one day last week and came across Psalm 65. It’s so beautiful, this Psalm about how God cares for the earth, that I wanted to write it out and share it with you. I am no scholar when it comes to this kind of thing; I’m just an ordinary woman of God who loves His word. As I read, He reveals things to me sometimes and I love to share about those moments. Even though I’m going to write this out, will you open your Bible and grab a journal and pen? You’ll see why at the end. It’s always really important to actually see the verses being talked about with your own eyes, in your own Bible. I pray you are encouraged in the reading of His word.
Psalm 65
Praise is rightfully yours, God, in Zion; vows to you will be fulfilled.
All humanity will come to you, the one who hears prayer.
Iniquities overwhelm me; only you can atone for our rebellions.
How happy is the one who you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We will be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple.
You answer us in righteousness, with awe-inspiring works, God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the distant seas.
You establish the mountains by your power; you are robed with strength.
You silence the roar of the seas, the roar of their waves, and the tumult of the nations.
Those who live far away are awed by your signs; you make east and west shout for joy.
You visit the earth and water it abundantly, enriching it greatly. God’s stream is filled with water, for you prepare the earth this way, providing people with grain.
You soften it with showers and bless its growth, soaking its furrows and leveling its ridges.
You crown the year with your goodness; your carts overflow with plenty.
The wilderness pastures overflow, and the hills are robed with joy.
The pastures are clothed with flocks and the valleys covered with grain. They shout in triumph; indeed, they sing.
When I read this, I came across some instructions and some promises. Here is what I learned when I read this that day:
I love how right off we are told that praise is rightfully His, God’s. It’s okay to be swept up in something, like when we’re in nature and are just overwhelmed by the vastness before us—but we are not to worship the created thing, we are only to worship and give praise to God. The earth is His, and He made everything.
In verse two, we are reminded that God hears prayer. All humanity will come to you, the one who hears prayer. Even when iniquities (sin) overwhelm us, He alone atones for our rebellion. Verse four tells us we are to be happy, because God brought us near Him. He brought us near to Him through His Son Jesus.
We also are to be satisfied with the goodness of His house (temple) and His holiness. Sometimes I need to remember this. In this day of social media where everyone shares about every area of their life (myself included), it is so easy to begin the nasty game of comparison. Whether it’s makeup, clothes, shoes, self-image, or our homes, we can so easily become ensnared by this trap. Don’t fall for it, though! I am always asking the Lord for help with being content. And truthfully, I don’t want or need too many things because my house is full of human beings, and I’m not taking anything to Heaven with me when I die.
Verse five reminds us that God also answers our prayers in His righteousness, and the NASB version of this verse refers to God as you who are the trust of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest sea. I love that NASB version, because it reminds me that God is trustworthy. I would say that we all need that reminder from time to time.
Verses six through thirteen are all about the sovereignty and provision of God. We are reminded that God is in control of every circumstance—He established all things and is robed with strength. He silences the roar of the seas and waves and the tumult of the nations. That’s a pretty timely word from Him, is it not? God waters the earth abundantly, His stream is filled with water, and in this way He prepares the earth, providing grain for the people. He provides for our every need. He waters the earth and cares for every living thing upon it, He crowns the year with His goodness and His carts overflow with plenty. I love the NLT translation of verse 11:
You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.
I love how He reminds me of provision in His word. I’ve lived in times of wondering where money for our next grocery bill was going to come from, but He has never once let me down. He has always provided exactly what we needed and right when we needed it! If He provides the earth in this way, how much more does He provide for us? I love this verse in Matthew 6:30.
If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t he do much more for you—you of little faith?
When we don’t trust in Him and in His provision, our faith is small. This is yet another reminder that there is nothing too big for God to handle, nor is there anything too small or seemingly mundane. Whatever is on your heart today, tell him about it, He listens and He provides both physically and spiritually. I can’t urge you enough to pour your heart out to Him, friends. He wants us to do this! I pray that you were encouraged by God’s word today through Psalm 65.
Things to consider as you read this chapter:
As you read these verses, did a main idea or a theme pop out to you? If so, what was the main idea?
Are you quick to pray? Or do you use it as a last resort? Why?
Would someone who observes your lifestyle consider you as one who is content?
How has God shown you His sovereignty lately?
How has God provided for you?
A closing prayer: Lord, I lift up to you every woman who read this chapter along with me today. I pray that as she read that you revealed to her your holiness, your majesty, and your sovereignty. Thank you for showing me all that you did on the day when I read this recently. Your word is living and active, Lord, and I pray as we close out today that it will accomplish exactly what you purpose. Help us to be women of the word, Lord and help us to live out what these truths look like in our lives every single day. We want you to be honored and glorified in us and by us. I pray these things in the strong and mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
When Jennifer isn't focusing on her family of her husband and four (almost) grown sons, she is passionate about leading women to a deeper knowledge of and relationship with Jesus, through the reading of the Bible and through prayer. After years of serving in student ministry, the Lord pulled her out of that and planted her solidly in the women's ministry within her local church. She leads a small group on Wednesday nights, and together they study the word of God verse by verse, and book by book of the Bible. She loves to write, and you can find her sharing regularly on her blog, Overflowing With Thanksgiving. She also loves to sing and to help lead worship at her church, and will always be a choir girl at heart. You can find out more about her and her hobbies on her favorite social media outlet Instagram, as JenLloydGoodwin.