We might be tempted to forget that the principles for which David praises God in these psalms are not promises, because we want to be able to claim them. Although we can’t claim these as promises, we can appeal to God on the basis of the principles He has demonstrated are generally true in His dealings with men historically. Aren’t we blessed that the principles He generally follows, and the characteristics He demonstrates fulfill the desires of our hearts?
Psalm 25 examines the one whom the Lord teaches His ways. Are you interested in being one who is taught the ways of the Lord? Taught not just head knowledge, but trained so that you are transformed by the truth? The only way to learn that is from God – not from any teachings of man. So to what kind of person does God reveal His ways in that manner? Why not make a list from this psalm?
Psalm 29 waxes poetic about, of all things, the voice of the Lord. Why His voice? What is so special about His voice? Think about it as you go through this psalm. Who can do such things with just His voice? What does that indicate is true of God?
Psalm 33 opens with another invitation to be joyful. The shout for joy is a powerful expression of joy, and the psalmist said it is fitting for the upright. What else is fitting? To sing a new song. What does that mean to you? The psalm justifies the powerful joy and singing of a new song with his descriptions of the Lord. If you make the effort to make a list of all the psalmist says about God, you will be moved to joy yourself. What describing words does he use? What nouns does he use? What actions of God does He list to describe Him?
Psalm 36 uses imagery to describe God’s greatness, so the meaning in this psalm is gleaned by understanding the imagery. Look up on a sunny day or a clear night to understand the vastness of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. Contemplate the mountains to understand His towering righteousness. Consider the depths of the oceans to understand His judgments; we can never fully understand such deep ideas. Imagine the tender safety that chicks find in the softness of their mother’s wings and understand the refuge available to us in God’s care. Think about the abundance of a river flowing through dry land and understand the refreshing and satisfying delights God offers. Do these images offer you a better appreciation of God’s greatness?