2nd January 2022

The sweet psalmist

“…David, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, David, the sweet psalmist of Israel…”
2 Samuel 23:1 (NLT)

The story of King David and Goliath is well known. However, David being a worship leader and musician is perhaps not told so often or as well known.

We often see music accompany God’s great acts and revelations. For example, God’s appointment of Saul was followed by the playing of music by prophets, as we read in 1 Samuel 10:5-6: “When you arrive at Gibeah of God…you will meet a band of prophets coming down from the place of worship. They will be playing a harp, a tambourine, a flute, and a lyre, and they will be prophesying. At that time the Spirit of the LORD will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them…”                                                   

In 1 Samuel 16:17, Saul tells his attendants to find someone who plays the lyre well and a servant answers, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre.” (v.18 NIV). This son turns out to be David; so David would play and Saul would be refreshed and well again.

I believe that David’s spirit was so intertwined with the Holy Spirit that it was as if God was present playing and singing.

I can’t speak for other worship leaders, but when I’ve fully committed my heart and intention to God whilst playing and singing in worship leading, I sometimes feel and experience something special. Perhaps something in that feeling is a little of what it must be like to be in the presence of God before His throne.    

Throughout his life, and in all the circumstances of his life, King David never ceased to praise God, and we can all follow David’s example: we can all praise like the sweet psalmist of Israel.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to be like the sweet psalmist of Israel and declare our praises to you, as we are led by Jesus, and in his name we pray, Amen.

Study by Patrick Goodman

 

About the writer:
Patrick Goodman attends the Central London congregation of Grace Communion International, where he is a Worship Leader.

Local congregation:
Grace Communion International
Central London
Indian YMCA
Mahatma Gandhi Hall
41 Fitzroy Square
London W1T 6AQ

Meeting time:
Saturday 2:00pm

Local congregational contact:
Barry Robinson
Email:   london@gracecom.church

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church