Psalm 52, Honor the Name (5)

Let us meditate on some of the specific behaviors that honor the name of the Lord, as found in the OT.

·       Micah 4:5: For all people walk each in the name of his god, but we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever.  Everyone, yes, everyone, worships a “god” even if they worship themselves.  As to who that “god” is will be seen in their behavior, the fruit of their tree, if you will.  It is not just what we preach; it is our lifestyle.

·       Psa. 83:16: Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek Your name, O LORD. This is part of an “imprecatory” prayer, asking God to deal with one’s enemies.  Shame is what we get when our “god” does not come through for us.  So, the prayer is that their goals will be thwarted, they will be ashamed of whatever or whomever they have put their trust, and instead will seek the name of the LORD.  That’s a great prayer for people we love but who do not know the Lord.  That they will be frustrated in their endeavors so that out of disappointment they will turn to the Lord.  Seeking God honors His name.

·       Psalm 91:14: When we seek God, we can then know Him.  Look at the reward for the one who has known My name: I will set him on high.  It is always a good thing to acknowledge the Lord.  God exalts the humble.

·       Psalm 52:9: I will wait on Your name, for it is good.  The word “wait” is to look for, hope, or expect.  Those who patiently await the fulfillment of God’s word will never be disappointed.

·       Psalm 86:11: Teach me Your ways, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name.  What a great prayer, that God would help us to live our lives to please Him in every way.  We need to know His ways, of course.  And we need to fear Him, to acknowledge His presence in our lives, moment by moment.  Note that he asks God to “unite” his heart in this fear.  In other words, there must be no hesitancy, no doubt, and certainly no resistance.

·       Psalm 20:7: The word “trust” is not in the Hebrew.  Literally the passage says, Some of chariots, some of horses; and we of the name of Jehovah our God make mention (Youngs Literal Translation). Remember the previous passage, Micah 4:5, all people walk each in the name of his god?  Here are illustrations of the gods of men.  Whose banner do you fly?

·       Isaiah 29:23: The LORD speaks of a time future for Jacob (Israel) when they will hallow My name.  Remember how Jesus taught us to pray: Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your name.  Some refer to this as the first request of the Lord’s Prayer.  Others call it a confession.  Either way, it is how we come into the presence of God.  We speak to Him as to a friend, and as to our God.  His name is to always be set apart.