PROSPERITY FROM THE PSALMIST’S PERSPECTIVE

Dear Members in Christ,

Prosperity from the psalmist’s perspective

Once again, we come to the time of the year when many Asians celebrate the New Year according to the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. Some also refer to this holiday as the spring festival. It is traditionally celebrated all over the whole wherever there are Chinese communities. Often, we will hear greetings and auspicious messages being conveyed, with good wishes for prosperity, good health, peace and longevity. For those who think that good wishes for prosperity is too material and shows a covetous attitude, it may surprise you to know that there is a mention of prosperity in the Bible too. We read this in Psalm 122 which says,

“Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.” Psalm 122:7

Let us examine this verse to understand what the word “prosperity” actually means, and what does prosperity actually mean to the psalmist. But first, let us look at the key message in Psalm 122. Commentators ascribe this to be written by the psalmist David, who wrote about his love and inclination to be in the presence of God. He begins the psalm with, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” (Psalm 122:1). This was King David’s way of expressing his deep desire to be in the presence of God, to be worshipping together with his compatriots. So, when he wishes “prosperity” he is referring to a locale, in particular, the holy city. The place which symbolizes the presence of God, which is acknowledged as the place of worship.

A. The psalmist’s gladness to go to the house of the Lord together with the faithful 

During the reign of King David, the Bible records that he brought back the ark to the city of David, “And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it:” (2 Samuel 6:17a). Jerusalem became the center of the nation, not only as the seat of power, for that was where King David reigned. It was also a centre of worship, as King David had a tabernacle built for housing the ark of the covenant. Thus, we read of David’s exultation when he sang,  

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.” Psalm 122:1,2

We can sense from the opening words of the psalm that the place of worship which the psalmist calls the “house of the LORD”, and the city surrounding it, is highly revered. There is gladness when psalmist speaks of going to the house of the Lord. Such is the state of mind of a true believer. Such a person will delight in coming before God together with the faithful for he says, “let us go…” and “our feet shall stand…”. Such is a person whose thoughts are on the things of God, and on the welfare of the house of the Lord.

Beloved, let this be our thought always – whatever the time or season. Our first love should be to come before the presence of God, to enjoy the fellowship of Christ together with the saints. Just like the psalmist, we share the common love and gratitude for our Lord and Saviour. This festive season, while we may be busy with festivities and all sorts of preparation, let us be reminded of our spiritual priorities or worship and fellowship.

B. Peace be within thee, prosperity within thy walls

The psalmist expresses a love for God in his actions and his desire. He desires to be in God’s presence (to worship). He has a concern for the welfare of the house of the Lord and the city surrounding it. In the verses that follow, the psalmist urges “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.” (Psalm 122:6). The words “peace” and “prosper” in verse 6 and the word “prosperity” in verse 7 all comes from the same root word “shalom”. This word “shalom” is familiar as a greeting for a host of good wishes such as peace, tranquility, happiness, prosperity, success, etc.

The psalmist shows a pressing concern for the safety, security, and prosperity of the place symbolic of God’s presence and the city that surrounds it, the city that houses the ark of the covenant. For him, prosperity and safety for the city is because of the spiritual significance attached to it, “because of the house of the Lord our God.”    

“For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.” Psalm 122:8,9

Dearly beloved, let the thoughts of the psalmist teach us about our spiritual priorities. Prosperity, success and safety is enduring only if we are mindful of the presence of God in our lives. Temporal wealth, prosperity and success will pass away, the only meaningful peace and prosperity is in a close walk submitted to the will of our God and Saviour. May His name be praised.    

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor