Summary: The psalmist wants God to bless the psalmist's people, that the world might see those blessings and praise God.
Response: I mean, yeah? But we are blessed for much more than showing God's glory as an end in itself. God's blessings are meant to be shared, from time and money to skills and relationships. It's hard, but worth it to get past "bless me" to "bless through me."
Summary: David sees the whole earth worshiping God. He recounts a defining act, when God parted the waters for His people to cross. Even though the relationship isn't perfect on humans' ends, God still offers discipline, mercy, and renewal. David finishes by extending an invitation to that same relationship.
Response: God really is worthy of all this praise. So many times, I'll go through the motions, but I don't want to be desensitized to God's greatness.
Summary: David praises God for His mercy. In His forgiveness, God chooses to gift the earth His abundance.
Response: Yes, I like this one a bit better, not because I'm not challenged by it. You have to be in a certain mood to accept God's forgiveness, and I don't always have that.
Summary: David contends that, even though people try (and sometimes succeed) in hurting innocents, God sees and doles out justice.
Response: And, again, I prefer to focus less on the God who avenges and more on the God who saves. But thanks I guess for the vengeance? I suppose I'd rather a perfect God try to wield it than me; I'd let it get to my head.
