THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
What does it matter if he doesn’t afflict us as he did Saul? Instead, he burdens us through our sinful actions. We thus require David’s harp to raise songs of praise for our spirits, which includes both the melodies of David and those born from righteous living. However, if we engage only in one of these—while listening to the songs but acting contrary to the Psalmist’s example, as Saul did not—then the very remedy may turn into our condemnation, worsening our affliction. Before we attune ourselves to these sacred hymns, the malevolent spirit dreads that we might be transformed; yet if we remain unchanged after hearing, it dispels its fear. Therefore, let us sing acts of goodness to expel sin, which is far more fearsome than any demon.
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Truly, while a demon might not entirely strip us of our claim to heaven, sin has the capacity to completely sever our connection to the Heavenly Kingdom. Sin is a willful demon, a self-destructive insanity, and as such, it is rarely regretted, seldom repented. Hence, let us generate songs for the soul entrapped in sin, drawing inspiration from the entirety of Scripture as well as from the blessed David. Let our mouths proclaim, and our minds be enlightened. Simply engaging in chant counts as a significant endeavor. If we train our tongues to offer praise, they will help our souls avoid unworthy desires. The benefits are substantial, for we will uncover countless truths that are beneficial for us. The Psalms reveal both present realities and future promises, addressing both the seen and unseen creation. Should you seek knowledge of heaven’s permanence, or inquire whether it will transform, David clearly responds, stating, “The heavens... are as a garment, and as a garment shall I wear, and shall be changed” (Psalms 101:26-27). For further insights into the celestial realm, David offers, “He that stretcheth out the heavens like a skin” (Psalm 103:2). If you wish to learn about the expanse of the heavens, he explains, “He that covereth the heavens with waters above the heavens” (Psalms 103:3). Furthermore, he elaborates on the breadth and height of the heavens, asserting, “As far as the east is from the west, He has removed our iniquities from us... According to the height of the heavens from the earth, the Lord has established His mercy upon them that fear Him” (Psalm 102:11-12). Should you be inquisitive about the earth’s foundation, it shall be revealed to you as David sings, “upon the seas he hath founded the earth” (Psalm 23:2). If you seek understanding of earthquake phenomena, he clarifies, “He that looketh upon the earth, and maketh it to quake” (Psalm 103:32). In regard to the significance of night, you will gain insight upon hearing, “in it... all the beasts of the oak will pass away” (Psalm 103:20). When you ask about the mountains’ purposes, he responds, “Mountains are the height of elements.” And concerning stones, he notes, “the rock is a refuge for chirogrills and hares” (Psalm 103:18). As for barren trees, he assures, “The birds shall nest therein” (Psalm 103:17). Inquiring about springs in the desert? “Upon them the birds of the air shall gravitate, and... the beasts of the countryside” (Psalm 103:11-12). What of wine? It serves not only to quench thirst—water suffices for that—but to uplift and bring joy, “wine cheers the heart of man” (Psalm 103:15). With this knowledge, you will grasp the appropriate measure for consumption. What do the birds and beasts of the field seek? Recall what David claims: “They wait for all things for You, to give them food in good time” (Psalm 103:27). If you ponder the purpose of laboring cattle, remember it is for you: “Thou shalt make grass for cattle,” he asserts, “and grain for the service of man” (Psalm 103:14). What role does the moon serve? He says, “He created the moon in time” (Psalm 103:19). Furthermore, God’s creative power encompasses all that is visible and invisible, evidenced by his declaration, “He that spake, and was. He that commanded, and they were created” (Psalm 148:5). On the promise of deliverance from death, David teaches, “God shall deliver my soul out of the hand of hell, when he shall receive me” (Psalm 48:16). As for the origin of our bodies, he reflects, “I will remember that we are as a feather” (Psalm 102:14). And from whence will it return? “To its feathers it shall return” (Ps. 103:29). For whose benefit was creation brought forth? For mankind, as he affirms: “Thou hast crowned it with glory and honour, and hast set it over the works of Thy hand.” What connection exists between humanity and angels? He states, “Thou hast diminished him by a small number of angels” (Ps. 8:6-7). Regarding the love of God, he expresses: “As the father is generous to the children, so the Lord is generous to those who fear Him” (Psalm 102:13). Concerning our afterlife expectations and eternal peace, he articulates, “Turn my soul to thy rest” (Psalm 114:6). Why is heaven so expansive? He explains, “the heavens shall declare the glory of God” (Psalm 18:2). What purpose does night and day serve? It is not solely for lighting and rest but also for edification: “They are not speeches, neither are they words; their voices are not heard” (Psalm 18:4). How does the sea embrace the earth? “The abyss is like a robe to clothe it” (Psalms 103:6). This stands in the original Hebrew text. Building upon what has been discussed, you will also uncover matters concerning Christ and the Resurrection, the life to come, of martyrdom, moral teachings, and core doctrines. In this way, you’ll realize that the Psalms are brimming with boundless blessings. When you encounter trials, you will find profound consolation within them; if ensnared by sin, you will uncover healing; and in times of poverty and sorrow, it offers numerous safe havens. The righteous discover firm support, while those who falter find significant encouragement. If you are just yet face adversity, listen to David, who states: “For your sake we die all the day long, we are accounted as sheep of the slaughter... All these things have come upon us, and we have not forgotten You” (Psalm 43:23, 18). Should your virtuous actions lead to arrogance, heed the Psalmist’s words: “Do not enter into judgement with Your servant, for no living person shall be justified before You” (Psalm 142:2), and you will quickly find humility. If you are a sinner overwhelmed with despair, recite his frequently sung reminder, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, for you are in wrath” (Psalm 94:7-8), and you will rise again. If you wear a crown and think highly of yourself, learn from this phrase: “a king is not saved by much strength, nor a giant by the multitude of his strength” (Psalm 32:16); this knowledge will help you cultivate humility. If abundance and prestige fill your life, reflect on his utterances: “Woe unto you that hope in your strength, and boast of the multitude of your riches” (Ps. 48:7); “A man like the grass of his days, like a sown flower, so shall he blossom” (Ps. 102:15); and “His glory shall not go down with him” (Ps. 48:18). Recognizing that the most splendid achievements—be it glory or power—hold little true value, you will begin to recalibrate your aspirations. In moments of despair, listen to David’s counsel: “Why are you troubled, O my soul, and why are you disquieted? Trust in God, for we confess to Him” (Psalm 41:6). If you notice those who prosper despite their wrongdoings, remind yourself: “Be not jealous of them that do evil:... for as grass they shall soon wither away, and as the herbs of grain they shall soon fall away” (Psalm 36:1-2). Acknowledge that both the righteous and unrighteous endure punishment, yet not for the same reasons. David remarks, “many wounds to the sinner” (Psalm 31:10), while speaking of the righteous, he says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, and the Lord shall deliver me out of them all” (Ps. 33:20). Also, “the death of sinners is fierce” (Ps. 33:22), but “honourable before the Lord is the death of his reverend ones” (Ps. 115:6). Continuously reflect on these truths, for each contains a vast ocean of meaning. We have only skimmed the surface, but if you desire to delve deeper, you will uncover immense treasures. Nonetheless, what has been expressed suffices to liberate us from the passions that bind us. If David forbids envy, grief, and despair, and teaches the futility of riches, calamities, and even the value of life itself, he consequently leads you away from all vices. Let us express our gratitude to God for this, and utilize this precious gift, so that through perseverance and comfort found within the Scriptures, we may uphold our hope and anticipate future blessings, graciously bestowed through His mercy and kindness.