Psalm 50

What does God want from us?

As I read Psalm 50, it seems that it is not a typical Psalm of lament or praise. Rather it’s a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty, righteousness, and His desire for genuine worship from us. It is written like a divine summons, opening with a vision of God calling all the earth, from the rising to the setting of the sun, to witness His judgment. It’s not a judgment rooted in anger but in truth and righteousness. The writer of this psalm paints a picture of God as the all-powerful judge who does not require our sacrifices to sustain Him.
“I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds. For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.” (Psalm 50:9-12)

What He desires from us is not ritual worship or sacrifices performed without meaning, but our thanksgiving, faithfulness, and a sincere heart. We serve a God who doesn’t need anything from us, but rather He wants us.

In verses 7-15, God corrects the notion that He is sustained by our offerings and sacrifices. What was true for those Israelites who read this hundreds of years ago, are just as true for Christians today. He wants a people who offer thanksgiving and keep their vows to Him and respond with glad hearts by joining in the mission of spreading the Good News to the world. This psalm teaches us that God values our hearts and attitudes far more than external religious acts. Yes, He still calls us to give ourselves generously (time, talent and treasure) to that mission and to be sacrificially generous with our neighbors. But remember verse 12 where He refutes the idea that He’s short on money, talent, or time. “And if I ever did need anything,” He says, “I wouldn’t tell you!”.

A Call to Repentance

“But to the wicked person, God says: “What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? Seeing thou hatest instruction, and casteth my words behind thee. When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers. Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.” (vv. 16-21)

In these verses God calls out the hypocrisy of those who speak His words but do not live by them. He warns those who would participate in sin while claiming righteousness. God’s invitation is clear: He wants repentance and transformation, not lip service. Hear these words from Jesus in Matthew 15:7-9 calling out the vain traditions of the Pharisees.
"Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.’”

God is not happy with worship that merely "goes through the motions"—worship that is formally correct but empty of a heart that is eager to love and praise Him. What the Lord wants are servants whose words are evidence of the true state of their hearts.

The Promise of Deliverance Prayers

One of the most comforting promises in Psalm 50 is that God invites us to call upon Him in our troubles. He promises deliverance, and in return, we are to glorify Him. This assurance reminds us that God is ever-present, ready to intervene in our struggles when we turn to Him.… "And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me .”(v 15)

Lord, thank You for reminding us that You desire a heart of thanksgiving and obedience over empty rituals. The sacrifice you require of us is a “living sacrifice” where we give of ourselves gladly in response to receiving the undeserved gift of salvation found in Jesus. Help us to draw near to You in truth, repentance, and gratitude. May we always call upon You in times of trouble, trusting in Your deliverance and praising You for Your faithfulness. Amen.


Credit: Ron Kelley