Psalm 50

“From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth. Our God comes and will not be silent” (2-3). The psalmist worshipped the God who is not silent, but rather speaks, shines forth, and calls people to account for their actions. God does not need ritual sacrifices but desires true worship, and he rejects the empty religion of individuals who lie, cheat, and commit adultery (16-20). “He is a God of justice” (6), and he will not ignore hypocrisy or rebellion (4).

“Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (15). Rather than religion that looks good to others, God calls us to depend on him and honor him by the way we live.