Recently I've found myself back in the Psalms more and more, probably for various reasons. I suppose most of all, I love the emotion that comes from those writers. Don't get me wrong, there is emotion throughout Scripture, for God Himself has emotions, and they are expressed in us being created in His image. But so many of the feelings we have, the thoughts we want to express, come through in the Psalms, because the writers inspired by God to write were real flesh-and-blood people, just like us.
Have you ever wanted to shout to God in joy? Or wanted to cry out loud from deep sadness? Ever feel like rejoicing over answered prayer, or felt angry over blatant injustice on display in the world? Have you ever found yourself in utter disgust with your sin, to the point of feeling physically ill, only to be completely relieved by full confession?
I could go on with more "have you ever" intimations, and I hope you get the point. Any Christian being honest, trying hard to live the Christian life, should be able to associate with these and other aspects of the Psalms, because they demonstrate how people went to complain to God, to beg His help, to praise His name, to seek forgiveness, to encourage each other; it's all there. No wonder Israel used them for worship. They represent the humanity of us longing for the continued fellowship and relationship with Him.
My personal new favorite is Psalm 46, referenced recently, where God says "Be still" or "Cease striving." That very Psalm starts out with "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Written perhaps 2900 years ago, could it be any more relevant to us today? As we search and search for sources of strength, be it in money, relationships, careers, fun and leisure, God reminds us to stop trying so hard, and simply look to Him for all we need: refuge and strength that can only come from Him.
Ugly world around us? Yes. Christians behaving in non-Christian ways? Sure. Evil making headway? Sure looks like it. Discouraged? OK to admit if you are. The psalmists did. And they also were reminded that the life with God is a good life, the best life.
What would you say to God if you could tell Him anything? Open up to a Psalm, any Psalm. Tell Him what's on your mind.
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Holding Fast to the Name of our Creator
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