We know that all of Scripture is profitable. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that,
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” NLT
Each book of the Bible has a message for us on how to know God better and how to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
The Psalms are a hymnbook of Israel. The Psalms has 150 chapters divided into five books. Some scholars say that the five books were intended to parallel the first five books of the Old Testament (the Torah), which were written by many different authors. David is the most well-known, but Asaph, the Sons of Korah, Jeduthun, Solomon, Ethan the Ezrahite, and Moses are others who contributed to the beautiful book of Psalms. They were songs of praise and worship to God.
Book I: Psalms 1-41: Psalms of Man and Creation (Genesis)
Book II: Psalms 42-72: Psalms of Israel’s Redemption (Exodus)
Book III: Psalms 73-89: Psalms of Temple Worship (Leviticus)
Book IV: Psalms 90-106: Psalms of Our Earthly Journey (Numbers)
Book V: Psalms 107-150: Psalms of Praise for Worship of God (Deuteronomy)
(Illustrated Bible Survey)
The book of Psalms resonates with me. It is a book of the Bible that exudes worship and praise for God. It is filled with a wide range of human emotions. These are emotions that we often feel and experience as humans.
God wants us to bring our fears, anxieties, worries, anger, praise, and thanksgiving to Him. He is the one we should look to for help and solace. Through the authors of the Psalms, they provide us with the language to take our needs and emotions to God.
There are Psalms of lament. We plead for God’s help, forgiveness, and deliverance in a difficult time. David’s prayer in Psalms 51 is a psalm of lament.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” Psalms 51:10 NLT
Giving thanks for what God has done for us is equally essential to lamenting. God has given us so much that we should praise and give thanks for what He has done daily.
“I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.” Psalms 34:1-3 NLT
Our faith wavers at various times in our lives. Some Psalms inspire and move us to trust in God. A popular Psalm that builds our confidence in God is Psalms 23.
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.” Psalms 23:4 NLT
Whenever I am struggling with life, I turn to the pages of Psalms and let the Scriptures and Holy Spirit comfort my soul. There is a Psalm that will quiet the rush of emotions that you feel in the moment, which is why I love reading Psalms.
What Psalm has been the most meaningful in your life right now?
Reference
Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction by ED Hindson and Elmer L. Towns
Psalm 91 has been meaningful to my life right now. This Psalm is allowing me to let God be my refuge and my fortress in this time of uncertainty in my life. My trust is in Him to see me through.