Psalms: Poetic, Personal, Prophetic, Purposeful

Most people have a favorite psalm, and Psalm 23 might be at the top of the list with its loving description of the Lord as our Shepherd.  

Psalms is a special book in many ways: 

1. It’s diverse in genre. There are psalms of praise, lament, freedom, repentance, and sadness. (Each of these linked words offers an example.)

2. It has multiple authors, but David wrote 73 of the 150.  

3. It contains some of the most specific prophecies about Christ. (Precious Predictions of Christ)

4. It shows us we can share anything with the Lord without “cleaning it up.” (Is Venting Always Wrong?)

This fourth reason is my favorite aspect of the Psalms. It lets us know that we can come to God honestly, even when we’re thoroughly messed up, angry, upset, confused, or doubtful.
 

In Psalm 73:13, Asaph looks at healthy, happy, evil people and asks God: “Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?”
 

In Psalm 13:1, David asks: “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?”
 

Read those psalms and you’ll discover that they start with confusion but end with confidence in God’s love and purposes. This shows us we can take our raw emotions to the Lord and seek His help in redirecting them.
 

There are many more wonderful things about the Psalms than those I mention here. 

It’s poetic, personal, and purposeful, showing us the importance of both prayer and praise. So I encourage you to read and study it regularly.

Why not read at least one psalm a day. It will add an important element to your understanding of God. 

And I'd love to hear your favorite psalm. Why not share it in a comment?

 

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Read why Psalm 23 is my favorite psalm: The Comfort of Psalm 23.

 

I hope you will also check out my book Wisdom for Life, which features 100 one-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs.

 

It's a great time to buy Wisdom for Life because of the great sales on Lifeway, Amazon, and CBD.

 

BLN