The Psalms. Not a Review, However

The Psalmist has a tendency to strike a chord (pun intended) with those who read their work. The full gamut of emotions can be seen within the Psalter; it is a book the depth of which can't ever be reached.

Yet it is such a simple read. I recommended to a friend of mine who struggles some with reading Scripture, that they consider reading the Psalms. They're oftentimes short, and very approachable. The writers very much wear their emotions on their sleeves. Sometimes so much that it causes us to be uncomfortable, if we're honest.

"O that You would slay the wicked, O God...." - Psalm 139:19a

We read a verse like that, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has thought, "that doesn't sound very 'Christian' does it?"

I can't say I can greatly explain it other than we're called to love that which is righteous and hate evil. We're to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).

But it shows the depths of emotion that people, like David, expressed through song to God.

We too are called to come boldly before the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16), though in reverence and without frivolity before God (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2).

The Psalms are also deep, full of imagery and even prophecy, oftentimes quoted in the New Testament.

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning." - Psalm 2:1, the first part of which Jesus Himself quoted on the cross.

As a photographer and creationist, I love the images of nature presented in the Psalms, especially as they relate to God and His power.

"Before the mountains were born or you gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God." - Psalms 90:2, written by Moses.

Speaking of God and His power, the Psalms are also filled with depictions of God that should fill us with awe as well as comfort. Too long to quote in this format, Psalm 18 is one of my favorite passages on God's protective care, especially verses 6 through 19.

"He bowed the heavens also, and came down with thick darkness under His feet. He rode upon a cherub and flew; And He sped upon the wings of the wind." - Psalm 18:9-10.

They're filled with mention if His power, His grace and mercy, His lovingkindness, His justice, all of who He is.

As I write this, it hits me that it sounds as if I'm giving a review of the Psalter, as if I could ever review this amazing part of God's Word.

No, I really just love the Psalms, and would encourage you to read them from time to time. Perhaps as we head into the Lord's day tomorrow, a Psalm would be a perfect way to ready our hearts for worship.