40 Weeks of Your Life: Psalms
09-30-2006
by Vicky Beeching

Psalms is the first of the three "Poetic Books" in the Old Testament, together with Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.

The word "psalms" comes from the Greek "psalmoi", which means "song or chant". The book is a collection of 150 songs of worship. Many are ascribed to David, but other writers such as Asaph and Korah also appear. The Psalms can be grouped by style and theme, falling into categories like "hymns, songs of trust, individual thanksgiving, wisdom psalms, royal psalms, individual laments and corporate laments". As you read through the text you will see how common themes and phrases appear.

The Psalms are deeply valued by the Jewish faith and many are memorized. In the New Testament, there are 116 direct quotations from the Psalms, showing how well known they were to the Jewish community and how much they used them in their dialogues and letter writing.

One of my favorite aspects of this book is its honesty. The words are not the polished religious utterances that many would expect to find in the Bible. Instead, in the Psalms we see very raw and honest words from the hearts of worshippers like ourselves, who are wrestling with the joys and heart breaks of this journey called Life.

There is a Psalm applicable for every season of life, for every experience of humanity. If you are in need of rest, there is the much loved Psalm 23 describing God as our Shepherd, leading us into rest. If guilt bears down and forgiveness is needed, turn to Psalm 51 and read along with David's tear-stained pleas for a clean start. If you are afraid or in danger - Psalm 91 with its promises of protection are exactly what is needed.

A well-repeated phrase throughout the book is "sing to the Lord a new song". This reminds us that although the Book of Psalms is closed and finished within the canon of Scripture, they are songs to inspire us to sing a fresh song today. They are words of worshippers from ancient days, stirring us to lift up the song of our heart today.

May the ancient words of the Book speak to your heart, and may you be inspired to lift up your voice and "sing to the Lord a new song" today!