Day 153

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Singing Psalms as Part of Worship

Psalms Introduction

Written by at least seven authors of which David is the most notable, the book of Psalms spans one thousand years of Israel's rich history—from the time of Moses to the return from exile in Babylonia. "Psalm" comes from a Greek word meaning "a song sung to the accompaniment of a plucked instrument." Used as the temple hymnbook, the Psalms express the diversity of human emotion—praise to God, fear of enemies, and an overriding confidence in God's goodness, majesty, and power.

Scripture

June 1—Psalms 1-6: Walking and Talking with God

Observation

The book of Psalms opens with a collection of "foundation stones of the faith." The life-giving Word (Psalm 1) is the guidebook that the trustworthy Lord (Psalm 2) will use to direct you into paths of blessing. The foundation of a godly life is sure even in times of seeming defeat (Psalm 3), opposition (Psalm 4), or woeful circumstances (Psalm 5). The repentant believer has the confidence that God hears his prayer as soon as it is uttered (Psalm 6). Morning and evening, through tears of joy and tears of grief, God's faithfulness is unchanging on behalf of his people.

Application

Imagine how much poorer your life would be without music. No hymns of praise or songs of celebration, no majestic symphonies to remind you of the greatness and grandeur of God, no love songs to help you put in words your deepest feelings, no bedside lullabies to soothe your child's restlessness, no tunes to whistle on the highway, no songs to sing in the shower, no Christmas carols or Easter hymns.

Take away the music, and you have taken away one of the Christian's choicest channels of communication. The book of Psalms is an inspired collection of songs—the overflow of human hearts experiencing grief and gladness, pain and praise. Read it as you would a human diary, noticing the author's choice of words, looking for the emotions behind each carefully constructed phrase. As you do, frequently stop to ask yourself, "Does this express the desire of my heart, the need of my life, the question on my mind?" And if you feel like breaking into a song from time to time, do it!

Prayer

Father, Abba thank you that true praying links us to your will. Thank you that praying can touch heaven and move earth. We know our blessings and answers to our prayers come by doing it your way and by your rules all while walking and talking with you singing the songs of Psalms. We are so grateful and thankful for your everyday mercy. In Jesus name. Amen!



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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