What are the Psalms?
The Bible has all kinds of types of writing like historical records, prophecy, exhortation, and poetry. The Psalms are God’s poetry. There’s a way for every personality type to connect to God’s Word. And poetry… that’s kind of my thing.
mother’s milk
My first pastor, Larry Dramann, used to say, “The psalms are like mother’s milk.” I love that. Psalms are easy to digest. They are nourishing, comforting, empathizing. The psalms are an easy place to go when we feel our emotions… our joy and praise, our pain and sorrow, our determination to remain in faith regardless of the turbulence around us.
some favorite psalms
When I need comfort, nourishment, and to know I’m not alone, here are some of my go-tos:
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life.”
“But you, O LORD, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.”
“Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.”
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.’”
“The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.”
after God’s own heart
Many of the psalms were written by King David, a man after God’s own heart. A warrior poet. His words written through all kinds of horrible circumstances and great victories were all recorded and kept safe in God’s Word. Western civilization might be afraid of big emotions, but God is not!
Smack in the heart of His Word, He nestled a type of poetry that allows us to find a heart cry for betrayal, fear, fight or flight, sorrow, guilt, confession, praise, victory, hope, joy, peace. You’ll find every emotion there.
types of psalms
There are all kinds of poems in the psalms: poems of praise, thanksgiving, wisdom, declaring God’s kingship, and lament among others.
Tomorrow, we’re going to dive into lament, because its my very favorite! It’s so good for mental health and I can’t wait to share more!
But until then, whenever you’re feeling big emotions of any sort, the good, the bad, and the ugly, know that you can flip open your Bible to somewhere in the middle and find yourself in the middle of good company.
our companion
The psalms are our example of our to bring our whole selves to God.
That’s how we build an intimate relationship with the King and Redeemer.
That’s how we learn more of His character.
And that’s how we know we are not losing our ever-loving minds…
The psalms will assure you that you are not alone. Whether you’re feeling like you’ve got nobody to lean on and “darkness is my only friend” (Psalm 88:18) or whether you feel so confident that “with God I can storm the troops! And leap over a wall! (Psalm 18:29)”
So next time, we’ll dive into lament. For further reading today, check out Power & Purity’s entire series on Psalm 91 you can check out for more and a post on Psalm 103 and singing this poetry.
Til next time… Toodle-loo, and Peace be with you.
If you want to walk in full forgiveness and the full power of the Holy Spirit, here’s a prayer to ask Jesus to wash you clean and lead you in a new life.
If you decided to give your life to Jesus today, please let us know so we can share in your new joy! And seek out someone in your area who loves Jesus and walks in humility who can help show you the way.
If you have any questions, you can drop in comments below. That’s what I’m here for!
