The book of Psalms is one of the most well known books of the Bible. Most people enjoy them because they are uplifting and encouraging to read. Yes, it makes us feel good, but that is not the point of psalms. Psalms are poems people wrote to praise and glorify God. If you are not led to worship from reading a psalm, then you are not reading it right. Psalms were traditionally used as a way to enter the presence of God (see video below). The psalms were written to lead the reader into worshiping the most high heavenly being. To use the psalms to make you feel better or any other superficial reason (i.e. Instagram Bio), is an insult to the psalmists and the Heavenly Father.
The book of Psalms did not just come about overnight. It took years to develop, and the design of the book is a work of art. The psalms were written at different times and had different authors, yet they form one book poetically telling one story. This makes it one of the most intricately woven book of scripture. The Bible Project does a great job explaining this in further detail:
Over the past summer, I was going through quite a rough patch. I was taken to a really dark place. At some points, I even considered taking my own life. God did not let that happen! God never once let go of me. In fact, He has taken me out of that pit and has given me a new life - one worth living. I decided in September to read a Psalm every day and find something about God that would lead me to praising Him for all that He has done. God deserves praise in all feelings, situations, and circumstances. If I have nothing else, I can still praise Him. I know this truth deeply, and it has carried me this far. I am still amidst this journey, and I hope to update all my notes about the psalms I have read so far. Please stay posted and I hope you end up praising God with me as well.
Peace.
Comments