Psalms - 150 Poems for the Ages

The Book of Psalms along with the concepts of worship they reflect, minister to the heart and soul of man and to God's heart. David was the primary writer of the Psalms; the prophecies in his Psalms were inspired by the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:44; Acts 1:16). In addition, the lyrics of these songs were composed by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (II Samuel. 23:1, 2), as were the decisions to select chief musicians and choirs with the accompaniment of their respective orchestras. (I Chronicles. 28:12, 13). The name Psalms originates from the Psalter, the instrument used by David to play them. Thus, the Psalms are completely unique and different from the works of nonspiritual composers.

The Bible states that David was a man after God's own heart (Acts 1:22). The Psalmist writes of God's creation; the heavens, the work of His hands and then he points to God's master work-- human life. David declares that God is mindful of us. In the Psalms, we find an intimate expression of faith and worship as well as a dynamic spiritual life, we hear the voices of those who turn to God in times of joy and sorrow, suffering and assurance, frustration and praise. Reading, singing and praying the Psalms is a wonderful way of worshipping our God and Savior. Some reveal the deep anguish of the human spirit with all its pathos. And some express the artless joy of the liberated soul.

Often in the Psalms, God is revealed in all His majesty and glory. Our reaction is awe and fear; "Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth" (Psalm 68:32). In other Psalms, we see God to be a caring and loving God who is closely involved with us. Our response in these instances is to draw near to His comfort and ease; I will fear no evil; for You are with me" (Psalm 23:4). God is still God in both of these Psalms. However, we respond in various ways, in accordance with the particular needs of our own lives.

Christians have frequently witnessed to the power of the Psalms to give voice to their prayers and their expressions of praise. The closing command of the Psalms is for everything that has breath or being, to give praise to God (Psalm150). It seems the urge to worship is programmed into creation and that humankind is not exempt from this drive.

Throughout the generations, the Psalms have been a source of personal encouragement and spiritual strength. Through life's adversities, people are at times frustrated by not understanding how to effectually communicate sadness or mental distress. The Psalms liberate us from that frustration.

With laments imbued with passion, simple confessions, troubled pleas, prayers beseeching forgiveness or expressions of pain, the authors of Psalms masterfully express the concerns, which live within the deepest parts of our hearts. In using the Psalms in this way, we can take the initial step towards our own liberation. By these Psalms and by The Holy Spirit, the lonely are comforted, the weary are strengthened, the broken-hearted are bandaged and the faces of the dispirited turn toward their Creator. Hope is reborn, faith is restored and life is made bearable once again.