“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord is God! It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him, bless his name!
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures for ever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” – Psalm 100
The Book of Psalms contains 150 chapters, a unique, fascinating collection of poems expressing virtually every human emotion. There are songs of praise and worship, glorifying God the creator. Others acknowledge and are thankful for the safety and protection God provides his people. We can also read poems of complaint, anger, fear, and despair. The words Christ cried out on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” are from a Psalm.
The Psalms are attributed to King David, who as a shepherd boy killed the giant Goliath, and was viewed as one chosen by God to lead the people of Israel. Many books of the Old Testament tell the stories of God’s people as they struggle to understand and follow the teachings given them by prophets, teachers, and other leaders.
The Psalms, however, have a different voice, as in many instances the writer is speaking to God directly, begging for help or comfort, or shouting with joy the praises of the One who is Lord and maker of all. These writings have the sound of an intimate, close relationship between the psalmist and his Lord. It’s both interesting and inspirational to be able to listen in on this side of the conversation.
For a somewhat different focus during Lent, consider reading some psalms, and see if you don’t find some that sound like your voice.
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers