| REASONS TO READ PSALMS | |
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Clichés are a way of life. They keep us from having to reveal our true selves. Rather than being a vehicle for expressing true feelings, such empty words often cover up the real person. But genuine relationships are built on honest commu-nication, where we share with others who we really are. It is only when honest feelings are shared that real people can be known, loved, and helped at the deepest levels. Often, patterns of superficial communication spill over into our talks with God. We easily slide through well-worn lines recited for decades, or we quickly toss a cliché or two at God and call it prayer! There is no doubt that God hears and understands these feeble attempts, but by limiting the depth of our communication, we become shallow in our relationship with God. But He knows us, and He wants to have genuine communication with us. At the centre of the Bible is the book of Psalms. This great collection of songs and prayers expresses the heart and soul of humanity. In them, the whole range of human experiences is expressed. There are no clichés in this book. Instead, David and the other writers honestly pour out their true feelings, reflecting a dynamic, powerful, and life-changing friendship with God. The psalmists confess their sins, express their doubts and fears, ask God for help in times of trouble, and they praise and worship Him. As you read the book of Psalms, you will hear believers crying out to God from the depths of despair, and you will hear them singing to Him in the heights of celebration. But whether despairing or rejoicing, you will always hear them sharing honest feelings with their God. Because of the honesty expressed by the psalmists, men and women throughout history have come, again and again, to the book of Psalms for comfort during times of struggle and distress. And with the psalmists, they have risen from the depths of despair to new heights of joy and praise as they also discovered the power of God's everlasting love and forgiveness. Let the honesty of the psalmists guide you into a deeper and genuine relationship with God! God's Word was written to be studied, understood, and applied, and the book of Psalms lends itself most directly to application. We understand Psalms best when we "stand under" them and allow them to flow over us like a rain shower. We may turn to Psalms looking for something, but sooner or later we will meet Someone. As we read and memorize the psalms, we will gradually dis-cover how much they are already part of us. They put into words our deepest hurts, longings, thoughts, and prayers. They gently push us forward to being what God designed us to be - people loving and living for Him! -- ooo OOO ooo -- When you want to find comfort, read Psalm 23. When you want to meet God intimately, read Psalm 103. When you want to learn a new prayer and give thanks to God, read Psalm 136. When you want to learn a new song, read Psalm 92. When you want to learn more about God, read Psalm 24. When you want to understand yourself more clearly, read Ps. 8. When you want to know how to come to God each day, read Psalm 5. When you want to be forgiven for your sins, read Psalm 51. When you want to feel worthwhile, read Psalm 139. When you want to understand why you should read the Bible, read Psalm 119. When you want to give praise to God, read Psalm 145. When you want to know that God is in control, read Psalm 146. When you want to please God, read Psalm 15. When you want to know why you should worship God, read Ps. 104. [Life Application Bible, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1988]. |
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