Why I Love and Need the Book of Psalms
Updated: Aug 8
Recently, I found myself "camped out" in a particular psalm for a few mornings during my quiet time. I just love the Book of Psalms. If you were to look at my present Bible, which has been my primary study Bible since March 2016, you would find just about every psalm of the 150 total with either markings, dates, or writing alongside the margins. Some with all three. With each of the Bibles I've used throughout the past forty years of my adult life, this would be the case.
The markings and notes or the repetitive times I've meditated on a particular psalm (indicated by multiple dates recorded) don’t reveal that I’m an Old Testament scholar, or keen student of ancient hymns and prayers, or some super Christian—no, I assure you that I’m nothing of the sort—but just that I came to an experiential understanding very early in my life that I’m desperate for God, in every desperate-feeling, desperate-looking reality I encounter. So very desperate and so very needy every day, yes, even when my life circumstances are faring well.
Our time on this fractured, groaning planet is often hard. So unpredictable. Very uncertain. The Psalms, in powerful, poetic language, speak right into the raw realities that life sometimes brings: Joy is overtaken by sorrow. A companion turns into an enemy. Godly pursuits are hindered by sin. Success shifts to failure. Well-being gives way to sickness. Acceptance is replaced by rejection. Clarity becomes clouded by confusion. Hope battles with despair. Faith gives in to fear. Worship wanes and pulls out a welcome mat for woe.
So often, what we thought should happen... was supposed to happen... even fervently prayed would happen, doesn't.
And what I very much appreciate about the Book of Psalms is that the psalmists talk honestly and openly to their loving Creator about it all.
Throughout my Christian journey, I’ve had many days, and even lingering seasons, when the honest, heartfelt words of a specific psalm—perhaps a verse, a section, or the psalm in its entirety—spoke directly into my challenging situation, articulating exactly how I was feeling. This has always brought such comfort because when we’re going through something hard, especially when we’ve never traveled that difficult way before, the psalms remind us that our hurt feelings, our anxiety about the future, our doubts, fears, anger and anguish, our weariness and weakness, our feelings of distress and disappointment, even moments of depression and despondency, can be, and should be, handled by the LORD.
However, what I truly love most, more than the raw, candid emotions the psalms authentically convey, is the fact that they continually direct my attention away from the heavy toward the heavenly. From pity to praise. From woe to worship. And this is where my mind needs to be redirected, never more so needed than when i find myself succumbing to an earthly, temporary mindset. In such times, the eternal truths of a psalm is exactly what I need to absorb so that the atmosphere of my mind changes.
How thankful I am that the Lord chose to include the Book of Psalms in the Bible. He gave us this collection of God-breathed, inerrant words that herald hope and offer a lifeline, as we journey through this often tumultuous life, which does its best to stir up tumultuous emotions within.
Fellow sojourner, I have no way of knowing what you're specifically facing this day or this season of your life, or exactly how you're feeling and faring; yet, if you're a redeemed child of God, these truths I do certainly know:
Almighty God, your loving Father, is right with you and has never left your side.
His Son, the Suffering Servant, understands—yes, understands like no other—all that you're going through, and all that you're feeling.
His Holy Spirit resides within, ready to assist.
If you need a beautifully written reminder of these comforting truths and more, amid your trying times, don't settle for how you're feeling. Pick up God's Word, turn to the Book of Psalms, and allow God’s presence and perspective to alter your thinking.
And, most importantly, because the psalms always compel us to worship, let your heavy heart go, and begin to worship the One who’s always worthy of our worship. Truly, the psalms lead us to lift high, to elevate and magnify our matchless God, especially during pressing times when the Enemy wants to keep us feeling down.
I believe this is the greatest value of this ancient, inspirational book.
The highest form of worship we can give is not when we're dressed in our Sunday best singing resounding praise songs during corporate worship, as heartfelt and exalting as this can and should be.
No, it's when we're in the darkness of the distressing moment, when we're alone in our hard realities and despondent thoughts, and through the pain, tears, and unknowns, with hands lifted high toward Heaven, still proclaim the goodness and glory of our great God, the One who is beyond worthy of all our adoration—no matter what, come what may.
This is why I love, and so very much need, the psalms.
“As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long—
though I know not how to relate them all.I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord
I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
Since my youth, God, you have taught me,and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,till I declare your power to the next generation,your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Psalm 71:14-19
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