Tuesday, July 26, 2022

           Psalms is the longest book in the Bible as it spans one hundred fifty chapters.  In these chapters, you find a host of themes, emotions, reactions, convictions and worship.  Some of the more beloved passages of Scripture can be found here—Psalm 23, Psalm 46, Psalm 121, Psalm 91, Psalm 8 and Psalm 51 to name just a few.  Psalm 46, for example, was one of Martin Luther’s favorite Psalms and an inspiration for his hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”  Psalms opens with a statement about a blessed man.  “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers” (Psalm 1:1).  And Psalm ends with a praise offered to the Lord.  “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.  Praise the LORD” (Psalm 150:6).  It certainly makes sense to say that a blessed life is going to result in praises and worship offered to the Lord God.
            Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, drives home the importance of God’s Word and the life that it brings to those who read it, ponder it, meditate upon it and study it.  We are told, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).  Just a bit earlier we read, “Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89).  God’s Word is inspiring and life-giving when we engage it and reflect upon it.  When we engage God’s Word, the result is always good.  Time with Scripture helps us to recognize sin and helps us to navigate a course away from wrongdoing.  “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).  A Psalm read every day would be an inspirational boost to your life. 
            Psalm 23 is where we turn when we are seeking the familiar and comforting presence of God’s promises and protection.  We are assured that we do not walk or journey through life alone—whether we are roaming mountain peaks or struggling through a deep and even dark valley.  For many people, Psalm 23 is a “go-to” passage when they are facing a trial or battle.  It is a comfort when we have lost loved ones.  When we read the story of David’s life, we can see how God used the situations and circumstances that he faced to inspire him to write a passage like Psalm 23.  David’s life was riddled with ups and downs. 
            Psalm 113:3 gives us a lesson in praising God.  We read, “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised” (Psalm 113:3).  We learn to create a lifetime of praise—from the beginning of each day to the end.  We can consistently bring praise to the Lord with our lives.  Every day brings a reason to praise the Lord.  And we praise the Lord simply because He is God and worthy of the praise that we bring to Him.  Psalm 111:2 teaches us to look deeply into the deeds of the Lord God.  “Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them” (Psalm 111:2).  Psalm 8 begins and ends in the same way, “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth” (Psalm 8:1 and 9). 
            Reading through the Psalms could take a little time.  It is a long book and some chapters are long.  But investing in Psalms is a way to enhance your praise, thankfulness and understanding of God’s character and ways.  We learn to rely upon the truth of Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” Have a great Tuesday!  Praise the Lord today in some way and let Psalms be a guide for how you can do that.  And remember you can always worship and share our worship any time at youtube.com/FirstBaptistKannapolis.