The Psalmist cries out to God and gives voice to our human thoughts
and feelings. The writers seek answers, as we do. We read and feel the pain
that mirrors our grief. The Psalms praise God through the ups and downs of
life, as we should. If you are searching, grieving, seeking forgiveness, or
praising God, the Psalms will echo in your heart and soul. Seek God in them.
Find comfort and hope in them. The human condition is found there.
The word “Psalms” can
be translated in the Hebrew or Greek as “praises,” or “songs of praise.” Many
of these words were set to music and the ancient Jews sang them as they set out
for the temple. Others are Psalms of lament that cry out to God. Many of the
Psalms were penned by King David, others attributed to various writers,
including one as far back as Moses. We will look at a few this week.
Whatever season of
life, whatever emotion, whether in joy or a sorrow, you will find words you can
use to pray and to praise. The following is a favorite Psalm for many, a
reminder of where we need to look to find our peace and our protection.
I will
lift up my eyes to the hills-my help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven
and earth. He will not let your foot slip-He who watches over you will not
slumber. Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The
Lord watches over you-the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun will
not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm-He
will watch over your life. The Lord will watch over your coming and going both
now and forevermore. Psalm 121
This Psalm was sung
as the Israelites traveled up to the temple of God, a Psalm of ascent. Whatever
the future, God holds us in the palm of His hand. He will watch over our lives,
our coming and going, now and forevermore. Hallelujah! Look up to the loving
God watching over you.
Father,
We thank You for the Psalms, for these songs of praise written
for us. You watch over us, protect us and love us as we look up to praise You.
Amen
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