Day 6&7, Psalms 1-30: Talking to God, Talking about God

Reading over the Psalms the last two days was enjoyable, but I have wondered how to talk about them adequately. Each Psalm is written from a different perspective, in a different frame of mind, and is often most applicable in a particular circumstance (though still good in a wide variety of circumstances).

The Psalms are evidently split into books, partly due to tradition, and partly due to similar themes/authorship in each book. There is no clear-cut explanation for the split/arrangement, although it should be noted that Jewish tradition suggests a connection with the five books of the Pentateuch. The first two books have many of David's Psalms in it, and were possibly collected by him.

Much of the beauty of the Psalms comes from their applicability in many circumstances - a way to rightly express emotion about life's goings on. Whether sad, joyful, depressed, persecuted, happy, in awe of God, despairing at the world, introspective, content, or many more, it is all expressed in the Psalms. There is a verse,
James 5: 13 "Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms"

That reflects in many ways the purpose of the book, whatever the circumstance, bring it to God, talk to God, whether is praise, thanksgiving, petition, in song or prose. The author may dwell on the nature of the circumstance, cry to God for help in the situation, focus on describing God's character, or describe the futility or frailty of man (themselves or others). In all of them though, if the whole Psalm is not focused on the topic there is ALWAYS a turning to God, a reliance on God, a trust in God, a hope in God. Hints of Christ are sprinkled in many Psalms, looking forward to His eventual coming.

It is interesting the focus on 'the wicked' in many Psalms - today we often don't think of others as 'the wicked', perhaps because we don't like to offend, perhaps from our perspective changing to view everyone as a lost soul in need of salvation - misguided rather than malicious. Perhaps because we have lost the idea of righteousness vs. wickedness - influenced by a postmodern society that thinks 'everyone is acceptable, and it's fine to go your own way, have your own opinion, etc.'. I'm not saying it is wrong to look around and have compassion on people rather than seeing them as wicked people working against God - but I do suggest we can learn from the passion of the Psalmist that is frustrated when they see injustice, wrongs done against themselves and others - but primarily against God, and is moved to call out to God in prayer about the wickedness seen in the people around him.

There are many great verses to choose from, but I am going to conclude with two to share from each of the last couple of day's readings:

Psalm 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 13:5 But I have trusted in Thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation.

Psalm 18:31 For Who is God save the Lord? or Who is a rock save our God?

Psalm 26:8 Lord, I have loved the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thine honour dwelleth.