Forgiveness is something that is often hard to ask for. It is hard to admit that we have sinned, especially to God. I don't think this should be a difficult thing since He knows everything we have done, but it is. Similar to Psalm 50, God does not want our offerings and sacrifices, but to realize our sins and come to Him. Why is this a hard thing to do sometimes? Maybe because we must admit our sins to ourselves as well.
The message behind Psalm 52 is that God is in control (and should be!). This time, it is not so much as God in control of our lives, but He is in control of others as well-especially those who commit sins. They may think that they are getting away with everything and relish in the worldly glory and fame, but in the end, God has the upper hand. We should not support or praise this behavior, but rather put all of our trust and faith in God.
Jenni
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Psalm 49 & 50
Psalm 49 is telling us to not put all of our faith and dependence on our wealth and other worldly things. We can aquire money while we are here on earth, but after we are gone it is of no use to us. We should put our faith in longer lasting things, such as God, for He will give us much more than money ever would.
Psalm 50 reveals that the most pleasing thing we can do to honor God is to praise Him and be in a relationship with him. He does not want us to bring Him animals, He wants our honor. While this seems like a simple thing to do: pray and give thanks, it is something that I often forget to do. I seem to call on God when I'm in deep trouble and usually offer some sort of bargain (I promise to do this if...). I don't think God wants us to do that, because it is like a sacrifice.
Jenni
Psalm 50 reveals that the most pleasing thing we can do to honor God is to praise Him and be in a relationship with him. He does not want us to bring Him animals, He wants our honor. While this seems like a simple thing to do: pray and give thanks, it is something that I often forget to do. I seem to call on God when I'm in deep trouble and usually offer some sort of bargain (I promise to do this if...). I don't think God wants us to do that, because it is like a sacrifice.
Jenni
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Psalm 47 & 48
Psalm 47 celebrates how awesome our God is. It praises Him for choosing us as those He blesses and protects. The psalmist reaffirms the fact that God is the ruler over all the nations.
Psalm 48 focuses on Zion, the chosen city. God chose Zion as the city in which He would look over and that would foster future generations of followers. The people of Zion recognize that God is their main defender and protector, and praise Him for that. They let God protect their city and enemies were afraid to attack. Shouldn't we let God handle more in our lives? Give him more control over us? If we did, it would be interesting to see what would happen and how our lives would be blessed.
Jenni
Friday, June 26, 2009
Psalm 45 & 46
Psalm 45 tells the story of a royal marriage, most likely one of the line of David. This was the blood line chosen to fulfill God's prophecy, therefore weddings were very public. The psalm mainly focuses on the king, telling how great he is, and explains the divinity of his reign ("scepter of uprightness..."God, has anointed you" v. 7). I assume that this marriage will be a blessed one, considering it has been chosen by God.
Psalm 46 has been one of the easiest psalms for me to understand. We should turn to God in times of trouble, He is "our refuge and strength" (v. 1). Despite what else may be going on around us, we can rely on God to provide a sense of peace and calm. The Psalm reminds us of how powerful God is-if He can do all that, then surely He will be able to look after and provide for us. The line "Be still, and know that I am God" (v. 10) is something I often forget to do. I get so caught up in trying to figure out what God wants me to do, that I miss it. Then after not seeing or hearing, I give up and try to figure things out on my own. It is not often that I really listen, and wait for Him to answer.
Jenni
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Psalm 43 & 44
Psalm 43 is somewhat a continuation of Psalm 42. This man has been turned away from God and the sanctuary, and is asking for His "light" and his "truth" (v. 3) to lead him back. This is something that I often forget to do, ask for God's guidance. He is the perfect leader, yet sometimes I prefer to handle it on my own, or find my own way.
Psalm 44 is a plea for God's help. I found verses 9 through 16 interesting, as they oppose the tone in the beginning of the psalm. They seem to be 'blaming' God for all the bad things that have happened to them. It is so easy to blame God for the bad that has happened in our lives, and to turn away from Him. The last stanzas of the psalm remind us that we should not be turned away from God in hard times, it is then that we need Him most. I like verse 23, "Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord? Rouse yourself!" As if God were sleeping instead of watching over us. Although this seems a little ridiculous thinking about it now, I know there have been times when I feel like God has left me. I think this psalm is an example of how things will work on God's time, which isn't always the same as our time.
Jenni
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Psalm 41 & 42
Psalm 41 is the closing Psalm of Book One. It is the prayer of one who is suffering and is asking for God's help. This man has been dutiful, he has "consider[ed] the poor (v.1)" as Christians are called to do, and is now calling upon God to watch over him. He has also been betrayed by his friends, who wish he were dead, and say evil things behind his back. His friend who "ate [his] bread, has lifted his heel against [him] (v.9)." This reminds me of Jesus being betrayed. He was betrayed by those who broke bread with him at the Last Supper, who said to be his true friends.
Psalm 42 is a reflection of wanting to come back to worship and to share a relationship with God. It mentions the importance of going back "to the house of God (v. 4)," or sanctuary. The psalmist has been torn away from praising God in church for reasons outside himself-mainly from influence of others. He recognizes that something is missing in his life, and is now calling on God to make his presence in his life known again.
It's easy for me to want to sleep in on a Sunday, after a long weekend or being up late on Saturday. I notice, though, that even after missing just one Sunday, my whole week feels off. For me, going to church on Sundays is a fresh start to my week. I enjoy hearing the sermon that is preached and worshiping with my family of faith.
Jenni
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Psalm 39 & 40
Psalm 39 reminds us how fragile our life is, and how powerful God is in making it end or last. The writer of this psalm opens by stating how gentle and cautious he is when speaking around those who don't believe, and just how hard that is. He wants to know his end, and prays that God will show it to him, for he doesn't understand the point of living like this anymore. He puts all trust and hope in the Lord and waits on the day of his deliverance.
Psalm 40 mentions how our faith in God can lead others to believe. "He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord (v. 3)." People follow by example, and I believe if outsiders see us praising and thanking a God who works miracles, they will want to be a part of it.
Jenni
Monday, June 22, 2009
Psalm 37 & 38
As Christians, we are called to do certain things and act in certain ways. It is easy to look and see what others have and want it, too. "Do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." We must recognize HOW they get what they have though. Are they doing it with God's glory at the forefront? Or are they cheating and lying their way to the top? Tithing is something that I believe God expects of us. It is hard sometimes though-especially if there is something I want, like a new pair of shoes. Wouldn't it be easy to just skip tithing this one time. I constantly have to remind myself what I am living for. It is for Him, not for me. Our good deeds will be rewarded in the end. We have to look past the immediate result and to the future.
Jenni
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Psalm 35 & 36
These Psalms are asking that we pray for those who persecute us, to call upon God when dealing with the wicked. God will fight our battles if we call upon Him, we should not try and do so on our own, or else we are giving in to un-Christianlike behavior.
I find it very hard to pray for those who get on my nerves, or are mean and rude to me. It is hard for me to offer that to God, because sometimes that response does not come as quickly as I would like it to. Instead I find myself wanting to say a few choice words and getting an immediate reaction/result. But what am I really doing? Going against God's will and relying on myself rather than Him. Although retaliation is an easy way to 'get back' at people, it is not what we are being called to do. God wants us to fight for us, but in order for Him to do so, we must first let Him know what our troubles are.
Jenni
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Psalm 33 & 34
Since I don't wake up as early as Ken, I will usually post in the evening.
Both Psalm 33 and 34 are calling us to see how good the Lord is. We are called to offer praise to the Lord and thank Him for all the good things He has done.
I am now on the mission trip in Louisiana and it is the perfect setting to see just how good our God is. It's amazing to see over 100 people take a week off of their lives-working in high temperatures and humidity for someone else!
In addition to these Psalms telling how great the Lord is, they also reflect upon the fact that times of trial will occur, and bad things will happen. It is then that we should call upon God and realize that immediate satisfaction may not be granted, but rather we are given eternal life and offered protection from condemnation.
Jenni
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
June 17
Psalm 29 & 30
Many Psalms give praises to God. These Psalms of praise are models for our prayer. When we give praise to God it gives shape to our understanding of the world. The praise reminds us that God is the creator and we are the creation. Life goes better when we remember the order of creation.
Praise also focuses our attention on what is good and beautiful in life. Paul writes in Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Something very good happens in our lives when we think on these things worthy of praise.
I leave for Kenya tomorrow. Jenni will be writing the devotional blog while I am gone.
Many Psalms give praises to God. These Psalms of praise are models for our prayer. When we give praise to God it gives shape to our understanding of the world. The praise reminds us that God is the creator and we are the creation. Life goes better when we remember the order of creation.
Praise also focuses our attention on what is good and beautiful in life. Paul writes in Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Something very good happens in our lives when we think on these things worthy of praise.
I leave for Kenya tomorrow. Jenni will be writing the devotional blog while I am gone.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
June 16
Psalm 27 & 28
The Psalmist never tries to hide that he has problems. Whether the problem is with evil men (27:2) or with a silent God (28:1), the Psalmist just lays the problem out before God. Yet no matter the problem, by the end of the chapter he is expressing confidence in the Lord to be with him, (27:13-14 & 28:8-9).
What he models for us is a healthy way to pray. A style of prayer that acknowledges the struggles and difficulties of life. A style of prayer that with confidence invites God into the midst of our problems. A style of prayer that we are to follow.
The Psalmist never tries to hide that he has problems. Whether the problem is with evil men (27:2) or with a silent God (28:1), the Psalmist just lays the problem out before God. Yet no matter the problem, by the end of the chapter he is expressing confidence in the Lord to be with him, (27:13-14 & 28:8-9).
What he models for us is a healthy way to pray. A style of prayer that acknowledges the struggles and difficulties of life. A style of prayer that with confidence invites God into the midst of our problems. A style of prayer that we are to follow.
Monday, June 15, 2009
June 15 - Psalm 25 & 26
Psalm 25 & 26
Psalm 25 tells us over and over that the Lord wants to give us guidance in life. The Lord instructs sinners (verse 9), guides the humble (verse 10), and the one who fears the Lord (verse 12). The Lord wants to guide us.
The primary way the Lord guides us is through scripture. Scripture has been used for centuries to give guidance to those who follow God. As we read scripture who grow to know who God is and how God calls us to live. This understanding gives us guidance in how to live as God's people in the situations we encounter. We will encounter particular situations that the Bible is silent about but if we understand the character of God, we will know how to respond to the situation.
Psalm 25 tells us over and over that the Lord wants to give us guidance in life. The Lord instructs sinners (verse 9), guides the humble (verse 10), and the one who fears the Lord (verse 12). The Lord wants to guide us.
The primary way the Lord guides us is through scripture. Scripture has been used for centuries to give guidance to those who follow God. As we read scripture who grow to know who God is and how God calls us to live. This understanding gives us guidance in how to live as God's people in the situations we encounter. We will encounter particular situations that the Bible is silent about but if we understand the character of God, we will know how to respond to the situation.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
June 13 - Psalm 23 & 24
Psalm 23 & 24
As I read these two Psalms this morning, I felt my spirit being lifted.
The 23 Psalm has a sense of reassurance in it. Images like God being with me "in the valley of the shadow of death" and phrases like "goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" provide a sense of God's continual presence. I am never alone.
The 24 Psalm repeats the line "Lift up your head". Why do we lift up our heads, to see that "the Lord Almighty is the King of glory." A simple reminder of the greatness of God. A great God who cares about me.
As I read these two Psalms this morning, I felt my spirit being lifted.
The 23 Psalm has a sense of reassurance in it. Images like God being with me "in the valley of the shadow of death" and phrases like "goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" provide a sense of God's continual presence. I am never alone.
The 24 Psalm repeats the line "Lift up your head". Why do we lift up our heads, to see that "the Lord Almighty is the King of glory." A simple reminder of the greatness of God. A great God who cares about me.
Friday, June 12, 2009
June 12
Psalm 21 & 22
"My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"
The Psalmist first writes these words, Jesus quotes them on the cross (Matthew 27:46). They are powerful words that express the feeling of abandonment. Did God abandon Jesus on the cross? Or was the pain so great it felt as if he were abandoned? Sometimes what I feel is not not the truth of the moment.
"My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"
The Psalmist first writes these words, Jesus quotes them on the cross (Matthew 27:46). They are powerful words that express the feeling of abandonment. Did God abandon Jesus on the cross? Or was the pain so great it felt as if he were abandoned? Sometimes what I feel is not not the truth of the moment.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
June 11 - Psalm 19 & 20
Psalm 19 & 20
"The heavens declare the glory of God"
I don't know about your neighborhood but ours went hours without electricity. Trees are down everywhere. We lost about half of a huge tree in our backyard. Fortunately, it feel beside our house, not on our house. I am always amazed at how helpless we are against storms. We just have to wait until they have finished and then all we can do is clean up the mess.
Storms remind me of my place in the universe. They remind me that while I think I have control, I really have very little. They remind me that there is really only one who has control, the Lord God Almighty.
"The heavens declare the glory of God"
I don't know about your neighborhood but ours went hours without electricity. Trees are down everywhere. We lost about half of a huge tree in our backyard. Fortunately, it feel beside our house, not on our house. I am always amazed at how helpless we are against storms. We just have to wait until they have finished and then all we can do is clean up the mess.
Storms remind me of my place in the universe. They remind me that while I think I have control, I really have very little. They remind me that there is really only one who has control, the Lord God Almighty.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
June 10 - Psalm 17 & 18
Psalm 17 & 18
"I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
The first two verses of chapter 18 declare the foundation of the Psalmist's life. What is the foundation of your life?
"I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
The first two verses of chapter 18 declare the foundation of the Psalmist's life. What is the foundation of your life?
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
June 9 -
Psalm 15 & 16
Psalm 15 speaks of the blameless person, the person that is righteous. Then it lists some characteristices of the blameless person:
"speaks the truth from his heart"
"has no slander on his tongue"
does his neighbor no wrong"
"casts no slur on his fellowmen"
"despises a vile man"
"honors those who fear the Lord"
"keeps his oath"
"lends his money without usury"
"does not accept a bribe against the innocent"
Do these lines describe your life?
Psalm 15 speaks of the blameless person, the person that is righteous. Then it lists some characteristices of the blameless person:
"speaks the truth from his heart"
"has no slander on his tongue"
does his neighbor no wrong"
"casts no slur on his fellowmen"
"despises a vile man"
"honors those who fear the Lord"
"keeps his oath"
"lends his money without usury"
"does not accept a bribe against the innocent"
Do these lines describe your life?
Monday, June 8, 2009
June 8
June 8 - Psalm 13 & 14
The trust expressed in chapter 13 is amazing. The writer feels forgotten by God, as if God is hiding from him. Yet, he still expresses trust in God's "unfailing love". Questions, doubts are part of the life of faith. Great trust is not expressed when everything is perfect. Great trust comes when we have questions but still act on that trust.
The trust expressed in chapter 13 is amazing. The writer feels forgotten by God, as if God is hiding from him. Yet, he still expresses trust in God's "unfailing love". Questions, doubts are part of the life of faith. Great trust is not expressed when everything is perfect. Great trust comes when we have questions but still act on that trust.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
June 6
June 6 - Psalm 11 & 12
"Help Lord, for the godly are no more"
The Psalmist feels as if the righteous have all left God. Everyone lies or speaks with deception. He alone remains faithful. In this moment he feels alone, except that God is with him. Everyone else has failed him, but God remains with him. When it feels we have been abandoned or betrayed by all, we can know that God will always be there.
"Help Lord, for the godly are no more"
The Psalmist feels as if the righteous have all left God. Everyone lies or speaks with deception. He alone remains faithful. In this moment he feels alone, except that God is with him. Everyone else has failed him, but God remains with him. When it feels we have been abandoned or betrayed by all, we can know that God will always be there.
Friday, June 5, 2009
June 5 - Psalm 9 & 10
The difference in these two Psalms is amazing.
Compare the first verse in the chapters. 9:1 "I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders." 10:1 "Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?" Chapter 9 praises God, chapter 10 challenges God.
One of the lessons of Psalms is that in prayer we can be open and honest with God. There are days when our focus is praising God, recounting all the ways that God has blessed us. As Americans we have so much that we take for granted, this is a great practice for us. Just give God praise for all that God has done. There are other days, however, when life builds up and we wonder where God is. Chapter 10 models for us how to pray such a prayer. We do not need to try to hide our feelings and frustrations from God.
Compare the first verse in the chapters. 9:1 "I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders." 10:1 "Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?" Chapter 9 praises God, chapter 10 challenges God.
One of the lessons of Psalms is that in prayer we can be open and honest with God. There are days when our focus is praising God, recounting all the ways that God has blessed us. As Americans we have so much that we take for granted, this is a great practice for us. Just give God praise for all that God has done. There are other days, however, when life builds up and we wonder where God is. Chapter 10 models for us how to pray such a prayer. We do not need to try to hide our feelings and frustrations from God.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
June 4
Psalm 7 & 8
Sections of Psalm 8 are widely quoted. I have pulled out a few of the lines and made comments after them..
"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"
Praise is given to the name of God!
"When I consider your heavens, "
Sometimes we take our world for granted. We forget how wonderfully made this planet
is. Are there parts of your life that you are taking for granted at this moment?
"what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?"
Imagine in all of the universe, God pays attention to and cares for us.
"You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:"
Think of the responsibility that God has given us. We are the rulers over this planet. I
believe that also means we are responsibile for caring for what God has given us.
"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"
He concludes with praise. God is worthy of our praise. When we praise God, it changes us.
Sections of Psalm 8 are widely quoted. I have pulled out a few of the lines and made comments after them..
"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"
Praise is given to the name of God!
"When I consider your heavens, "
Sometimes we take our world for granted. We forget how wonderfully made this planet
is. Are there parts of your life that you are taking for granted at this moment?
"what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?"
Imagine in all of the universe, God pays attention to and cares for us.
"You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:"
Think of the responsibility that God has given us. We are the rulers over this planet. I
believe that also means we are responsibile for caring for what God has given us.
"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"
He concludes with praise. God is worthy of our praise. When we praise God, it changes us.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
June 3
Psalm 5 & 6
"But let all who take refuge in you be glad:"
What does it mean to take refuge in God? When I think of refuge, I think of a place of security, safety, a place to go in the midst of a storm. When I consider taking refuge in God, it means that I turn my attention to God.
This morning I am up earlier than normal. I have had a growing unease about a particular issue I have been working on at church. I woke in the middle of the night and could not stop thinking about the problem. This seldom happens to me. I tried to pray, but there were too many thoughts floating in my head. So I got up, wrote out my thoughts and then I began to pray. Once I got it all written, it was much easier to pray. Not because I had a solution but because I had a better grasp of the problem. It made it much easier to say to God, here is my struggle, what should I do? I found refuge in that I could name the storm and turn my attention away from the storm to the presence of God. I have found a refuge in God in the midst of my unease.
"But let all who take refuge in you be glad:"
What does it mean to take refuge in God? When I think of refuge, I think of a place of security, safety, a place to go in the midst of a storm. When I consider taking refuge in God, it means that I turn my attention to God.
This morning I am up earlier than normal. I have had a growing unease about a particular issue I have been working on at church. I woke in the middle of the night and could not stop thinking about the problem. This seldom happens to me. I tried to pray, but there were too many thoughts floating in my head. So I got up, wrote out my thoughts and then I began to pray. Once I got it all written, it was much easier to pray. Not because I had a solution but because I had a better grasp of the problem. It made it much easier to say to God, here is my struggle, what should I do? I found refuge in that I could name the storm and turn my attention away from the storm to the presence of God. I have found a refuge in God in the midst of my unease.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
June 2 - Psalm 3 & 4
June 2 - Psalm 3 & 4
Psalm 4 is a lament. A lament is basically a compliant. In a lament the Psalmist expresses to God his displeasure with something in life. In verse one he complains that God is not answering or responding to his prayers. He is being honest with God. Remember, prayer is about relationship. How can we have relationship if we are not honest?
Laments are seen as model prayers for us. They teach us that it is appropriate to take our frustrations, disappointments, anger, or despair to God in prayer. What is crucial about laments, is the prayers don't stay in that disappointment. By the conclusion of every lament, the author is expressing confidence in God. In Psalm 4, it begins with asking why God does not answer him but concludes with knowing God is with him.
When life is difficult, the Psalms give us an example of how to pray. They teach us to freely express ourselves to God, as if we could actually hide anything from God, in a manner that opens us to the healing power of God.
Psalm 4 is a lament. A lament is basically a compliant. In a lament the Psalmist expresses to God his displeasure with something in life. In verse one he complains that God is not answering or responding to his prayers. He is being honest with God. Remember, prayer is about relationship. How can we have relationship if we are not honest?
Laments are seen as model prayers for us. They teach us that it is appropriate to take our frustrations, disappointments, anger, or despair to God in prayer. What is crucial about laments, is the prayers don't stay in that disappointment. By the conclusion of every lament, the author is expressing confidence in God. In Psalm 4, it begins with asking why God does not answer him but concludes with knowing God is with him.
When life is difficult, the Psalms give us an example of how to pray. They teach us to freely express ourselves to God, as if we could actually hide anything from God, in a manner that opens us to the healing power of God.
Monday, June 1, 2009
June 1
June 1 - Psalm 1 & 2
This summer we will read the book of Psalms. Most days there will be two Psalms to read.
The Psalms are a collection of writings that were used in Israel's worship. There were written over the centuries. "The Psalms reflect the stylistic characteristics of Hebrew poetry, i.e., repetition, parallelism and vivid imagery. The moods of the psalms embrace the whole range of human experience from exuberant praise (Ps. 145) to despair (Ps. 42); from intense anger (Ps. 137) and doubt about God's care (Ps. 73) to hope for a future based precisely upon God's care(Ps. 23). They can help us express emotions that otherwise we might not have the words for, or feel right about. The Psalms catch the reality of our up-and-down-relationship to God, but they also move us steadily along the path of knowing God." (Serendipity Bible for Groups, page 744)
As you read each Psalm pay attention to the emotion it is expressing. Notice how even the ones that express despair, always turn back to God in the end.
"Blessed is the man....But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his he meditates day and night."
Our lives are blessed as they are open to scripture. Scripture is our basic connection to God.
This summer we will read the book of Psalms. Most days there will be two Psalms to read.
The Psalms are a collection of writings that were used in Israel's worship. There were written over the centuries. "The Psalms reflect the stylistic characteristics of Hebrew poetry, i.e., repetition, parallelism and vivid imagery. The moods of the psalms embrace the whole range of human experience from exuberant praise (Ps. 145) to despair (Ps. 42); from intense anger (Ps. 137) and doubt about God's care (Ps. 73) to hope for a future based precisely upon God's care(Ps. 23). They can help us express emotions that otherwise we might not have the words for, or feel right about. The Psalms catch the reality of our up-and-down-relationship to God, but they also move us steadily along the path of knowing God." (Serendipity Bible for Groups, page 744)
As you read each Psalm pay attention to the emotion it is expressing. Notice how even the ones that express despair, always turn back to God in the end.
"Blessed is the man....But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his he meditates day and night."
Our lives are blessed as they are open to scripture. Scripture is our basic connection to God.
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