The Hebrew title to the Psalms means “book of praises” and the word “Psalms” means songs. There are 150 Psalms and they are separated into 5 books, each ending with amen or hallelujah (see end of Psalm 41). Some think the 5 books can be linked with the 5 books of the Pentateuch, Genesis to Deuteronomy, but I have yet to be convinced that this is particularly useful. Many were written by David, two by Solomon, some by the official temple worship teams and one, Psalm 90, written by Moses. Fifty of them are anonymous and at least one was written much later at the time of the captivity-Psalm 137 “By the rivers of Babylon…”
IT IS GOOD TO SING TO OUR GOD
The same Psalms, probably compiled by the great teacher, Ezra, were still around at the time of Jesus. Jesus quoted from the Psalms and explained how, like other parts of the Old Testament, they speak about himself (Luke 24v44). Some Psalms are mentioned in the New Testament (eg Acts 13v33) and Colossians 3v16 says that “with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to God”. Notice that they should be sung thankfully and to God; not for other people or our own benefit.
I have counted that 86 of the 150 Psalms include praise and 70 address God directly. I suspect the psalmists would always want to be full of praise but the Psalms often start from a place of need. So they express their feelings at the time, the matters that concern them, their struggles, their cries as well as their victories. But how encouraging it is that we can come, like the Psalmists, directly to the throne of grace, the heart of God himself.
RECOGNISING OUR OWN BROKENNESS
There is no doubt that they are meant to be sung; so what is so special about singing? Singing is about feeling, as well as knowing, and in the Psalms we can identify with all aspects of human emotion. A Psalm goes deeper than just singing a happy Christian song; it goes to the place where our humanity and spirits meet. For it is in the honesty and recognition of who and where we are that we can then cry out to the Lord for his help and touch. The Psalms are a treasure for those who recognise their own brokenness. We find, therefore, many declarations of God’s goodness alongside cries for help from those confronted by their enemies. A very common theme is how God is our refuge and strength and protects us in times of trouble.
BRINGING US INTO HIS PRESENCE
We know from the Bible’s historical books that David was a great encourager of worship and he instituted groups of musicians and worshippers in the temple (eg 1 Chronicles 23v5). The Psalms were meant to be sung, primarily, in the place of God’s presence where we can come closer to him. It is true today, that it is often in our worship songs that we sense God’s presence the most but let us not forget to be honest about where we are too; for we still need the songs which cry out from our place of weakness. Closeness to God is possible in every condition of the human experience.
APPROACHING THE PSALMS
Firstly, we might read a Psalm, listen to what God is saying and, perhaps, relate it to our experience or that of others we may be concerned about. Then we can allow, through the Psalm, the Holy Spirit to touch our emotions in the place of our brokenness. Very often, with a grateful heart, our spirits will be lifted up to praise him and, maybe, we might sing a new song to the Lord.
TYPES OF PSALM
Below I list different types of Psalm with examples to encourage us. Let us read the Psalms, think about them, meditate on them and yes, even sing them to Him. Let God into our humanity, allow Him to touch our spirits and draw us closer to Himself.
1. When we want to praise the Lord
Psalm 34 “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth….”
Psalm 96 “O sing to the Lord a new song…”
2. When we need to know God treats everyone fairly
Psalm 37 “Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers….”
3. When we need to know God’s way is blessed and fruitful:
Psalm 1 “They are like trees planted by streams of water,” Psalm 23, Psalm 119 “Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.”
4. When are in trouble and need help:
Psalm 46 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble…”
5. When we feel surrounded by our enemies:
Psalm 56 “ Be gracious to me, O God, for people trample on me; all day long foes oppress me…”
6. When we want to encourage others to praise the Lord:
Psalm 134 “Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord…”
7. When we feel God is far away and not listening to us:
Psalm 69 “Save me, O God for the waters have come up to my neck..answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good…do not hide your face…”
8. When we need to thank the Lord for His deliverance:
Psalm 40 “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock…..”
9. When we see the poor and needy abused:
Psalm 82, Psalm 41 “Happy are those who consider the poor.”
10. When we desire to worship God and be in his presence:
Psalm 84 “ How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord.”
11. When we are depressed-longing for experiences of God like we had in the past:
Psalm 42 “As the deer longs for the flowing streams…these things I remember…why are you cast down o my soul.”
12. When we know we have done wrong and need to confess our sins to receive his cleansing:
Psalm 32 “ Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven… then I acknowledged my sin to you… and you forgave the guilt of my sin,” Psalm 51 David and Bathsheba.
13. When we need to know the greatness of God’s kingdom:
Psalm 99 “ The Lord is king; let the peoples tremble..”
14. When we need to be reminded of the loving things God has done in the past:
Psalm 136 “O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures for ever……”
15. When we need to know God’s prophesies about Jesus:
Psalm 110 “The Lord says to my Lord-sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool”
16. When we need his healing:
Psalm 103 “Bless the Lord, O my soul… who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases…”
17. When we need to know his Father heart:
Psalm 139 “you knit me together in my mothers womb”
The Psalms are a treasure for those seeking God; to those who are thirsty for him. We should not pretend that life is easy or always feels victorious but when we cry out to Him He is good news to the poor, He heals the broken hearted and sets the captive free (Isaiah 61v1).