Foundations: The Book of Psalms
Part 1: Psalms 1-72 | 32 Day Devotional
Whether you are in the depths of
despair, in a long-term health struggle, have just received a miracle or are
celebrating the joys of life, Books I and II of Psalms will meet you where you
are. If you love to study the law, or sense God’s presence most when you are
outside, this series of Psalms wills stretch you, grow you, and let you see how
God wants to be a functional and practical part of your every day life.
Psalm 41:13 (NIV)
“Praise
be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and
Amen.
Introduction
The Psalms are some of the most expressive
books of the Bible! As you read through the Old Testament from the beginning,
you go through the books of the Law and then History. These books are factual,
and let us know how God related to humanity, and how they related to others.
The Psalms, on the other hand, are 150
very emotional, completely individual and separate works demonstrating the
private and public emotions and heart of a people or nation towards God. In the
verses of these Psalms we’ll encounter rage, fear, depression, exceeding joy,
peace, restfulness, thankfulness and so much more.
Many of the Psalms are written by
David. However, there are a few written by other authors. Some of those we are
completely certain of, and others we simply cannot be sure. Regardless of who
authored the individual Psalm, we can see the fingerprint of God as the Divine
Author as themes, and even wording, throughout the Psalms follow significantly
similar threads.
Psalms, quite simply, are songs or
poems. It is likely that in the original language it might have rhymed or been
rhythmic. English translations lose some of that sing-song quality, however,
most Bibles are formatted more like poetry making it visibly different than the
narrative books of the Bible.
The Psalms have been used for centuries
– and even to this day – for teaching doctrine, recounting history, offering
praise and thanksgiving, as well as pleading with God for help and answers. We
may even recognize songs from today’s repertoire in the words we read.
According the to the New Testament the
Psalms are for our practical use among believers. Ephesians 5:19 says, “addressing one another in psalms
and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart”. We see a similar verse in Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to
God.”
The Psalms have something for everyone! Regardless
of personality, position, or purpose this book will encourage us, teach us,
challenge us, and fill us with hope for the future!
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1. Thank the Lord for the book of Psalms that models
an emotional, healthy and vibrant relationship with God. Pray that God would
give you special insight into His heart and
yours as you go through these devotionals.
2. Some people have reservations about a book of the
Bible with 150 chapters, doesn’t have a story-line, and can seem repetitive.
Ask the Lord to reveal any hesitation you have about going into this, and to
give you a promise or picture of what He wants to do in your heart as you go
through it. If you have no hesitations at all, express your excitement for this
journey in a prayer. (Or sing your praise to Him!)
3. Ask the Lord to open your spiritual eyes, ears and
mouth as we go through this to use what you read to encourage and teach others,
just like Eph. 5:19 and Col. 3:16 tell us to.
