Thursday, February 2, 2017

Normal Christianity Found In The Psalms

By Carolyn Stewart


The bible has the most amazing collection of life transforming books. Christians can learn something unique from each book about everyday. The book of psalms takes a poetic angle in its narration. The normal Christianity found in the psalms captures the triumphant moments, depressing ones, defeat and exaltation of God. It captures aspects like gratitude, humility, praise and obedience to the law, the basic elements of a Christian life.

The opening chapter is a perfect place to start for any Christian. It sets the foundation for Christian living which is following the law of the Lord. As one follows the law, he is required to avoid the paths of sinners. Beyond doing and not doing, one is required to meditate upon the word. While there is a promise of prosperity for the people who follow the law, the wicked are left to perish.

One of the most popular chapters is 23. It is a prayer for surrender to the providence and confidence in the ability of God as a shepherd. The chapter captures the providence and protective power of God that allows a person to wine and dine as his enemies watch. Because of this goodness, such a person vows to live in the presence of God forever.

Chapter 121 begins with a cry and ends with exaltation of God. David must have been down and almost out to inquire about the source of his strength. He then proclaims that it comes from the creator of heaven and earth, who never sleeps or abandons his creation. This Lord preserves the lives of people he has created and protects them from trouble. His protection according to David is both day and night.

Christians may feel lost or losing faith in their existence. Chapter 42 perfectly captures this feeling. It is a feeling of needing God and desiring to be with him in heaven. This feeling is best exemplified by a deer panting for cool waters. The psalmist even wishes the old days when he led worshipers to the temple would return. This is a psalm of cry during desperation.

The evil doers sometimes seem to prosper while the righteous struggle despite their adherence to the law. This is what chapter 37 captures. It calls upon the righteous not to envy the exploits of the wicked because it fades as fast as it is acquired, just like the burning grass fire. For the righteous, the earth is their inheritance.

Is there anything that a Christian can do without God knowing? The omnipresent nature of God is captured in chapter 139 where David talks about finding no place to hide because God has searched his thoughts and actions and knows him perfectly. He knows him when he is coming and going. There is no way man can hide any act or thought from his creator.

All the teachings and reflections a Christian would like to live a holistic life can be found in the Psalms. The book encompasses a cocktail of exaltation, praise, defiance, submission, etc. The message is put in such a simplistic and poetic tone that makes it easy to deceiver the lessons and thus live a fulfilling life.




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