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.
It is normal to lose faith in existence and desire to be with God. This is perfectly captured in chapter 42 where the desire to see God is equated to the thirst that drives a deer to cool waters. The psalm also speaks to people who were once close to God but now feel as though they have lost it. David reminisces the days he walked to the temple, leading the people of God.
The righteous sometimes envy the perceived quick and shiny victories of evil doers. This is perfectly captured by chapter 37. God is quick to remind the envious to be patient and watch the evil doers being destroyed. In his words, this prosperity fades instantly like grass fire. The patient follower of the law is rewarded with the earth as his inheritance.
Sometimes Christians feel as though they can hide from God only for Him to appear at their perceived secret place. This is the message of chapter 139 where the psalmist says that the Lord has searched him and knows who he is. He knows when he is going in and when he is going out. It is surrender that no matter how far one wants to run from God, He knows everything.
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.
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.
It is normal to lose faith in existence and desire to be with God. This is perfectly captured in chapter 42 where the desire to see God is equated to the thirst that drives a deer to cool waters. The psalm also speaks to people who were once close to God but now feel as though they have lost it. David reminisces the days he walked to the temple, leading the people of God.
The righteous sometimes envy the perceived quick and shiny victories of evil doers. This is perfectly captured by chapter 37. God is quick to remind the envious to be patient and watch the evil doers being destroyed. In his words, this prosperity fades instantly like grass fire. The patient follower of the law is rewarded with the earth as his inheritance.
Sometimes Christians feel as though they can hide from God only for Him to appear at their perceived secret place. This is the message of chapter 139 where the psalmist says that the Lord has searched him and knows who he is. He knows when he is going in and when he is going out. It is surrender that no matter how far one wants to run from God, He knows everything.
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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