The Psalms, and Permanent Impressions
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesOne of the wonderful things about such a fine lectureship as we’ve just concluded is the great benefit that extends beyond the week of lectures. We learned and we grew during the week as the lectures were presented, and we added to all of that in our examination of the lectureship book. Beyond that, there are the great impressions made that come to us again and again as we think of the Psalms, and I mean such great lessons as these:
(1) The frequency and urgency of PRAYER! So many of the Psalms, and parts of the chapters, are prayers. David believed in it, and would have heartily endorsed the apostle Paul in urging, “Pray without ceasing!” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). David poured out his soul in prayer!
(2) The frankness and openness of CONFESSION! As David was often in prayer, he was often speaking of his sinfulness, and asking God to bless him. Jesus taught confession as a part of our praying (Matthew 6:12), and any knowledgeable Christian makes confession of faults a part of his regular praying – and he must. We are conscious of falling short, and we stand in company with David in this.
(3) The great confidence that GOD WILL WIN! One cannot help but be impressed with the fact that David spoke of trials, pain and many hurts, but then relied on God to settle it all. There is not in him any idea that God will not, or cannot, take action in his behalf. In that long ago day, David also knew the value of “casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
(4) Finally, the preciousness and power of GOD’S WORD! In many dozens of instances David refers to the Word, the law, the precepts, the testimonies, the commandments, the statutes, etc. Such frequent mention only indicates that David saw value in the Word, and felt that all allegiance could be given to that Word! One certainly cannot read Psalms and come up with the modern and weird idea that “it’s all of grace, and not of law!”
This is only a small portion of the lessons we can gain from Psalms. Let us continue to study the book, for the good or our souls!
THE SOUTHWESTERNER, May 10, 1989