A Summary Of Normal Christianity Found In The Psalms

By Carolyn Stewart


There is something unique about each book of the bible and the areas it addresses in Christian living. The proposals in Psalms are unique yet reflect the normal life of a Christian. The normal Christianity found in the psalms takes a poetic angle but captures all challenges and triumphs of a normal human being. There are excellent reflections on humility, praise, gratitude, adherence to the law, etc until a person achieves a sanctified 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.

Chapter 23 is one of the most popular and recited prayers of surrender. It begins with recognition of the Lord as a shepherd who provides all a Christian needs. This is a story of a person who has enjoyed the goodness of God. He eats his fill despite the machinations of enemies. Beyond that, he has the promise of eternal life.

The beginning of chapter 121 is a cry but the end is exaltation. At the beginning, one wonders who will come to his rescue. However, at the end, the answer is God, the Mighty one who created heaven and earth. David knows that his protection or help can only come from He who does not sleep or slumber. He also will never abandon him or let his finger hit the stone.

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.

Evil doers sometimes appear to thrive to the point of righteous people envying them. This is the scenario captured in Psalms 37. The chapter warns that the ways of evil doers lasts as short as grass fire. Their prosperity may appear glorious and as though it is unpunished, but it only lasts for a while. For the righteous, theirs is the inheritance of the earth.

Is it possible to hide from the all knowing omnipresent God? Chapter 139 reveals a God to whom man can hide nothing. This is a God who has searched the soul of man and knows his going in and coming out. The chapter is an exaltation of the power of God to see everywhere including the heart of human beings. No matter how far you hide, it is impossible to hide from God.

The book of Psalms captures a holistic Christian life with submission, defiance, praise and exaltation. Its poetic approach simplifies the message and makes it perfect for music. There are also valuable teachings about life that will make Christian living more fulfilling.




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