Introduction to Psalms

More than any other book of the Bible, the Psalms reflect our emotions. They range from exuberant praise to the depth of despair with more candidness than most of us would dare. Small wonder that they have sustained believers from the day that they were written. Even Jesus, on the cross, cried out in the words of Psalm 22.

As I have looked back over the notes that follow, some themes have emerged. The Psalmist has written of trouble, danger, unfairness, grief, betrayal, isolation, fear, and anxiety. He has cried out, "How long...?" More than one writer has commented on the "raw honesty" of these psalms. We are given permission to tell God exactly how we feel. Indeed, this is exactly what we should do, being honest with ourselves even when it comes to negative feelings and behaviour we are ashamed of. This kind of honesty restores our perspective. It builds our relationship with God. He is still on the throne. By coming to him in trust, we find forgiveness, love, joy, hope, and patience, and our hearts overflow with praise. Insert here

As I have looked back over the notes that follow, some themes have emerged. The Psalmist has written of trouble, danger, unfairness, grief, betrayal, isolation, fear, and anxiety. He has cried out, "How long. .?" More than one writer has commented on the "raw honesty" of these psalms. We are given permission to tell God exactly how we feel. Indeed, this is exactly what we should do, being honest with ourselves even when it comes to negative feelings and behaviour we are ashamed of. This kind of honesty restores our perspective. It builds our relationship with God. He is still on the throne. By coming to him in trust, we find forgiveness, love, joy, hope, and patience, and our hearts overflow with praise.

Annabel Robinson

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).

The Tree of Life

Have you ever noticed the prominent role that trees play in the Bible? The creation account in Genesis begins with God planting two very special trees in the Garden of Eden: the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. After our first parents' disobedience, we were banned from access to the Tree of Life. But the amazing, good news of the Bible is that at the end of the book, in the last chapter of the Book of Revelation, God restores our access to the Tree of Life (Revelation 22:1-5).

In a very real sense, the Bible is a story about trees.

Here in the very first Psalm, the life of the righteous is compared to a fruit-bearing tree, flourishing by streams of water. The psalmist presents a picture of tranquil beauty. Is that a picture of my life? Sometimes I feel more like windblown chaff—rather worthless and lacking a sense of direction.

But that’s where the other tree at the heart of the Bible comes into play. It stands on a hill called Calvary. There my Saviour bled and died. There, he showed me my true worth. There, my sins were washed away, never to be remembered again. That’s where I became righteous, not by works that I had done, but by the grace and forgiveness of Christ.

What a beautiful tree!

Respond in Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice. Help me to always remember that you are the true source of my righteousness. At your prompting, help me to rid myself of the worthless chaff in my life. Wind of God, blow on me. Water of life, refresh my soul. May I be fruitful, Lord, for You. Amen.

David Kitz

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).