Psalms 31-72Sample

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.

The 150 Psalms fall into 5 natural divisions, each ending with a doxology, "Blessed be the Lord." Many in the first section are prefaced by the words "Of David," which may mean that David wrote them, or possibly that they were collected together long ago under David's name. Many of them speak of physical danger, but apply equally to spiritual danger. Notice how the psalmist's feelings often change in the course of the psalm. Prayer or song can do that for us.

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 permitted to tell God exactly how we feel. Indeed, this is exactly what we should do, to be 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®).