Testimony of Psalms

When I was a young, single seminary student, I often had evenings to myself. I did fill a number of them with activities with friends and studying. But what I really, really enjoyed was having a “date” with God. Yes, you read that right! These dates turned out to be great adventures at times. We had a zoo in the city and I got myself a season pass one year. I loved (and still love) spending time in nature and reflecting on God and His infinite creativity through creation. I also enjoyed going to the local coffee shops to sit and read my bible and pray. One day I decided to make these even more intentional times with God.

​You can never run out of passages to read in the bible. There’s just so much to learn and so much to help you deepen your understanding of God. Among my favorite things to read are the books of poetry, namely Psalms and Proverbs.

There may be no more beloved book of the Bible than the book of Psalms. I would guess that probably every Christian has turned to them at some point in their lives. And I bet off the top of your head, if you were asked which is the most famous psalm, you would probably respond with Psalm 23. It has been memorized and quoted and read and studied so many, many times! It is such a comfort when we face times of trouble. And I’ve heard it read at more funerals than I can count. And it’s only one of 150 total psalms.

The psalms are a collection of poetry written over time by several different authors. Many of them are attributed to David. They are broken into four or five books and make up the Hebrew songbook. I also find it fascinating that they have survived centuries, unlike some of the ancient Greek writings which have been lost to time. And even though we don’t know exactly what they must have sounded like, we are given clues to how they should be used: some are written to specific tunes, some are accompanied by instruments, and some are to be sung responsively. Almost all of them are prayers. And being prayers, they are a guidebook on ways to pray.

As prayers, they show us how to praise God for His creation, attributes, and character. We learn how to meditate on His splendor and excellence. We learn how to trust Him to love us, provide for us, protect us, defend us, and restore us. They build our confidence in God. Praying the psalms was something that I incorporated into my dates, and I learned through praying the psalms, that we really can go to God with all our emotions, even the messy ones. David really let all his feelings out when he prayed: anger, frustration, depression, joy, and adoration.

I have many favorites. Psalm 1 speaks about the blessings of believing God and learning His ways, and how when you are rooted in His ways you are secure. Psalm 91 speaks about His protection over every aspect of our lives. I have prayed Psalm 91 many, many times, especially when I am fearful of illness or attack from the enemy. Psalm 103 reminds me that God is not only full of lovingkindness, but that He refuses to remember my sins. He separates them from as far as the east is from the west. I often spend time meditating on the psalms, because I need to be reminded of how good God is. We all do. 

When I was single, I wanted my personal devotion time with God to be special and memorable. I wanted it to become something I looked forward to doing. So, when I planned out “dates,” I selected a location, made my dinner or other meal plans, dressed up, and went by myself with my bible and study material. It really helped me sense the Lord’s presence. I could picture Him sitting beside me or across from me. As I prayed, I opened with praise and moved into my requests. I asked Him to open the scriptures to me and to help me know Him better. And He did! They were such peaceful, reflective times. I didn’t feel alone, even though physically I was. But I knew He was with me. I was able to practice listening to His voice and I waited to hear the answers to my prayers.

I’d like to share with you a date that I planned for an evening when I couldn’t go out.

Attire: bright summery clothing, florals
Youtube video: a beach with waves, but no background music (nature only)
Drink: Cran-pineapple juice with addition of coconut flavoring (you can use your own discretion on what kind of coconut additive you use)
Reading: Psalm 104
Goals: meditate on the greatness and vastness of God, meditate on His creativity, meditate on His love for all His creation and His loving care for them.
Notice verse 15 speaks of communion with wine, oil, and bread. This is a great time to celebrate communion.
Verses 27-30 show how God cares for even the animals. He “filled and satisfied them with good things.” I was especially blown away with how God not only provides, but He provides good things.
Verses 31-32 speak of His power.
Pray: verses 1-4 and 34-35 and take time to sit in silence with the sound of the waves while you listen for God’s voice.
Sing: “Oh the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus” from the hymnal

This is just an example, but you can be so creative with your dates with God. He wants us to seek Him and He promised we can find him. Enjoy getting to know Him better. My prayer for you is that you will draw closer to God as you read and study the psalms and that you will deepen your relationship with Him.

​Photo by Moosa Haleem on Unsplash