In Praise of the Psalms

Since we have started our Edgemont Scripture Playlist series, I have been thinking more and more about the Psalms and how blessed we are to have them. The Psalms are a very unique book of the Bible. The word psalm can be defined as striking or plucking as with an instrument, a pious, a holy or religious song, or more generally as praise. The book of Psalms is not a narrative book. This entire book of the Bible is a treasure trove of songs of praise, poems of lament, community encouragement, and so much more. As I said yesterday, the Psalms are kind of the original playlist.

Wherever you find yourself today, whether you are praising God in the middle of a celebratory moment or crying out for comfort in the middle of a trial; there is a psalm that can help provide words when they can’t be found. If you have not spent time with this wonderful book, I encourage you to do so. In the letter to the Ephesians, verses 18-20, Paul encouraged them, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Psalms, just like our other favorite worship songs and hymns, can help provide us with language to lift up both ourselves and others in so many situations. So, Edgemont, do you have a favorite Psalm? I would love for you to share it and share why. I will leave you with a favorite psalm of mine that has always given me comfort, Psalm 130:

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;

Lord, hear my voice.

Let your ears be attentive

to my cry for mercy.

If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,

Lord, who could stand?

But with you there is forgiveness,

so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,

and in his word I put my hope.

I wait for the Lord

more than watchmen wait for the morning,

more than watchmen wait for the morning,

Israel, put your hope in the Lord,

for with the Lord is unfailing love

and with him is full redemption.

He himself will redeem Israel

from all their sins.

-Pastor Henry