Why Psalms Matter

Why Psalms Matter

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, likely delivered by Matthew Vander Els, explores the profound significance and enduring relevance of the Book of Psalms in the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament. The core message emphasizes that the Psalms are not merely ancient writings but are deeply personal, emotionally resonant, and surprisingly applicable to the challenges and joys of contemporary life. The teaching encourages listeners to view the Psalms as a "treasury" filled with "various and resplendent riches," as John Calvin described it, an "anatomy of all parts of the soul" that allows individuals to connect with the raw and honest expressions of faith from people living thousands of years ago.

The speaker highlights that after encountering the narrative and commandments in the earlier books of the Bible, the Psalms offer a unique window into the lives of those who were striving to live according to God's law in the midst of a complex world. These are the voices of individuals grappling with the tension between divine instruction and the realities of their experiences, expressing a wide spectrum of emotions from elation and praise to anger, disappointment, and despair. Understanding the Psalms as the heartfelt prayers and reflections of people in the "trenches of life" provides a humbling and insightful perspective on our own struggles and our communication with God.

Understanding Genre in Psalms

A crucial aspect of understanding the Psalms, according to the teaching, is recognizing their literary genre – primarily poetry. Just as recognizing the genre of Paul's letters (epistles) or historical books like Chronicles is essential for proper interpretation, understanding that Psalms are poetry helps readers appreciate their emotional and figurative language rather than expecting purely narrative or instructional content. Within the broader category of poetry, the teaching delves into specific sub-genres, namely hymns and psalms of lament, to illustrate the diverse ways in which the psalmists communicated with God.

Hymns: Expressions of Praise

Hymns within the Psalms are characterized by their exuberant and unreserved praise and exultation to God. These psalms often begin with a direct call to worship, such as "Praise the Lord" or "Bless the Lord." This phrase, "Praise the Lord," is identified as the familiar "hallelujah," a spontaneous expression of joy and gratitude for God's goodness, mercy, and provision. When reading these hymns, it is encouraged to recall personal experiences where the phrase "hallelujah" was used with genuine passion, allowing those same emotions to resonate with the ancient text.

The most powerful aspect of these hymns lies in the specific reasons given for God's praise, focusing on His active involvement and relationship with individuals and the community rather than abstract notions. The teaching also mentions Zion Psalms, a specific category of hymns that lift up Mount Zion and Jerusalem, not for their physical grandeur, but because they represent the place where God made His presence known, symbolically bridging heaven and earth through the temple. The emphasis here is that God's presence, not the physical location itself, is the true source of awe and reverence.

Psalms of Lament: Cries of Distress

In stark contrast to the joyful hymns, the Psalms of lament delve into the deeply uncomfortable and often depressing realities of human suffering and struggle. These psalms are not characterized by praise but by raw expressions of torment, fear, anxiety, and a sense of abandonment by God. The psalmists cry out for salvation, questioning God's whereabouts and even expressing anger and frustration at their circumstances, as seen in Psalm 88. The inclusion of such raw and unfiltered emotions in the Bible underscores God's acceptance of the full spectrum of human experience in our communication with Him.

Psalm 22 is presented as a powerful example of a lament, beginning with the agonizing cry, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" The teaching emphasizes that while this psalm expresses deep distress and a feeling of being abandoned, the author ultimately turns to God as the only source of hope, oscillating between despair and a reminder of God's past faithfulness. This back-and-forth struggle serves as a template for prayer during tough times, demonstrating that it is okay to express doubt and struggle while still clinging to faith in God. Notably, Psalm 22 is the same psalm that Yeshua (Jesus) quoted while being crucified, highlighting its profound significance in moments of extreme suffering.

Application for Everyday Life

• Engage with Psalms in Prayer: The Psalms offer a rich vocabulary and framework for expressing the full range of human emotions to God, from exuberant praise to deep lament. Use them as a guide when you struggle to find the words for what you are feeling.
• Acknowledge and Express Difficult Emotions: The Psalms demonstrate that it is acceptable and even encouraged to bring feelings of anger, fear, doubt, and sadness to God in prayer. Do not feel the need to censor your emotions when communicating with Him.
• Remember God's Faithfulness: In times of distress, follow the example of the psalmists by actively recalling instances of God's faithfulness in your own life and in the lives of others. This "resume" of God's goodness can be a powerful source of hope and encouragement.
• Recognize the Importance of Community: The longing for community worship expressed in the Psalms highlights the vital role of fellowship in sustaining faith and providing support, especially during difficult times. Actively engage with your faith community when possible.
• Practice Inner Dialogue and Self-Encouragement: Like the author of Psalms 42-43, engage in internal reflection and challenge feelings of despair by reminding yourself of God's promises and your hope in Him.
• Be Mindful of Your Communication: Consider how your words might impact others who are going through crises. Strive to offer support and encouragement rather than becoming a source of distraction or doubt.
• Find Comfort in God's Presence During Isolation: The Psalms speak to feelings of being alone or "quarantined," reminding believers that God's presence is constant, even when physical community is limited.

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References

Bible Verses

• Psalm 1
• Psalm 3
• Psalm 22
• Psalm 42
• Psalm 43
• Psalm 88

Books and Resources

• How to Read Psalms by Tremper Longman III
• Praying the Psalms by Walter Brueggemann

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