One of the most popular books, if not the most popular and well known book of the Bible is the book of Psalms. The word psalm comes from the Greek word, psalmoi, a song sung to a harp, originally derived from psallein, to play on a stringed instrument. The Book of Psalms consists of 150 of these lyrical poems, and is one of the greatest collections of songs, prayers and poetry.
Many times as I am reading the Psalms, I feel as though I can hear the psalmist's desperate cry in the midst of despair or his praise towards God who has been his Sheppard. It is as if I can hear him pouring out his soul as he confesses his faults and sins in shame, but at the same time, I can also feel his uttermost joy as he receives God’s gracious forgiveness. Other times as I read the book of Psalms, I feel as though I am on a journey that leads me through valleys and peaks of deep experiences and emotion that guides me to the praise of our Creator, Sheppard, High Tower, Comforter, and King. The list goes on.
The book of Psalms can be divided into a variety of categories or themes:
Royal Psalms: The Royal Psalms deal with the spiritual role of kings in the worship of God.
Zion Psalms
The Zion Psalms focus on Jerusalem using its endearing name Zion.
Penitential or Repentance Psalms
The Penitential or Repentance Psalms are those in which the psalmist confesses sin to the Lord, asks for forgiveness, and then praises the Lord for the renewed relationship, which God's forgiveness provides.
Wisdom or Teaching Psalms
Wisdom or Teaching Psalms (also referred to as Didactic Psalms) focus on some of the same issues, which we find in the Book of Proverbs. These Psalms present a sharp contrast between the righteous and the wicked. They address God's blessings and coursings and often focus on righteous living.
Praise Psalms
These Psalms sings praises to God and his wonderful works.
Hallel Psalms
Psalms 113 to 118 are known as HALLEL Psalms. These psalms were (and are) recited during the Bible's three great festival periods (Passover, Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles). They are also recited on the new moon and during Hanukkah. Psalms 113-115 were sung at Jerusalem's temple during the slaying of the animals for sacrifice to God. These Psalms are a remarkable celebration of the great acts of the Lord in delivering His people from Egypt. They point forward to the deliverance that would come through the Savior of man, Jesus Christ.
Songs or Psalms of Ascents
Psalms of Ascents or pilgrimage Psalms, Psalms 120 to 134, is thought to have been sung by people as they approached the Temple in Jerusalem.
Lament / Complaint Psalms
The largest and last category of Psalms is referred to as lament, complaint or pleas for help Psalms.
In lament or complaint Psalms, we read strong, deep, emotional words of many sufferers. These are words written by real people in very difficult, painful situations. As I read verses such as, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" of Psalm 22, "Hear me when I call, O God" from Psalm 4 and "Give ear to my words, O LORD" from Psalm 5.
God does not expect us to remain emotionless or stoic as we go through the Valley of Shadow of Death. He wants us to CRY OUT to Him. He knows that as humans we feel and go through deep intense emotions when we are in despair. It is with this deep emotion that we need to CRY Out to God when we do not know what to do or where to go.
God wants us to write our own Psalm. You do not have to be a poet, musician, or even a minister. Anyone who has gone through despair and has known what it is like to feel God’s precious hand guiding them through moments of pain and anguish, has seen God’s glory working in that situation, and felt his presence, has a Psalm in their heart. Whether it is a Royal Psalm, a Penitential Psalm,Repentance Psalm,Praise Psalm or even a Lament Psalm God wants to hear it. God wants to hear more than just a quick soft prayer. He wants us to pour out our heart and soul. He wants our words to be filled with real, authentic intense emotion and sincerity. It is not the tone of voice that makes the difference; it is the desperation of the heart. God’s Word tells us in Psalms 34:17: “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.”
God’s ear is open and attentive to your Psalm. He understands and is concerned. He is willing and able to lift you up from the deepest pit of despair. Many say, well God known what is in my heart. I do not need to say it. Crying out to God, expressing our Psalm to Him is our way of showing God that we are aware that we need Him. It is recognizing that without Him we are nothing. We show our humility when we cry out to God. James 4:10 tells us; “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” The word used here for lift in the Greek is Hupsoo that means to raise to the very summit of opulence and prosperity, to exalt, to raise to dignity, honor and happiness.
Lord as a baby cries out for his mother’s milk, so I cry out to you. Nourish me with your word. Satisfy this hunger deep in my soul for thee. For only you alone can fill me with your presence. One word from you can satisfy my soul and strengthen me so that I can move forward.
