Each book of the bible has a unique approach to Christian living. The Psalms thus presents a unique proposal on living like a Christian. Normal Christianity found in the psalms can be viewed from different angles based on the teachings of different chapters. This normal life involves gratitude, humility, praise, following the law and many other ways of living a sanctified life.
The opening chapter is a perfect place to start for any Christian. It sets the foundation for Christian living which is following the law of the Lord. As one follows the law, he is required to avoid the paths of sinners. Beyond doing and not doing, one is required to meditate upon the word. While there is a promise of prosperity for the people who follow the law, the wicked are left to perish.
Chapter 23 is on the lips of almost everyone. When David declared that the Lord was his shepherd, he was exalting His providence nature. God is portrayed as powerful as to allow you wine and dine on the table with enemies. Because of this goodness and providence, one will live with God forever.
David in chapter 121 cries to God but closes the cry with exaltation. This is a prayer for a person who is beaten by life and is wondering who will rescue him. At his lowest point, David recognizes that his help will only come from the creator of heaven and earth. In his words, this creator does not sleep or abandon his people. He watches over his creation by day and night, never allowing them to fall or strike their toes on a rock.
It is normal to lose faith in existence and desire to be with God. This is perfectly captured in chapter 42 where the desire to see God is equated to the thirst that drives a deer to cool waters. The psalm also speaks to people who were once close to God but now feel as though they have lost it. David reminisces the days he walked to the temple, leading the people of God.
Evil doers sometimes appear to thrive to the point of righteous people envying them. This is the scenario captured in Psalms 37. The chapter warns that the ways of evil doers lasts as short as grass fire. Their prosperity may appear glorious and as though it is unpunished, but it only lasts for a while. For the righteous, theirs is the inheritance of the earth.
Sometimes Christians feel as though they can hide from God only for Him to appear at their perceived secret place. This is the message of chapter 139 where the psalmist says that the Lord has searched him and knows who he is. He knows when he is going in and when he is going out. It is surrender that no matter how far one wants to run from God, He knows everything.
The book of Psalms captures a holistic Christian life with submission, defiance, praise and exaltation. Its poetic approach simplifies the message and makes it perfect for music. There are also valuable teachings about life that will make Christian living more fulfilling.
The opening chapter is a perfect place to start for any Christian. It sets the foundation for Christian living which is following the law of the Lord. As one follows the law, he is required to avoid the paths of sinners. Beyond doing and not doing, one is required to meditate upon the word. While there is a promise of prosperity for the people who follow the law, the wicked are left to perish.
Chapter 23 is on the lips of almost everyone. When David declared that the Lord was his shepherd, he was exalting His providence nature. God is portrayed as powerful as to allow you wine and dine on the table with enemies. Because of this goodness and providence, one will live with God forever.
David in chapter 121 cries to God but closes the cry with exaltation. This is a prayer for a person who is beaten by life and is wondering who will rescue him. At his lowest point, David recognizes that his help will only come from the creator of heaven and earth. In his words, this creator does not sleep or abandon his people. He watches over his creation by day and night, never allowing them to fall or strike their toes on a rock.
It is normal to lose faith in existence and desire to be with God. This is perfectly captured in chapter 42 where the desire to see God is equated to the thirst that drives a deer to cool waters. The psalm also speaks to people who were once close to God but now feel as though they have lost it. David reminisces the days he walked to the temple, leading the people of God.
Evil doers sometimes appear to thrive to the point of righteous people envying them. This is the scenario captured in Psalms 37. The chapter warns that the ways of evil doers lasts as short as grass fire. Their prosperity may appear glorious and as though it is unpunished, but it only lasts for a while. For the righteous, theirs is the inheritance of the earth.
Sometimes Christians feel as though they can hide from God only for Him to appear at their perceived secret place. This is the message of chapter 139 where the psalmist says that the Lord has searched him and knows who he is. He knows when he is going in and when he is going out. It is surrender that no matter how far one wants to run from God, He knows everything.
The book of Psalms captures a holistic Christian life with submission, defiance, praise and exaltation. Its poetic approach simplifies the message and makes it perfect for music. There are also valuable teachings about life that will make Christian living more fulfilling.
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