A Preview Of Normal Christianity Found In The Psalms

By Carolyn Stewart


There is something unique about each book of the bible and the areas it addresses in Christian living. The proposals in Psalms are unique yet reflect the normal life of a Christian. The normal Christianity found in the psalms takes a poetic angle but captures all challenges and triumphs of a normal human being. There are excellent reflections on humility, praise, gratitude, adherence to the law, etc until a person achieves a sanctified life.

The introduction is captivating with the declaration that blessed is he who follows the law of God other than keeping company of sinners. It is a call for Christians to regard the book as delivering the law. A Christian is called upon to medicate on these laws. Those who follow the law enjoy the rewards of prosperity while the evil doers 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.

The beginning of chapter 121 is a cry but the end is exaltation. At the beginning, one wonders who will come to his rescue. However, at the end, the answer is God, the Mighty one who created heaven and earth. David knows that his protection or help can only come from He who does not sleep or slumber. He also will never abandon him or let his finger hit the stone.

Christians sometimes feel abandoned or lost in the world. This is the basis of chapter 42 which equates the desire to be one with God to that of a deer panting for cool waters. The psalmist even reminisces days he used to feel close to God to the point of leading praises in the temple. It is a cry for rescue, giving Christians the right words to cry to God when that time comes.

The righteous sometimes envy the perceived quick and shiny victories of evil doers. This is perfectly captured by chapter 37. God is quick to remind the envious to be patient and watch the evil doers being destroyed. In his words, this prosperity fades instantly like grass fire. The patient follower of the law is rewarded with the earth as his inheritance.

Is it possible to hide from the all knowing omnipresent God? Chapter 139 reveals a God to whom man can hide nothing. This is a God who has searched the soul of man and knows his going in and coming out. The chapter is an exaltation of the power of God to see everywhere including the heart of human beings. No matter how far you hide, it is impossible to hide from God.

A holistic life is a matter of reflections on His commands and nature of God. The book of psalms presents the instances of praise, exaltation, submission and desperation, all of which are instances one encounters in life. The psalmist is very poetic and takes a simplistic approach with great lessons to learn in order to get a fulfilling life.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment