вторник, 7 февраля 2017 г.

Normal Christianity Found In The Psalms

By Carolyn Stewart


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.

One of the most popular chapters is 23. It is a prayer for surrender to the providence and confidence in the ability of God as a shepherd. The chapter captures the providence and protective power of God that allows a person to wine and dine as his enemies watch. Because of this goodness, such a person vows to live in the presence of 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.

Christians may feel lost or losing faith in their existence. Chapter 42 perfectly captures this feeling. It is a feeling of needing God and desiring to be with him in heaven. This feeling is best exemplified by a deer panting for cool waters. The psalmist even wishes the old days when he led worshipers to the temple would return. This is a psalm of cry during desperation.

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.

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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