On Reading the Psalms

Grace Church Family,

During this time of high anxiety and fear I am finding the daily practice of reading a psalm a day very enriching. I follow Dr. MarkWhiting on Twitter and he also has an excellent blog here:  https://psaltermark.com  Mark is Anglican OT scholar, a "psalm addict," and encourages this practice of reading a psalm a day and when you reach Psalm 150 going back and starting over again. I love it.

In last week's sermon I mentioned an email conversation I had with our own Susan Garrett about the psalms. Last week I sent out a prayer that was adapted from Psalm 94. I loved it. Susan replied back that while there are many good written prayers being shared today on social media there is nothing quite like the Psalms. She is so, so right.

The wonder of the Psalms is that they speak God's Word to us, especially in times where everything seems to be shaking. They inspire trust and faith and adoration of the living God. They also speak for us. The Psalmist's words become our words. We can pray the psalm ourselves.

Today I read Psalm 32. This verse jumped off the page: "You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance" (Psalm 32:7 NRSV). I could not help but think of Corrie ten Boom as I read this. This passage was a life verse for her. (I've been reading a biography about her lately and so she's been on my mind). If you have not read her book,  The Hiding Place, let me encourage you to do so. It is a classic, one of those books to read every few years. The Lord is our hiding place. He is my hiding place.

Or consider this from Psalm 32: "Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' and you forgave the guilt of my sin" (verse 5, NRSV). God is our hiding place and the one who forgives us! Two promises to hold on to each and every day.

I read the Psalms from the same Bible each day. I find that helpful. My leather NRSV Bible I usually keep in the study at church. I have hardbacks at home that are identical to it so that helps me to remember where things are on certain pages. I also use the RSV, NIV, and the KJV when it comes to reading the Psalms. BibleGateway.com is another resource I use if I am away from my hard copies. I have it on all my computers, iPad, and iPhone. I use it each day.

So, start today with Psalm 1. If you begin and miss a day or two pick up where you left off. Listen for God to speak to you. See Christ in the Psalms. Let the words become your prayer.

Blessed reading!

In the fellowship of our Lord,

Clay+