A Summary Of Normal Christianity Found In The Psalms

4.2.17

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 first chapter presents the best introduction to Christianity with an affirmation that following the law comes with its share of rewards. Blessed is he who follows the law and avoids the paths of the wicked. To follow that, you must constantly read and reflect on it. Prosperity is the reward you get but the wicked will perish.

Chapter 23 is one of the most popular and recited prayers of surrender. It begins with recognition of the Lord as a shepherd who provides all a Christian needs. This is a story of a person who has enjoyed the goodness of God. He eats his fill despite the machinations of enemies. Beyond that, he has the promise of eternal life.

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 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 evil doers sometimes seem to prosper while the righteous struggle despite their adherence to the law. This is what chapter 37 captures. It calls upon the righteous not to envy the exploits of the wicked because it fades as fast as it is acquired, just like the burning grass fire. For the righteous, the earth is their 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.

All the teachings and reflections a Christian would like to live a holistic life can be found in the Psalms. The book encompasses a cocktail of exaltation, praise, defiance, submission, etc. The message is put in such a simplistic and poetic tone that makes it easy to deceiver the lessons and thus live a fulfilling life.




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