Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms – 4-26-20

Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms – 4-26-20

   What makes the book of Psalms so special in our lives?  It isn’t just the longest book in the Bible, with the longest chapter in the Bible (119), and the shortest chapter (117), or the fact that it is the center of the Bible.  Some have said that Psalm 118:8 is the center verse of the Bible, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”(KJV)  Whether this is totally true or not I think we can see that the central truth of the Bible is that we should learn to put our trust tin the Lord. 

   This book is also a key collection of songs of praise.  If our purpose in life to bring praise, honor and glory to the Lord, then we must learn to allow I hearts and minds to worship, meditate, memorize and sing to the Lord.  These Psalms were used in corporate worship when God’s people would gather together in celebrations.  Many were written specifically for certain historical celebrations of God’s goodness, grace and mercy on His people.  The writers vary from Moses, David, Solomon, Levite music directors, Asaph, Heman, and Ethan (The Bible Knowledge Commentary).  Some were written for choir use, instrumental use, and individual songs.  Many of our songs and hymns today take their text and meter from the Psalms.  I am sure if I was to ask you your favorite Psalm there would be many different answers.  Psalm 23, the Lord is my Shepherd; Psalm 119, the song of God’s Word; Psalm 46, the Psalm of our refuge in the Lord, the list could go on all day.  My life verses are Psalm 37:4-5, 4          “Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart. 5    Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it.”(NAS)

   Maybe there is no book in the Bible that expresses our hearts to the Lord, or God’s heart of love for us then the book of Psalms.  This introduction is meant to wet our appetite for growth in worship, understanding of God and His desire for relationship with us, and give us a taste of heaven as we walk through these sacred songs together.  Everything from the doctrinal truths of who God is to the expression of His heart and mind to you are found in these precious chapters.  My prayer is that as we walk through the next 150 devotions together, we will mark, memorize, meditate, and move in precious relationship with the One who loves you more then you could ever know.  Psalms 19:14     Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.(NAS)

   Father, thank You for giving us these amazing songs of worship and praise.  Many times we have been comforted, challenged and brought to confession through these beautiful words.  Truly we could sing and meditate on these words for the rest of our days and still never scratch the surface of Who You are and Your love and plan for our lives.  You have promised to be with me from my greatest struggle of despair and depression to the highest times of exaltation and praise.  May my meditations, songs, cries, and praises bring honor and glory to the Most High.  In Jesus Name, Amen!  Pastor Rob