A psalm is a sacred song or hymn for use in worship. Many of them were written by David, the shepherd boy who became King of Israel.
The psalms aren’t full of religious jargon, but are honest expressions of feelings, moods and reactions. They cover the whole gamut of human emotions - from great joy and hope, to fear, anger and disappointment.
The psalmist isn’t afraid to tell God exactly how he feels when things aren’t going his way, or when he thinks that God has deserted him. He doesn’t say ‘I’m fine’ when his world is actually falling apart, or pretend that life is all warm and fluffy when in reality he’s battling for survival.
In this series we will be looking at nine prayers of praise, penitence and petition from the Psalms. We start with Psalm 8, a hymn of praise to the Almighty.
Looking at God’s greatness in Creation inspired the psalmist to ask: ‘What is man, that thou art mindful of him?’ (8:4 King James Version). Or, in a more modern version: ‘When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?’ (8:3, 4 New Revised Standard Version).
Ever tried counting the number of stars on a clear night? It puts things in perspective by reminding us how big and important God is, and how small we are in the great scheme of things. And yet, as the psalmist points out, this same great God also cares for us as individuals.
What we do with that knowledge is our decision. God gives us free choice: we can choose to ignore the redeeming love he offers us in the person of Jesus Christ or join in the hymn of praise. What will it be?
UK & Ireland War Cry May 2013
Photo Credit: War Cry pictures
