Soaking in the Psalms

I have created a new habit in my life. One Psalm every night.

Right now I am soaking in Psalm 16. This particular Psalm has taken me longer than one night. But there is no hurry right? I can’t move on until I have extracted all the sap out of this special song of David. It’s like an oasis in the desert after spending night after night this week, reading how depressed, anxious and angry David was.

Being in the Psalms these past couple of weeks have taught and reinforced a few things:

• This is the Bottom Line – A fool says in his heart, “There is no God”. There is no mincing of words in Psalm 14:1. It’s not exactly politically correct but neither is my God.
• God is well aware of the evil that is happening on this earth. Psalm 11:4b “His eyes behold; His eyelids test and prove the children of men.” That gives me comfort to know that He is knows.
• It’s good to regularly “check” my words – are they “words without use”? Psalm 12:2 “…each one speaks words without use or worth or truth; with flattering lips and double heart [deceitfully] they speak”. My deep desire is to create Words of Worth that help, encourage and inspire readers.
• God’s words and promises can be completely trusted and relied upon. Psalm 12:6 “The words and promises of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times over.” The picture that comes to my mind is a striping away of earthly things and earthly words. What is left after this refining process? What is of true value remaining? Only heavenly things. God. His Word. His promises.
• God is into preparing, strengthening and directing hearts. Especially those humble hearts that are calling out for their deepest longings to be satisfied. Psalm 10:17 “O Lord, You have heard the desire and the longing of the humble and oppressed; You will prepare and strengthen and direct their hearts.” Am I allowing God the space in my heart to do some preparing, strengthening or directing? Is that what it takes to have longings satisfied?

• The Psalms are full of prayers to be prayed. When I watch and read news stories of injustice and don’t know what to pray I can turn to Psalm 9:12 and ask God to avenge the blood of His people shed unjustly and to remember them. To not forget the cry of the afflicted.
• The Psalms are meant to be sung. I did wonder about some of the depressing psalms – how can that be a song? But wouldn’t you know, someone, somewhere has composed a song for even the depressing psalms and uploaded it to youtube. Take Psalm 13, “How long will you forget me O Lord.” Here is Shane & Shane’s version – love their music! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvPBFdZVasI
• Even in the midst of great distress there is always a “BUT God” moment. Psalm 13:5 “But I have trusted, leaned on and been confident in Your mercy and loving-kindness, my heart shall rejoice and be in high spirits in your salvation.”

Why don’t you give the soaking in the Word a go?

It doesn’t have to be the Psalms. Ask God which part of His word He wants you to soak in for a time each night.

He might want you spend time with His Son and soak in the Gospel of John, learning how to abide and love. Or take 31 days and ponder the wisdom of Solomon in the Proverbs.