Psalms

Psalms: Just the name seems to have a calming affect. What is it about Psalms that draws us in times of need, or distress, times of loneliness or depression, times of worry or weariness, and even in glad times to this book? I have heard and preached funerals from Psalms 23. I have heard and preached regular sermons from Psalms 23. I guess one of my favorite sermons on Psalms 23 is from J. Vernon McGee. We did a lake service a few years back and the campground was full of campers from New Orleans the week after Katrina and they were not able to return. When the service was over they wanted to recite the 23rd Psalm. I have many times sat down in times of sorrow, depression and worry and after praying turned to Psalms and began reading. It does have a calming affect. Recently we lost our kitty in a terrible accident with the garage door. We were all distraught. After I buried her, I came to the living room and sat down. My Bible was next to me and I opened it to Psalms. My daughter came in with tears and sobbing and curled up next to me saw my Bible open and asked if I would read to her. Some can't imagine what that means to a dad to hear those words from your child. After reading a few chapters she said thanks and that she was feeling better.

So what is it about this book that brings so much comfort to so many? Well possibly because since it is God speaking to us and He is showing us that He cares for us. But I have another thought that I have found to be true in my life. A few years ago I heard Tony Evans say when you are in a time of turmoil and distress, Go to God in prayer and instead of pouring out your complaints and demands, start by praising Him. Spend the "Majority" of you prayer time praising Him. Does God know what is in your heart and what your needs are? Yes, so why spend so much time in prayer focused on that? I am not saying to not pray for these things and make our requests and petitions of God, because I believe He wants us to. But spend more time in praise and worship of Him daily and especially during those times. During my quiet time I looked over the introduction to Psalms again. I found that the Greek word from the Septuagint is Psalms. The Hebrew word is Praise. As we read Psalms we are reading praises to God. Maybe that is why we are drawn to Psalms during these times. I have found that when I give praise to God I receive a peace from Him. What do you think? What are your experiences?