Bible Studies

---

Foreword


The Old Testament Book of Psalms has provided guidance and inspiration to those who have sought answers for uncounted generations. Some form of this praise and poetry were likely being recited more than four thousand years ago. The Psalms have been translated through a long series of dead and living languages, yet still hold their power to stimulate thought and emotions in those who listen. They are held sacred by the followers of Abraham, Jesus and Muhammad.

The Psalms are presented here as lessons for personal growth through active participation in finding a individual truth for each reader. What we need is a first step that leads to a place that is all around us, but is not of this earth. We already know a lot about this place; it exists right in front of us all the time along with the world that holds us with its physical laws, its frustrations and triumphs. Life is a little like seeing a double exposed photograph that offers a choice of what to see. We are free to choose which world we want to live in, and which rules to live by. The problem is that we don’t know how, and that is what the Psalms are for. We can live another life right here on this earth, starting right now or any moment we choose. It is one day lived of that life with meaning that we have been promised. What we truly need is the power to find and live in that place, but that ability cannot be given; it must be earned.

These lessons are personal, there is not much that one person can do to help another find power in their life. We must all find our own examples and check our progress by the insight and peace of mind that we gain. Try to put aside, for a short time, what you know about the writers and the messages that you have learned in the past about the Psalms. Much is written, for example, about enemies and warlike activities so it’s only natural that the psalms of David be interpreted in historical context. For us, the question should be, “Who are my enemies? What forces are lurking on my borders, waiting to lay waste to my cities, overcome my defenses and make me a slave?” They are listed in almost every Psalm: hatred, pride, lies, wickedness, desire, vanity, boasting, cursing, cheating, violence, slander, gossip, flattery, causing unnecessary trouble, taking unfair advantage, exploiting the innocent, foolishness, wrongdoing, killing, thieving, deceit, and bad habits. These enemies are not theoretical and not always external. We may see these forces in the outside world doing harm; but our real enemies are those forces in us, influencing our actions. It is as if a part of us were performing them, like an actor in a play. Our job is to recognize when this happens and yank that actor off the stage.

What we are looking for is direction in our lives and the passion to go there. Only then can we be all those things that we would become if we had a choice; one who could exercise free will but endure in the presence of his creator. Again, taking from the Psalms, his attributes would include: be confident, do your best, speak the truth (as you see it), persevere (even when it hurts), honor them that seek the truth, praise God, praise his name, be generous, be faithful, trust, rejoice; have patience, innocence and joy.

These ideas symbolize our hopes for ourselves and the role we would play in the world if we could. A world we might wish existed around us, even if it does not seem to be present in reality; but one that would feel like home if we could find its path.

Every day we wake up to a new world with new challenges and experiences. No matter what we did yesterday, it is only a memory and it's lessons are a small part of a lifetime of memories. Right now, today is all we have and with its coming, another brand new journey starts. This path we are about to take through the psalms begins with a blessing.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE