Praise, Thanksgiving, and Confession to God

Let us examine an overview of the collection of songs expressing praise, thanksgiving, and confession to God which is depicted authentically in Book of Psalms. This poetical Old Testament portion of the Word of God (written primarily by David) encompasses praise, God’s power, forgiveness, gratitude, and  trust.

The Book of Psalms was written primarily by David between the time of Moses (around 1440 B.C.) and the Babylonian captivity (586 B.C.). For the most part, the psalms were not intended to be narrations of historical events. However, they often parallel events in history, such as David’s flight from Saul (Psalm 18) and his sin with Bathsheba (Psalm 51). Although Psalms has a unified plan, each psalm can be read and understood alone. Psalms is probably the most widely read book of the Bible, because it is easy to relate to the writer’s emotions.

Authorship: David wrote 73 psalms; Asaph wrote 12; the descendants of Korah wrote 10; Solomon wrote 2, Heman (with the descendants of Korah), Ethan, and Moses each wrote 1. Although 51 psalms are anonymous, the New Testament ascribes two of the anonymous psalms–Psalm 2 and 95–to David. (See Acts 4:25; Hebrews 4:7).

…you spoke long ago by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant, saying, “Why were the nations so angry? Why did they waste their time with futile plans?” Acts 4:25

So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted: “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7

Key Place: God’s holy Temple.

Praise

Psalms are songs of praise to God as our Creator, Savior, and provider. Reading Psalms can encourage us to praise Him.

God’s Power

God is all-powerful, and always in control (sovereign) of every situation. Believing in God’s power can overcome the despair of any pain or trial.

Forgiveness

Many psalms are intense prayers asking God for forgiveness. Because God forgives us, we can pray to Him honestly and directly. When we receive God’s forgiveness, we move from being separated from Him to being close to Him, from feeling guilty to feeling loved.

Gratitude

God protects, guides, forgives, and provides everything we need. When we realize how much we benefit from knowing God, we can fully express our thanks to Him.

Trust

God’s faithfulness and justice has been proven throughout history. Knowing Him intimately drives away doubt, fear, and loneliness.

Reasons to Read Psalms

God’s Word was written to be studied, understood, and applied, and the Book of Psalms lends itself most directly to application. We may turn to Psalms looking for something, but sooner or later we will meet Someone. As we read and memorize Psalms, we will discover how much they are already part of us. They put our deepest hurts, longings, thoughts, and prayers into words. They gently push us toward being what God designed us to be–people who love and live for Him.

• To find comfort: Psalm 23
• To learn a new prayer: Psalm 136
• To understand yourself more clearly: Psalm 8
• To be forgiven for your sins: Psalm 51
• To meet God intimately: Psalm 103
• To learn a new song: Psalm 92
• To know how to come to God each day: Psalm 5
• To feel worthwhile: Psalm 139
• To understand why you should read the Bible: Psalm 119
• To know that God is in control: Psalm 146
• To give thanks to God: Psalm 136
• To know why you should worship God: Psalm 104
• To give praise to God: Psalm 145
• To please God: Psalm 15

May almighty God richly bless you,

Tony

Tony Marino
Founder, Executive Publisher
Christian Times Online
http://www.ChristianTimesOnline.com

We Must Turn from Sin and Turn Back to God

Let us examine an overview of the book of the Major Prophet, Jeremiah (who is also referred to as the “Crying Prophet”). This Old Testament portion of the Word of God (written  by Jeremiah) encompasses sin, punishment, faithful to fulfill, hope, and faithful service.

The Book of Jeremiah was written during Jeremiah’s ministry, approximately 627-586 B.C. to urge God’s people to turn from their sins and to turn back to God. It was originally written to Judah (the southern kingdom) and its capital Jerusalem. The Book of Jeremiah is a combination of history, poetry, and biography. Jeremiah often used symbolism to communicate his messages. The key people found in the Book of Jeremiah are Judah’s kings Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin (Coniah), and Zedekiah. The nation was conquered by Babylon in 586 B.C. (Read 2 Kings 21-25). Zephaniah preceded Jeremiah; Habakkuk was his contemporary.

Key Places: Anathoth, Jerusalem, ramah, and Egypt.

Sin

Judah’s deterioration and disaster stemmed from their disobedience to God. When we refuse to listen to God’s warnings and go our own way, we invite disaster.

“You will see what an evil, bitter thing it is to abandon the LORD your God and not fear him.” Jeremiah 2:19

Punishment

The people of Judah had only themselves to blame for their suffering. Likewise, we must answer to God for how we live.

Faithful to Fulfill

God brought the prophecies of Micah, Isaiah, and Zephaniah to pass according to his timetable. God is faithful to fulfill His promises.

Hope

Jeremiah predicted that after the nation’s destruction, God would send the Messiah who would lead them into a new future, a new covenant,  and a new day of hope. God still renews hope with the promise of eternal life.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Faithful Service

Jeremiah served God faithfully for over 40 years. The people ignored, rejected, and persecuted him, yet he did not fail. People’s acceptance or rejection of us is not the measure of our success. God’s approval is our standard for service.

May our almighty Father of the Universe bless us always,

Tony

Tony Marino
Founder, Executive Publisher
Christian Times Online
http://www.ChristianTimesOnline.com

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