Sweden’s Dag Hammarskjold, who traveled the world as Secretary -General of the United Nations always took these three items with him as he traveled. A copy of the New Testament, a copy of the Psalms and a copy of The United Nations Charter. Psalms presents to us God’s claim upon the whole world and speaks to God’s will that there be justice, righteousness and peace for all peoples and nations. In the twentieth century the predominant approach to Psalms has been historical but we are reminded by the writings of J Clinton McCann JR. that there is also a theological side to the Psalms. It is not my intent at this time to delve into a study of Psalms but some background information is always good. Sometime in future blogs I will return to this rich source of God’s will for his people.

The above is an excerpt from a past post, in July of 2020. I wrote a blog in which there was a reference to the Book of Psalms. Today I return to that book…a promise made a promise kept. Consider this…sometimes we can have to much religion ! What exactly is religion?

Religion is a set of organized beliefs, practices, and systems that most often relate to the belief and worship of a controlling force, such as a personal god or another supernatural being.Jul 21, 2022

 verywellmind.com

The web address above is not normally where I go for a definition, I came across it and decided I kinda like it. To be on the safe side I have not researched it so I don’t endorse it. It was the definition I liked even if it is one of a secular mode. Tired of religion…try God…let God’s words be your guide to a better life. I have come to believe that salvation is not a denominational thing, group thing or a list of do’s and don’ts. I believe it to be, or yet better said,“a personal relationship of communication and obedience to God the creator of all things. Psalms…the meat of prayer and yes I may have gone overboard a bit but you prayer life is your direct line to God in this world of confusing values. What exactly are the Psalms also referred to as the Psalter and where did they come from? They are from the Septuagint (the pre-Christian Greek translation of the OT), where they originally referred to stringed instruments (such as harp, lyre and lute), then to songs sung with their accompaniment. I believe that prayer is and should be an essential of living a Godly Life. There are times that the words don’t come easily or the situation is such that there are no words for it. As a simple layman theological knowledge is often overwhelming. We know that when we go to God in prayer even when we can’t find the words…He hears and understands our groaning and knows our needs. 

Romans 8:26-27

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (NKJV)

How do we approach Psalms in today’s world? The same way the people of God have done in past times. In Psalms we find instruction for living a Godly life. Within the Psalms there are songs to be sung and words to be spoken, all which will help us understand our deepest fears and strongest emotions and how they fit into our relationship with God. My preparation for this blog led me to a thought I found interesting, one I had never considered. All churches have

certain standards or what I call judgement points…as to how well you fit in with their doctrine and precepts. Consider this… Anything less than a demeanor of peace and contentment becomes a concern to others as to why, when and how. In many cases you are expected to lessen or eliminate any display of anger, fear and of all things grief. In America that would be a “straight face” for our English brothers and sisters that would be a “stiff upper lip”. I am open to being questioned about this opinion but even a little of this type of attitude of suppression keeps us away from meaningful prayer. Interesting to note that The psalmists experienced the full spectrum of human emotion and poured it all out to God with no restraint—words to flesh out the invisible and overwhelming. In today’s world …sometimes you just got to let it go. I wish to be on record as having said, I’m all for that with one caveat…Let it go to God!

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Surely your goodness and  love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:4,6

Please join me next week as we search a little more into this Platform to prayer…God hears you, remember to raise your praise, thanksgiving and concerns to him in prayer.

Life is Good 

jk