I believe every servant has a song in her heart that only God hears. This is a vital part of our worship to God—something every Christian is capable of and has the privilege of exercising. Sometimes this is expressed in an ongoing prayer or a song you sing all day long.
There are times in our lives when the words to the music don’t come forth, when our prayers seem empty, void, and exhausted. Praise God! He gave us the Psalms. Turning to the Psalms for comfort and encouragement, I believe, is by design, not chance.
I learned the value of Psalms while my husband and I attended Sunset International Bible Institute. One of my instructors suggested reading 5 chapters in the book of Psalms every day, in addition to our personal studies. My rewards have been endless. Every chapter holds everyday circumstances and answers the questions that naturally address those issues. I can’t help but be amazed and in awe of the endless list of David’s praise, pleas, sorrows, thankfulness, and fears poured out to God.
Through the psalms, David assures me that my feelings are real and normal. My reactions to grief and sorrow are not unique or isolated. My frustration with trials did not originate in my generation. My struggle with temptation is not an unexplored frontier. My recognition and awareness of my Creator is alive and intense. My zeal for God’s people shouts from the pages as David repeatedly asks for God’s loving kindness to fall on righteous hearts.
It would be exhausting to list all the Psalms that cause my soul to soar. Reading through the Psalms is an individual experience. Whether you are searching for encouragement, strength, comfort, confidence or safety, each will find what you seek. As you read through Psalms, entwine your heart and mind with the writers and feel your spirits lift and your burdens lighten.
My motivation to soar usually begins with feeling insignificant. Psalm 3:1-4 gives me complete assurance when I feel persecuted, God hears my insignificant voice and He personally reaches down like a loving Father and lifts my chin up, where my eyes refocus on Him and He comforts me. Once my face rests in His hands, His Words seem to penetrate to the very marrow of my bones. My mind is renewed, my faith restored, and my praise increased. My day is not complete without the precious book of Psalms.
When your heart is filled with songs of praise, others notice.
© Barbara Wangerin
2008.09.16
![64200: Everyone"s Guide to Hebrews](http://ag.christianbook.com/g/thumbnail/6/64200t.gif "64200:
Everyone"s Guide to Hebrews")
I found your blog via Google while searching for oasis music, thank you for posting ng with the Psalms – a spiritual oasis – ENCOURAGING WORDS ABOUT LIVING FOR JESUS!
Okay, when I read the line, “I learned the value of Psalms while my husband and I attended Sunset International Bible Institute” I thought, “There’s something about Bill that I didn’t know!” I quickly scrolled down to see who was writing this!
Very, very good thoughts, Barbara! Very relieved, too, that Bill doesn’t have a husband!
This is so beautiful and heartfelt. I’ve always told my friends that I am a female David, so a few of them call me “Davidia” when I’m having a Psalm-like day, up or down…Like you, I am so encouraged by the fact that God loves us, even in our insignificance and inconsistencies.
What a testimony to the wonderful God we serve. Anointed words, dear lady.
Powerfully spoken Barb! It is amazing how God’s word is timeless and always speaks to our heart if we only listen. May He continue to to be the wind beneath your wings.
“There are times in our lives when the words to the music don’t come forth, when our prayers seem empty, void, and exhausted.”
That is so true! And so encouraging to hear that someone else feels that way. It seems my life goes in waves. There are times when I can just pour out my heart to God with deep emotion and times that, like the description above, my prayers just feel like they’re dropping to the floor and are meaningless.
It didn’t occur to me to read the Psalms during those times. I look forward to trying it.
I have just recently rediscovered Psalms. There are several that are almost as if I’d written them myself. Nearly every word seems to apply directly to a trial I’m facing and it does make my heart soar to know that David, a man after God’s own heart, felt the same way and to hear his reassurance that:
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles.”
… and soar.
Christy
This has given me such an uplift and I too, will start reading the Psalms so that I may be encouraged through my every day struggles.
Thanks so much.