The Largest Book Is Full Of Music

It was a joy last weekend for my wife Debbie and I to sing at a benefit concert for Umbrella Ministries, which was founded by our dear friend Daisy Catchings. Her Umbrella Ministries newsletter reach over 1,800 ladies who are dealing with the grief from the death of a child. The room was nearly full and several other singers joined in for this wonderful night.

The Master of Ceremonies was my friend Rev. Ronn Haus, who gave great meaning and insights. Something he said has been in my heart and it prompted me to share it with you here. He said, "You know our God must have known that all of us would need comfort, compassion and assurance in difficult times. In fact, the largest book in the Bible is a songbook...the book of Psalms is full of praise and adoration and musical lyrics!"

I've often said, "Praise God, that there is a song. . . in the night!" All through my life's journey songs and lyrics are recalled in my mind just when I need to be encouraged and reminded about God's love and blessings! And it dawns on me that the placement of the book of Psalms in the Bible is not accident, coming right after the book of Job.

The book of Psalms is a book of worship. Each psalm captures the writer's response to God from a variety of perspectives. The composers, including David, are not limited to a narrow range of worship expressions. Everything from exuberant praise to overflowing gratitude are found here. More than any other single book, Biblical or otherwise, the book of Psalms teaches us how to worship. Each psalm expresses not merely the heart of the composer, but also the heart of the Holy Spirit Who inspired the composition.

The book of Psalms has been called 'the church's first hymnal.' We find excerpts of this book throughout the New Testament, from the anguished cry of Jesus on the cross (Mark 15:34, par. Psalm 22:1) to the joyful prasie of Revelation (Revelation 15:4, par. Psalm 86:9). And today, many of our greatest hymns and worship songs find their inspiration in the these Biblical treasures.

The Largest Book of All

Debbie and I had to honor of singing at a benefit for Umbrella Ministries which was founded by our great friend Daisy Catchings. This orgranization ministers to mothers who have had a child die. Her newsletter reaches over 1,800 people, providing resources and encouragement as these ladies work with their grief. The room for the concert was nearly packed to the limit and several other singers joined in this wonderful night of ministry. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was my good friend, Rev. Ronn Haus. (Debbie and I also joined in singing with Ronn and his wife Connie, as Ronn led the entire room in an 'totally impromtu' medley of songs! Wow! Talk about standing on your tip toes and singing!)

One thought that Ronn shared has stayed and I feel impressed to share it with you. He said, "You know that God 'must' have known that we would all need comfort, assurance and encouragement in order to face difficult times - so much that - the largest book in the Bible, is a songbook. . .the book of Psalms! It's full of lyrics that give praise to Almighty God!"