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.
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