In the book of Psalms, we find such encouraging words, dealing with emotions, life circumstances, and deep theological thoughts. It is easy to think that maybe this book was great for those during the time it was written, but not for us today. The truth is, things about God, our own circumstances, and our heart's emotions stay the same throughout the years. We can discover amazing things in this book that are relevant to us today.
Although this book of the Bible is one hundred and fifty chapters long, each chapter tells a story, and all of the chapters together tell a story! There are several themes in this book, but one of the most striking truths we can read about is the truth about God’s character. If you want a clear picture of what our God is like, read the Book of Psalms.
As we read through some of these pages, we can see three major aspects of God’s character. Above all of His qualities, these three things shine brighter than the others. God’s presence, provision, and promises are all found here in the Book of Psalms. What can we learn about these three things?
God’s Presence
The chapters within this book tell us. Each chapter is a prayer, a cry to God, a statement of praise, or a message of God’s work. Among the chapters are verses that we can look at and see God’s presence scattered throughout the entire book. We all recognize that we want God’s presence, and that God invites us into His presence. But what does that look like? Here are five things about God’s presence that Psalms teaches us.
1. God’s presence is everywhere (Psalm 139:7, Psalm 97:5, Psalm 114:7, Psalm 46:1). You cannot escape God, but that should be comforting. No matter where life takes us physically, God is there. We might have to move or relocate, but God is there. Wherever we need God, God is already there.
2. God’s presence causes rejoicing (Psalm 95:2). When we remember that God is always with us, we can rejoice and give Him praise. We do not have a God who hides Himself. He is with us, and we can praise Him for His presence.
3. God’s presence is good (Psalm 16:2, Psalm 73:28). The beautiful message we read in these verses is that God’s very presence is good. It is for our good, and it causes good in our life. Our God’s presence is what brings the good things into our life.
4. God’s presence brings joy (Psalm 16:11). God’s nearness reminds us that we can have joy, no matter our outward circumstances. Happiness is dependent on what is goin on around us, but joy comes from a deep knowledge of God and His presence with us.
5. God’s presence brings justice (Psalm 17:2). Not only does God bring goodness and joy, God’s presence means there will be justice. He will reward those who do right and punish those who do wrong. We can rest in a God who is just.
One of the best psalms to read to really dive into this idea of God’s presence is Psalm 84. In this psalm, we read about how God’s presence is related to the Tabernacle (Psalm 84:1), and we can find a home with God (Psalm 84:3-4). In God, as our home, we find the strength to go through each day (Psalm 84:5-7). God’s presence means we will have joy and peace because God listens and hears us (Psalm 84:8-9). The last two verses sum up for us what God’s presence looks like:
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts,
Blessed is the man who trusts in You!
Psalm 84:11-12 (NKJV)
God’s Provision
One of the things God taught me so clearly over the past few years has been His provision. Our family has had many needs met in wonderful ways. From answers to direct prayers to unexpected bonuses at work. God’s provision doesn’t just cover our physical needs. God’s provision can be clearly seen in these next four psalms, which teach us even more truth about God’s provision.
Psalm 3
In this psalm, we see God provide protection and peace for our hearts. We are protected from the enemy, and we are so at peace that sleep comes easily. God provides sleep for us when we rest and trust in Him.
Psalm 23
One of the most famous psalms on provision is Psalm 23. David says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (KJV). I will never lack anything. If we do not have it, we do not need it. God always provides what we need. We have rest, food, refreshment, and joy in the Lord.
Psalm 31
In this psalm, God provides redemption and mercy to those who call out to Him. God provides forgiveness every time we sin (1 John 1:9), and we can trust that God will not leave us when we cry out to Him. In Psalm 31:19, the author says that God has “stored up” goodness for us. Like a big barn full of food for the winter, God stores up the goodness He has planned for us.
Psalm 131
One of the best illustrations God uses to describe His relationship with us is Father and child. In this psalm, we see that God cherishes and nourishes us like a mother does her baby. How does a mother care for her child? She provides for its every need. God does that for us!
One of the best psalms to meditate on to learn more about God’s provision is Psalm 23. I would encourage you to write out this verse in a notebook or on a piece of paper. Write down all of the things that God has provided for you. A home. Family. Love. Church. Food. List those things and then give thanks to a God who provides!
God’s Promises
If we were to list God’s promises to us we would run out of paper and words. God’s promises are found throughout scripture, but as I look at the Psalms, I see four things God promises to us. These things are just promised but promised by a God who keeps His promises. As we look at each of these ideas, let’s remember that God doesn’t make a promise that He can’t keep. God’s promises will come to pass. Look up each of these passages and remind yourself of God’s amazing promises!
God is our refuge.
Psalm 5:11, Psalm 7:1, Psalm 9:9, Psalm 16:1, Psalm 36:7, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 62, Psalm 71:1, Psalm 91, Psalm 119:114, Psalm 141:8, Psalm 142:4-5
God hears our prayers.
Psalm 34:17, Psalm 18:6, Psalm 139:1-4, Psalm 145:18, Psalm 24:15, Psalm 4:3, Psalm 10:17, Psalm 145:19, Psalm 50:15, Psalm 34:6
God has a future for us.
Psalm 37:4, Psalm 23:6, Psalm 32:8, Psalm 72:11, Psalm 86:9, Psalm 102:15, Psalm 119:105
God provides daily strength.
Psalm 18:1, Psalm 18:32, Psalm 18:39, Psalm 21:1, 13, Psalm 22:19, Psalm 28:7-8, Psalm 29:11, Psalm 33:6, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 59:17, Psalm 71:9, Psalm 73:26, Psalm 89:21, Psalm 118:14, Psalm 119:28
To see all of these promises come together is to read and study Psalm 46. It is a great psalm that shows how God is our refuge, strength, and hears our prayers.
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