So as you read the psalms in a grouping like this, you really notice their similarities and common themes. That is probably why many of them are grouped the way they are. It's not a profound statement, but something that I've noticed. God is our refuge and strength. He is our shield and shelter. I will follow the LORD with all my heart, for the LORD is good and his love endures forever. God is righteous and will judge all peoples. Sing to the LORD! Praise Him! Do not be far from me, O God. God listens to the cries of his people. You delight in those that follow your law with their whole heart. You delight in the faithful. You show great mercy to those who seek you. Interestingly enough, these themes are present throughout the rest of Scripture and the Scriptures that we've been reading. It's not surprising to find them here, they are just more poetic. :)
Some of my favs:
Psalm 91 - I love the imagery in this psalm and it is my comfort psalm. When I need to know that God is with me, even when I can't feel him, I read this psalm.
Psalm 100 - Short, sweet and to the point. "For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."
Psalm 102 - I can understand the sentiments of the "afflicted man" perhaps too well. "For my days vanish like smoke; my bones burn like glowing embers. My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I forget to eat my food... For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears" I've had many days of suffering, both physical and emotional. There are still days when I struggle, but I am not in a time of mourning now. Still I can understand those times and hopefully that gives me some perspective.
Psalm 103-4 - "Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being praise his holy name."
Psalm 108 - "My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies."
Psalm 110 - a Messianic psalm.
Psalm 115:1 - "Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness." This was a verse that was used during my college years and it still strikes a chord with me today.
Psalm 116 - Again, I understand what it means when it says, "The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: 'O LORD, save me!'"
Psalm 118 - The LORD is with me. I will not fear. Another messianic nod - the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
Psalm 119 - The alphabet in Hebrew and how wonderful God's laws are that I meditate on them day and night.
Psalm 121 - My help comes from the LORD...
Psalm 130 - It's short and self explanatory. It speaks to the cry of my heart.
Psalm 133 - I sang the first verse in Kid's praise 7 with Dani, but I also heard this psalm read in a round, yes, like singing, but speaking. It was beautiful and powerful and I love the imagery of this simple psalm.
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