Psalms: A Journey Through the PsalmsSample

Welcome to the new year!

As we come into the new year, we are going to realign our focus to the majesty of God. As we read through the Psalms rich with praise and thanksgiving, let your hearts be open to worshipping our Lord, for He is worthy of our eternal praise.

The book of Psalms is a collection of worship songs written by various authors throughout Israel's history, serving as the songbook of God’s people. The titles or headings of some of the Psalms identify them with certain individuals. It is known that David wrote about half of the Psalms, with other individuals associated with certain Psalms, including Asaph, Solomon, Ethan, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

There are 150 Psalms with the main themes, including praise, thanksgiving, forgiveness, trust, laments, and wisdom. Whilst the Psalms are not organized by topic, they are commonly split into five books that may have been in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy).

While the Psalms were written during specific periods in the history of Israel, they connect just as much to our time as they reflect their time. Encompassing a variety of positive and negative human experiences, revealing to us that we can approach God with all the ups and downs of our lives. They represent humanity's hopes and dreams, fears and failures, showing us what it is to be in a real honest relationship with God.

The Psalms mirror the heart of God’s people as we seek to experience God’s presence. It is important for Christians to embrace our emotions and artistic creativity; the Psalms free us to embrace this and our passionate and sincere worship to God.

As we journey through some of the Psalms this new year, let the raw nature of the Psalms guide you to a deeper relationship with God. Let your heart be grateful as we praise Him for all He has done and is doing in our lives.

Why not grab a few friends or your Life Group and journey through this plan together?