Psalms 34 is quirky and fun. In Hebrew, it is an acrostic with each verse starting with the next letter in the Hebrew alphabet. Lots of little word games are in the Psalms. It is a Psalms attributed to David at a time when he was pretending to be a lunatic to survive his stay in enemy territory. The Psalms is about “hunger” and “satisfaction.” It is about the good and/or toxic things that come out of our mouths, (and since it is 2018 we can also include the good and/or toxic things we type into our devices). Ultimately, Psalms 34 hinges upon a statement recorded in the middle of the Psalms … “Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Verse 14) A motto to live by, especially in a dark and conflicted era of time.

Psalms 32 is known for its beauty. It touches our hearts because it is about the power of forgiveness that flows out of confession. The ancient song reminds us that God longs to embrace us in His grace and mercy, but He also demands that we humble ourselves and acknowledge our sin. Every great spiritual movement begins with a season of confession from God’s people … what if we began that movement today?

David declares that he has a basic trust in God that has become a pillar of his life. It allows him to survive the hard times and comforts him as he waits on God to act. Psalms 31 is part prayer and part wisdom Psalms. Last week we talked about how “God is for us!” When we really believe this, trusting God is a lot easier. Do you trust God even when you cannot understand life’s difficulties?

Psalms 30 is a majestic little song of joy out of sorrow, a beam of light that shines out of the darkness of a sad and difficult life. David uses the song to begin to list the reasons why God deserves all glory and honor from us, even when our times are hard. Today we study his list and agree … God deserves our praise regardless of our circumstances.

Our sermons in the Psalms continue this week with a look at Psalms 28. Psalms 28 is a little bit unique in that the first half of the Psalms is a prayer, and the second half of the Psalms is a celebration of the answer to the prayer. If you know what it is like to feel weary, burned out and overwhelmed, Psalms 28 is a good encouragement for you today. If you want to know the power of revitalization in God… this Psalms is for you! God is a source of strength and refuge that you can always rely on. He makes us strong! Super hero strong!

On this communion Sunday we also look at one of those dearly loved Psalms, Psalms 27. It is loved because it is real, raw, and deeply personal. It is one of David’s “wisdom” Psalms, about fear and courage, hope and despair… things we all feel. David in a wisdom Psalms, declares that no matter what life throws at him, he has decided that God is bigger than his enemies and strong enough to overcome his weaknesses!

Psalms 25 is one of the more practical passages in the Old Testament. Like a “how to” manual on life, David asks God to help him take the right path for his life, and then stay on that path without straying. The news gets even better. If you have taken the wrong path a time or two, do not lose hope, the severe mercy of God invites you home as well!

There is nothing else in scripture quite as majestic as Psalms 24. It reminds us of how big and mighty God is! Yet as big and awesome as He is, He desires us to approach Him, to seek Him, and He demands and deserves the adoration and praise of all that He has made. He gets that praise from all parts of creation, except, oftentimes, from humanity.

The best-known section of the Old Testament is our text today. David wrote a song that must have felt like a bit of an autobiography. He knew all about being a shepherd, and was probably a pretty good one. But David seems very well acquainted with a really Good Shepherd! A shepherd so good that he loves, nurtures, protects and guides us through the long days of our lives and then well beyond into eternity! You want to know this Good Shepherd.

Today our focus is Psalms 22. It is a prayer that exposes the agony and the ecstasy of life. The agony – when we feel isolated and far from God; the ecstasy – the joy of knowing God’s favor. Psalms 22 is the most quoted Psalms at the scene of the cross, and if you are feeling battered by life and abandoned by God, this Psalms is for you today.