5 Compelling Reasons to Check Out the Psalms

The book of Psalms has more chapters than any other book of the Bible and is only behind Jeremiah and Genesis in how many words it contains, which may seem intimidating at first. Although the Psalms are lengthy, they are overflowing with promises of Christ and His forgiveness, they demonstrate countless ways for you to speak to God in a variety of situations, and sometimes they even provide insight into God’s mighty works. Whether or not you’ve delved into the depths of the Psalms consider these reasons to consistently invest time in reading them:

1. The Psalms are all about Jesus.

Luke 24 tells us that after His resurrection Jesus gave His disciples peace and “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” As He began to do this He said, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (v. 44). From the mouth of our Lord we are taught that all the Scriptures testify about Him (and He specifically mentioned the Psalms)! In fact, when Jesus wanted to explain what He was doing and how it fit into the grand picture of God’s love for His people, the Psalms was His go-to book.

The Psalms tell us of the LORD’s anointed (Jesus), against whom the kingdoms of the earth will not triumph (Psalm 2). They tell us that the LORD will not abandon His Holy One (Jesus) to death (Psalm 16). Psalm 22 is fulfilled during Jesus’ last hours prior to His death on the cross. The Psalms speak of a good shepherd (Jesus) who shepherds His sheep through death itself (Psalm 23). The Psalms tell us that the LORD is our light and salvation (Jesus) who is our stronghold, casting out fear. Jesus is everywhere in the Psalms and finding Him is exciting!

If you want to hear about Jesus and His love, check out the Psalms.

2.The Psalms immerse us in the struggles of God’s chosen people.

Do you ever wish you could get inside someone’s head to know what they are really thinking? The Psalms often allow us to understand more than the events of Old Testament history. We get to hear the prayers and cries of the people of God throughout time! For example, Psalm 3 puts us into the story of 2 Samuel 15:14-17 when David is fleeing his son, Absalom. 2 Samuel gives us the narrative, but Psalm 3 gives us a peek into David’s heart as he cries to God “You O Lord are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head” (Psalm 3:3). Psalm 51 shows us how David responded when confronted by Nathan the prophet in 2 Samuel 12. This narrative gives us a basic understanding of the story: “David fasted and went in all night on the ground” (2 Samuel 12:16). The psalm goes further and tells us what David was thinking and praying!

If you want to know more about God’s grace and love for His people and understand historical Bible accounts in a fuller way, check out the Psalms.

3. The Psalms teach us how to talk to God.

Prayer is a critical piece of the Christian life, but it also something that we often struggle with. We are sinners, and the flesh wars against us, especially when we pray (Romans 8:26). God gives us examples and patterns for prayer throughout the Scriptures, especially in the Psalms.

The psalmists prayed the Psalms. The people of Israel prayed the Psalms. Jesus Himself prayed the Psalms. And Christians throughout time have prayed the Psalms. When you pray through a psalm you get the joy of joining with the saints in prayer. The Psalms give us a catalog of names (Lord, God, Redeemer, King, Rock, Shepherd, etc.) that we can use to address God in our prayers. They provide an example of echoing God’s Word and deeds back to Him in our prayers. They give us permission to bring ALL our requests to God. They remind us that even in the worst of circumstances our prayers circle back to God and His faithfulness.

If you want to grow in your prayer life, check out the Psalms.

4. There is a Psalm for most every situation.

We’ve all been at a loss for words. When a loved one dies, we often can’t think of what to say. When we sin, we often can’t put into words just how sorry we are. When we are joyful, sometimes we are so happy we are speechless. The Psalms can give us words when we don’t know what to say. When our heart is broken, the Psalms provide words for our pain (Psalms 22, 55, 102, 126). When our heart is full of joy at God’s works, the Psalms direct our praises to Him (Psalms 66, 68, 118, 136). When we sin and want to go before the Lord in repentance, the Psalms give us words of humble contrition and comfort in God’s forgiveness (Psalms 51, 38). When Satan throws our sins at us, the Psalms give us words of forgiveness in Christ to hurl back at him (Psalms 32, 103). When we don’t understand what is going on, the Psalms give us words to question and complain in faith (Psalms 10, 13, 73).

If you don’t know what or how to pray in a particular situation, check out the Psalms.

5. The Psalms never get old.

I have mentioned that the Psalms are meant to be prayed. But they aren’t meant to be prayed just once, they are meant to be prayed over and over again. They are written to be memorized, sung, and recited day after day, month after month, year after year and have been throughout church history. As you go through your life the Psalms are with you, and at the end of your life the Psalms are there as well. There are good reasons that pastors and fellow Christians read Psalm 23 at the bedside of sick and dying Christians. First, the psalm is about Jesus, reminding us of His shepherding care even in the face of death. But second, that psalm has been there for that Christian throughout his or her life, and even when death approaches, it sounds just as sweet as the first time it was heard…maybe even sweeter.

If you want enduring, faithful, words that will last you a lifetime, check out the Psalms.

There are so many ways to read, sing, and pray the Psalms. Set up a reading plan, pray a Psalm each day, attend Matins or Vespers at your local congregation, or just start reading. May God bless you richly as you check out the Psalms!

Rev. Joshua Ulm is the pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church in North Olmsted, Ohio. He would like to credit the inspiration to write this article to Dr. Tim Saleska at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, who taught a course on the Psalms.