FUTURE PSALMS

BY PASTOR DALE OQUIST

SING TO THE LORD; PRAISE HIS NAME. EACH DAY PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS THAT HE SAVES.

PSALM 96:2 (NLT)

The Psalms are fascinatingly complex. When we think of the Psalms, we think of uplifting, encouraging, and sweeping passages that praise God’s goodness, faithfulness, and mercy. We think of Psalm 23 and its beautiful imagery. We think of the protection and provision in Psalm 91 or the thankfulness in Psalm 138.

But there are also Psalms of lament (Psalm 13), exhaustion (Psalm 6), shame (Psalm 131), hurt (Psalm 55), guilt (Psalm 130), injustice (Psalm 7), and feeling abandoned by God (Psalm 22). The Psalms have been used to help people with post-traumatic stress disorder and those experiencing loss and anger through debilitating circumstances.

This book is unique, and its origin is the reason it is so captivating. God inspires every book of the Bible; however, the Psalms are special because they are not words from a human writer to a human audience. They are a collection of songs, poems, and ideas from human writers to God. It is the most extensive collection of words to God in the Bible.

We have found solace and camaraderie with people who wrote these Psalms thousands of years ago. We think, “If they could withstand their struggles, I can withstand mine!” Their human experience speaks to us and helps us understand our trials and difficulties. Their anguish helps with our grief. Their praise in turbulent circumstances helps us weather and praise Him through the storm.

But these are not the only psalms that future generations should read. There are psalms inside of you that only you can write. Led by the Holy Spirit, your words could encourage future generations you’ll never meet, emboldening them by your faith as they connect with your shared experience.

Your family (and beyond) should read about your experiences and how God faithfully led you through prosperous times and times of want. They should bear witness to how you express your adoration toward God when everything else is falling around you. The psalms you write will not be added to the canon of Scripture but could be added to your family’s legacy. Your influence will stretch far beyond your years, and future generations will find comfort in your words and solidarity during life’s storms simply because you wrote down your psalms of praise to God.

Moving Forward

Write your psalm. How has God led you through painful challenges? What dilemmas are you wrestling with right now? End your psalm with exaltation because God is about to do something great!