Introducing the Psalms

“speaking to one another in psalms…” Eph 4:19

God speaks in all of Scripture, but at times he seems to be especially present in the Book of Psalms. The Psalms are God’s Hymnal, His “sanctuary in words” where we can come and meet with Him, hear Him speak to us and learn how we should respond to him in our joys and sorrows, our triumphs and pains. Like almost all hymnals, this one contains a great variety of different types of song. Throughout this series, we’ll be looking at these eight different types.
1. Hymns of Praise – This is the most common type of Psalm where God is praised and His people called to make His glories known. Here we learn to worship. Examples can be found in Ps 8, 29, 33, 46, 103, 105, 113, etc
2. Songs of Thanksgiving – Closely related to songs of praise, Thanksgiving Psalms put the emphasis on expressing gratitude to God, especially for times of answered prayer.. Examples Ps 30, 32, 34, 107, 116, 118, etc
3. Psalms of Wisdom give instruction for life, drawing a clear distinction between the destiny of the righteous who walk with God and of the wicked who stand opposed to God. Examples would be Ps 1, 18, 37, 48, etc
4. Penitential Psalms are Psalms of Repentance. They teach us how to approach God when we have sinned. Psalm 38 and Psalm 51 are great examples.
5. Psalms of Lament – This is the second most common type of Psalm. Here we find a believer crying out to God for relief from pain, for comfort, or for help in a desperate time. Examples: Ps 3, 13, 22, 27, 43, 70, 74, 77, etc
6. Imprecatory Psalms are the most difficult for most modern readers. In these Psalms, a believer cries out to God for justice against an enemy. Though difficult to understand these Psalms can be very rich. Examples: Ps 35, 69, 109
7. Royal / Messiah / Kingship Psalms focus on Israel’s King, often pointing forward to Christ the Son of David as the True King of God’s people. Examples of Royal Psalms would be Ps 2, 18, 20, 21, 45 and above all Ps 110
8. Psalms of Faith / Trust / Confidence. These Psalms focus the believer’s trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness. Examples: Ps 11, 16, 23, 27, 91, 121, 131
This morning we’ll begin with Psalm 1, a wisdom Psalm that introduces the the whole Book of Psalms. Then, in coming weeks we’ll look at the other types.

Praying we will all learn to live in the Psalms!!

Pastor Scott