Overview
The book of Psalms, the longest in the entire Bible, consists of 150 different songs (or psalms) written by a variety of authors. While almost half of them (73 to be exact) are attributed to David, some of the other 77 were written anonymously and some were penned by Asaph, Solomon, and even Moses.
This is an interesting book because each psalm stands on its own. Unlike some of the books we have read, it’s unique in that each psalm does not necessarily build off of the one before it. Each one was written for a particular audience for a particular purpose, but then they were compiled and published collectively for the good of Israel because it gave them a theology to sing together. In the same way that we still attach words and music to show our affections for God, the Israelites were doing the same thing about three thousand years ago.
While the book itself is not divided up by genre or theme, there are different types of psalms scattered throughout the book that we need to be aware of. There are psalms of lament, where the author is mourning or complaining to God about the state of the world. There are messianic psalms, pointing to the Messiah who is going to come some day and set the world back as it should be. There are also hymns, psalms of thanksgiving, and psalms of wisdom. Some are long (Psalm 119 will take us five days to study). Some are short (Psalm 117 contains all of two verses).
Each day we’ll get to dive in and learn from the faith of those who came before us. The book of Psalms gives us a real glimpse into how God’s people were feeling, both individually and corporately. Just like the songs we sing now, these words were written and put to music to express emotion and affection towards God.
As we read, remember to keep a journal handy. Grab a highlighter. Underline verses. Circle words that stand out. Commit these words to memory! Some of us are going to resonate with the psalms of lament–and that’s okay. Some of us are going to resonate with the psalms of thanksgiving–and that’s okay. Wherever you are at today, there are words from God for you in the book of Psalms.
Read Psalm 1
1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
Go Deeper
Since the book of Psalms is written by a variety of authors over different parts of their lives, we’ll read many emotions throughout these 150 books. Some chapters are filled with joy, others with pain, others with gratitude, and even some with anger. Since the book contains such a variety, it can be difficult to notice the common thread. However, chapter 1 serves almost like a preface to the entire book of Psalms.
If we’re going to understand the diversity in the other 149 chapters, we need to first understand the simplicity of Psalm 1. The lesson in this chapter is true for every stage of life. There are two paths we can take: one that leads to God, and one that leads to destruction. For all the complexity that life will bring, this truth is our reality in each and every season. There is a way that leads to life and a way that leads to death.
Everyday we get to stand at this crossroads and choose what we actually believe. And the choices that we make are consequential. The psalmist paints a picture of a life that thrives in every season, and pairs it with a life that is progressively fading. The difference between these two lives is a connection with God, who is our ultimate life source. While many times the way of the wicked may look better, the reality is it’s much more dangerous. The way to find life isn’t to drink deeply from all this world has to offer, but to instead dig deeply into the faithfulness of God. When we are planted near Him, He’ll guide us through the ever changing emotions of life.
Questions
- What did you notice about the differences between the wicked and the righteous?
- What do you think it means to delight in the law of the Lord?
- What would it mean for you to live your life “planted” near the Lord?
Watch This
Check out this helpful video overview of the entire Book of Psalms from The Bible Project!
4 responses to “Psalms Preview and Psalm 1”
Two ways to live; to choices
Who are we listening to? Who are you associating with? These are who you are becoming. God gives us chance after chance with so much grace. He does give us direction but it is up to us to follow. That freedom of choice will change the trajectory of your life for better or worse.
Meditating on God’s word day and night. God gives us His scripture for that purpose. Yes, we will sin, yes we will need forgiveness, yes God gives us grace, no this is not freedom to do what we want it is or should be a desired way of life.
Oh be careful little eyes what you see.
Oh be careful little ears what you hear
Oh be careful little tongue what you say
Oh be careful little hands what you touch.
Oh be careful little feet where you go
For the Father up above is looking down in love so be careful what you choose.
God thank You for freedom of choice. God thank You for being wise with Your wisdom from Your scripture. God thank You for the minutes of this day that all I say and do can glorify and honor You. God thank You for keeping my eyes and ears focused on You as I go through these minutes in Jesus name amen
WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love the visual of the tree the psalmist gives of one who sets himself/herself apart from worldly desires to delight and meditate on the Lord. We’ve planted fruit trees strategically close to a water supply even running an underground irrigation line set to a timer so that the trees never lack water. We’re watching leaves and buds emerge this spring. How much more important that we remain in/by the Living Water so we do not wither but produce fruit of righteousness!
Beautiful!
3 “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.”
I am excited to be moving into the Psalms! I often turn to this book for wisdom, comfort, and worship.
What an amazing picture to like a healthy fruit tree! Let me likewise be deeply planted by streams of water!