As we cover all 150 Psalms we are taking on a pretty big task. We will help you break them down quickly to identify your favorite dozen or so. Have you read them all before? Our goal will be to choose a favorite verse from each Psalm, taking the time to highlight that verse in our Bible.
These first 70 or so Psalms are mostly attributed to King David. As you read, remember these Psalms are reflective of his turbulent life as king over Israel. Keep in mind that David was an author, musician, and a singer. These Psalms are musical, poetic, relational, and instructive.
David often pours out his heart about his life and his enemies. When you are a King, it seems there are many who wish to kick you off your throne. A target for sure!
This is a GREAT investment of your time each day.
How do you choose a favorite verse? Every Psalm is telling a heart-story. Follow the thread of that Psalm and then search and note the heart verse. For instance: Psalm 1. Note that I have highlighted/italicized words that stand out as I am reading. This allows me to track what is being said in Psalm 1, and to choose verse 3 as my favorite verse. Like this:
“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.
The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”
A word picture is something that fires in your mind: an image, a person, an example, a situation. They can help animate meaning. In Psalm 1 this is the tree and the streams, fruit, and leaves.
It is helpful and gratifying to me to go to my Bible to read and already have done some work (key verse) which launches me in the direction of each particular Psalm.
Enjoy, our Psalming friend! The two resources below should reinforce the idea of engaging in a treasure hunt through each Psalm. What do you find!?
Dave & Burnadette
Big Picture on the Psalms pdf can be helpful here
Your own Psalm Movie