Day Thirty-Nine -- We will sing and praise

Psalm 1 to Psalm 24

Today we begin a journey of five and a half days through the Book of Psalms.  There are 150 psalms in all, and if you are looking for an orderly transition from one psalm to another you will be disappointed. One way to look at this book is as a collection of songs or poems that reflect a variety of tones, moods and subject matter.  Some contain words of praise and others are cries for help.  Some are quite comforting and others can be disturbing.  One thing that is common among them is that they are filled with emotion.  Nothing seems to be held back and no subject seems to be out of bounds.

I often find enjoyment in reading the psalms, but I have to admit that there are moments when they can feel a bit like drudgery.  One thing that works to carry me through the tough spots (it also can heighten the experience of the more positive passages) is to read the psalms aloud.  Find a quiet spot away from distractions as well as people who don't want to listen to your recitation, and throw yourself into a little oratorical workout.  Exercise your spirit, as well as your inner performer, and breath some life into the words that God's people have been singing for thousands of years.