The Calming Psalms

One of our sons recently talked to me about some new meds he’s on that are causing him to be overly anxious. He’s not sleeping well and even in his waking hours, the meds are a real problem.

I suggested he read from the book of Psalms. This is my go-to book for finding peace.

A few years ago, I was in a horrible physical and mental state. Spiritual too, if I’m honest. Details aren’t important but when my husband asked how he could help calm me, all I could get out was “Read from Psalms.”

He did, and within seconds, the flood of tears stopped, my heart rate slowed, and I was in a much better place both mentally and spiritually.

It truly is the hand of God involved in every word of the Bible. Just look at where the book of Psalms falls in your Bible. Right after the book of Job.  We all know about Job, the righteous man whom God allowed to suffer. Yet, in all his suffering, Job never cursed God, he simply took his anger and frustration to God. Job 1:22 ESV, In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.

And there sits Psalms, beautiful, calming, reassuring Psalms. Right after Job has lost everything, his animals, his servants, and even his children. Psalms is filled with words written by David, a man after God’s own heart. What do we know of David? He was a King, yes, but he was also a simple shepherd boy, the youngest of his brothers, a musician, the slayer of Goliath, but he became an adulterer and a murderer. Yet, some of the most beautiful words in the book of Psalms are those written by David.

The Calming Psalms @DDuPreeWilliams #faith #Psalms Share on X

PRIVILEGED TO HAVE SUNG SO MANY

I’ve sung many of the Psalms during my years in chorus in high school, Concert Choir in college, and in the many church choirs of which I’ve been a part during my long life. I’m so thankful for having sung so many as adding music makes them more memorable.

Psalm 51 was written by David when Nathan, the Prophet, went to him after he had gone in to Bathsheba. If you’ve never read it, know it is a prayer of repentance. True repentance. Go read it now. Many anthems have been set to these words, many only parts, but some include most of them.

Psalm 40 is another familiar song for me. It is a duet for two sopranos, set to music by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847). What lovely words. I waited for the Lord, He inclined to me and heard my cry.  How many times in my life have I cried out to God? I imagine you have, too.

HUBBY SINGS TOO!

My husband and I are privileged to have sung Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem), quite a few times. The words are from the Bible for the most part. My favorite movement comes from Psalm 39. Go read that now. Within the movement is the line from verse 7, And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in Thee. What words of promise.  If you could hear my prayers, then you’d understand why this short, simple line is so meaningful to me.

Y’all know I was a vocal performance major. As such, I’ve sung solos set to many of the Psalms. My Papa’s favorite was from Psalm 27, The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? (ESV) But the line from this Psalm that I pray almost daily as it concerns my children is verse 13—I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (NIV). As I write this, I’m sending it as a prayer and tears are running down my cheeks.

Of course, all of us know the 23^rd Psalm. If ever there was a Psalm of peace and assurance, it is this one. Do you know that you will dwell in the house of the Lord for all eternity? Read John 3:16.

Do you have a favorite Psalm? Who wrote it – David, Asaph, or the Sons of Korah?

Blessings, y’all!

PS That son contacted his doctor, told him he was stopping that particular drug, and asked if he could find a substitute. Thankful Mama’s heart!

 

I didn’t know this one. I like it very much and I pray it blesses you. The 23rd Psalm.