Delight. Beauty. Wonder. Glory. Do these words characterize your spiritual journey in Christ? How about these?: Boredom. Routine. Lethargy. Self-indulgence. The Psalms provide us with a glimpse of how true worship transforms our vision of ourselves, the world, and our Lord. Too often our spiritual lives are only focused inward, constantly examining why we aren’t happy or what we need to be happy, without realizing there is a much bigger picture we are missing. King David understood that true and sincere faith first begins with an understanding of who God is. The old saying, “We become what we worship” is a sobering reality. Who is this King of Glory? Let’s find out! And let every believer shout to the heavens, “Life up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in!”
Introduction:
Our lives are surrounded by songs. Most of us, even as infants, were sung to by our parents or siblings. In Sunday school, we were taught songs about God’s love for us, and about his plan of salvation through Jesus. As we grew, we started to curate our own appreciation for music, purchasing (gasp) records, 8-track or cassette tapes, and CDs. Today our access to music seems virtual unlimited through streaming sites on the Internet. The great irony of course, is that sometimes we neglect the greatest collection of music ever written: God’s songbook.
The book of Psalms is an astounding collection of lyrical poetry that was set to music, inspired by the Holy Spirit and phrased in a voice that is refreshingly human. Its scope reaches to the highest heaven and to the lowest hell, while ruminating on both the vastness of the universe and the intricacies of an individual human heart. It is also our best introduction to the heart of God- his character, his power, and his wisdom. When we come to the Psalms, we encounter the unmatched experience of singing to God, meditating on His word, and giving Him all of the glory He deserves.
Who is this King of Glory that the Psalmists wrote about? My prayer is that through this lesson and sermon series we can see with renewed eyes and hearts the beauty of our Lord. The Christian life can sometimes become too much about us, and not enough about Him. May our gaze be lifted heavenward as we immerse ourselves in the Psalms.
Lesson Outlines
Tuesday – Psalm 44- Where are you Lord?
Wednesday – Psalm 84- How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place
Thursday – Psalm 103- Bless His Holy Name
Friday – Psalm 107- The Lord is Good!
Saturday – Psalm 119- A Song about God’s Word