Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.
Wisdom from the Psalms
“Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands” (Psalm 119:66).
As a young child, I did not particularly enjoy reading the Psalms. I found them to be boring, and I could not understand or relate to them. Upon my confirmation, I received a red-letter, King James Version Bible with very thin pages and no commentary to help explain what I was reading. Years later I overheard a man ask a preacher, “What version (King James, NIV, NRSV, etc.) of the Bible is the best?” The preacher responded, “The best version is whatever version you will open and read.” I think this is great advice, but I might add one small caveat. Perhaps the best version of the Bible is the one that you read and understand. As you mature in your faith, you will develop a deeper desire to grow in your understanding, and multiple versions and multiple commentaries will be beneficial.
The Psalms seemed to me to mainly be the cries of King David. I did not understand his problems or his Psalms. Later in life, I have developed a much better appreciation for the Psalms and a better understanding of David’s life. I will never claim to be an expert on any aspect of the Bible, but I do enjoy learning more each day – some days more than others.
Most Christians will open Proverbs or James if they are seeking wisdom, and they will certainly find much wisdom. However, the Psalms also have much wisdom to offer. I have spent several weeks reading through the Psalms and have come away with five themes that speak to me. I encourage you to do the same, and you may come away with different themes that speak to you. Below are the five themes that I discerned. They were a blessing to me, and I pray that they are a blessing to all that read this.
Teach “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
Gladden “And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, [And] oil to make his face to shine, And bread that strengtheneth man’s heart” (Psalm 104:15).
Restore “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:12).
Satisfy “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:14).
Favor “For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor, You will surround him as with a shield” (Psalm 5:12).
Prayer: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer (Psalm 19:14 KJV). Amen.
Meet the Author
Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is in training to be a Certified Lay Minister through the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and is a Board Member for Gulf South Men and serves on the Action Team for The Kingdom Group. He is a volunteer for the Walk to Emmaus, Grace Camp, and Iron Sharpens Iron. Todd resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
We welcome your comments below.
Liked this post?
Read more below or search for more topics...
-
Book Review: Overcoming Racial And Cultural Barriers To Disciple Men by Rev. Elmo Winters
Book Review: Overcoming Racial And Cultural Barriers To Disciple Men by Rev. Elmo Winters “And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation” (Acts 17:26 KJV). Each generation faces unique challenges that historians use to define that time period or generation. There are some challenges that seem to transcend time and linger from one generation to the next. The issue of race is as old as the Biblical story of the Samaritan woman at the well that encounters... -
Are You Living To Do or Living To Serve?
Are You Living To Do or Living To Serve? "...choose this day whom you will serve..." (Joshua 24:15 ESV). I like to make “to do” lists. I don’t trust myself to remember the various big and little chores I need to do at home or at work so I always have a list for both. The list is great for helping me keep track of projects and staying on top of things. I feel a sense of accomplishment when I can cross something off of the list. A close friend recently asked me about my attention to my list. I appreciate his... -
Special Needs Children & Special Needs Families
Special Needs Children & Special Needs Families "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it" (Proverbs 22:6 NIV).My second child, Kyle, was born May 24, 2002. He was a big, healthy baby and was, and will always be, a tremendous blessing to me. We noticed at an early age that he was not reaching the typical milestones for babies and toddlers in terms of walking, talking, etc. We had him tested for hearing loss, brain function, blood tests and more. All of the tests came back normal, but...