Somebody asked me the other day, “What is your favorite book in the Bible?” My answer to that changes quite often. Usually it is the Gospel of John. Sometimes Ecclesiastes. Job makes it to the top spot every now and then. Right now, my favorite book in the Bible is Psalms.
It is a book of poetry and worship. It is a very honest book. It points to the feelings and the struggles of the author. Most of it was written by King David, the second king of Israel. In my opinion, it has poetry that is better than Shakespeare or John Milton. It has spiritual songs that are greater than anything by Fannie Crosby or Charles Wesley. It has deep theology and honest struggles.
Rolling Stone Magazine had a good story on Bono, the lead singer of the famous rock band from Ireland, U2. Bono made it clear that he is a Christian. He also said, “I read the Psalms of David all the time. They are amazing. He is the first blues-man, shouting to God, ‘Why did this happen to me?’ But there’s honesty in that too.” We sure need that honesty today. Especially today.
Sir Francis Bacon, the great philosopher from England, once said, “Some books are to be tasted, others are to be swallowed, and some few are to be chewed and digested.” The Bible is such a book, especially the book of Psalms.
During this time of struggle and isolation, let me encourage you to spend some time reading the Bible, especially the book of Psalms. Maybe have a goal of reading a chapter from the book every day. You will find it to be honest and relevant and even soul-strengthening. Something we all need right now.
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