Just as there are
different genres of music – inspirational (Gospel), classical, contemporary
etc. – there are genres or types of psalms. The three major genres of psalms
are Thanksgiving, Lament, and Praise Psalms. Even among these three genres are
other sub-genres, and I will address those sub-genres after Easter.
Psalm 51 is a Lament Psalm.
In a Lament Psalm, the psalmist is full of emotion and expresses desperation,
hurt, sadness, fear, abandonment, etc.
He is desolate yet pours out his heart to the only One who is there for
him- God. The interesting fact is the sixty odd Lament Psalms (almost*) always end in thanksgiving because the expressive and emotional psalmist
(re)turns to God, trusts Him and praises Him.
My
three favorite psalms are 103, 91, and 121. I read them quite often – more than
any other chapter or text in the Bible. The fourth favorite is Psalm 51. Along
with Isaiah 43 (especially verses 1-5), Psalm 51 helps and comforts me in my temptations
and sinful state. Also, during those times when I can’t express my sin/guilt in
my own words, Psalm 51 helps me.
So
what is great about this Psalm? When I read it, I am comforted by this thought
- if God can ‘blot out the transgressions David, thoroughly wash his
iniquities, and cleanse David’s sins in His abundant mercy’ (V.1-2), God will, in His grace, mercy and kindness, do
the same for me. He will also ‘create in
me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me’ (v.
10) when I humbly approach Him. (I am not saying God should forgive me because He forgave David – also, you and I do not
deserve His grace or mercy.) The ultimate comfort is that the One True God, who
created the universe, and me, can recreate my heart and renew my spirit if I
humbly ask him.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, you must
have experienced, in your walk of the narrow way, hurt and heartache. During those
times how did God’s Word comfort you?
Please email (for confidentiality) or post (1) the verses or psalms that
edify God’s grace and mercy and provide you comfort, and (2) your favorite psalms.
God of all Mercy, God of All Grace: as 1 John 1:8 teaches me
I am a sinner, and I have sinned against you and have done evil in your sight.
Yet I trust you because you are a Merciful God, full of Grace, and because You
listen to my feeble pleas and confessions. I humbly ask in Your Son’s Name, Amen.
More on Psalm 51 tomorrow.
* Based
on my research, Psalm 88, a Lament Psalm, does not end in thanksgiving.
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