Why the Book of Psalms Is for You
By Dane C. Ortlund
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” –Psalm 1:1-2
The Psalms Speak to Our Humanness
The Psalms are not written for the experts. They’re written for ordinary Christians leading ordinary lives—lives that are marked by depression, discouragement, despair, frustration, or maybe even numbness toward God or anger toward others. Deep disappointment with the way life is unfolding, guilt, a sense of shame—the Psalms address these pervasive, universal human realities and concerns.
The Psalms engage directly, explicitly, and repeatedly with such things. So, the Psalms are going to help you live the Christian life. That’s what they’re there for! And they'll help you live in a way that is trusting in the Lord and mindful of his goodness, even in the darkness that we are often walking through.
Why the Book of Psalms Is for You from Crossway on Vimeo.
Dane C. Ortlund (PhD, Wheaton College) is the executive vice president of Bible publishing and Bible publisher at Crossway. He serves as an editor for the Knowing the Bible series and the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, and is the author of several books, including Edwards on the Christian Life. He lives with his wife, Stacey, and their five children in Wheaton, Illinois.
Editor’s Note: This post is adapted from “ESV Devotional Psalter” by Dane C. Ortlund. It originally appeared on Crossway.org; used with permission. All rights reserved.
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