Words for the Heart

The Psalms are probably the most well known section of Holy Scripture.  There are 150 Psalms, but most of us are really familiar with only a few.  Some we can quote without missing a word and others we can remember verses from them; however, the most remain on the page without ever really getting into our heart as a few of them do.  It is interesting in times of trouble or uncertainty how quickly we are to search its words.  They were written by David, a man who wore many hats.  In Scripture he is known as shepherd, giant killer, warrior, and King.  He, like each of us, is both sinner and saint.  It is strange to some that a man such as David could write such words from the heart.   

It is because they are words which speak of what is felt within the heart that we find ourselves opening those old pages to read.  Written in a poetic style, the Psalms cause us to slow down, sit with our Bible in our lap for a moment, and let the words soak into the wounded places of our own heart.  They have a way of healing the wounds, bringing hope to the hopeless moments, enabling us to praise God in the midst of all kinds of circumstances, and giving us the "umph" we often need to get up and get going again.   They are not words to be read in a hurry which is a good thing for most of us who need to heed the markers on the road telling us to slow down.    

Like the poets who see the ordinary things we all see; yet, who reveals the extraordinary with them, the Psalmist speaks of the common emotions of the heart and then leads us toward seeing those feelings within us as a part of the way the Creator has made us.  Things we fear seeing within us, his words bring to the surface where God's grace and mercy prevail.  His words are not words to be dissected and discussed, but words that are like ointment that heal the wounded and broken places of the heart.  They are caring words and words that wrap us in the compassion of God.