Sing a New Song

The following is the introduction to "Singing A New Song: Unlocking the Treasure of the Psalms"
from the World Among Us Press.

"How do you deal with problems that beset you? How do you react when faced with some of the unavoidable trials of life? You may be surprised to discover that even the psalmist, when faced with life's hardships, was tempted to despair. Just imagine the state of his heart when he voiced such thoughts as, 'In vain have I kept my heart clean.' (Psalm 73:13). These are the thoughts of a man worn out by life and wondering why he should keep trying to do good and avoid evil.

Yet, in the midst of his frustration, the psalmist made a decision that changed his heart completely: 'When I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God.' (Psalm 73:16-17). There, in the presence of the Lord, the psalmist bared his heart and sought the healing wisdom that would guide him through the storm. The healing came when he began to see his life through God's eyes.

Only after touching the Lord's presence could he confess, 'When my soul was embittered,....I was stupid and ignorant. I was like a brute beast toward you. Nevertheless I am continually with you; you hold my right hand'(73:21-23). No longer raging against life's injustices, the psalmist knew that the Lord had never abandoned him: 'For me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, to tell of all your works.'(Psalm 73:28)

The psalms show us people rejoicing, mourning, asking forgiveness, recalling the past, and imagining the future. They teach us how to love God, how to obey him, and how to be lights to the world.

As you experience the Lord and place all of your concerns and desires before him, may you experience the same freedom and assurance of God's love that the psalmist knew. May we all join him in praying, 'Whom do I have in heaven but you? And having you, I desire nothing on earth' (Psalm 73:25)."