The Book of Psalm is one of the most incredible books in the bible.  It is not a book of church doctrine, or even theology.  Some of the Psalms are poetic thoughts, some are prayers, some are songs of praise, some are lamentations.  And some are all of these things.

The Psalms (and this is probably their most important value) give us permission to lament, to walk in our grief and pain, and to shed a tear at the events of our lives.  The Psalms can easily become our prayers.

Today, Psalm 6 seems to resonate with me:

Psalm 6:1-6

¹ Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger  or discipline me in your wrath.
² Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.
³ My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?

⁴ Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.
⁵ Among the dead no one proclaims your name. Who praises you from the grave?

⁶ I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.

Now it is important to know that most of these Psalms of Lament end in continuing praise of God – but it is also important to know that if you are not there yet, God gives you the opportunity to feel your sorrow.  Just know that the Lord hears your cries, the Lord knows your pain.

Peace,

Pastor Bill