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The Psalms have been my faithful companions in over 53 years of following Jesus.
I’ve learned to praise God in victory through the Psalms, and during times of deep disappointment, I’ve made new friends in the Psalms by memorizing a specific Psalm relevant to the difficulty.
The Psalms have never failed as friends! No matter the defeat, victory, confusion, or fear, a Psalm is waiting to be my companion.
Let me introduce you to five of my friends.
Psalm 4 is a recent friend.
The last few years of life and ministry have presented unique challenges. Lots of transition, frustration, joy, and a deepening of prayer. Psalm 4 — my new prayer partner — has been with me the entire time.
He has reminded me that the Lord hears when I call to Him (v. 3) and gives advice on sleeping in the midst of stress by saying, “In peace you will lie down and sleep. For the Lord will give you safety and help” (v. 8).
Psalm 103 is also a recent friend.
We’ve been friends for a relatively short time, having been introduced when I memorized this Psalm two years ago. Psalm 103 reminds me to always bless the Lord (v. 1) and then lists for me the benefits of aging gracefully.
He said, “Don’t forget all of His benefits of faithfully following Jesus, which are taking away guilt, healing your diseases, dragging you out from the pit of bad decisions, giving favor, satisfying your years with good things, and renewing your youth like the eagle” (vv. 2-4).
Is there a better friend for aging with the Lord? Please let me introduce this friend to you!
Psalm 25 was my first friend in Psalms.
I met Psalm 25 when I was 19 years old (let me pull out my calculator). . . that’s 53 years ago. How could I not want this Psalm as a friend this early in my life, when He said to me. . .
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my wrongdoings; Remember me according to Your faithfulness, For Your goodness’ sake, Lord (v. 7).
Psalm 25 has also been one of my best advice-givers throughout my life. . .
Who is the person who fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way he should choose. His soul will dwell in prosperity (vv. 12-13a).
Psalm 27 and Psalm 63 are twins, so I list them as one friend!
Why do I call them twins? Because both have taught me about praise and joy in the presence of the Lord.
One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord (Psalm 27:4).
So have I seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and glory. Because Your favor is better than life, my lips will praise You (Psalm 63:2-3).
Please, get acquainted with these two friends.
Psalm 91 is my best friend in the Psalms.
If I had to choose a favorite from 150 potential friends (number of chapters in Psalms), I would quickly choose Psalm 91. This Psalm has stood with me during spiritual warfare, helped me endure trials, and always gives me hope. Without this friend’s encouragement, I would not have lasted 49 years as a pastor.
Thanks, Psalm 91, my best friend, for telling me. . .
He will give His angels orders concerning you, to protect you in all your ways (v. 11).
Thanks for letting me introduce you to my five friends from Psalms. Let me know what friendships you have made in Psalms.
Amen. Peace out!