Bible: 5 Poetic Books

Lesson 3: Psalms, part one: POSITIVE Power and Passion

True Happiness!

When you have joy in your heart, you need to express it, and that's what these two psalms are all about. Praise, by the way, doesn't just mean saying nice words. These psalms reveal different ways to send the joy to God:

LET'S SING:

Psalm 33:1

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;

Psalm 98:1

Sing to the LORD a new song

Singing can “open up the doors” to the Word of God. Many people say that what first allowed them to connect to God was the powerful praise music they took part in early on in their conversion. Singing can move us—it can allow us to lose ourselves in God and enjoy the power of the words we are singing. The emotions that run through us are powerful. Just ask teenagers what part music plays in their life and you will soon understand the power that it has over people—good or evil. By recognizing its power, we can begin to understand the need for Christian music, to combat much of the evil messages found in the popular music of today.

PLAY MUSIC:

Psalm 33:3

Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him...

Psalm 98:4-5

...burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp,

Again, when we actually play instruments to create the music, we are involved in yet another way. It immerses us into the song, and we can use our gifts to bless others. If you are a musician, remember the power of music as a worship tool and a way to connect others to Christ!

SHOW RESPECT:

Psalm 33:8

Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him.

Psalm 98:9

let them sing before the LORD for he comes to judge the earth.

We must remember that God is the ultimate judge, and we will have to answer for our time on earth. A healthy fear / respect of the Lord will keep us “on the path”! f

OPEN YOUR HEART TO HIM:

Psalm 33:21

In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

Psalm 98:4

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth

Can you see the PARALLELS between these two psalms? We can shout, sing, play music, send love messages--express our love for God in whatever way seems appropriate at the time. There is no one way to praise, as long as your praise comes from the heart. And beyond ourselves, our praise and worship can also inspire others, and lead them to connect with God through this very powerful medium.

What are you excited about in your life? What should you give God praise for? Find a way to express that love...perhaps through a poem or song?

ASSIGNMENT:

If you wrote a love song to God, what would it say? Don't think about it, just do it! And remember...every song is written to be sung!

On to section three...

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