Lesson 4: The Book of Psalms, part two: Passionate, but not Positive!
Not all of the Psalms are "happy, happy, joy, joy." Some of them are accusatory, angry, guilt-ridden, stressful, or downright lonely. Find out how the OTHER feelings in Psalms may turn out to be the greatest helpers.
Introduction to the OTHER Psalms
Psalms doesn't merely express love and joy; this section of the Bible deals with strong emotion, period. Within Psalms, then, we will also find strong words dealing with:
Fear 1. a. A feeling of agitation and anxiety caused by the presence or imminence of danger. b. A state or condition marked by this feeling: living in fear. 2. A feeling of disquiet or apprehension: a fear of looking foolish. 3. Extreme reverence or awe, as toward a supreme power. 4. A reason for dread or apprehension: Being alone is my greatest fear.
Take a careful look at these dictionary definitions. Most of them deal with having a lack of trust in ourselves to resolve a situation safely. But look at definition #3. This is a healthy fear we should have of God so that we respect Him and His ways. Not all fear need be negative. At the same time, if God is on our side, and He’s the greatest, what should we fear? Nothing…except Him.
Loneliness 1. a. Without companions; lone. b. Characterized by aloneness; solitary. 2. Unfrequented by people; desolate: a lonely crossroads. 3. a. Dejected by the awareness of being alone. b. Producing such dejection: the loneliest night of the week.
Without companions? With faith, God is always with us. An empty area that seems worthless? God can use even the most broken vessel to lead or guide us. Often, dire circumstances make us more open to Him.
Depression
1. An area that is sunk below its surroundings; a hollow. 2. The condition of feeling sad or despondent. 3. Psychology. A psychiatric disorder characterized by an inability to concentrate, insomnia, loss of appetite, anhedonia, feelings of extreme sadness, guilt, helplessness and hopelessness, and thoughts of death. Also called clinical depression. 4. a. A reduction in activity or force. b. A reduction in physiological vigor or activity: a depression in respiration. c. A lowering in amount, degree, or position.
Depression means a low spot—spiritually, mentally, emotionally or physically. We are literally drained of our resources. Notice the negativity we are drawn to (definition 3) when we are depressed. Again, when we are low, we must seek out the One who can refresh us, revitalize us. Left to our own devices, we may sink even farther until tragedy occurs. God can lift us up—spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically!
Guilt
1. feelings of culpability especially for imagined offenses or from a sense of inadequacy. 2. morbid self-reproach often manifest in marked preoccupation with the moral correctness of one's behavior
Again, we can see the negativity of this emotion. Jesus died for our sins; he died to take the guilt away. If we wallow in guilt, we begin to see ourselves as unworthy of His blessing, and we may turn away, feeling that we don’t deserve what He has for us. While we strive to follow God’s Word, we must also strive to find self-worth and to understand that everyone messes up at times; no person is perfect. Returning to God is the way to resolve the troubles life throws our way, instead of immersing ourselves in them.
And what about other negatives? Consider:
Hate
Jealousy
Pride
Sadness
Worry
Doubt
Danger
Discrimination
Hypocrisy
Persecution
Lies
Old age
Slander
Slaughter
Temptation
In a word, TROUBLE! Pull out a dictionary of your own, or go to www.dictionary.com, and do some investigating. You might be surprised at what you find. Then seek the answer to these problems from God.
This lesson will focus on the strong negative emotions expressed in the book of Psalms, and perhaps provide another way to view these challenges.
Let's begin! Click on section two!
