The writers of the psalms express a wide range of feelings and experiences, from depression to joy. These experiences are based on particular circumstances in the days of the Psalmist, yet they are applicable to our daily lives today in the 21st century. The modern age is not unique—we feel the same emotions and are often confounded by the same kinds of issues and problems in life. Whether we cry out in need, or extend worship, it is to the same God today as in the days of the Psalmist.
The Psalms are a collection of Old Testament hymns grouped according to common themes, common purpose, or a common author. It is difficult for scholars to precisely date individual psalms, or to discover just how and when they were collected and compiled. We do know that Moses wrote one. Probably David is the most popular writer of the Psalms. The process continued into the days after the Hebrew exile. According to early manuscripts of the Psalms found at Qumran in Israel, it is believed that the whole collection of Psalms as we have them today must have been finalized sometime before the Maccabean period around the second century before Christ.
The late C.S. Lewis, noted author and scholar, commented on the Psalms as follows: "The Psalms are poems, and poems intended to be sung: not doctrinal treatises, nor even sermons …They must be read as poems if they are to be understood … otherwise we shall miss what is in them and think we see what is not."
Of the 150 Psalms written, Pastor Art teaches from 30 and delivers pertinent and heartfelt messages that make it not only easy to identify with the Psalmists of old, but also to apply the principles of these scriptural hymns to living in the modern age.
Happiness in life is based on right living.
The actions of the nations of the world make God laugh!
A father finds hope as he copes with a rebellious son.
Three ways to respond to an enemy.
Are humans just animals, or something special in God's sight?
In the chaos all around, it is comforting to know that God is ultimately in charge.
In God there is a place of rest and peace for the present and the future.
In view of the immensity of the universe, we can meet God at deeper levels.
Secular humanism is no match for faith in the living God.
Triptych, Part 1: The redemptive suffering of Jesus is described.
Triptych, Part 2: The loving care of Jesus is portrayed.
Triptych, Part 3: The great power of Jesus is proclaimed.
Afraid? This is the Psalm to read.
God hears your cry for mercy in your hour of need.
How to find forgiveness of sins and peace with God.
Not just flag waving, but national righteousness and justice.
Feel hopeless? There is always an option with God.
There are many reasons why doing the right thing pays high dividends.
No light at the end of the tunnel? God seems far away? Put your hope in God!
The spiritual key to facing the storms of life. Someone is on your side.
What does "In God We Trust" mean?
Let a great and awesome God keep you optimistic on your journey home.
God is a missionary God who loves the whole world.
Extol the greatness of God! A psalm of praise unsurpassed.
Never let this world crowd out the experience of God in your soul.
The glory of God's Presence.
A psalm written to console and strengthen God's people.
The majesty of God is explained.
God deserves our praise.
Our God is holy above all.
Cause for joy!
Here find reasons to praise the Lord.
Thankfulness for your country, your church and your salvation.
Facing a dilemma? Identify it and let God rescue you.
Reassurance of God's care abounds in this psalm.
The God who restored Israel's national fortunes can also restore your personal life.
God cares about you, in life and in death.