We can relate to the psalms because they express our feelings. We all face troubles, as did the psalm writers hundreds of years ago, and we often respond as they did.  In Psalm 3, David told God how he felt about the odds against him.  But within three verses, the king realised that God’s presence and care made the odds meaningless.  This experience is repeated in many of the palms.  Usually, the hope and confidence in God outweigh the fear and suffering; sometimes they do not.  Still, the psalm writers consistently poured out their thoughts and emotions to God.  When they felt abandoned by God, they told him so.  When they were impatient with how slowly God seemed to be answering their prayers, they also told him so.  Because they recognised the difference between themselves and God, they were free to be men and to be honest with their Creator.  That is why so many of the dark psalms end in the light.  The psalmists started by expressing their feelings and ended up remembering to whom they were speaking!

Although we have much in common with the psalmists, we may differ in two ways: we might not tell God what we are really thinking and feeling; and therefore we also might not recognise, even faintly, who is listening to our prayers!

Notice this pattern as you read Psalms, and put the psalmists’ insight to the test. You may well find that your awareness and appreciation of God will grow as you are honest with him.  (See Psalms 3; 6; 13; 31; 37; 64; 77; 102; 121; 142.)

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”   Luke 23.34

“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”   Luke 23.43

Speaking to John and Mary, “Dear woman, here is your son…. Here is your mother.”   John 19.26, 27

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”   Matthew 27.46; Mark 15.34

“I am thirsty.”   John 19.28

“It is finished.”   John 19.30

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”   Luke 23.46

The statements that Jesus made from the cross have been treasured by all who have followed him as Lord. They demonstrate both his humanity and his divinity.  They also capture the last moments of all that Jesus went through to gain our forgiveness.

Usually, proverbs are written in the form of couplets. These are constructed in three ways: