The Psalms: A Book for All Our Days

What book of the Bible do people often suggest you read? In my experience it tends to be one of the gospels, usually the gospel of John. Organizations like the Pocket Testament League print thousands of copies of the book of John to send out to hurting souls every year.

But what book of the Bible do people often say is their favorite?

Many people in my church have a favorite book of the Bible in common. This book is filled with encouraging and powerful truths, and many of its verses are pure medicine for our hearts.

That book is the Psalms.

Are you wondering why the Psalms are loved and treasured by so many Christians worldwide? Let’s dive in together and find out!

1. The Psalms encourage us to be grateful in the good times.

There are 150 Psalms in total, written by different men like David, Asaph, Moses, and several others. But no matter who the author of a particular Psalm was, when experiencing joy or prosperity in their life, they always put their focus on God! The Psalms attribute prosperity and experiencing “good times” to the Lord, and they thank and praise Him for the blessings He provides.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil, my cup runs over.” – Psalm 23: 5

The psalmists do not congratulate themselves on reaching this place of blessing or perceive it to be a result of their own work—they acknowledge it as a gift from God, one that ought to be met with gratitude. Reading the Psalms encourages us to have this same attitude in our times of prosperity.

“Blessed be the LORD, because He has heard the voice of my supplications! The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.” – Psalm 28:6-7, NKJV

2. The Psalms remind us of God’s present goodness in the bad times.

When we’re going through difficulty, it’s easy to fall into despair and tell ourselves that God has forgotten about us. Even the authors of the Psalms sometimes wrote down similar thoughts. But they never leave us there!

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!” – Psalm 27:13-14

The authors of the Psalms do not tell us that going through pain is a sign that God has turned His back on us, or that the strongest Christians are exempt from painful circumstances. The psalmists do not pretend that life is always good or painless—instead they point us to the One who is always present, always good, and always in control.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” – Psalm 46:1-2

3. The Psalms help us focus on God’s character.

No matter what situation the psalmist was going through when he wrote a given Psalm, he always points us back to the unfailing attributes of God! Some Psalms are perfect for when you’re going through an uncertain time and need to remember God’s sovereign control, while others speak to the forgiveness and love that Christians have as a result of Christ’s sacrifice.

Still others remind us that God’s ears are open to the prayers of His children—an important reminder when it seems as if our prayers are bouncing off the ceiling. No matter what situation you are facing, there is a Psalm for you!

So, I’d encourage you to read the Psalms more often. Whether it’s in your dedicated devotional time or in your free time, whether you flip through the Psalms or read them in order—you will be greatly encouraged by the entirety of this book. The Psalms are one of my favorite books of the Bible, and I hope it will soon become one of your own!