Reflections in the Psalms

Dear reader,

I am seeking through humble reflections in the Psalms to become one of your best friends. Of course we know that people-pleasing as an objective can be unhealthy—even a disorder—but if delighting in the Law of God is what makes us most prosperous and truly happy—then my efforts here are a high act of genuine friendship.

What qualifies me to help you through this process…you might ask. Nothing much, except that I am a wounded warrior and a humbled lyricist myself, who has found great respite, refreshment and release in these ancient words and from the One who stands behind them.

Back in the days when albums were CD’s and lyrics were profound and legible, I would lay upon the floor with album sleeves propped in front of me, basking in the verse of singer-song writers, feeding upon their depth of insight or clever use of poetic device. But none of those songs has so moved me as these Psalms. Recently, (meaning the last 10 years or so), though all of the scriptures are inspired and inspirational—I have camped in this part of the Bible and have found incredible permission to grieve, to be angry, to be hurt and to raise serious questions and even complaints before the Potentate of Time and the Creator of all the universe.

Christian music today is driven mostly by business ends—what sells? Songs of lament or justice are not so popular anymore. But the Psalms are full of them. We are not allowed to speak of our enemies in our music—much less to curse them—but the Psalmists do, in terms hard to believe sanctioned in the Scriptures. Contemporary songs of worship tend to be happier in tone—as if we are not a depressed generation—as if we are not a nation given to hardship and spiritual famine—as if we are not desperate to find authentic spiritual connection but struggle to do so. Contemporary Christian music too often presumes to offer the answer while invalidating and nullifying the question.

Will you walk with me through these great Psalms and encounter with me not only God—but also our truest selves. As we reflect upon these great lyrics of old, we will be moved to deep but cleansing sadness, profound and penetrating insight not only into the character of God but into the character of our friendship with Him. I will be your partner and friend—but the Spirit of God will be our teacher and physician—not only by instructing the mind, but also by healing and validating the soul.

Your friend,

mo leverett