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
