A Transformation Through Psalms

Thursday, August 16, 2012 Posted by Debbie Legg

My husband and I were reeling. Hurt. Angry. Never before had we felt so betrayed.

Shortly thereafter I began to read the book of Psalms. I was excited to see just how perfectly David’s words mirrored my own feelings: Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you. (Psalm 5:10) Break the arm of the wicked man; call the evildoer to account for his wickedness that would not otherwise be found out. (Psalm 10:15)

On pity party days, David again had some excellent things to say: Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors and an object of dread to my closest friends. (31:11)

By Psalm37, I started to sense a shift. Rather than focus on their actions, I needed to focus on my reactions: Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. (v7)

The more I waited on God, the more his grace was illuminated: Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God; ruthless people are trying to kill me—they have no regard for you. But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. (86:14-15)

As David grew in humility, vengeance slowly gave way to praise: Praise the Lord my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. (103:2-4)

Through all of this, David learned that it’s not about them, but about God: I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.(140:12,13)

By the end of the book, through God’s grace, David and I were singing together: Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. (150:6)