Bible study is necessary if you want to develop in your spiritual life as a Christian. The truth which the scriptures have is the basis of our faith in Christ. The scriptures provide the events that prepared the way for Christ to us and the purpose of God. Deciding to study a book of the Bible rather than a single scripture is a great move to get deeper into studying the scriptures.

The book of Psalms consists of five books in one. These books were made at different times, and by different compilers. As you read the book of psalms, you must know they weren’t written in the lifetime of one man or at one time. The ninetieth Moses’, the hundred thirty-seventh to the Babylonian exile, seventy-three Psalms are ascribed to David, Solomon 2, sons of Korah 11, Asaph 12, Herman 1 (88th), Ethan 1 (89th), Hezekiah, 10, and 39 are of unknown authors. 

The sentiments expressed in the Psalms are from the hearts of the authors. They show the best effects of Moses’ Law, and Israel’s experience on the souls of devout men under that dispensation. For you to read psalms and yield maximum profit, you should read any Psalms containing personal or historical allusions in connection with the events alluded to. 

 Here we will study the Psalms focusing on God’s forgiveness and grace, love, Lord, and Jesus Christ, our savior. 

   Forgiveness 

The psalms deal with repentance, God’s forgiveness, and restoration. You will see the book of Psalms acknowledges the existence of a man’s sin to magnify the glory of God’s grace. 

Psalm 32 and 51 points out the expression of the experience of guilt, and its humble confession. It further points out the joyful expression of peace that comes through being forgiven.

Psalm 32 is assigned to David. Though the circumstances are not clear, it could relate to the Bathsheba-Uriah incident referenced in Psalm 51.

In Psalm 32:1-2, David begins his guilty and forgiveness song saying how fortunate the forgiven person is. David uses several synonyms for sin and guilt to show how we try to rationalize and minimize our sins while reflecting on God’s grace, and His willingness to forgive.

Then he proceeds to explain from his personal experience how miserable we try to run away from our sins instead of dealing with them. We often know that deep down we have sinned, but we rationalize our actions refusing to admit the depth of our guilt at the surface.

David further explains the absolution he received upon confessing his sins, and healed soul. This shows the need for confession and absolution practices in our churches.

After the sin is confessed and forgiven, David turns his Psalm to acknowledge God as savior and protector. When you make peace with God, you have His promise of protection.

In Psalm 32:8-11, God speaks through David. We learn once the Lord has cleansed you from guilt and sin and brought you into his safety, he wants to teach you and instruct you. Therefore, we should not be stubborn but listen to God’s word.

Like Psalm 32, Psalm 51 is classic for repentance, confession, and plea for pardon. It’s a Psalm of David when Prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.

David begins by calling out for mercy, for he knows God’s character is one of love and compassion. You should ask God to pardon your sins based on God’s merciful nature.

David further acknowledges his sins and confesses and longs to have fellowship with God once more. David goes on to pray for a pure heart, and a willing heart. Moreover, David prays God not to take His Spirit from him as it happened to Saul when he sinned against God.

In Psalm 51:13-15, he resolves to declare God’s grace by teaching, singing, and praising the Lord.

Lastly, David teaches us that true repentance is one that our hearts breaks of sorrow with a genuine desire to change, and with a real love for God.

Jesus Christ

The psalms are full of Jesus Christ. Luke 24:44 says, then he said to them, “These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

 You will find Christ Jesus prominent throughout Psalm 2, 110, and 22. There a better image of Christ in the Psalms than in the gospel books. The gospels tell us that Jesus was crucified, but in the Psalms we learn what went in His own heart when he was crucified.

 The gospels tell us that He went to the mountain to pray, but we learn His prayer in the Psalms. Moreover, the gospels tell us Jesus went to heaven, but the Psalms begins where Christ left earth, and show us Christ seated in heaven.

 Jesus Christ is the subject of praise in almost each of the Psalms. Some are called messianic psalms. The messianic Psalms record the birth of Jesus Christ, his life, death, resurrection, glory, priesthood, kingship, and return.

You will realize that the Psalms deal with Christ belonging to the Israelites and Israel being His. However, this does not in any way mean that they are not helpful to us today. They show the Jewish expectations and hope. You will realize that God our Lord is God the Father, and not father God.

Love

 Christianity is defined by love. Christ Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross to save humankind is the most significant expression of love by God. Different Psalms paints a beautiful picture of God’s unfailing love to us.

Psalm 51 David pleaded to God for forgiveness and mercy for his sins according to His steadfast love, and compassion. God is motivated by His love for humankind over His wrath and anger.

In Psalm 139, we see God’s love is compassionate. He knows each of us better than we know ourselves, for He can see through our emotions and accepts us despite our faults.

Right through Psalms, God’s love is greater than His anger. His mercy and graciousness endure forever. Throughout Psalms, you can see through God’s love we have been invited to have a serious relationship with God. Beyond, we have been offered the opportunity to be wholly known, and cherished.

Conclusion

You should understand that the Psalms were written under various circumstances that express God-fearing men’s sentiments in almost any condition we find ourselves in today. Therefore, the Psalms are adapted to our teaching in different circumstances of our lives.