During the holiday season we will enjoy a short series in the Psalms, our songs for the summer. Whilst the messages can stand alone, together they build something of a picture of the nature of God, all the more as we consider them through the lens of Jesus. This is to our comfort, our encouragement comes not just from the revelation of who God is, but the implications for us as his people. To borrow a summary from writer Tim Chester: God is good, so I don’t need to look elsewhere (Psalm 34), God is great, so we do not have to be in control (Psalm 46), God is glorious, so we do not have to fear others (Psalm 29), God is gracious, so we do not have to prove ourselves (Psalm 103). The weather may be variable this summer, but the truths of our God are unchanging, as we hear these ancient songs, may we join with the writers in praise and thanksgiving and be built up in faith, confidence and hope in the Lord.
Sunday 6th August – Psalm 34
Psalm 34:8
‘Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.’
Sunday 13th August – Psalm 46
Psalm 46:11
‘The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.’
Sunday 20th August – Psalm 29
Psalm 29:2
‘Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to his name; worship the Lord in the splendour of his holiness.’
Sunday 27th August – Psalm 103
Psalm 103:8
‘the Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.’