Experiencing God through the Psalms

February 9 – March 2

The book of Psalms contains the words of ancient songs that ascribe greatness to God as king and mighty warrior, exalted and enthroned on high. Likewise, many contemporary “worship” songs portray God as an all-powerful and controlling authority figure, a distinct “other,” demanding and deserving our worship. But according to Scripture, if we really want to know what God is like, we should look at Jesus—and Jesus’ defining characteristic is vulnerable, self-sacrificial love. Jesus did not address God as king or warrior; he called God “Abba,” Father. He did not view God as distant and distinct; he spoke of an intimacy and oneness with God that embraces each and every one of us. And despite their ancient worldview, the psalmists too caught a glimpse of this intimacy and oneness with God. This is reflected in the psalms’ unfiltered language of anxiety and fear, exuberant joy, despondency, anger, hope and regret. During this four-week series we will explore various psalms to see how they can help us rethink worship as an authentic expression of our hearts to God, and a way to draw closer to God and to one another.