Psalms and Songs

Have you ever wondered how to filter “Christian” songs in your music life, whether it be at home or at church? Has the thought “Do these words truly honor God?” ever crossed your mind while listening to someone sing a special or while listening to music while you clean? Or, have you ever considered writing a song but didn’t know where to start or what to focus the song on?

Well, the Book of Psalms is a collection of songs chosen by God to endure the test of time recorded for all of humanity to read. This collection of songs is not simply a space filler for the Bible but a great tool for a believer to use to screen their songs in everyday life. This book of songs is a simple way for us to know what types of songs can bring honor to God (this is speaking in a “message” or words sense of music, not the style of the tune)

This is a brief synopsis of the general categories for the Book of Psalms. Although the categories might be able to be subdivided into smaller groups, I have chosen to focus only on these seven categories.

1. Lament Psalms – These express sorrow, distress, or a plea for God's help. They often transition from despair to trust in God (e.g., Psalm 22, Psalm 51). They also can show the writer's remorse for sin and a call to personal repentance. The main focus of a song should not just be the “trouble”, but God’s ability and willingness to deliver. Be careful listening to music that only exaggerates the problem but diminishes the value of the solution.

2. Praise Hymns – These celebrate God's greatness, goodness, and mighty works, often calling others to worship (e.g., Psalm 8, Psalm 100). God-honoring music should always draw others to want to reverence the One True God.

3. Thanksgiving Psalms – These express gratitude for God's blessings and deliverance (e.g., Psalm 30, Psalm 107). Good songs will include an element of thankfulness directed to the Great Provider.

4. Royal Psalms – These focus on kingship, often referring to David or the coming Messiah (e.g., Psalm 2, Psalm 110). Although these Psalms tend to be more prophetic in nature (foretelling or predicting the future), songs should be a constant reminder of truth and a reminder of our responsibility to God.

5. Wisdom Psalms – These provide guidance on righteous living and contrast the ways of the wicked and the faithful (e.g., Psalm 1, Psalm 119). Songs are a great tool to remind the believer of the blessings of living right and the curses of living wrong.

6. Imprecatory Psalms – These call for God's judgment on enemies and evildoers (e.g., Psalm 69, Psalm 109). Godly songs should serve as a reminder to the lost of their great need for a Savior.

7. Historical Psalms – These recount Israel’s history and God's faithfulness (e.g., Psalm 78, Psalm 105). Modern songs of the faith should shed light on the lives of those who have gone on before, living faithfully to the commands of God while seeing His power displayed in their lives.

Next time you are listening to a song, consider if it matches up to the standard established by the Books of Psalms.