Well, the sixth and final thing that I want to say about this introduction to the Psalms is that the Psalms are a theology textbook. At its core, what is theology? Theology, in its essence, is the study of God. And I love the theology of the Psalms. The Psalms are theologically rich and theologically deep. The Psalms entertain for us some of the most significant theological questions.
And like I mentioned earlier, we will never ever reach the bottom of our understanding of the theology of God because God's greatness is unsearchable. You can dig and dig and dig and dig and dig, and you will never reach the bottom. I think that we'll be studying the character of God and our relationship to God for all of eternity.
But the Psalms do more than just expose us to this rich and deep biblical theology. The Psalms teach us how theology is meant to be done. It's very interesting that there is no set of abstract concepts in the Psalms. The Psalms are not distant; they don't feel academic; they're not impersonal. In fact, the opposite is the case. The theology of the Psalms is deeply personal, it's deeply relational. And it's very clear that in the Psalms you realize that, theological belief is not just something you do with your brain; theological belief is something that you live every day. You could argue from the Psalms that the theology that you live is actually the theology that you believe.
I want to take you to Psalm 27, which for me is one of the bright examples of the deeply personal nature of the Psalms.
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
(Psalm 27:1, ESV)
These words were written when David was going through tragic personal things, and he says, "The Lord is light...The Lord is salvation...the Lord is stronghold."
Now, I don't know what you think about what I said, but what I've done is just given you an example of bad, unbiblical theology, because I've left a word out that makes what David says completely change. He says, "The Lord is my light...The Lord is my salvation...The Lord is my stronghold."
He's not saying, "Somewhere out there, somehow there's light; and somewhere out there, somehow there's salvation; and somehow out there, there's a stronghold." No! He's saying, "God is this for me. God is light for me. God is salvation for me. God is stronghold for me."
And when you handle theology that way, theology doesn't just give you the identity of God; it redefines your identity as a child of God. Let me say that again: good biblical theology doesn't just define God for you; it redefines who you are as a child of God. That's what theology is meant to do, and as it redefines your identity, it redefines the way you live your life.
I guess I'd like to say to you that there better be a big "MY" in the middle of your theology. Because what the Psalms teaches us is all that God is, in his magnificent glory and covenantal love, all that God is, he is for us by grace!
Questions for Personal Reflection or Group Discussion
1. Why is a more formalized and academic study of theology important? How can you become a better student of your Christian faith? Have you benefited from, or considered taking, seminary courses or certificates to increase your knowledge and understanding of key components such as biblical interpretation, church history, or systematic theology. Why is this beneficial? But in what ways is isolated academic theological study potentially dangerous, if it does not transform your heart and life and increase your love for and service of Christ?
2. What difficulties, struggles, or suffering are you going through right now? What are you afraid of? How are you afraid of? How has God been your light, salvation, and stronghold in the past? How can you preach those gospel truths to yourself again today? Be specific. What does it practically mean that God is your light, salvation, and stronghold?
Conversation Prompts to Use with Children
For Younger Children: Are you afraid of the dark? Are you afraid of other things, people, or animals? Do you know that the Bible says it's okay to be afraid? Did you know that God designed us to experience fear, because we live in a dangerous world with some bad people who do bad things sometimes? Why is it less scary when the lights are on? Why is it less scary when mommy or daddy (or grandmom or granddad or other guardian) is with you? Did you know that Jesus is with you all the time and that you're never alone? Do you like building forts and hiding inside? Why do forts keep you safe? Did you know that God is the biggest and strongest fort that you can ever be safe inside? Can we talk with Jesus about being afraid and being safe with him?
For Older Children: What are you most afraid of happening today or tomorrow? Are you afraid of certain events happening, or being embarrassed, or afraid of certain people? Why do these things make you so anxious and stressed? What are you biggest fears long-term in life? What are your biggest dreams and hopes? What are some dark things that you have experienced, or are experiencing right now? How is the Lord a light in these dark places and offers salvation, or rescue, from them? How can you "run" from danger into the stronghold of Christ? Remember, as much as we experience darkness and danger from outside (and Christ is light, salvation, and stronghold for these!), the darkest darkness and biggest danger is our own sin. What dark, sinful things are you struggling with in your heart and light that you need the rescued from by Christ?
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