Isn’t it interesting how certain songs can “take you back” to memorable times and places and trigger memories of people long gone from your life? Songs can evoke feelings of happiness and joy, but also sadness and loss. So what songs are part of the soundtrack of your life? What songs have you loaded on your iPod or MP3 player that shape your life, bring out deep emotions, and jog distant memories?
In the Bible, the Psalms are the soundtrack of life for people of faith. It’s likely that many of the Psalms were originally poems written by individuals to give voice to their deepest emotions. Over the years, these poems were made into songs and used in worship services.
In this sermon series, we’ll explore twelve different Psalms and the emotions they communicate. We’ll also learn how we, as believers in God, can integrate these Biblical songs into the soundtrack of our lives.
Download a PDF of the "Daily Readings for Lent 2010" Bookmark
- On February 17, Ash Wednesday, the season of Lent begins and our sermon series tone changes “key.” We will explore Psalms that are more emotionally raw and difficult. On March 28 (Palm Sunday), we will experience a turning point as we prepare our hearts and faith for the celebration of Easter.
- February 21 “A Song of Anger” — Psalm 137
Psalm 137 is not a very ‘pretty’ song. The psalmist’s emotions are raw and his anger is intense. God desires for us to have a relationship with him in the good and bad times, and to be honest in our prayers. What are you angry about? Tell God about it. He can handle your joy and pain. - February 28 “A Song of Pain” — Psalm 38
Hitting rock bottom is no fun, and the poet who wrote Psalm 38 has almost reached that devastating point in his life. When we reach those deep levels of despair, it feels like we are cut off from everybody -- friends, family, and God. When we cry out in faith, God reminds us that, with him, there’s nowhere else to go but up.
- March 7 “A Song of Sorrow” — Psalm 6
One of the most common ways we express our sorrow is through tears. When we lose someone we love or life doesn’t line up the way we want it to, we can become filled with feelings of sorrow. Where is God when we are sad? He’s listening to our cries and answering our prayers. - March 14 “A Song of Depression” — Psalm 143
For some people, depression is simply a case of “the blues” that may last for a few days or even a couple of weeks. For others, depression is a lifelong struggle. No matter what kind of depression we might feel, it is a very real experience. When the writer of Psalm 143 calls out to God in his depression he sees a glimmer of hope shining in his dark world. - March 21 “A Song of Questions” — Psalm 77
Is God really active in my life when I face difficulties? When I go through hard times, has he forgotten about me? These are tough questions that we can find ourselves asking during times of trial. The poet asks these same questions in Psalm 77 but then remembers that he and God have some ‘history’ together, and that history is really important. - March 28 (Palm Sunday) “A Turning Point” — Psalm 40
There comes a time in life when the clouds part and our world seems to get back on track. These are emotional turning points, and they are a gift from God. The poet has experienced a turning point in his life and writes about it in Psalm 40. His words give us hope that God can turn our sad songs into joyful ones. - April 2 (Good Friday) Psalm 22 — 6:00pm
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” These last words of Jesus on the cross are found in Psalm 22:1. As we remember Christ’s suffering and death on Good Friday, we look forward celebrating God’s promise of resurrection, hope, and new life on Easter.