Write a Psalm to God

Personal Expressions of Praise by Debbie Roome
I recently entered a competition where the theme was to write a psalm. The first thing I realised was that much of what I write is for other people. I had to go the book of Psalms to see how they were structured and how the psalmists directed their words to God. A number of things became evident to me as I browsed through one psalm after another.

Psalms are Written from the Heart
Psalms are emotional and expressive. Many of them speak of despair and sorrow, joy and exaltation.

Many Psalms are Written in the First Person
The psalmists often wrote about me, myself and I, relating how God had helped them and strengthened them in difficult times. They were written as personal expressions of appreciation and adoration.

Psalms often Compare God to Something Natural
God is referred to as a strong tower, a rock, and a shepherd and these are just a few of the word pictures used.

Remember how God helped you in Difficult Times
Many psalms reflect on how God sustained and helped during times of great despair and sorrow.

Praise Him for Prayers Answered
These reflections are often followed by exuberant declaration of praise.

Express hope for the future
After praising God, some of the psalmists go on to express hope for His continued favour and support

A psalm is something personal and meaningful – something to read out to the Lord. Why not write one just for Him this week. No one else need ever see it but it will bring a new depth to your relationship with your Father.

Debbie Roome works as a freelance writer from her home in New Zealand. Visit her at Debbie Roome or read some of her work at Suite 101, Associated Content and Faithwriters.