Psalms
In 6th grade, ethereal images of harps, oceans, galaxies, warriors, horses, earth, and sky have been floating through our minds. We have explored vivid images like “dwelling place” and “He gathers the waters of the sea into jars.” We have thought about questions such as:
These questions and images have all emerged from our study and memorization of Psalm 33. In the Psalms, we consistently see powerful imagery. This imagery is often accompanied by deep emotion. Different Psalms explore emotional expression that ranges from the depths of despair to heartfelt rejoicing and celebration.
In the season of Thanksgiving (and the end of Fall Term), there are many emotions that we feel. Some of us may feel accomplished and encouraged. Others may feel tired, and maybe a bit discouraged. Still others may feel anxious about the rest of the school year, or hopeful about things to come.
As we conclude Fall Term, we celebrate with a Psalmfest. We share, as an entire school, these powerful images and emotions found in the Psalms. It seems fitting that, as we reach the end of one season, we respond with thanks and celebration. When we return from Thanksgiving break, we continue to give thanks and celebrate in anticipation of Christmas, a new season.
What would a rejoicing heart look like?
What is unfailing love?
What does hope look like?
How is God just?
These questions and images have all emerged from our study and memorization of Psalm 33. In the Psalms, we consistently see powerful imagery. This imagery is often accompanied by deep emotion. Different Psalms explore emotional expression that ranges from the depths of despair to heartfelt rejoicing and celebration.
In the season of Thanksgiving (and the end of Fall Term), there are many emotions that we feel. Some of us may feel accomplished and encouraged. Others may feel tired, and maybe a bit discouraged. Still others may feel anxious about the rest of the school year, or hopeful about things to come.
As we conclude Fall Term, we celebrate with a Psalmfest. We share, as an entire school, these powerful images and emotions found in the Psalms. It seems fitting that, as we reach the end of one season, we respond with thanks and celebration. When we return from Thanksgiving break, we continue to give thanks and celebrate in anticipation of Christmas, a new season.
In reflecting on this past season and looking ahead to a new one, I wonder -- what would your psalm look like at the end of this season? Would it be one of praise and thanksgiving? Maybe it would be one of questioning and despair. Maybe it would be one filled with hope.
As we enter a new season of thankfulness and celebration, I encourage you to reflect on the images and emotions that are so beautifully expressed in Psalm 33:
As we enter a new season of thankfulness and celebration, I encourage you to reflect on the images and emotions that are so beautifully expressed in Psalm 33:
1 Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
2 Praise the Lord with the harp;
make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
3 Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully, and shout for joy.
4 For the word of the Lord is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
5 The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.
6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars;
he puts the deep into storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord;
let all the people of the world revere him.
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.
10 The Lord foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people he chose for his inheritance.
13 From heaven the Lord looks down
and sees all mankind;
14 from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth—
15 he who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.
16 No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.
17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.
18 But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.
20 We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you.