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The book of Psalms is one of the most frequently cited books in the New Testament. There are at least 30 messianic prophecies in Psalms. And, probably, more verses from Psalms are quoted on Facebook® posts than any other book of the Bible.
Why?
The Book of Psalms, written by about ten authors (with King David being the top Psalmist), contains my “power verses” or short, pithy, and helpful quotes that I’ve marked in my Bible.
As I’ve read through Psalms over the years, I’ve marked my personal “power verses” that spoke to me, encouraged me, and yielded wisdom.
Let me share some of them. . .
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety (4:8).
You will make known to me the way of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever (16:11).
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me (25:1-2).
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them (34:7).
As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, God (42:1).
So have I seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and glory. Because Your favor is better than life, my lips will praise You (63:2-3).
Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle (103:5).
Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them (111:2).
How precious also are Your thoughts for me, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the sand (139:17-18).
I have other verses marked, and a couple of times a year I just open my Bible and go through all 150 Psalms reading my marked power verses.
Below is a quote from N.T. Wright that adequately explains the value of the Psalms. . .
Suppose the Psalms had been lost and had never been printed in any Bibles or prayer books. Suppose they then turned up in a faded but still legible scroll, discovered by archaeologists in the sands of Jordan or Egypt. What would happen? When deciphered and translated, they would be on the front page of every newspaper in the world. Many scholars from many disciplines would marvel at the beauty and content of these ancient worship songs and poems. The Psalms are among the oldest poems in the world, and they still rank with any poetry in any culture, ancient or modern, from anywhere in the world. They are full of power and passion, horrendous misery and unrestrained jubilation, tender sensitivity and powerful hope.
I encourage you to read Psalms and mark your personal power verses.
Amen. Peace out!