In the famous opening lines from Charles Dickens' book of the French Revolution, A Tale of Two Cities, he writes, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way..."
These words seem to me to be a good commentary on Psalms as well. Psalms charts both the highs and lows of the human heart. It reflects the best of times and worst of times. It is full of high praises and low expressions of despair. In essence, it is a window into the human heart through all its various seasons, our winters and our springs. Psalms offers praises and vivid reminders of Who our great God is. It offers comfort and defense for times of pain and attack. They offer inspirational pleas to know and experience God more deeply. Each is an invitation to honesty before God.
The Psalms speak often of a desire to be in God’s presence, receive His guidance, and worship Him as Lord of all. Through every high and through every low, God is great and worthy to be praised, for He is a God who does not change and is present with His people through it all.
I encourage you to read the Psalms, meditate on the Psalms, sing the Psalms, and allow the Psalms to stir your heart to praise and prayer. Take time to write your own version of a Psalm to God. What is on your heart to express honestly before God? What do you love about God? Tell Him descriptively. The Psalms are not meant to merely be read but are there to inspire us to engage with the living God. “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” Psalm 34:8