The ancient Psalms of David still refresh and encourage us after 3,000 years. Here are just three examples as relevant as today.
When circumstances do not reveal God’s presence, we may repeat: “How long, O YHWH? Wilt thou forget me forever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me? . . . But I have trusted in thy steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation” (Psalm 13:1, 5).
When justice does not occur on the earth, we may say: “I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. . . . When I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task until I went into the sanctuary of God. . . . When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was stupid and ignorant, I was like a beast toward thee. Nevertheless, I am continually with thee; thou dost hold my right hand. Thou dost guide me with thy counsel, and afterward thou wilt receive me to glory. But for me it is good to be near God. I have made the Lord YHWH my refuge that I may tell of all thy works” (Psalm 73:2, 16-17, 21-24, 28).
When our intellect can go no farther, we can confess: “O YHWH, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul like a child quieted at its mother’s breast; like a child that is quieted is my soul. Israel, hope in YHWH from this time forth and for evermore” (Psalm 131:1-3).
We are made of dirt, but we are privileged to know the very Creator of all that exists. Ultimately, that is enough.