Here is a list of the psalms that are currently available and can be accessed by a link, and other psalms that are in preparation and are expected to be published in the next few months.
ALL are still works in progress so comments, corrections and further insights are welcome. My comments are set out in note form to ease this process.
Psalm 1
Yahweh and the righteous
With Yahweh at the centre, the lifestyle and attitude of the righteous will distinguish them from those who do not follow Yahweh.
Psalm 2
The Messiah reigns
In preparation. Expected publication Summer 2024.
Psalm 3
Trusting Yahweh in adversity
In preparation. Expected publication Summer 2024.
Psalm 4
Teaching others to trust Yahweh in adversity
In preparation. Expected publication Spring 2024.
Psalm 5
Trauma damages godliness
A reminder that even the godly can be distracted from following Yahweh if they allow trauma to distract them.
Psalm 6
Yahweh hears and responds to a plea for deliverance
In preparation. Expected publication Summer 2024.
Psalm 8
Yahweh’s majestic glory
The psalmist bases his praise of Yahweh on a clarification of humankind’s relationship with Yahweh in their role as stewards of Yahweh’s creation.
Psalm 11
Preventing Trauma by focussing on Yahweh
The psalmist’s life is in danger but on this occasion he deals with the stress without being traumatised.
Psalm 12
Yahweh’s passion for the traumatised
In a world where God’s people are surrounded by evil and ungodliness Yahweh declares that he is primarily concerned with the weakest, most marginalised and poorest.
Psalm 13
Persevere in Faith
The psalmist is overwhelmed by trauma. He can see no way out and is not sure Yahweh is taking any notice – but he still declares his trust and confidence is in Yahweh.
Psalm 15
Dwelling with Yahweh is about leading a righteous life
The safety and security that is epitomised by the phrase ‘dwelling with Yahweh’ is primarily about how we relate to other people.
Psalm 20
Preparing to serve Yahweh
King David’s ‘service of commendation’ before going into battle is a model for preparation for Christian service.
Psalm 21
Victory is Yahweh’s gift
or is it
A misrepresentation of shameful behaviour?
This psalm seems to have two contrasting messages rolled into one psalm.
Psalm 27
In challenging times our security is in Yahweh
At first sight Psalm 27 has a contradictory message but the Hebrew poetic structure helps to provide understanding of its message to be a call to ‘live by faith.’
Psalm 29
Yahweh – our security in the storms of life
The psalmist describes an immense storm that affected the whole nation and uses this as a powerful illustration of Yahweh’s power and authority over nature. It is therefore an encouragement to us to recognise and rejoice in Yahweh’s power and blessing in our lives, even in our storms, knowing we can do so with confidence in his power and willingness to help.
Psalm 57
Prayer and its (sometimes) prompt answer
A dramatic and unexpected answer to prayer leads into a consideration of the nature and purpose of prayer.
Psalm 58
Yahweh, the righteous and compassionate judge, is in control
The psalmist is aggressively obsessed with the retribution he believes his enemies deserve and expects Yahweh to follow his wishes/demands in providing that retribution. It is an example of Scripture being ‘useful for … rebuking, correcting’ and not so much for, ‘teaching … and training in righteousness’ (2 Timothy 3:16).
Psalm 66
A model for interethnic evangelism
A vibrant call to worship God develops into a teaching programme to help neighbouring gentile peoples develop a living faith in God.
Psalm 79
The first stage of trauma recovery
Psalm 79 expresses the anguish, hurt and anger of those who were left behind in the wreckage of Jerusalem when the cream of the nation were taken captive to Babylon.
Psalm 88
The desolation of severe and prolonged trauma
Psalm 88 describes the suffering of someone who is in the ‘Village of No Hope’ on their journey toward recovery from an experience of intense and distressing trauma.
Psalm 91 New
Dwelling in Yahweh: The Ongoing Experience of Salvation
The psalmist had lived through a life of uncertainty, trouble and trauma but, now, in his latter years, in a time of peace and ‘New Beginnings’ he reflects on his life and acknowledges his survival was due to his commitment to ‘dwell in Yahweh.’
Psalm 100
Call to praise
A short and joyful call to praise that establishes some principles about how and when we worship Yahweh.
Psalm 107
The redeemed give thanks
Psalm 107 has a unique layout that enhances the ideas about how this psalm may have been used when it was created.
Psalm 137
The Shock and Horror of the Deeply Traumatised
This is an emotive and poignant lament of a community of Yahweh’s people who have recently suffered horrendous experiences of tragic loss.
The recovery from generational, communal trauma
The psalmist and his people praise Yahweh for who he is and what he has done now they are in ‘New Beginnings,’ a place of peace, security and blessing after devastating experiences of national suffering.
