Boys and girls, I think that when I told you of our plans for the next study I mentioned that I would like to look with you at some of my favourite Psalms. 

I emphasised that it would only be “some” of my favourite Psalms for in truth, they are all my favourites!

I would like to introduce my study by telling you some wonderful, simple and basic facts about the Book of Psalms.

The word ‘Psalms’ means ‘Melody or Praise’. 

We frequently call them, ‘The Psalms of David’ and he is termed “David the son of Jesse . . . the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel,” 2 Samuel 23:1. 

But there were many authors, not just David. Undoubtedly, he is the author of many of them, perhaps the most memorable. Here is a breakdown of the authorship of the 150 Psalms. 

David, 73; Asaph, 12; sons of Korah, 9; Solomon, 2; Heman, 1; Ethan, 1; Moses, 1; and anonymous, 51.

They were written over a period of some 900 years. 

God’s people have always loved the Psalms. It is likely the chief portion of God’s Word turned to for help and comfort, for guidance and instruction amidst life’s difficulties. 

This is because there is to be found in the Psalms:

* The SINGING and SIGHS of the Saints. 

* Their PRAYERS and PETITIONS and PRAISE.

* Their TRIALS, TRIBULATIONS and TRIUMPHS. 

* Above all we have their EXPECTATIONS based upon the REVELATION of the glorious return of Christ that is promised to the saints of God in the future and set forth in many of the Psalms.

Through our readings in the Psalms we are made to realise that whatever difficulties we encounter in our lives they have been encountered by the saints of old. 

Furthermore, we may share in the victories they obtained in the midst of the trials they faced and avail ourselves of their triumphs.