Pesky Psalms

Some so-called wise people take issue with the Psalms for being brutal at times and this text would fall into that category in their opinion. I'm referring to the prhase: "All evildoers ... are doomed to destruction for ever." That's not nice, is it? Especially coming from the mouth of a so-called "Loving God." Yet, there it is, right there in the Bible and no on may deny that it is there.

The Psalms are probably intended to be prayed in a sing-song fashion first thing in the morning to start the day. For some time I was doing that each morning, taking a chapter at a time, singing it in a simple tune, on my knees with the Bible spread before me on the bed. What I found by doing that day after day over time is that the Psalms cover the landscape of human emotions. There is joy, happiness, anger, disappointment, sadness, and yes, even despair and the desire for revenge. All the human emotions are present in the Psalms without elaboration, explanation or apology. I think the Psalm are meant for use rather than dissection.

How great are your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep! The dullard cannot know, the stupid cannot understand this: though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction for ever, but you, O LORD, are on high for ever. -Psalm 92:5-7