Dr. BJ Condrey

I have the privilege of preaching again this week at Diamondhead Community Church. My sermon is titled, “Living in the Psalms.” The Psalms are a precious part of my faith, and I have had a unique way of utilizing this great gift over the past 10–15 years. I am convinced that few places in Scripture can be more helpful for living the Christian life. One thing I wrote this morning is: “We don’t find a hyperspiritual, out-of-touch vision of faith in the Psalms; instead, what we are presented with in the Psalms has blood and sweat and tears.”

Here is a quote from C.S. Lewis’ Reflection on the Psalms that I plan on using: “The most valuable think the Psalms do for me is to express that same delight in God which made David dance.”

Another thing I appreciate about the Psalms is that they are designed to make us hungry and thirsty for God. This cannot be overstated. It is easy for Christianity to be reduced over time to a set of duties, routine, and being glad we are forgiven so that we don’t have to walk around plagued by guilt. However, this is a very shallow version of what Jesus provided with this death and resurrection.

Where is the hungry heart?

Where is the longing, thirsty soul?

Where is the person who is desperately crying out for more of God’s presence and reign in their life and midst?

The Psalms can help us with this.

I will also focus on another thing. We find in the Psalms the permission to be brutally honest and still walk closely with God. We don’t have to choose between walking with God and being honest with God. We can be human and still know God. What sweet joy, deep comfort, and immeasurable hope!

This is just a glimpse, but I’m thrilled to share one of my greatest passions: the profound value of the Psalms in helping us delight in God and access His grace in every aspect of life.

And yes, I plan on doing the “calendar” thing and talking a bit about thankfulness! After all, few things are expressed more beautifully and often as thankfulness in the Psalms.