I used to make computer wallpaper using (generally-)scenic photography and personalized Psalms (and other Scripture verses).
I wanted to have a day’s outstanding verse fragment before me all day.
Alas, I still forgot to remember and focus on those Scriptures. 🙁
So this really resonates in my heart:
So don’t just read it. Say it! Actually say the words! Stop and say to the Lord right now: “You are my refuge and I trust in you.” The words of the Psalm are not just pretty wallpaper.
This looks like a command to me, so don’t just read it on the page: Do it! Bless the Lord! Say thank you to Him several times a day! While you’re driving the car and refraining from texting and have nothing better to do anyway, think of a few of “His benefits” and send up a word of gratitude.
If you have read this verse during your morning devotions, don’t make a liar out of yourself—actually do the thing! You just said, “I will sing,” so sing!
The first paragraph springs from Psalm 91:2 — “I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'”
If you want to know about the Psalms behind the other two paragraphs, you’ll either have to guess or you’ll have to read Andrée’s full not-so-long piece: Do it!.
I thank God for Walter Brueggemmann. His ‘Praying the Psalms’ was a real eye-opener for me. It isn’t just that we don’t act on the Psalms. In practice I doubt we engage with a complete Psalter either. I’ve heard any number of sermons on comforting shepherds and security on the rock. I don’t recall many sermons on Psalm 88. Luther was right. The Psalms are a Bible in miniature. Every aspect of the human condition is there – including the prickly bits!