Write 500 words on this topic: “Discuss some of the reasons offered in the Psalms for long-term optimism.”
There are five basic themes to all literature, including the Psalms: god, man, hierarchy, law, sanction, and the future (inheritance). In the Psalms (and entire Bible), God is sovereign. He rules over humanity, and humans rule over nature. God rules according to his laws and sanctions. The Psalms show a case for long-term optimism, because they promise an inheritance and blessings in the future.
What is optimism? By definition, it is hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something. This is what God wants from us, to have hope and confidence in His plan.
David was the king of Israel. He was also a talented singer and musician. He wrote the series of poems and songs praising God, known as the Psalms. These Psalms not ordered chronologically, but rather, in themes. There are psalms like lamentations, and there are songs of praise.
When David was in times of trouble, he would write laments to God asking for help and guidance. For example, he wrote psalms while in hiding from his rebellious son Absalom- he feared for his life. These psalms of lament are read to this day to provide reassurance through hardship and depression. In psalm 18, God protects David. When he is surrounded by enemies, God delivers him, and promises to show kindness and mercy to his future heirs. This is another promise of the future. In Psalm 21, God rewards the king and destroys his enemies.
Psalms 47-50 say, “He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me, who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from violent men you rescued me. Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD; I will sing praises to your name. He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever.”
Psalm 23 is the best example of optimism in the psalms, and it is probably the most famous psalm as well. It says that God is like a shepherd, protecting David. David writes that as he walks through the valley of death, a metaphor for great danger, he fears no evil because God is with him.
Psalm 37 says, ” The Lord helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.”
The psalm promises that the people who do good will be saved by God, and given a blessed future. (“..a future awaits those who seek peace.”) The Psalm also promises that someday God will destroy the wicked.
“A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.
But the meek will inherit the land
and enjoy peace and prosperity.”
Psalm 72 is a beautiful poem of praise. In it, David proclaims that God will reign supreme throughout history, which is another reason for long-term optimism.
In conclusion, there are different themes that show the importance of optimism and faith. There is the gift of inheritance of God’s kingdom, the promise that God will destroy evil, and the promise of protection and blessing for those who trust in Him. Overall, the Psalms are about confidence in God.
Cozy Oubliette 