Why are many psalms considered PERSONAL?

Answer 1

The entire Bible is written in such a way that it's principles apply to ANYone, at ANY time period in history. The Psalms, particularly, often address very deep human emotions, common to ALL of us, that are easily personalized.

**Who of us, when marveling at the universe around us, has not felt like David when he said: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge..."(NIV)(Psalm 19:1+2)

**Or when we're overwhelmed with the problems of life, the reminder at Psalm 55:22 encourages us to : "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. "(NIV)(Psalm 37:5)

**Or if we're angry and fearful at the wickedness around us, we're told at Psalm 37:7-9: "Be still before theLord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret -it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land." (NIV)

**When we're guilty of sins and in need of forgiveness, David's words at Psalm 51:1-9 touch our hearts, and do our talking for us:

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;

according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight;

so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.

Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity." (NIV)

The Psalms are personal because they address very real human needs and desires, and lead us toward a relationship with our creator.