In reading through the Psalms recently (especially 130-150), the Holy Spirit showed me that the Psalms can provide powerful motivation and encouragement for evangelism. Although the psalmists wrote mostly from the come-and-see mentality of ancient Israel, their desire was the same ultimate desire that we see expressed throughout Scripture: the pure, worldwide worship of the one true God. Here are some observations about how the Psalms encourage and bolster us in sharing, declaring, and defending the message of Christ.
- The psalmists depict the righteous undergoing mockery and persecution from the wicked.
- The psalmists experience God’s sheltering hand under the hailstorm of worldly opposition.
- The psalmists burn with zeal for God to be exalted and His purposes established.
- The psalmists decry the empty competition of other so-called gods.
- The psalmists yearn for the fullness of God’s kingdom.
- The psalmists delight in the joy of God’s presence.
- The psalmists marvel at the wonder of God’s gracious forgiveness.
- The psalmists call the entire universe to praise our God.