Psalms for Peacemakers

The psalms of the Bible are a beautiful collection of ancient songs, poetry, and prayers. However, in their present form they are troublesome. Following a truly inspirational line of verse will be a request for vengeance from God on all of one's enemies. The psalms call for a great deal of violence, hatred, anger, and vengeance. I have separated the inspirational verses from the vengeance to provide psalms for peace and meditation. Both peace and hatred are presented to us. It is up to us to choose peace. The Psalms are preserved in all the Bibles of the world for historical study. But for meditation, I have chosen the inspirational verses. This is not Old Testament versus New Testament. In the book of Jonah we are taught that God wants us to save our enemies rather than to destroy them. God spoke to Jonah and told him to go to Ninevah (Iraq) to save his enemies. Jonah preferred to disappear; however, he found that he could not escape from God. Learn the Beatitudes from the Psalms: Blessed/Happy is the one who does not walk with corrupt people... Happy are they who trust in God...Happy are they who have concern for the poor... Happy the one whom you instruct... Happy are all who revere God... Psalm 104 appears to be a re-writing of Akhenaten's hymn to the Aten... "Seventy years is our life span, eighty if we are strong." This was written 2500 years ago, Psalm 90 "Save me, O God, for the waters threaten to overwhelm me..." 69 "As a deer longs for the running streams, so do I long for you, O God..." 42 "The heavens declare the glory of God. The starry sky reveals God's handiwork. Their message is heard everywhere on earth, no matter what speech or language..." 19 "Out of the mouths of babes and nursing infants you have ordained strength..." 8 "Let me hear the words of God. God proclaims peace..."85 "Why are you so far off, O God? Why do you seem to hide yourself in times of trouble?..."10 "I am your guest, a sojourner, as all my ancestors were..." 39

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