Let me share something that might help you:
First, I have a high view of scripture. All of it, every word of the 66 books in our canon, is God's word. To disbelieve, disobey, or even doubt it is a sin, and it is our life's occupation to study it. Taking such a view will, surprisingly, lead to a wondrous and joyful adventure.
Having said that:
Recently I have listened to some insightful sermons of my pastor. (God has used this man for his glory.)
I am learning that one way to appreciate the Psalms is to realize they are the Psalmist's deepest emotions, poured out to God. Try to understand them in this way. When you use the words "apply", I am not sure it is absolutely the most helpful way to look at them. Of course, we apply all of God's word to our lives. However, there are some passages which would pose a problem if we tried to "apply them" in the way you seem to struggling with this Psalm (or the teaching you heard).
For instance, how do you apply, "Judas went out and hanged himself"? Well, you don't "apply" it, at least not in the same way you apply, "Show kindness to one another." Instead, you learn the whole context of the passage, find God's message, and learn from it.
One thing you can learn from the Psalms: You are free to pour out your emotions to God, completely, utterly, crying out and sobbing if you need to. You can say the wrong words. You can get your theology wrong when you pray to God. Be honest, ask him to help you, and throw yourself at him for mercy, strength and guidance.
He will always listen, loving you and planning special surprises to unleash in your life. You are completely safe. Absolutely, completely safe.
Read the Psalm again, and put yourself in the Psalmist's place. Where was he? What were his circumstances? Why was he having the emotions he was having?
One more thing to remember as a conservative. Liberals seem to have a problem with emotions. They live by them, celebrate them, and wallow in them. Emotions are a terrible guide when you need wisdom.
But conservatives have a problem with emotions as well, just a different one. They are afraid of them. They find it hard, especially in the company of other Christians, to admit to their deepest emotions, and are often offended by those who show them, especially the really scary, ugly and strong emotions.
Pray your fears. Pray your tears. Don't stuff them, don't celebrate them. That is what the Psalmist is doing. Emotions can be a wonderful path to a deeper prayer life, and, in the end, will eventually turn to praise. Read the very last few Psalms and see the unmitigated praise they convey.
Give this a bit of thought, read a couple of Psalms with this in mind, and let me know what you think.
Silly
Wonderful insight, Silly!
I've often pointed friends to Psalms as a way of getting to know who God is, but in the last ten days or so, circumstances have changed.
I've had several friends dealing with such anguish in their lives, and wondering if they're freaks for feeling such despair, and for despairing that God is even around at all. On each occasion, I've been able to point to the longing and emotion with which David and others have written there... the doubt ("How long or Lord?"), the despair ("I am weary with sighing, Every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears"). Through them, I've been able to point out that God truly understands what they're going through and has compassion for them.
God truly meets us where we live, and He understands even when we cry "WHY, GOD?" I'm also reminded of Isaiah's prophesy of Jesus, that He is a man aquainted with our sorrows. He knows what it's like to be misunderstood, to lose a friend, to be betrayed. And He loves and embraces and heals.
Thanks for such a good reminder.
Oops, sorry...Post #4