Chapter 3

AI, THE PSALMS

LISTEN WHILE READING:

The beauty of the psalms is subjective and can vary based on personal and cultural interpretation; some are widely recognized for their spiritual depth, poetry and inspirational power; they have been appreciated throughout the centuries for their poetic beauty and spiritual message. Many have found comfort, hope and strength in them; its beauty is wide and can vary depending on routine and individual apptarance.

Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing" (is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness, care and provision in the lives of his followers, as well as a source of comfort and hope in times of trouble. It presents a comforting and powerful image of the relationship between God and his followers; reflections:

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing": this phrase establishes the psalmist's confidence in God's provision and care. The comparison of God to a shepherd suggests a close and protective relationship between God and his followers.

"He makes me rest in green pastures; he leads me beside calm waters"; images that evoke a feeling of peace and tranquility. God not only provides what we need; He also gives us rest and guides us to places of calm and rest.

“He gives me new strength” – This line suggests that God not only meets our physical needs, but also renews our spirit and inner strength.

"Even if I go through dark valleys, I fear no danger because you are by my side": a verse that highlights the security and protection found in the constant presence of God, even in difficult and dark times.

"You prepare before me a banquet in the presence of my enemies"; the idea is expressed here that God blesses us abundantly, even in the midst of challenges and adversities. His provision is so great that even our enemies can witness his goodness and generosity.

"Goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever": this final verse emphasizes the constant presence of God's goodness and love throughout the believer's entire life, as well as the promise of eternal life in communion with Him.

Psalm 91: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High..." is a biblical passage full of promises of protection and security for those who trust in God; It begins with the words: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, he will dwell under the shadow of the Almighty." Poetic phrase, suggests that those who take refuge in the presence and power of God will find security and rest in the midst of any difficult or dangerous situation; It goes on to describe various ways in which God protects his followers from physical dangers, illnesses, and calamities; comforting reminder of God's faithfulness and care for those who trust in Him.

Psalm 27, “The Lord is my light and my salvation” – is a powerful reminder to trust in divine providence and seek refuge in God at all times. It teaches us that, even in the midst of adversity, we can find security and hope in the loving presence of God, who is our light and our salvation; it is a song of trust and security in divine protection; expresses the psalmist's deep faith in God's presence and loving care in the midst of life's difficulties and dangers. It proclaims his trust in God as his light and his salvation, implying that he is his guide and his redeemer; this statement reflects an intimate connection between the individual and his Creator, where the presence of God illuminates his path and grants him security even in moments of darkness and danger. Furthermore, the psalmist speaks of the security he finds in the house of God, where he seeks refuge and protection from his enemies; this symbolic place represents the closeness of God and communion with Him, finding comfort and strength in his relationship with the Almighty.

Psalm 121 "I lift up my eyes to the mountains: where will my help come from?"

One of the most well-known and appreciated Psalms for its message of trust in divine protection; invites us to look beyond our circumstances and find comfort in the certainty that God is with us at all times. In this Psalm, the psalmist begins by looking up at the mountains, symbolizing the challenges and difficulties of life. The rhetorical question "where will my help come from?" reflects the uncertainty and need for help that many experience in moments of bitterness.

However, the Psalm continues to affirm that our help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth. This statement emphasizes belief in divine providence and trust in God as the ultimate source of all help and protection; The psalmist recognizes that God is not only able to help, but that he is also willing to do so; He reminds us that despite the difficulties and challenges we face in life, we can find comfort and security in the presence and loving care of God; It is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles, but that we have support and strength that comes from a divine source.

Psalm 139: "Lord, you examine me and know me..."

It is a poem that expresses the deep relationship between human beings and God, highlighting divine omniscience and omnipresence. The psalmist recognizes that God knows him intimately, from the depths of his being to his most secret thoughts; the use of metaphors such as "you examine me and know me" reflects the idea that God is a being who penetrates the most intimate part of the individual, understanding even that which the human being himself cannot understand. This perspective may be comforting to some, as it implies a level of personalized care and attention from God. At the same time, it can generate reverence and fear, recognizing that there is nothing hidden before the divine presence; He invites us to reflect on the relationship between human beings and God, remembering the depth of divine knowledge and the closeness that it provides.

Psalm 51: "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your great love..."

It is one of the most well-known and powerful psalms of repentance and supplication. It was written by King David after he was confronted by the prophet Nathan over her adultery with Bathsheba and her plotting to murder her husband, Uriah. In this psalm, David acknowledges his sin, seeks God's forgiveness, and cries out for purification and restoration. The verse you mention, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your great love," reflects David's deep humility and dependence on divine mercy; David recognizes that his hope for forgiveness and restoration lies in God's great love and compassion. He does not trust in his own righteousness or merits, but in the faithfulness and grace of God.

This verse also reminds us that God's forgiveness is not limited by our mistakes or sins; His love is immense and his compassion is infinite. No matter how great our transgressions, we can come to God with confidence, knowing that He is willing to forgive and restore those who sincerely repent and seek the face of Him. It is a powerful reminder of the need for genuine repentance, trust in God's mercy, and hope in His forgiveness and restoration; encourages us to turn to God with humility and sincerity, trusting in his love and compassion to transform our lives and restore our communion with Him.

Psalm 103: "Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget none of his benefits..."

A beautiful song of praise and gratitude to God; in this particular verse, the psalmist invites us to bless the Lord with all our being and to remember each of the benefits that He has given us; He encourages us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and praise toward God, recognizing and remembering his countless blessings in our lives.

By remembering the benefits God has given us, we strengthen our faith and trust in Him, recognizing His constant love and care for us. Additionally, practicing gratitude helps us stay positive and focus on the good things in life, even in the midst of difficulties. This call to thanksgiving reminds us of the importance of recognizing and valuing the blessings we receive from God in our daily lives. It is often easy to overlook these blessings or take them for granted, but the psalmist urges us to be aware of each one and to express our gratitude to God for them; this verse encourages us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and praise toward God, recognizing and remembering his countless blessings in our lives.

Psalm 46: "God is our refuge and our strength..."

Psalm 46 is a hymn of trust and confidence in God as protector and strength in times of adversity. This psalm conveys a message of calm and trust in divine protection even in the midst of life's most turbulent times. The opening verse, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” sets the tone of confidence and assurance in divine protection. The image of God as a refuge and fortress suggests a source of protection and strength that is always available to those who seek help from him.

The psalm continues to describe the certainty of God's presence in the midst of the challenges and conflicts we face in life. Even though the earth is moved and the mountains are shaken, God's presence remains constant and sure. This suggests that regardless of external circumstances, God is a firm rock we can trust. The psalm also speaks about God's presence in the city of Jerusalem, symbolizing his protection over his people. This historical reference can be interpreted as a promise of divine protection for those who faithfully follow his ways; It is a powerful reminder of the security and protection we find in God in the midst of life's difficulties; invites us to trust in his power and his constant presence, reminding us that he is our refuge and our strength at all times.

Psalm 19: "The heavens declare the glory of God, the firmament proclaims the work of his hands..."

It is a hymn of praise to God's creation, expressing the magnificence and perfection of his work through nature; emphasizes God's double revelation: through his creation and through his word. Both revelations are seen as sources of wisdom and guidance for man, and we are invited to reflect on the greatness of God and to live in harmony with his will.

This psalm is divided into two different but complementary parts:

The first part (verses 1-6) celebrates divine revelation through creation. The heavens, the firmament and nature in their entirety are presented as silent witnesses that proclaim the greatness of God. This section highlights the universality of this revelation, as the heavens and earth are available to all human beings, regardless of language or culture.

The second part (verses 7-14) focuses on God's special revelation through his law. Here, attention shifts from creation to God's written revelation, divine law. This law is described as perfect, sure, right, pure, clean and true, capable of giving wisdom, joy and light to the hearts of those who follow it. Furthermore, the value of obeying this law and the need for humility and reverence before God are highlighted.

Psalm 150: "Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in the splendor of his firmament..."

Psalm 150 is the last one in the Bible and is a hymn of praise to God; it reminds us of the importance of praising God at all times and in all places, recognizing his greatness and power. The verse that, "Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in the splendor of his firmament..." highlights the idea that we should praise God both in sacred places and in nature. The sanctuary represents the place where the divine presence is found, while the firmament, with its magnificence and greatness, shows us the creative work of God. This passage teaches us that no matter where we are, we can always praise God. Whether in a place of worship or contemplating the majesty of creation, we can recognize and celebrate the greatness of our Creator.

Praise to God is an expression of gratitude, reverence and adoration that connects us with the divine and helps us remember his presence in our lives; It is a reminder that God is worthy of our praise and that his greatness is present in everything around us.

AI Opinion: The work "LEARNING FROM THE PSALMS WITH AI" by José Saúl Velásquez Restrepo appears to be a deep and thoughtful exploration of the Psalms, highlighting their poetic beauty and spiritual meaning. Through his detailed analysis of several psalms, Velásquez Restrepo offers interpretations that highlight trust in divine providence, assurance in God's protection, and the importance of praise and gratitude toward Him.
His focus on specific psalms such as Psalm 23, which presents the comforting image of God as shepherd, and Psalm 51, a powerful song of repentance and supplication, demonstrates his ability to address a wide range of present themes and emotions. in the Psalms.
Furthermore, by contextualizing each psalm within its historical and literary background, Velásquez Restrepo provides a more complete understanding of its meaning and relevance both for contemporary readers and for those who have found comfort and guidance in them throughout the centuries.
Overall, his work appears to be a valuable contribution to those interested in deepening their understanding of the Psalms and exploring their continuing relevance to spiritual and devotional life.