Knowing God’s Attributes Through the Psalms

When I read the Psalms, I find what I call a “language of prayer” woven throughout the book. It is language that is open, vulnerable, reverent, and at times despairing. This is the language that reveals the attributes of God, how He interacts with people, and vice versa.

For example, in Psalm 46:1, the psalmist expresses how he found the Lord to be a protector and an immediate helper (present help) in difficult times. All the descriptions of the interaction between the Lord and people, as well as the prayers detailed in the Psalms, help me understand a number of things.

1. Understanding God’s attributes and His purposes for me

Sometimes, in the midst of life’s many troubles, I lose confidence in the good intentions the Lord has toward me. I tend to question His love and care for me. At times, I wonder whether the Lord has forgotten me, or whether He is angry with me.

Yet when I read how the psalmists felt about and viewed the Lord, and the way He interacted with them, I find something. I see more clearly the truth of God’s attributes, rather than being blinded by feelings or circumstances.

2. Increasing the ability to trust God

I can see the Lord for who He is, and become more willing to believe in His good purposes, even when I do not yet “feel” them. Being reminded of the truth about the Lord moves me to trust in His goodness.

3. Enriching expressions of praise, gratitude, and love for the Lord

When I trust in God’s goodness and care, my heart opens to give thanks to Him.

Below, we will discuss some of the actions of the Lord. I invite you to read them carefully, then ask yourself, “Is this how I view God in my life?” If not, take time to pray and ask the Lord to help you see Him according to His true attributes.

The God of the psalmists and prophets is our God too!

We communicate and have a relationship with the same God as the psalmists, the prophets, and the early church. Perhaps you have read the books of the Old Testament and thought that those interactions belonged to the past.  Not for you today. Yet, the Lord is the same Lord yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 1:12 and 13:8). God’s attributes never change.

In Jeremiah 23:23, while bringing judgment on the nation of Israel, the prophet Jeremiah describes the Lord as “a God who is near.”

“Am I only a God who is near,” declares the Lord, “and not also a God who is far away?”

In this verse, God tells His people that He is near to them, and also knows when they draw away from Him, or in other words, hide from Him.

The word “near” in Hebrew is karove, which implies closeness in time, place, and personal relationship. Other expressions for “near” in this context are: close by, neighboring, beside, and within easy reach. We worship the same Lord who revealed Himself as the Lord who is near.

Below, read how the psalmist describes the nearness and intimacy of the Lord with His people. May these attributes of God enable you to see how the Lord interacts with you today. Once again, I ask you to ask yourself: Is this how I view the Lord? Is this how I interact with Him?

The Attributes of God

Psalm 3:3 - the Lord is our protector. He is our shield and the One who lifts us up.

“But You, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head.”

Psalm 4:7 – LORD is the source of joy.

“You have put joy in my heart, more than they have when their grain and wine abound.”

Psalm 56:8 - LORD knows all our sorrows and pain.

“You keep count of my wanderings; put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not written in Your book?”

Psalm 9:12b - LORD does not ignore us, no matter what we feel about Him, or whatever our circumstances may be.

“… He does not forget the cry of the afflicted …”

Psalm 138:3 - LORD answers our prayers; He strengthens our weak and weary hearts.

“On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul.”

Psalm 11:4 – LORDis the One who reigns. He is in control, even when our lives or our surroundings are chaotic.

“LORD is in His holy temple; LORD, His throne is in heaven; His eyes see, His gaze examines the children of man.”

Psalm 42:8 - LORD is faithful. He always acts for our good.

“LORD commands His steadfast love in the daytime, and at night His song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.”

These are examples of the truths we can learn from the prayers and praises in the Psalms. I encourage you to read further in this book to discover a personal understanding of how your interaction with LORD.