No one likes the way things are, but most of us feel helpless to do anything. Yet, a proven way to heal our divisions does exist: the way of Christ, a way that never stopped working but that we stopped trying. If nothing else changed, you could: and it would begin to heal our divisions.

Everyone wants peace and unity, but they don’t just happen: we must eagerly work for them. This isn’t easy, especially in a world that tempts us to fight its callousness with our own half-truths, anger, or abusive language. Yet when we put our focus on Jesus, the growth He gives is worth the effort.

Expertise is valuable as we deal with difficult issues, but too often we only look for experts that prove our points. If we are to heal our deep divisions, we must learn from Jesus discernment that listens and expertise that is humble.

What is the church to do in a world so divided? We preach Jesus, knowing that while Satan baits us with deception or blame, Christ shed His blood so that all might be brought near. We preach Jesus, because rather than being a substitute for science or an excuse to ignore social justice, the gospel brings us near to God AND to each other.

There is so much we can learn from the Psalms as they present us a millennium-spanning vision of praise to our God. Whatever your musical preferences or situation in life, there is a psalm for you.

When you follow the Lamb and sing the Psalms, you are learning the “new song” of Revelation. Not only do the Psalms give you the words to express the joy of being in God’s presence, but you experience that presence more through the very act of singing.

In the Psalms, the Apostles not only found great insight into who God is but also practical guidance on how to be like Him. As we meditate, pray, and sing these inspired words, we can begin to look like our Father, too.

The Psalms were more than a songbook to the first Christians and should be to us, too. They are deep, rich, and worthy of our meditation.

Since our faith began, Christians have benefited from singing’s power to engage our hearts and stay in our minds. When we specifically sing the Psalms, we bring our feelings to God to shape as we are filled with the Spirit.