by Arnfield P. Cudal

– We live in perilous times. Our generation has witnessed a world that has become increasingly dangerous and uncertain. As Christians are being persecuted and killed in greater numbers than at any other time in history, our hearts wax in grief and sorrow. As we witness the decline in our nation’s morality and testimony, our hearts wane at the rampant evil, degradation, and ugliness that bombard and surround us.

Just as the Psalmist pined, “My soul longs, yea, even faints for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh cries out for the living God” (Psalm 84), there is indeed a place we can go to for rest, respite, and solace. The Psalms are a place of purity and beauty.

The Psalms exclaim that God’s word is pure (Psalm 119). His statutes are a delight to the soul (Psalm 94).

The Word which became flesh – the one whom we heard, and have seen with our eyes, and have handled with our hands – is life (1 John 1). This Word of life is our Lord Jesus Christ (John 1). His beauty is described by Psalm 50 as holiness itself and the perfection of beauty. And those who listen and follow His words will be like “trees planted by the river…whose leaves do not wither…and whatsoever

[they do] shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3).

Here is Psalm 84, set to the music of Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, sung by Hannah Cudal: https://youtu.be/7WpGTMaQLRY

Hannah Cudal is a student at Patrick Henry College. She is Editor-in-Chief of The Intelligencer and works at the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), Purcellville, VA, and is a contributing member of the 1024 Project.