Psalm Singing Psalms Review

In Unit 5, we studied the structure of the book of Psalms, and discussed Geneva College’s belief in exclusive Psalm singing. Singing Psalms is a relatively foreign practice to me, but I have learned that singing them helps me focus on the Word of God. It does not take long for one to realize that the book contains a wide variety of themes that are not always positive. There was definitely a lot for me to learn in this unit, and I have gained a lot of knowledge because of it.
I was raised in a Pentecostal/Assemblies of God church that had a contemporary worship band, and a congregation of a couple hundred people. Personally, I love to sing and read hymns, and, though I developed the interest on my own, my parents always loved them, too. I

say this to express how different my experience was when I came to Geneva, and sang Psalms during Chapel. Because they are structured a lot like hymns, and came to enjoy singing them. One very frustrating problem I have is during times of worship, I often get distracted by my surroundings, paying more attention to the exterior, rather than on God. In reality, it should not matter if one is standing, sitting, raising their hands, or putting them in their pockets; what should matters is their attitude. I like to sing Psalms, because I am forced to read and process the words of each one. My focus is taken off of my surroundings and is put on the Word of God.
Personally, I believe in the importance of both corporate and personal worship. I also do not think it matters if a congregation sings hymns, Psalms, or contemporary worship songs. Different people respond and get distracted by different things. Since I grew up in a more modern church, I have grown to appreciate the Reformed Presbyterian Church’s practice of exclusive Psalm singing. I believe my worship to God has become more intimate, meaningful, and focused as a result.
Toward the beginning of the year, when I was first introduced to singing Psalms, I noticed that some of them were dark, brutal, and depressing. At first, I could not understand why someone would want to sing these ones. In class, Dr. Shidemantle explained how the Psalms capture the full spectrum of emotions. Ignoring the negative ones would be disingenuous, because, as humans, we experience the full spectrum of emotions from week to week. Singing the joyful ones remind us to rejoice with those who rejoice, and singing the sorrowful ones remind us to mourn with those who mourn.
I do not think I can ever get completely used to singing Psalms exclusively, and I cannot see myself attending a church like this on a regular basis. However, I am glad that I was exposed to another denomination that does not do things like I do. Singing Psalms helps the congregation to be one united body. When one member of the body suffers, the whole body suffers. I think that coming to Geneva College has helped me to become closer to my fellow believers.
I have definitely had the opportunity to deepen my relationship with God as a result of this unit. My times of worship have become more personal, because Psalms force me to focus on the Word, freeing me from the distractions of my surroundings. Singing all of the Psalms, not just the happy ones, has brought me closer to my fellow Christians, because it reminds me to empathize with those who are hurting, even when I am not. Overall, this unit gave me a deeper appreciation for the Psalms.