I rarely have to wonder what Adeline and Olivia are thinking. Both 3 years old, my granddaughters chase away any quiet moment with opinions and feelings they enjoy verbalizing.

“I want an ICEE. Let’s go to the gas station.”

“Please find my shoes. Not my boots, I want to wear flip flops.”

“I want to be the line leader going to the car.”

“I’m so angry that I’m not the line leader.”

“I’m so sad that the ICEE machine is broken.”

And on and on and on.

I must admit their conversations don’t hold a candle to my own inner dialogue. The variety of my thoughts are second only to the number.

Maybe that’s why I relate so well to the Psalms.

Right in the middle of the Bible are 150 chapters of songs of poetry and prayers.

Written as people conveyed their hearts to God, the topics include confession of sin, praise for God’s protection and provision, prayers for guidance, pleas for mercy and honest expressions of doubts and fears.

Although centuries old, the words continue to bring comfort, hope and praise.

While some, such as Psalm 106, are historical in nature, others like the beloved Psalm 23 are words of comfort. I believe the timeless message throughout this book of the Bible can be summarized in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

I’m returning to the daily practice I once had of reading at least one Psalm each morning.

When I’m in a rush, I choose the shortest one, Psalm 117; on days when Adeline and Olivia are quiet for just a minute, I return to Psalm 78:4.

Before chronicling the history of the Jewish nation, the psalmist wrote, “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power and the wonders He has done.”

It’s a great reminder to pass my faith on.

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.