Summary

The Psalms form us as people of faith to express both thanks and lament to God. This offers us a perspective that is especially needed when we worship together on or near civil holidays, and face the temptation to promote a civic religion substitute for robust Christian vision.

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Details

Lament forms us with the language we need to approach and resist systemic racism and dysfunctional theological conclusions that are based on the Doctrine of Discovery, which is buried throughout the history we celebrate (not only in North America, but in several countries around the world). Thanksgiving forms us with the language that helps us express our response to what God has done and is doing around the world, in places where freedom to resist racism and oppression has emerged.

Recent Media Resources

Psalm 1: Growing Trees, an Interview with Joel Schoon-Tanis

An interview with award-winning artist and celebrated painter Joel Schoon-Tanis on the process and creation of his painting "Psalm 1: Growing Trees" at Psalms 150: A Conference Experience.

February 27, 2026 | 1 min video
A Soundtrack for the Soul: Singing the Psalms with Wendell Kimbrough

This chapel worship service was led by Wendell Kimbrough at Calvin University as part of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship’s “Dwelling in the Psalms” year.

February 16, 2026 | 1 min video