Arvid Anderson

The Inescapable Presence: Reflections on the Book of Psalms As a Guide for Our Faith Journey Arvid Anderson

THE INESCAPABLE PRESENCE is based on the Book of Psalms in the Scriptures; and provides a guide for our faith journey through life. Selected Psalms are quoted and matched with the many troubles and joys of life. These include: Times when we are confronted by overwhelming odds; Times when we face physical, emotional or spiritual suffering; times when God seems absent and we look for his presence. Psalms are also matched with times in our lives when we long to express our trust and confidence in God, and times when we are moved to express thanksgiving and praise to God. Psalm 139 is the launching psalm, where the psalmist expresses confidence in God's presence by saying, "Where can I go from your spirit; where can I flee from your presence?" His answer is that wherever I go You are there! The book also examines Psalm 139 in careful detail, and gives a background account of how the Psalms came to be, and shows the many references to psalms in the New Testament. The prominent use of the Psalms in our worship is described by references to various worship traditions. The book concludes with the author's reflection on his own faith journey guided by the psalms. A bibliography of sources for further inquiry into the Psalms is also provided.