Let’s look at Psalm 27. This is a Psalm of David, and it does what many Psalms do. It tells about real historical events in the life of David while also pointing us to events in the life of Christ. Many such Psalms, 22 is the best-known example, even give us a look into the inner thoughts of Christ as he experiences the many kinds of pains that were part of his humiliation.
These Psalms do something else that no song of mere human composition could ever do—they are God speaking to us. In 27:13, David says, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” This echoes the idea in Psalm 16:10 that Christ would not be abandoned to the grave but would be raised. He then says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” This is David encouraging himself. And it is David encouraging his readers.
Additionally, it is also the inspired Word of God meaning that this is God speaking to us. The one who trusts he will not be abandoned to the grave but will be raised to see the kingdom of God fill the earth is telling us to be strong. None of us could compose a song that contains words of God speaking to the audience. But each of the Psalms do this in one way or another. They are God’s songs to us. The best human composition, and there are many admirable examples, does not come close to this. Which Christian would not want to hear directly from God? When we come into the worship of God and use His Word, He speaks to us. And yet, we see how easily Christians set aside the Psalms for uninspired fallible human compositions.
Source: Worship in Spirit and in Truth, Owen Anderson (2025).