The structure of the psalms leads an ever-increasing emphasis on praise. Psalm one gives us the choice of two paths; one that leads to life and one that leads to death. Often there is drudgery in life, you go to work or the grocery store and are inundated with the philosophy of this world. The values that the world holds dear are superficial goals--consume, look good, feel good. This is self-centered and empty but they are also easy. A Christian is called to devote themselves to the Lord walking in His paths, this often calls for sacrifice and work, it is looking at life outside of yourself instead of focusing selfishly inside. When we look at the world we can be seduced and even depressed by the way the people of this world seem to be at ease. But that is only a mask. Psalm two tells us that those that follow the path of the world are only fooling themselves into believing that that path leads to anything good. God laughs at them and though they in their hearts would love to overthrow God in the end they will be destroyed.
Everyone can look back on their life and remember times of trouble. This may have been caused by sin or it may be because we are being persecuted for the name of Christ. Whatever the reason the laments that are in the Psalms can help us cry out to our Lord for forgiveness, comfort and love. They help us know that we are not alone that others have experienced these troubles before us. David prayed the laments during times of trouble, he also sang Psalms of praise. This can help us to understand that the Lord will deliver us where at the end of the Psalms we learn that to praise God for eternity is why we were created.