I’m still looking back at 2017, in which the Lord called me to spend my daily quiet time in Psalms. For the whole year. I read through the entire book twice, covering one psalm each day except for Psalm 119, where I covered one section a day. That left me about two weeks at the end of the year to dwell in the Christmas story.
Perhaps the most beautiful blessing came on April 26th, the day my father died. That morning, I read Psalm 116, including this verse.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. –Psalm 116:15
Along with my incredible husband, this promise carried me through that most-difficult day.
Over the year, I blogged about Psalms seven times. If you follow me on Twitter, I’ve tweeted about each of these in the last ten days or so. I also read two books about Psalms (meant to read more, and I will).
There is no situation or emotion a human being can experience that is not reflected somewhere in the Psalms. -Timothy Keller, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
Browse the summaries below, then click on whatever interests you.
Blog Posts about Psalms
If Mouse Was King of the Jungle
From Psalm 8, some thoughts on why God called humanity to rule over nature…and a connection to The Gruffalo.
Math, Psalms, and Real Righteousness
From Psalm 15, a post-crucifixion perspective on King David’s list of what God likes to see in us. Don’t worry, there’s not much actual math.
Bible Study: Making the Familiar Fresh
From Psalm 23, on why we can read the same passages throughout our lives, including an easy way to apply Scripture personally.
When Worship Wanes and I Lose My Glasses
Rooted in Psalm 54 with quotes from Psalms 92 and 95, this post addresses those times when we just don’t feel like worshiping.
From Psalms 59 and 73, a couple of devotion-length reflections about death row and road kill. Yes, really. Despite the temptation, I didn’t include photos of anything gross.
Using Psalm 104, I simply supply some of my own photos to help us all worship. This was a favorite post for the year, so I may try to do another one at some point.
From Psalm 130, this short essay on patience will encourage you and leave you with a nice image in your mind.
Books I Read about Psalms
- My short stack of books about Psalms. I’ll finish in 2018! (c) Carole Sparks
Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This is a tiny little book—more like a pamphlet, really—with guidance on using the different psalms in your prayers. Quick read but deep, as Bonhoeffer usually is.
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy Keller. This isn’t specifically about Psalms, but as I dug into the psalms, I came to understand they were as much or more about prayer as they were about worship. This book seemed appropriate, and there are many references to psalms.
Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis. I love this! In this collection of essays, Lewis is accessible and easy to read—like sitting around the fire with a professor who pauses to smoke his pipe occasionally.
Other Books about Psalms (that I meant to read but haven’t yet)
Seeking the Face of God: Nine Reflections on the Psalms by Martyn Lloyd Jones. I started this one but haven’t finished it.
Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer by Eugene H. Peterson. This one is much more like a textbook, which is why I’ve been putting it off.
Some Other Special Verses from the Year
Have you taken some time to look back on your spiritual life through 2017? What did the Lord teach you? What new direction is He taking your quiet time in 2018? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Not About Me 
I particularly loved When Worship Wanes and I Lose my Glasses and Watching and Waiting. The arrival of these two in my inbox was timely and encouraging. God bless your writing journey ahead.
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Thanks, Mary, for letting me know God used my writing in your life. That’s encouraging!
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Carole, it touched my heart to hear how God had you read Psalm 116:15 the day your father died. God is amazingly faithful and sensitive to us as individuals.
Praying for the Lord’s blessings over you and yours in 2018.
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Thanks, Beckie. I cried again as I flipped through my journal to find that page. The longer I live, the less I believe there are coincidences in life.
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I agree with that statement, Carole!
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Carole, this is a lovely wrap up and so inspirational. I’ve looked back over the year, yes, and it’s been filled with writing/revising/publishing/releasing my book. I want to pull way back and slow w a y down this year. The Holy Spirit dropped the the word ‘listen’ into my soul and I intend to do just that going forward.
Camping in the book of John for now….always something new.
Blessings to you.
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Thanks! ‘Listen’ is a great word for the year, and starting in John sounds like a great idea! Everyone in my family is in Philippians for the month of January. It’s our first time to do something like this, so we’ll see how it goes.
Thanks for the comment.
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Thank you Carole, for sharing an inspiring look at the Psalms.
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You’re welcome, Jann! I pray you were blessed.
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