Soaking in the Psalms this summer.
What my heart needs most: meditation on God's goodness.
I looove being in a refreshing pool in the summer, don’t you? It is a much welcome respite from the harsh heat that can make me feel icky and wilted. Yes, wilted. Like a plant left out in the sun with zero water for dayssss on end. Like the bag of spring mix you forgot in your hot car after the grocery run (maybe it fell out of the shopping bag. I dunno). Ok, ok you get the point.
Much like the body, our spirit needs refreshment, too. Even more so.
Sure, soaking in the pool is nice, but what if I soaked in scripture? What if I let the Word of God be that refreshing balm my soul longs for, thirsts for? I could let the waves of Godly peace and joy wash over me on the serene beach of contentment.
Last summer, my biblical counselor suggested I spend the summer in the Psalms and I found this super cute devotional and journaling kit from Illustrated Faith, called Summer in the Psalms! I had previously been gifted this Psalms ESV scripture journal I could write my thoughts in as I studied, so I was set.
I did not get through all of the Psalms last summer, and I did not follow the plan perfectly, but that wasn’t the point. What I gained was much, much better. As I read (and re-read), wrote out, and meditated on Psalms, I began to encounter God in a fresh, new way. No, there was nothing new about the method or the words themselves, but God became more personal.
The Psalms are a great aide in seeing the beauty of God’s character.
I’m a sucker for poetry and beautiful imagery. The Psalms have both! Even better though, is the real and raw way the Psalmists engage God again and again. The best part: GOD ANSWERS!! He delivers David (who wrote most of the Psalms) over and over, gives David strength to persevere in the midst of his trials, and just shows up for those who love Him and follow Him. The Psalms really tell of God’s steadfast love and His glory. We have a God who is personal, near, loving, good. Praise God!
I was convicted.
Back to present day, as the days got warmer and sunnier, I found it easier to begin new routines and hobbies, i.e. gardening, reading outside, exercising. It felt great. I was doing something good, you know? But was I doing the best thing? The best thing I could possibly do on any given day is read God’s word! I felt God impress upon my heart Matthew 4:4, which says:
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 ESV
That’s why I’m soaking in the Psalms again this summer. This time I’ll be following a 10-week reading plan from Journeywomen Ministries called “Psalms: Dwelling in the Heart of God.” They wrap up every week with a podcast episode which corresponds to all the Psalms you read for the week. It takes you through the whole book of Psalms.
I hope you’re encouraged to read along with me! 💖 Let me know if you do and share what you learn!:)
Bonus:
Came across The Psalms Project last year. They’re putting every single Psalm to music.
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Hi sweet one! I adore reading the Psalms too. Psalm 1 was one of my first memory projects. That's a great way to soak and meditate too. Thank you for sharing your Devo. Love you. ♥️🥰