Feeling discouraged? Need a bit of hope? There is no better place to go to find hope and encouragement than God’s Word. And the book of Psalms is a great place to begin. (Note: This post is a giveaway! Read to the end to find out how to enter!)
Recently, I received a copy of a great new Bible study from my friend Pam Farrel. Pam is one of the authors of “Discovering Hope in the Psalms.” Pam and her coauthors, Jean E. Jones and Karla Dornacher, have created a truly creative Bible study experience. The material guides the reader to not only dig deep into 10 separate psalms, but it also helps the reader artistically express what she is learning and draws her into worship.
Below, as stated in the book’s introduction, is the authors’ purpose for writing:
Our desire to share the riches of hope from Psalms with you is the inspiration behind the creation of this journey. By the end of our time together, you’ll know how to pray and hope in dark times and how to rejoice and act wisely at all times. You’ll grasp eight hopes from Psalms that will draw you closer to God and will brace you in troubling times. You’ll confidently interpret the psalms and hold on to their messages as lifelines.
Even though this book is filled with creative ways to express and apply what we’re learning, this is not a “fluffy” study. The authors obviously want us to be filled with the meaty truth of God’s Word. What a great combination – a main dish of deep spiritual truth served with creative, expressive sides!
I have started this study myself. I plan to be sharing some of what I learn -and create! – here and on social media. It’s not too late for you to join me. Order your copy today and we can work along together! Or… Pam Farrel will be leading a study through the book live on Facebook. Follow this link to find out how to sign up! I’ll be there when I can.
Why the Psalms?
The book of Psalms is a collection of praises, prayers, and songs. Hebrew poets wrote them – many by David – under God’s inspiration over the course of about 1,000 years. The intent of the psalms is that God’s people would use them to worship Him.
Here’s a bit more from the study:
The Psalms extol God’s goodness and power. They voice our gratitude and hopes, our sorrows and longings. When we sing or pray them, they teach us eternal truths and commit us to godly actions and attitudes. They draw us near to God… Although worship is our gift to God, when we worship with psalms, something happens within us: Hope soars, and we are transformed. The psalms proclaim the hopes to which we have been called, and in our attempts to bless the living God, we find ourselves blessed.
Makes you want to dig into the Psalms doesn’t it? Also wanted to share with you a glimpse of one of the beautiful creative aspects of this study. Each week of study includes a full page illustration by Karla that creatively expresses that week’s Psalm. (The pics below illustrate the truth of Psalm 1. The color is mine!)
This post is a giveaway! The authors and Harvest House Publishers have graciously made a copy available for me to send to one of you! The drawing for the winner will take place at noon central time on Wednesday, August 23rd. You can enter the drawing up to 3 times. Here’s how:
- Comment on this post and tell us which psalm is your favorite and why.
- Share this post on Facebook, then comment again here to let me know you shared.
- Share this post on Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram and comment again here to let me know you shared.
In order for your name to be entered multiple times, you must make each comment separately.
My favorite Psalm is 139. It tells me how special I am to God. How much detail he gave me, how he is with me constantly and completely, gives me peace and strength to live daily. I also found a child’s book on this Psalm when my daughter was small. It became one of her favorites (and mine) and we read it until the front and back literally came off. She has it now, still bound at the spine, and shares it with her children.
Carol, that’s a beautiful testimony to God’s Word. Thanks for sharing! You are entered!
It is hard to choose a favourite Psalm, they are all so meaningful. However during a very rough time in my life I leaned on the words “The Lord is my light and salvation, whom shall I fear?, the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? I was under heave spiritual attack being bombarded by the enemy and hearing audible voices. All physical causes had been ruled out so I very much knew I was under attack by the enemy. I built my own website at this time to share with others what I was going through, and I used the words “The Lord Is My Light” on the masthead of my pages. During the darkest hours in the hospital when the enemy was hovering over me, God’s light shone through and rescued me. My website was jinnyscorner.net, sadly I no longer have this site, but feel blessed that during the time I was able to afford to keep it going I had over 10,000 hits. It is my hope that at least one person was comforted by my sharing God’s Light with them. However I continue to spread God’s Word in devotionals which he has given me the inspiration to write and in my poetry. Yes I still hear the audible voices and God continues to be my light and strength to get through each day. Thus I can say that Psalm 27 is my favourite Psalm with Psalm 23 next in line. I was so fearful at times and he took away that fear, and I know he is with me to the end. I have heard his voice say “Behold I will never leave you nor forsake you.
June thank you for your openness! May God continue to be your light and place of safety! You are entered in the drawing!
I love Psalm 91, which tells me that God is my shelter, He delivers me, He holds me fast, He hears me and calms my fears. He is my Most High, my Almighty. He is always with me and He is my salvation!!
Marie, that is a beautiful truth!! You are entered!
I love the book of Psalms. It has helped me during hard times.
Denise, thanks for coming by, you are entered!
Psalm 119 taught and continues to teach me how dependent I am on God’s guidance in my life, not only to understand my own emotions but more though how to see and relate to those around me at this very moment in time. Thomas Ken, the one who phrased the well-known Doxology “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow’ expressed this well in his Morning song: Guard my first springs of thought and will … (followed by) … Direct, control, suggest this day, all I design and do or say”
Our dependence is on God, every day yes every moment of the day
Kirsten, thank you for sharing this! I absolutely need God’s moment by moment guidance in relating to everyone I encounter. Sadly, I don’t always listen to and follow His guidance. Just yesterday, I responded to someone in a way I immediately regretted. But praise God, He is also a forgiving God of restoration! You are entered into the giveaway!
My fav Psalm is Psalm 91. There is so much in it!
Patricia, thank you for sharing your favorite Psalm! You are entered in the drawing!
My favorite Psalm is the 23rd Psalm, because it constantly reminds me that no matter what I’m going through, no matter how happy, sad, or hurt I may be; my Lord is always with me, guiding me and either walking with me or carrying me. he restores peace to my soul when I’m troubled. I really find a lot in all of the Psalms, but I absolutely love the image this Psalm presents of God as the shepherd and me as one of His precious sheep.I know my shepherd, and He knows me.
shared on facebook
Thank you friend… I think Psalm 71 is becoming my favorite… wisdom for gung gracious and godly. Hope your friends love my new HOPE IN PSALMS book
Pam, thank you for allowing me to share about “Discovering Hope in the Psalms!” Love this study!
I have always loved all the Psalms but 52 is my favorite.
#hopeinthepsalms
Ah! “Let us praise God forever for all He has done!” You are entered in the drawing!
Shared pinned commented. #hopeinthepsalms
Shelley, you are entered a second time!