The Psalms draw me in during my time with the Lord. I tend to avoid negative feelings by watching TV, eating or shopping. Pretty much anything that distracts me from the pit in my stomach. Hanging out in the Psalms helps me feel. And feel like it’s ok to feel.
King David experienced every range of human emotion we experience or imagine. Extreme grief, shame over sin, anger and frustration – at God no less. He felt separation and distance from God and He experienced great joy in the Lord’s presence. The Bible records it all.
What Does Spurgeon Have to Do With it?
With these sentiments toward Psalms, I appreciated the opportunity to read and review Spurgeon and the Psalms. Charles Spurgeon, an English preacher (called “The Prince of Preachers”) in the 1800’s, wrote sermons, books and commentaries that influenced so many that he continues to be held in high regard in Christian circles today.
Spurgeon wrote that “No one needs better company than the Psalms.” He called them “the school of patience, the soul’s soliloquies, the little Bible, the anatomy of devotion, the Holy Land of poesy, the heart of Scripture, the map of experience, and the tongue of saints.” During his pastoral ministry Spurgeon preached through the Book of Psalms and these sermons later became published under the title The Treasury of David. The introduction of Spurgeon and the Psalms explains that a short passage from these sermons accompanies each of the 150 Psalms.
This beautiful book, in leathersoft black with gold gilded edges, feels good to hold. Each Psalm, presented with its own commentary, makes the small volume perfect for daily times of devotion with the Lord.
The New King James Version is beautifully written and Spurgeon’s commentary poetic, but I personally find it a little difficult to follow. To be transparent, though, I think God is calling me to slow down with Him. So I plan to keep at it.
*** Full disclosure – I received a copy of this book for free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid.
The Link Up
I already shared Karen Girl Friday’s post Not Separating God’s Goodness from His Holiness on Facebook and Twitter, and now I share it here. Dig into the important read.
1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.
2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.
3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).
We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.
MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
LAUREN SPARKS
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
TAMMY KENNINGTON – Restoring hope. Pursuing peace.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Now Let’s Link Up!
If you liked this post, do me the huge honor of using the buttons below to share it to your favorite social media accounts. And if you want to get these essays emailed to you once a week, subscribe! Lastly, my posts may contain affiliate links and I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy anything from one of these links, I will receive a few pennies to help offset the cost of this website at no additional charge to you. Thank you in advance for your help.
To find some great places where I might be sharing this post, click here.
Lisa Blair says
The devotional sounds like a good gift for a family member who processes life through her emotions, but if it’s only in the NKJV, I’ll probably look for another resource. Thanks for the book review, Lauren.
Lauren says
I get it, Lisa.
Yvonne Chase says
Over the past couple of weeks, I have told people, especially Christian people it is okay to feel every emotion, especially those we deem negative. Jesus felt every emotion. He gave us our emotions. Somehow Christians have been brainwashed into believing they are bad Christians if they feel anger, disgust, sadness, or overwhelm. David is the best example that it is okay to feel.
Lauren says
I completely agree, Yvonne!
PaulaShort says
Amen, Love this review, Lauren. I’m reviewing this too, I haven’t posted it yet but will be getting it done here soon.
Linking up with you this week. Blessings.
Lauren says
I look forward to your review, Paula!
Mary Geisen says
I have seen several other people mentioning this book. I also love the Psalms and find that I can relate deeply to them. I’m interested to hear how it goes when you slow down and sit with God.
Lauren says
I’m interested too, Mary!
Maryleigh says
It’s only in the last decade that I “discovered” Spurgeon! I finally bought a book of his writings!
Lauren says
He writes very poetically. I think you do as well! I always enjoy seeing how you’ve turned a phrase.
Mandy Farmer says
Oh! a Very tempting purchase, for sure!
Lauren says
Let me know if you end up reading it. Would love your thoughts, Mandy.
Carol says
I’ve always loved reading the Psalms as well as singing anthems and hymns with texts taken from Psalms. I remember memorizing Psalm 100 and Psalm 23 when I was a young child. Some of my favorite Psalms are 8, 19, and 139.
Thank you for participating in Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 22.
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
Lauren says
Thank you so much for sharing your favorites with me! I am doing a deep dive bible study on Psalm 23 right now and getting a lot out of it.
Donna B Reidland says
I have wanted to dig deeper into the psalms for some time. So, I’m enjoying this book, too, Lauren.
Lauren says
I can’t believe everything God is teaching me in the Psalms right now.