Lauren Sparks

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.

Praying the Psalms helps bring up my emotions and process them. This book reminds me of God’s goodness, faithfulness and mighty acts. And none of that changes when I express my negative feelings to Him.

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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.

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On National Best Friends Day, my thoughts turn to the friend we have in Jesus. That sounds overly spiritual doesn’t it? But when I read Psalm 4:2 my mind started ruminating on ways to get closer to the Lord.

“How long, O you sons of men, will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood? Selah” Psalm 4:2 NKJV

At first read this doesn’t sound like an encouragement. Definitely not something you want to hear from a friend. But a true friend speaks truth to you – even when it’s hard. And we don’t often think of conviction as a cheery thing. But if that conviction leads to repentance, it clears a pathway to clear communication with God. It brings us closer to Him and lifts a weight off of our shoulders.

That doesn’t mean that being made aware of our sins is easy. It is right and healthy to grieve over our sin. How it has been an obstacle between us and God. The way it has kept God’s glory from shining through us. But the grief is short lived if we experience true repentance. Turning our lives away from sin brings all glory to God. And we never have to carry the shame of that sin again.

Even though sin, shame, and repentance are most often very personal, I prayed this scripture over some loved ones recently and sent them this text:

Change up the words for the person (or yourself) that you are praying for.

This one is tender. Praying for you in this. And don’t forget to share on social media or with a friend who could benefit. It would mean so much to me. And if you don’t want to miss a Praying God’s Word Wednesday, subscribe over on the right hand side of this page.