“….they are blessed who apply their hearts to the pursuit of heavenly wisdom….” Calvin, Commentary Upon the Book of Psalms) Shortly before I suffered my first major episode of depression, I was reading the Epistle of James. There were several reasons why I chose that epistle at that time,...
The Psalms
In these posts, you will find my reflections on psalms. Sometimes, I will tackle an entire psalm. Other times, I may only focus on a few verses or even a phrase, depending on my concentration and my peace of mind and even on how those few words have moved me at any given time.
I’m not setting out to write a commentary. Neither do I lay any claim to setting out timeless truths in these reflections, though I hope that what I say will be true. My words are nothing more or less than what they claim to be: thoughts, echoes, suggestions that are the product of my reading the psalms at this particular point in my life.
For any faults in my writing, I apologise in advance.
S.D.G. (Soli Deo Gloria – Glory to God Alone)
Psalm 3:5
“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.” I’ve been reflecting on these words since September of last year when I read Psalm 3 while on holiday in West Wales. By turns, they have intrigued me, inspired me and haunted me – mostly haunted...
Psalm 108:1-4
Psalm 108 begins with a glorious confession of confidence and a joyous call to worship: “My heart is steadfast, O God, My heart is steadfast!I will sing and make melody! Awake, my soul!Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn!I will give thanks to Thee, I Lord,...
Psalm 88
Since first writing these words, I’ve also read the poem after which this site is named – “I wake and feel the fell of dark, not day”. I’ve wondered if, and if so, how much, this psalm informed Hopkins’ thinking when he wrote his poem. Psalm 88 is a...
Psalm 77
This is a slightly edited version of my response to an email that a dear friend and sister in the Lord, Emma, sent me, in which she quoted verses from Psalm 77 for my encouragement. It was in writing this response that I first considered the idea of keeping...