It is no secret that I love summer. Hot and humid destroys cold and biting, and it’s not even close. The long summer days in the upper Midwest are made for memories and opportunities. One opportunity is our Bible intake. Let’s spend the summer in the Psalms.
There are 150 psalms in the collection, and they can be consumed in a month in an easy way. For example, today is June 6. Today, we read five psalms beginning with Psalm 6. From there, add thirty and read Psalm 36. Then, add thirty more and read Psalm 66. Complete the days reading by heading to Psalms 96 and 126. On June 7 you begin the reading at Psalm 7 and follow the same course. In July and August when there are 31 days in the month, you will read Psalm 119 (a lengthy and the longest) on that day.
Why Read the Psalms?
A Simple Way to Take in the Bible – If you are not a regular Bible reader, this is a simple way to become one. Many new Bible readers don’t know where to begin. The Bible is a big book which some might find intimidating. Regular reading in the psalms can develop good Bible reading habits. If you are a regular Bible reader following a specific plan, keep on with your plan. Maybe consider adding summer psalm reading for a little more Scripture saturation.
A Simple Way to Read the Bible Together – If you would like your family to read the Bible and you’re not sure where to begin, summer reading in the psalms is a great way for families to read. Have one reader read a particular psalm, then move on to the next reader and the next psalm. It really isn’t that hard. If you miss a day for whatever reason, you simply pick up with the current day. So, say you’ve missed June 1-5. No problem, simply start with today’s reading, and go from there.
A Great Way to Gain Encyclopedic Knowledge of God and His Works – As a kid, I devoured our family’s World Book Encyclopedias. Encyclopedias were the Internet of the 1970s. From A-Z, a young boy could satisfy his desire for knowledge. The psalms are a massive resource on the Lord and his works, giving the reader a broad knowledge base of who he is, what he has done, what he is doing, and what he purposes to do in the future. Take today’s reading for example.
In number 6, the psalmist informs and encourages God’s people that their God is close by when he writes, “The LORD will receive my prayer” (9).
In number 36, the reader learns of God’s steadfast love for his people when he reads, “How precious is your lovingkindness, O God!” (7).
In number 66, we who live in a messed-up world rest when we read, “All the earth shall worship you” (4), and we rest humbly when we read, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the LORD will not hear. But certainly God has heard me” (17-18).
In number 96, the psalmist asserts, “He is coming” (13). He has come, and we await his coming again.
In number 126, the psalmist describes the return of the faithful from their Babylonian exile, noting “our mouth was filled with laughter” (2). And we dream of days to come when tears will be no more for God’s people as the Lord turns our “weeping” to “rejoicing” (6).
A bonus for those still reading – if you like animals, the psalms tell you that God does too, “O Lord, you preserve man and beast” (36:6)
The Summer Challenge
Will you read the psalms together with me and those near you? I hope so. But there’s one more step I want you to take. Will you memorize a psalm with me? Hear me out. 119:11 announces, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
Before I memorized Psalm 23 as a young boy, I memorized Psalm 1. That’s the challenge to each of you, memorize word for word Psalm 1, “Blessed is the man who….” You can do it. You really can. The Lord will aid you if you make the effort. You cannot exaggerate the value of memorization of this psalm to your family, our church, and yourself.
What’s that? You’ve already memorized Psalm 1? Then the challenge to you is to memorize Psalm 2 this summer. That’s what I’m doing, and I’d love to do that with you.
So, let’s make good use of the summer days and spend them in the psalms.
s always, thanks for reading, and I welcome your feedback and any suggestions you might have for an upcoming Lunchtime Musing.