A Tree Planted by the Waters: A Study in Psalms

I don’t know about you, but I’ve hit a place in my life where I am craving some peace and quiet. Summer can be a time of rest and relaxation for many, but for my husband and I, it is one of the busiest seasons of the year. As youth pastors, we have planned a seemingly endless stream of youth events, outreaches, camps, and discipleship programs for our students. And don’t get me wrong, they are all amazing events and vital to the growth of our students.

But sometimes I just need to slow down. I believe what I am experiencing is not just physical tiredness, but a spiritual and mental one as well. It feels that the conversations I have with people are all the same: masks or no masks, vaccine or no vaccine– you get the idea. I’m sure you’ve been wrestling with the same conversations.

One of David’s most famous Psalms is in the reading plan this week: Psalm 23. I found verse 2 especially interesting: He makes me lie down in green pastures… Sheep are stubborn sometimes. We go astray and get lost, and when we do so, He is always faithful to come find us and restore us. Sometimes He has to make us lie down and rest. May I humbly suggest that we willingly lie down for a rest this next month? (And yes, I’m preaching to the choir here.)

I felt that a journey through the Psalms would be a great way to find the solace that I am sure we’ve all been craving. Allow the Lord to water your soul and speak to your heart as He leads you by the still waters.

Week 1:
Day 1: Psalm 1-5
Day 2: Psalm 6-10
Day 3: Psalm 11-15
Day 4: Psalm 16-20
Day 5: Psalm 21-25
Day 6: Psalm 26-30
Day 7: Psalm 31-35