Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
Thanks for joining the first of our three-part “Psalm Summer” Bible study series, which has three objectives. First, it's summer, and the reading is easy, breezy, and light.
Second, the selected Psalm verses are popular, widely quoted, or personal favorites. Perhaps try to memorize a few at the pool, beach, or in traffic on your way to the beach.
Third, the Lord can speak to you through these Psalm passages about whatever is on your mind or heart. Therefore, please pray and ponder their meaning. For centuries, the wisdom and truth of these verses have soothed souls and brought hope and comfort to those in distress.
From the “You Can’t Make This Up Department,” this three-part series was sparked by the title “Psalm Summer,” which came to me while drying my hair, and I loved how it sounded. The verses are not in numerical order because the message flow takes precedence. We begin with a familiar favorite:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).
It is written the Psalm’s author is “of David,” who relied on the Lord to deliver him from his enemies. Note the contrast between who “the Lord is” and the two questions He answered. David was human; we are human. We need the reassurance offered in these questions to balance the uncertainty of life and integrate these truths into our daily experience. Here is Psalm 27 in its entirety.
Next are two famous and meaningful verses from Psalm 46. The first:
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“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46-1). If your faith is being tested or under attack, make this verse your “Godly mantra” and “repeat play” until its truth is internalized.
The second: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10). The first sentence, “Be still and know that I am God,” profoundly speaks to me and maybe to you as well. My problem is that being “still” is antithetical to my being. Therefore, I confess that much improvement is needed to clear my mind, block out all the swirling noise, and listen to Him. However, I humbly give myself a high grade for the “know that I am God” part and “exalting” Him “in the earth.” Next is one of my favorites:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1).
Words cannot convey how much I love this verse. Long-time readers know I am a big fan of nature — “the work of his hands.” (See Vols. 207 and 213.) Since I am blessed to live on the beach (and profusely thank Him for that privilege), when seeing what appears to be the sun rising out of the ocean, I marvel at its beauty and predictability.
Often, I think about what it was like for ancient people to witness that glorious daily event. They did not understand why a big orange ball of fire appeared and disappeared many hours later. Yet, instinctively, they knew it was more powerful than them, so they worshiped it. We don’t worship the sun, but we should worship the force that created it — the power and “glory of God” while proclaiming “the work of his hands.” If so moved, read the entire Psalm.
Let’s turn to another familiar passage:
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 118:1). This is the first and last verse of Psalm 118 and is worth memorizing. Say it loud and proud when you feel the urge! The Lord will appreciate the acknowledgment.
Furthermore, Psalm 118-1 is the central theme of Psalm 136. It repeats, “His love endures forever,” at the end of all 26 verses. Psalm 136 describes historical events such as why the children of Israel should “give thanks to the Lord” and, through His actions, demonstrate why “his love endures forever.” Here are some sample verses:
“His love endures forever to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt. His love endures forever. And brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever. With a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever to him who divided the Red Sea asunder His love endures forever and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever. But swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever” (Psalm 136: 9-15).
Now, “His love endures forever” is continuously playing in my mind!
We conclude Part 1 of our “Psalm Summer” series with Psalm 91, known as “the prayer of protection.”
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (Psalm 91:1-2).
On long summer days, if you need to be inspired or lifted up from your troubles, Psalm 91 is highly recommended. For more discussion, see Vols. 10 and 209.
Thanks for reading, and I look forward to your comments and emails. God bless!
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer with numerous national credits. Her book, "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible," reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2,” with the same title, reprints Vols. 57-113. Order it here.
Myra is also the Executive Director of SignFromGod.org and the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. Both are educational donor-supported ministries dedicated to building a permanent Shroud of Turin exhibit in Washington, D.C. The National Shroud of Turin Exhibit will host a four-day exhibit at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Indiana, July 17-21. Contact: <MyraAdams01@gmail.com>
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