Summer Reading

Summertime has long been popular for encouraging people to read. Many libraries have reading programs for children, teens and adults. Many literacy campaigns are most active during the summer months. Between most schools being out and it's a popular vacation time, a lot of people find they have some time on their hands, so why not do something instead of vegging out in front of the TV, tablet or laptop? Why not read a book? [*Cue Reading Rainbow theme*]

     If you are like me and you read a lot, sometimes the summer is a nice time to change things up. Read something different and outside of your normal stack. Or finally read that book that's been on your “to-read-shelf” that you keep putting off for whatever reason.

     We can approach Scripture the same way. The summer is a nice time to think about reading those books of the Bible that you normally avoid for one reason or another. Or it's a time to tackle one of those books that you have been wanting to learn more about and understand better.

     But, maybe your idea of summer reading is “light reading”. That's why novels are popular for summer reading. If that is the case for you, then the summer is a perfect time to rediscover the Psalms.

     We tend to avoid the Psalms publicly and privately because, although we wouldn't dare admit it, we have the misinformed idea that the Psalms are the junk food of the Bible. We only turn to this section of Scripture when things are going bad for us. But instead of being cotton candy, the Psalms are rich in theology and the truths that we need to always be reminded about.

     What makes the Psalms great to read and study is that this part of God's Word is generally broken up into smaller, bit-sized chunks that make it easier for us to study, meditate and memorize. These Biblical poems teach us – and connect for us – the lessons and stories found in the rest of the Old Testament. They put things into perspective for us, too, like this one:

LORD, the heavens praise your wonders – 

your faithfulness also –

in the assembly of the holy ones.

For who in the skies can compare with the LORD?

Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD?

God is greatly feared in the council of the holy ones,

more awe-inspiring than all who surround him.

LORD God of Armies,

who is strong like you, LORD?

Your faithfulness surrounds you.

Psalm 89:5-8 (CSB)

Take some time this summer to read the Psalms. Try reading just one a day. Or even just one per week, and think about it throughout the week. Even the longer psalms will only take a few minutes to read, and then think about it, meditate about it, and praise God for what you discover there, because

It is good to give thanks to the LORD,

to sing praise to your name, Most High,

to declare your faithful love in the morning

and your faithfulness at night....

For you have made me rejoice, LORD,

by what you have done;

I will shout for joy because of the works of your hands.

How magnificent are your works, LORD,

how profound your thoughts!

Psalm 92:1-5 (CSB)

 - Ray Perdue, Men’s Ministry Director