Tumbling Sky: Psalm Devotions for Weary Souls

by Matt Searles

34 undated Psalm devotions for weary souls.

Genres: Christian, Devotional, Nonfiction

76 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2017

Reviews

[Matt Gurtler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great biblically-rooted, pastoral, uplifting set of devotionals. It made me love the Psalms more, and Searles is very clearly pointing away from his writing to scripture. Some devotionals pick a topic and choose a verse to back it up. I'm pleased to read the opposite here. The theme of each devotional comes out of the passage, and is well-illustrated with anecdotes and song lyrics.

Each devotional is short enough to read in a few minutes, I read a few each day to get through the whole psalm, and felt that worked well.

With a greater understanding of - and love for - these Psalms, I look forward to listening to the accompanying album of songs.

[Mark Whitelaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this short devotional book on the Psalms. It helpfully starts you in some of the darkest Psalms and slowly & graciously leads you to some of the more hopeful Psalms. It was nice to be reminded that Psalm 88 (the darkest Psalm) isn't hidden away or blocked out but rather, right in the middle of the bible, for all to see. God can handle our sorrows and our tears.

[Airin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear emphasis on the Gospel in every chapter - how we read the Psalms in light of what Christ has done. Tackles misleading lies and false hope of prosperity theology at every corner. Wouldn’t fit every specific affliction that a man’s soul might go through but underlines principles correctly.

[Rodie King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Am on chapter 5 P12 P 19 P 21 P 22 P 31 P33 Psalm 23 P 35 P37 P 39 P 41 Ps63 p 45 P 49 P 51 completed Psalm 46 'Be still and know that I am God' P 53 P55 P57 P 61 P67 P69 P 71 P73

[Katie Krombein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little devotional with lots of practical meditations. I couldn't find the cd to buy but found a few of his individual psalm songs that a friend had uploaded to YouTube so I could get an understanding of the pairing.

p. 23 And, as with Job's comforters, God did not approve of the words of the comforters, because they were mere breath. But the words of the sufferer were recorded, because he spoke rightly about God. Most importantly he kept speaking to GOd. The Lord didn't want the sufferer to stay forever in this place of darkness, he wanted to lead him out of it. But he didn't condemn the sufferer for being in darkness. And that was the first step to bringing him closer to the light.

P 43: not saying that health, relationships, circumstances are unimportant, but saying that they are not decisive.

p. 55: Picture this place, where we have most to fear.
David was in a bleak situation, but what he saw was the sheltering arms of God.
Return to that mental picture of a place of pressure for you, and change it. Either replace it, or add to it the strong, sheltering arms of God. Picture being in this place where trials often come, and without denying the feelings that accompany it, redraw it to reflect that whatever our circumstances may be, God is sheltering us under his wings.
Where are we when we face pressure points? Always and inescapably in the shelter of God's wings.
"In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by." (Ps 57)

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the end of a recent trip to the UK, a new friend randomly gave this book to me. I thought to myself, "Well, I'm fine right now, but I'll hold onto this for another season."

And then I got back to Africa and things were suddenly very not fine very quickly, so I started this. Honestly, this is one of the most balanced devotions I've read on the topics of grief and sorrow. There are so many unhelpful words that we often direct towards the suffering: "All things work out for good! Have faith! How is God using this suffering?" Sentiments that aren't bad in themselves, but also sometimes imply that lasting grief is a consequence of weak faith. This book reminds us, through the lens of the Psalms, that we should not be ashamed to mourn the brokenness of the world or the things that might not be restored in this lifetime. And it also gently encourages us in the midst of our grief to take shelter in the wings of the One whose love and promises will never fail.

This book came right on time for me.

[Gillian Poucher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent devotional for those experiencing the 'dark night of the soul.' My husband and I read and prayed through it together during the last weeks of his terminal illness.

There is no attempt to sugar-coat the awfulness of human tragedy and the honest confrontation of bleak times is refreshing, as is the engagement with lamentation in scripture. The hope and promise of a brighter tomorrow is presented with welcome sensitivity.

An outstanding book which I recommend whole-heartedly to those enduring heart-breaking times.

[Will Dole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would pick this up and read a couple at a time when I was feeling particularly bleak and struggling to read my Bible. So I read a 34 day devotional over the course of two years, which maybe wasn’t the intention. But I appreciated Searles’ book greatly. Consistent reminders of the presence of God in every circumstance.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of so many wonderful truths that can be such a comfort! I liked how he picked different psalms to work through over the course of a few days. I just felt that the devotionals were too short sometimes, or he didn't quite say all he wanted to say or something (but then again I did read these just before bed so maybe I was just drifting off but I did try very hard not to!)

[Beverley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 3 stars reflects only that I'm not sure this was aimed for me at this season of my life. But I think it would be good for those struggling to see God in their life who need pointing to the Psalms for comfort, strength & hope.

[Phil Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished these great short undated devotions in the Psalms designed particularly for times of struggle and when life seems dark.

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much gold. But devotions are too short, and so the format lets the content down. Also odd to have such a short hardback (and glued not sewn) for this kind of book. Random!

[Elizabeth Tso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fave book of 2025.
Such helpful devotionals to ponder.
Will definitely read again