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Shaped by God: Thinking and Feeling in Tune with the Psalms
God wants your heart.
The whole Bible teaches truth and awakens emotions, but the Psalms are in a category of their own. They do not just awaken the heart; they put it in the foreground. They do not merely invite our emotions to respond to God’s truth; they put our emotions on display.
The Psalms are more than commanding—they are contagious. We are not just listening to profound ideas and feelings. We are living among them in their overflow. We touch pillows wet with tears. We hear and feel the unabashed cries of affliction, shame, regret, grief, anger, discouragement, and turmoil. But what makes all this stunningly different from the sorrows of the world is that all of it—absolutely all of it—is experienced in relation to the totally sovereign God.
This book is an invitation. God wants our hearts. He will take them as he finds them. And then, with the healing contagion of the Psalms, he will shape them. Accept his invitation to come.
The whole Bible teaches truth and awakens emotions, but the Psalms are in a category of their own. They do not just awaken the heart; they put it in the foreground. They do not merely invite our emotions to respond to God’s truth; they put our emotions on display.
The Psalms are more than commanding—they are contagious. We are not just listening to profound ideas and feelings. We are living among them in their overflow. We touch pillows wet with tears. We hear and feel the unabashed cries of affliction, shame, regret, grief, anger, discouragement, and turmoil. But what makes all this stunningly different from the sorrows of the world is that all of it—absolutely all of it—is experienced in relation to the totally sovereign God.
This book is an invitation. God wants our hearts. He will take them as he finds them. And then, with the healing contagion of the Psalms, he will shape them. Accept his invitation to come.
86 pages, Paperback
Published November 17, 2017
68 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
John Piper
609 books4,584 followersJohn Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as senior pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 15, 2020
Beautiful book! Piper shows us how Christ is the center of every psalm.
December 28, 2019
"The key and goal of the Psalms, at every point, is Jesus Christ, exalted among all the peoples. No portion of the Psalms-no portion of Scripture- is complete without Him, and neither is this book."
I believe that one characteristic that distinguishes a good writer from a great writer is the practice of repetition. We learn by repetition, whether it is the alphabet as a young child or a theological concept. Throughout this short book, John Piper reminds his reader what the intent of the Psalms was when they were first written, and what the intent is for modern day readers. He reminds us that The Psalms are instructive, they are poems, and they are from God.
The Psalms are instructive where God, human nature and life are concerned. They are intended to teach us that regardless of where we are in our walk with God, we will never know it all and we are should never cease to see ourselves as learners. This is, most importantly, true about God above all else. Not all poetry is intended to teach, but the Psalms are. Piper makes the point that one way we can be sure of this is the fact that the first Psalm introduces all Psalms that follow; I found this to be an interesting fact I was not aware of prior to reading this book. This is evident in Psalm 1:2-"His delight is in the law of The Lord and on his law he meditates day and night. "Law" means "Torah"; Torah is generally meant to stand for "law". A second point that clarifies that the first Psalm is an introduction to the rest of the book is found in their structure. They are divided into 5 books that start with Psalms 1,42, 73, 90, and 107. These five books are intended to to coincide with the first five books of Scripture. These are a few things that illustrate the concept that the five divisions in Psalms line up with the 5 books found in the Pentateuch.
Following the point that the Psalms are instructive, Piper states that the Psalms are poetic. The meaning of the word “Psalm” means “Poem.” They are supposed to be either sung or read as poetry would be. Psalms are about thinking and feeling, one is not exclusive to the other. To read them merely for doctrine is to miss their purpose as a whole.
Most of all, The Psalms are about God. This is illustrated throughout the New Testament. Jesus quotes from them and not infrequently so. Piper gives numerous examples of Scripture where he does this. Piper points out that Psalms are both man’s words and God’s Word. Man expresses himself through them and God expresses the purposes he has through man’s expressions. When the Psalms are read and sung as they are meant to be, both our minds and our hearts are being shaped by God.
5 Psalms are used in the book to specially address these facts. They are Psalms 1, 42, 51, 103, 69, and 96, each one presenting with a concise theme conducive to the theme of the book as a whole.
Psalm 1 is looked at in detail with three questions being raised. The first is- why does he Psalmist begin the way he does? The second question is related to verse 3- why does this Psalm read like it does? The third question- how does Psalm 1 lead us to the Messiah?
Psalm 42 covers spiritual depression and how to manage discouragement from a godly perspective.
It’s written to describe how to fight for hope in the midst of discouragement, as well as how to respond to attacks from the enemy, that include taunting him for his faith. The Psalmist here exemplifies the persona of one who endured great opposition for his faithfulness to God, yet persevered. His ability to do so included learning to listen to himself. he knew the truth and consistently reminded himself of it. He learned to endure, in large part, by listening to himself.
Psalm 51 covers David’s repentance of his sin with Bathsheba and what it looks like to have a
broken and contrite spirit before God. Rather than running from God after committing heinous sin, David runs to God.
Psalm 103 covers blessing the Lord. Although Piper's emphasis was largely geared toward parents and the best way to teach to their children about God, l read it differently. By this he meant blessing the Lord in their presence, in essence modeling this for them as as opposed to merely instructing them in this. Because I do not have young children, I read this from a general stance. Blessing the Lord and doing so in the presence of others can do much to encourage others of the faith, as well as perhaps helping those who are lacking faith to understand The Gospel for what it really is.
Psalm 69 covers unjustly being wronged, being the object of hatred and scorn when it is undeserved In a personal way, etc. It is in this Psalm that The Imprecatory Psalms are demonstrated. Imprecatory Psalms address the issue of cursing God's enemies. They have potential to be problematic if priority is not given to interpreting text in light of the context in which it is written. Elsewhere Scripture tells us to love and pray for our enemies, bless those who curse us, etc. The authenticity of the concept of imprecatory Psalms is supported by the numerous times they are quoted in the New Testament. It is a concept I was not familiar with so I went through this portion of the book slowly. Highest priority must be given to recognition of the fact that David’s life was intended to be a mere foreshadowing of The coming Messiah. The King of all Kings.
Psalm 96 covers how to present The Lord to an unbelieving world in a manner bathed in truth. This Psalm stresses the importance of understanding that God has not revealed all He has to us so that we may keep it to ourselves. We need to ask ourselves, is it a priority to us to share this with a world who needs to know Him as we do?
In conclusion, Piper wraps it up by leaving the reader with a question that is not new to me; (however I have been introduced to some new concepts I was not previously privy to. For example, the definition and usage of imprecatory psalms. Learning new concepts, such as this and others, l have little doubt, will serve me well.) Piper leaves the reader with food for thought- it a coincidence that The book of the Psalms are in the center of The Bible? Just as the heart is the seat of the emotions, the Psalms are found in the middle of His word. Is this God's call to us to surrender our hearts to Him, in light of this?
The simplest truths are more often than not, the most profound.
I believe that one characteristic that distinguishes a good writer from a great writer is the practice of repetition. We learn by repetition, whether it is the alphabet as a young child or a theological concept. Throughout this short book, John Piper reminds his reader what the intent of the Psalms was when they were first written, and what the intent is for modern day readers. He reminds us that The Psalms are instructive, they are poems, and they are from God.
The Psalms are instructive where God, human nature and life are concerned. They are intended to teach us that regardless of where we are in our walk with God, we will never know it all and we are should never cease to see ourselves as learners. This is, most importantly, true about God above all else. Not all poetry is intended to teach, but the Psalms are. Piper makes the point that one way we can be sure of this is the fact that the first Psalm introduces all Psalms that follow; I found this to be an interesting fact I was not aware of prior to reading this book. This is evident in Psalm 1:2-"His delight is in the law of The Lord and on his law he meditates day and night. "Law" means "Torah"; Torah is generally meant to stand for "law". A second point that clarifies that the first Psalm is an introduction to the rest of the book is found in their structure. They are divided into 5 books that start with Psalms 1,42, 73, 90, and 107. These five books are intended to to coincide with the first five books of Scripture. These are a few things that illustrate the concept that the five divisions in Psalms line up with the 5 books found in the Pentateuch.
Following the point that the Psalms are instructive, Piper states that the Psalms are poetic. The meaning of the word “Psalm” means “Poem.” They are supposed to be either sung or read as poetry would be. Psalms are about thinking and feeling, one is not exclusive to the other. To read them merely for doctrine is to miss their purpose as a whole.
Most of all, The Psalms are about God. This is illustrated throughout the New Testament. Jesus quotes from them and not infrequently so. Piper gives numerous examples of Scripture where he does this. Piper points out that Psalms are both man’s words and God’s Word. Man expresses himself through them and God expresses the purposes he has through man’s expressions. When the Psalms are read and sung as they are meant to be, both our minds and our hearts are being shaped by God.
5 Psalms are used in the book to specially address these facts. They are Psalms 1, 42, 51, 103, 69, and 96, each one presenting with a concise theme conducive to the theme of the book as a whole.
Psalm 1 is looked at in detail with three questions being raised. The first is- why does he Psalmist begin the way he does? The second question is related to verse 3- why does this Psalm read like it does? The third question- how does Psalm 1 lead us to the Messiah?
Psalm 42 covers spiritual depression and how to manage discouragement from a godly perspective.
It’s written to describe how to fight for hope in the midst of discouragement, as well as how to respond to attacks from the enemy, that include taunting him for his faith. The Psalmist here exemplifies the persona of one who endured great opposition for his faithfulness to God, yet persevered. His ability to do so included learning to listen to himself. he knew the truth and consistently reminded himself of it. He learned to endure, in large part, by listening to himself.
Psalm 51 covers David’s repentance of his sin with Bathsheba and what it looks like to have a
broken and contrite spirit before God. Rather than running from God after committing heinous sin, David runs to God.
Psalm 103 covers blessing the Lord. Although Piper's emphasis was largely geared toward parents and the best way to teach to their children about God, l read it differently. By this he meant blessing the Lord in their presence, in essence modeling this for them as as opposed to merely instructing them in this. Because I do not have young children, I read this from a general stance. Blessing the Lord and doing so in the presence of others can do much to encourage others of the faith, as well as perhaps helping those who are lacking faith to understand The Gospel for what it really is.
Psalm 69 covers unjustly being wronged, being the object of hatred and scorn when it is undeserved In a personal way, etc. It is in this Psalm that The Imprecatory Psalms are demonstrated. Imprecatory Psalms address the issue of cursing God's enemies. They have potential to be problematic if priority is not given to interpreting text in light of the context in which it is written. Elsewhere Scripture tells us to love and pray for our enemies, bless those who curse us, etc. The authenticity of the concept of imprecatory Psalms is supported by the numerous times they are quoted in the New Testament. It is a concept I was not familiar with so I went through this portion of the book slowly. Highest priority must be given to recognition of the fact that David’s life was intended to be a mere foreshadowing of The coming Messiah. The King of all Kings.
Psalm 96 covers how to present The Lord to an unbelieving world in a manner bathed in truth. This Psalm stresses the importance of understanding that God has not revealed all He has to us so that we may keep it to ourselves. We need to ask ourselves, is it a priority to us to share this with a world who needs to know Him as we do?
In conclusion, Piper wraps it up by leaving the reader with a question that is not new to me; (however I have been introduced to some new concepts I was not previously privy to. For example, the definition and usage of imprecatory psalms. Learning new concepts, such as this and others, l have little doubt, will serve me well.) Piper leaves the reader with food for thought- it a coincidence that The book of the Psalms are in the center of The Bible? Just as the heart is the seat of the emotions, the Psalms are found in the middle of His word. Is this God's call to us to surrender our hearts to Him, in light of this?
The simplest truths are more often than not, the most profound.
January 3, 2022
I initially started this little book because I am hoping to write a Bible study for Psalm 103 and recently introduced The book of Psalms to one of my friends. But I was immediately drawn in because Ch. 1 is all about Psalm 1, and I have a special emotional connection to that Psalm. It was the first passage of Scripture that I taught to my children, introducing them to the only two ways to live: the beautiful life of blessing when we delight in God and His word and live by it vs. the life of the wicked who stand condemned under the righteous judgement of God.
Piper takes landmark Psalms and walks the reader through their significance and impact in times of joy or spiritual depression or repentance or proclaiming God's great glory to the nations.
The book is short and yet it encouraged me and showed me new reasons to cherish the Psalms.
Piper takes landmark Psalms and walks the reader through their significance and impact in times of joy or spiritual depression or repentance or proclaiming God's great glory to the nations.
The book is short and yet it encouraged me and showed me new reasons to cherish the Psalms.
December 27, 2022
Este libro es un regalo para el corazón cansado espiritual y emocionalmente. Piper nos lleva a un paseo por algunos salmos que nos llenarán de paz y moldearán nuestros pensamientos para afrontar la ansiedad, la depresión, la culpa y otras situaciones similares, refugiados en la Palabra de Dios. Lo recomiendo.
July 15, 2023
Compilation on a few sermons on Psalms. Helpful for learning how to think and feel in tune with the Psalms.
December 26, 2017
This is the second book on the Psalms I have read recently, the first being Learning to Love the Psalms by Robert Godfrey. In this book, John Piper looks briefly at Psalms 42, 51, 103, 69, and 96. His aim is that God would be revealed, and that you would want to know him.
The author tells us that as there are three things we should know about the Psalms: they are instructive, they are poems, and they are from God. He tells us that Psalms is the most often-quoted Old Testament book in the New Testament. Alongside the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, Psalms was the book that shaped the thinking and feeling of the first disciples more than any other. He tells that the Psalms are designed to inform your thinking in a way that delights your heart.
This is a well-organized book in which the author clearly organizes his main points. Here are a few brief comments about each of the five Psalms looked at in this book:
• Psalm 42 examines spiritual depression and how to be discouraged well. It shows us what a godly person does in the midst of spiritual depression, and is meant to shape how we deal with our own seasons of darkness.
• Psalm 51 examines how to be brokenhearted well by guilt and regret. Psalm 51 is the way that God’s people should think and feel about the horrors of their own sin. He writes “Being a Christian means being broken and contrite. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you get beyond that in this life. Brokenness marks the life of God’s happy children until they die. We are broken and contrite all the way home—unless sin gets the proud upper hand. Being broken and contrite is not against joy and praise and witness. It is the flavor of Christian joy and praise and witness.”
• Psalm 103 provides all believers with powerful instruction for how we should think, feel, and act in response to God’s mercy, goodness, and compassion. The psalm is overwhelmingly focused on blessing the Lord. He writes that as parents, perhaps the most effective thing we can do to help our children trust God is to bless the Lord continually in their presence, and to do it authentically, from our souls.
• Psalm 69 examines how to rightly endure opposition, mistreatment, and injustice. There is a group of psalms known as imprecatory psalms because they include imprecations, or curses, against God’s enemies. He tells us that the New Testament honors Psalm 69 by quoting from it in at least two important ways: it quotes the psalm as the words of David, and it quotes the psalm as the words of Jesus. He tells us “We want to exercise forgiveness and mercy—but not because there is no wrath, no punishment, or no judgment in Psalm 69. It is precisely because there is judgment— judgment which it is not our business to execute.”
• Psalm 96 glorifies God as sovereign Creator, Savior, and Judge. The author tells us that singing has never been more at the forefront of missions than it is today. God is doing something wonderful in the fulfillment of Psalm 96. He writes “Don’t miss what God is doing. Be a part of it. Get the nations on your heart. Think rightly about God’s global purposes. Feel deeply about his marvelous works. Sing with all your heart to the Lord. Be a part of summoning the nations to join you.”
The author tells us that as there are three things we should know about the Psalms: they are instructive, they are poems, and they are from God. He tells us that Psalms is the most often-quoted Old Testament book in the New Testament. Alongside the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, Psalms was the book that shaped the thinking and feeling of the first disciples more than any other. He tells that the Psalms are designed to inform your thinking in a way that delights your heart.
This is a well-organized book in which the author clearly organizes his main points. Here are a few brief comments about each of the five Psalms looked at in this book:
• Psalm 42 examines spiritual depression and how to be discouraged well. It shows us what a godly person does in the midst of spiritual depression, and is meant to shape how we deal with our own seasons of darkness.
• Psalm 51 examines how to be brokenhearted well by guilt and regret. Psalm 51 is the way that God’s people should think and feel about the horrors of their own sin. He writes “Being a Christian means being broken and contrite. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you get beyond that in this life. Brokenness marks the life of God’s happy children until they die. We are broken and contrite all the way home—unless sin gets the proud upper hand. Being broken and contrite is not against joy and praise and witness. It is the flavor of Christian joy and praise and witness.”
• Psalm 103 provides all believers with powerful instruction for how we should think, feel, and act in response to God’s mercy, goodness, and compassion. The psalm is overwhelmingly focused on blessing the Lord. He writes that as parents, perhaps the most effective thing we can do to help our children trust God is to bless the Lord continually in their presence, and to do it authentically, from our souls.
• Psalm 69 examines how to rightly endure opposition, mistreatment, and injustice. There is a group of psalms known as imprecatory psalms because they include imprecations, or curses, against God’s enemies. He tells us that the New Testament honors Psalm 69 by quoting from it in at least two important ways: it quotes the psalm as the words of David, and it quotes the psalm as the words of Jesus. He tells us “We want to exercise forgiveness and mercy—but not because there is no wrath, no punishment, or no judgment in Psalm 69. It is precisely because there is judgment— judgment which it is not our business to execute.”
• Psalm 96 glorifies God as sovereign Creator, Savior, and Judge. The author tells us that singing has never been more at the forefront of missions than it is today. God is doing something wonderful in the fulfillment of Psalm 96. He writes “Don’t miss what God is doing. Be a part of it. Get the nations on your heart. Think rightly about God’s global purposes. Feel deeply about his marvelous works. Sing with all your heart to the Lord. Be a part of summoning the nations to join you.”
October 11, 2018
2018: I had to give this book another chance (because Piper is one of my favorite authors). And again I am giving it only three stars. You know how they are books that are way to long? Well, this book is way too short. It feels like eating samples of what could have been a wonderful dinner. It leaves you hungry for more.
2017: This a very short book. It reads more like a devotional.
2017: This a very short book. It reads more like a devotional.
February 18, 2024
Piper at his best. Succinct, full of wonder, humble, joyful.
December 3, 2019
As a worship leader, I am always looking for new ways to be inspired creatively and refreshed spiritually. With the new year approaching, I thought it would be fitting to revisit the Psalms. In this small book, Shaped by God, John Piper shares six sermons that help us think and feel in tune with the Psalms.
On Songs and Spiritual Depression
Chapter 1 fittingly focuses on Psalm 1 and shows how the Psalms are songs that shape the heart and mind. They are instructions. They are poems. They are filled with emotion. And they point us to Christ.
In Chapter 2, Piper looks at Psalm 42 and spiritual depression. He introduces us to the Sons of Korah and talks about his own need to hope in God while pastoring. He then shows six ways to respond to discouragement. First, ask God why. Second, affirm his sovereign love. Third, sing. Fourth, preach to your own soul. Fifth, remember past experiences. And sixth, thirst for God. He points us to Christ and makes the connection that when we see Christ we are seeing the face of God.
Discouragement and Guilt, Gratitude and Praise
Psalm 51 is examined in Chapter 3, and Piper claims there is a way to be crushed that honors God. Specifically, our connection with Jesus Christ shapes how we think and feel about discouragement and guilt. The context is set for Psalm 51 with David’s fall and forgiveness. Piper shows us the appropriate response to sin: turn to God, pray for cleansing, confess the seriousness, and plea for renewal. In true Piper fashion, he ends with a quote by Jonathan Edwards and our indestructible joy in God.
Chapter 4 discusses Psalm 103 and deals with gratitude and praise. Piper opens with the claim that when you see a good father, you are seeing a picture of God. Moreover, God designed human fatherhood to be a portrait of himself. This had a profound impact on me as I became a new father this year. Piper then gives us three reasons to bless the Lord: God is sovereign, God is righteous and just, and God is merciful and forgiving.
On Anger and the Goal of the Glory of God
Chapter 5 is on Psalm 59 and the difficult topic of anger. First, Piper shows us the immediate context for David and then takes us to the New Testament to see how Jesus used the Psalm. He then shows how it should affect us. First, we should approve of God’s judgment. Second, we should recognize the ministries of Jesus. Third, we should have an incentive to forgive.
Psalm 96 is the text for Chapter 6 and shows us that the goal is the glory of God. Piper is at his best with the memorable phrases of singing and nations, music and missions. And he shows us how our singing summons the nations to join the chorus in the praise of God. And he points us to hope and the future when we will all sing a new song.
Thinking and Feeling in Tune with the Psalms
The book ends with a closing invitation to give God your heart and let him shape it through the Psalms. After reading this book, I am reminded that worship does not only take place on a stage but begins in my heart. I am reinvigorated to think and feel with my whole being. I want to give everything to God with no reservations. I am humbled that we have his Word. And I am moved to worship.
I was provided a free copy of Shaped by God but was not required to write a positive review.
On Songs and Spiritual Depression
Chapter 1 fittingly focuses on Psalm 1 and shows how the Psalms are songs that shape the heart and mind. They are instructions. They are poems. They are filled with emotion. And they point us to Christ.
In Chapter 2, Piper looks at Psalm 42 and spiritual depression. He introduces us to the Sons of Korah and talks about his own need to hope in God while pastoring. He then shows six ways to respond to discouragement. First, ask God why. Second, affirm his sovereign love. Third, sing. Fourth, preach to your own soul. Fifth, remember past experiences. And sixth, thirst for God. He points us to Christ and makes the connection that when we see Christ we are seeing the face of God.
Discouragement and Guilt, Gratitude and Praise
Psalm 51 is examined in Chapter 3, and Piper claims there is a way to be crushed that honors God. Specifically, our connection with Jesus Christ shapes how we think and feel about discouragement and guilt. The context is set for Psalm 51 with David’s fall and forgiveness. Piper shows us the appropriate response to sin: turn to God, pray for cleansing, confess the seriousness, and plea for renewal. In true Piper fashion, he ends with a quote by Jonathan Edwards and our indestructible joy in God.
Chapter 4 discusses Psalm 103 and deals with gratitude and praise. Piper opens with the claim that when you see a good father, you are seeing a picture of God. Moreover, God designed human fatherhood to be a portrait of himself. This had a profound impact on me as I became a new father this year. Piper then gives us three reasons to bless the Lord: God is sovereign, God is righteous and just, and God is merciful and forgiving.
On Anger and the Goal of the Glory of God
Chapter 5 is on Psalm 59 and the difficult topic of anger. First, Piper shows us the immediate context for David and then takes us to the New Testament to see how Jesus used the Psalm. He then shows how it should affect us. First, we should approve of God’s judgment. Second, we should recognize the ministries of Jesus. Third, we should have an incentive to forgive.
Psalm 96 is the text for Chapter 6 and shows us that the goal is the glory of God. Piper is at his best with the memorable phrases of singing and nations, music and missions. And he shows us how our singing summons the nations to join the chorus in the praise of God. And he points us to hope and the future when we will all sing a new song.
Thinking and Feeling in Tune with the Psalms
The book ends with a closing invitation to give God your heart and let him shape it through the Psalms. After reading this book, I am reminded that worship does not only take place on a stage but begins in my heart. I am reinvigorated to think and feel with my whole being. I want to give everything to God with no reservations. I am humbled that we have his Word. And I am moved to worship.
I was provided a free copy of Shaped by God but was not required to write a positive review.
January 22, 2018
This short book by Piper on the Psalms, it's only 80 pages long but full of insight and Gospel truths.
Piper digs deep into 6 different Psalms. Psalms 1, 42, 51, 103, 69, and 96. He explains their context, who wrote them and what we can learn from them. In the first chapter on Psalm 1, Piper takes the time to explain what the Psalms are instructive, are poems, and are from God.
It was very interesting to step through these Psalms which were very different from each other and look at what God has to say and teach us through them. My only criticism was the length, I wish the book was a bit longer. Piper mentions several times that he wanted to go deeper and expand on a topic more but didn't have the time in this short book....well write a longer book!
Joking aside, this was a very helpful book and as always Piper does a lovely job of making the Bible and theological ideas tangible for the layperson.
Piper digs deep into 6 different Psalms. Psalms 1, 42, 51, 103, 69, and 96. He explains their context, who wrote them and what we can learn from them. In the first chapter on Psalm 1, Piper takes the time to explain what the Psalms are instructive, are poems, and are from God.
It was very interesting to step through these Psalms which were very different from each other and look at what God has to say and teach us through them. My only criticism was the length, I wish the book was a bit longer. Piper mentions several times that he wanted to go deeper and expand on a topic more but didn't have the time in this short book....well write a longer book!
Joking aside, this was a very helpful book and as always Piper does a lovely job of making the Bible and theological ideas tangible for the layperson.
February 10, 2018
"The Psalms do not just awaken the affections of the heart; they put the expression of those affections in the foreground. They feature the emotional experience of the Psalmist intentionally against the backdrop of divine truth. They do not just invite the emotion of the heart in response to revealed truth. They put the emotion on display."
If I had to complain about one thing, it would be that this book is, quite simply, not long enough! I love Piper's premise (see quote above). But I didn't think these 86 pages were enough to give the premise the discussion it deserves. Nevertheless, everything that Piper does give readers in this book is thought-provoking, biblically-sound, and beneficial for the emotional life of the Christian.
If I had to complain about one thing, it would be that this book is, quite simply, not long enough! I love Piper's premise (see quote above). But I didn't think these 86 pages were enough to give the premise the discussion it deserves. Nevertheless, everything that Piper does give readers in this book is thought-provoking, biblically-sound, and beneficial for the emotional life of the Christian.
February 28, 2020
Read most of it with Kristen on our trip to Mexico. We would read it independently and then discuss each night in the hot tub (me, with a glass of red wine in hand. Kristen was 6 months pregnant with Elsie). I enjoyed doing that with her. The book did not leave a lasting impression on me. It may be something I need to revisit. I do not think I "think and feel" with the Psalms as much as I could or should, but I also am generally able to have good times of praying through a Psalm.
November 17, 2019
Excellent short read on specific Psalms that each have an applicable lesson for today. Just like David, John Piper points the reader back to a personal relationship with God. I loved the chapters on: Psalm 51- God is near the broken hearted- He is close to the humble, Psalm 103- Bless the Lord, o my soul- to bless the Lord is to speak well of His goodness.
May 21, 2020
Have read the french translation of this book.
Façonné par Dieu : comment développer des pensées et des sentiments en accord avec les Psaumes © 2020 Publications Chrétiennes, Inc.
Ce livre met en évidence l'importance des Psaumes comme Paroles inspirées de Dieu, soulignant particulièrement un modèle de réaction face à diverses situation le la vie en accord avec la volonté de Dieu.
Façonné par Dieu : comment développer des pensées et des sentiments en accord avec les Psaumes © 2020 Publications Chrétiennes, Inc.
Ce livre met en évidence l'importance des Psaumes comme Paroles inspirées de Dieu, soulignant particulièrement un modèle de réaction face à diverses situation le la vie en accord avec la volonté de Dieu.
September 14, 2021
Com sua escrita breve e clara, Piper nos ajuda a refletir sobre a importância dos principais "tipos" de salmos e sobre o que cada um deles nos chama a fazer. Longe de ser extensivo, ele nos convida a olhar com novos olhos pra esse livro tão belo, confortante e ao mesmo tempo desafiador nos deixando moldar pela Palavra de Deus.
February 9, 2022
Wonderful primer of the Psalms joyful work
This isn't a dry analysis of the Psalms but a wonderful primer that unpacks in a succinct and sweet way the joyful work that the Psalms do in helping us engage our hearts with God, whether it be in spiritual depression, in regret and brokenness, in gratitude, or in indignation. Definitely did not regret reading!
This isn't a dry analysis of the Psalms but a wonderful primer that unpacks in a succinct and sweet way the joyful work that the Psalms do in helping us engage our hearts with God, whether it be in spiritual depression, in regret and brokenness, in gratitude, or in indignation. Definitely did not regret reading!
July 12, 2025
A sampler of Psalms explained from a Christian perspective in light of Christ's person & work. A perspective, I would argue, that should color the way we read the entirety of Scripture.
Would encourage those who are interested to continue on from here to look into Christopher Ash's work on the Psalms explained in a similiar vein.
Would encourage those who are interested to continue on from here to look into Christopher Ash's work on the Psalms explained in a similiar vein.
August 20, 2018
This book is great for a biblical viewpoint on the purpose of the Psalms and how they are meant for us to think and feel in tune with God. John Piper analyzes 5 separate Psalms — Psalm 1, 42, 51, 103, 69, and 96.
March 7, 2023
This was sadly too short of a book. I really enjoyed this one. Piper looks through the Psalms to show us how we fight sadness well, how we combat depression and hurt, and then how we praise well. The psalms are an endless source of wisdom and strength. They're even better sung.
April 9, 2025
Wow… just wow…
I never saw Psalms like this but listening to this made me eager to start Psalms and just get lost in it.
I can’t wait to read this again because I know I will still find more hidden gems!
I never saw Psalms like this but listening to this made me eager to start Psalms and just get lost in it.
I can’t wait to read this again because I know I will still find more hidden gems!
December 12, 2017
Piper offers some great expositions of a few chapters in Psalms. The only drawback is that it should be much longer!
April 10, 2018
"Dream about how your life, whether as goer or sender, might be more fully involved in declaring God's glory among the nations - his marvelous works among the peoples" - Piper on Psalm 96
November 2, 2020
The true shape of our emotions and their purpose amidst the pain which ultimately leads to hope.
August 28, 2021
A short guide explaining five representative psalms. Written for the ear. The explanation of the imprecatory psalm was especially helpful.
January 19, 2022
3.5–4 stars
February 26, 2023
A nice quick read! I’ve never looked at the psalms in such a way. Loved it!
March 2, 2023
Inspirador y me hace afinar esa sensibilidad de lo que Dios dice.
January 17, 2024
Such a good book for learning to love the Psalms and see how central they are to our lives!
May 7, 2024
I love the Psalms. This little book deepened that love.
September 6, 2024
This a great book. It takes the reader through various psalms with different themes. It only covers a few psalms but the ideas presented can be applied to many, many psalms.
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