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Psalm 23: Through Your Darkest Valley, God Is with You
God is always near.
Our Daily Bread writer David Roper brings a wise and comforting perspective to Psalm 23 and encourages you to put your trust in God. “Friends fail us, spouses walk out on us, parents disappoint us, therapists refuse to return our calls, but God is with us every moment of every day.”
This insightful exploration of one of the most well-loved passages in the Bible provides . . .
Discover how you can experience peace and find purpose for your life under God’s watchful care.
Our Daily Bread writer David Roper brings a wise and comforting perspective to Psalm 23 and encourages you to put your trust in God. “Friends fail us, spouses walk out on us, parents disappoint us, therapists refuse to return our calls, but God is with us every moment of every day.”
This insightful exploration of one of the most well-loved passages in the Bible provides . . .
Discover how you can experience peace and find purpose for your life under God’s watchful care.
152 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2019
14 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 3, 2024
I received this little book anonymously in the mail. I loved its fresh and personal tone filled with great quotes and poetry. A tremendous way to start or end your day! One of my favorite applications of the phrase “surely goodness and mercy will follow me…” was this:
“Trusting [God] to lead us means that we’ll often be over our heads and out of control, living with uncertainty, giving up the security of our own plans, existing in a world where our confidence in God’s goodness and love is the only sure thing.”
“Trusting [God] to lead us means that we’ll often be over our heads and out of control, living with uncertainty, giving up the security of our own plans, existing in a world where our confidence in God’s goodness and love is the only sure thing.”
August 9, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from Discovery House Publishers via NetGalley, this review is my personal opinion.
Psalm 23 by David Roper
When I read this book the first I read it too fast, I found that even do this book was short had so many wonderful truths. So, on the second time, I actually did take my time to digest and reflect on what David Roper shares about the Psalm 23, many of us if maybe not know by heart, at least once have heard this particular psalm, since it is well known. But I must say, that I was amazed by the deepness beyond this verse. I am not sure if was the years of knowing this or just take the message behind this psalm for granted.
Each chapter feels like a journey, and I feel that is to know that good shepherd David wrote so many years back. I like how David Roper talks from his own experience and how everything on this book has so many bible verses united feels like a big puzzle.
I believe this book is must read and use as a bible study for everyone, old Christians, new ones and for groups. It would take you to a deeper knowledge of God and who he is.
This is some of the quotes I like: “His pursuit is not a reward for our good, but the result of His decision to love. He is driven by love, not by our beauty. He is drawn to us when we have done nothing right and when we have done everything wrong (especially when we have done everything wrong)”.
“Prayer moves what we know from our heads to our hearts; it’s our hedge against hypocrisy, the way by which we begin to ring true. Our perception of truth is always ahead of our condition. Prayer brings us more into conformity; it bridges the gap between what we know and what we are.”
“The most perfect human love cannot satisfy us. That’s because our human hearts crave for a relationship deeper and more lasting than anything possible in this world. We were made for God’s love and without it, we sink into loneliness. The darkness, the breakdown of human ties, the limitations and losses of human affection lead to that higher friendship, that larger, more permanent love”.
Truly grateful to Discovery House Publishers for the ARC of this book, a really great one.
Psalm 23 by David Roper
When I read this book the first I read it too fast, I found that even do this book was short had so many wonderful truths. So, on the second time, I actually did take my time to digest and reflect on what David Roper shares about the Psalm 23, many of us if maybe not know by heart, at least once have heard this particular psalm, since it is well known. But I must say, that I was amazed by the deepness beyond this verse. I am not sure if was the years of knowing this or just take the message behind this psalm for granted.
Each chapter feels like a journey, and I feel that is to know that good shepherd David wrote so many years back. I like how David Roper talks from his own experience and how everything on this book has so many bible verses united feels like a big puzzle.
I believe this book is must read and use as a bible study for everyone, old Christians, new ones and for groups. It would take you to a deeper knowledge of God and who he is.
This is some of the quotes I like: “His pursuit is not a reward for our good, but the result of His decision to love. He is driven by love, not by our beauty. He is drawn to us when we have done nothing right and when we have done everything wrong (especially when we have done everything wrong)”.
“Prayer moves what we know from our heads to our hearts; it’s our hedge against hypocrisy, the way by which we begin to ring true. Our perception of truth is always ahead of our condition. Prayer brings us more into conformity; it bridges the gap between what we know and what we are.”
“The most perfect human love cannot satisfy us. That’s because our human hearts crave for a relationship deeper and more lasting than anything possible in this world. We were made for God’s love and without it, we sink into loneliness. The darkness, the breakdown of human ties, the limitations and losses of human affection lead to that higher friendship, that larger, more permanent love”.
Truly grateful to Discovery House Publishers for the ARC of this book, a really great one.
June 1, 2019
I'm always glad when I find a book on theology that is basic yet fresh. Roper is obviously well read and he accompanies and strenghtens all his thoughts and theories with quotes and poems by other (christian and old) authors. This makes Roper's work immensly rich, profound and easy to read. Though the book tackles basic issues like our need for salvation, the nature of sin, spending time with God in his word and especially trusting God while suffering, it does so in a deep, soul-satisfying way. Not many authors have been able to speak to my spirit like Roper has done. He obviously knows what it is to suffer and has tasted the utter darkness of the valley of death he is writing about.
But I also noticed a tendency of the author to radicalize his statements. I strongly disagree with his notion that most of life is a dark valley instead of green pasture. Of course life is hard, but often it is our point of perspective that makes the difference.
Other than some other minor points I would disagree with I find this book incredibly helpful and encouraging. Especially if you have known suffering and hardship, you will want to read this book. It is a little spring of living water.
I thank Netgalley and Discovery House Publishers for an ARC to read and review.
But I also noticed a tendency of the author to radicalize his statements. I strongly disagree with his notion that most of life is a dark valley instead of green pasture. Of course life is hard, but often it is our point of perspective that makes the difference.
Other than some other minor points I would disagree with I find this book incredibly helpful and encouraging. Especially if you have known suffering and hardship, you will want to read this book. It is a little spring of living water.
I thank Netgalley and Discovery House Publishers for an ARC to read and review.
February 15, 2019
Psalm 23 offers hope and comfort to many along life's journey. While the psalm is familiar, author David Roper manages to help the reader discover some deeper truths that may not be evident at surface level in his book, "Psalm 23." He succeeds in helping the reader to trust more deeply in the Lord who is "my" Shepherd. The book is also rich with quotes from spiritual mentors who have gone before, adding to its depth and meaningfulness. This isn't a book to just whip through and set down. It's a book meant to be read slowly and thoughtfully, set down and pondered, prayed through, and then picked up again. It's a book meant to be savored, just like the 23rd Psalm. In fact, I appreciate the fact that while it's a book about the 23rd Psalm, readers are encouraged to go right back to the original text and not just take the author's word for it. Readers will definitely emerge with a refreshed perspective and renewed appreciation for this beloved Psalm.
* Note: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. The opinions are my own.
* Note: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. The opinions are my own.
March 26, 2019
The 23rd Psalm has long been one of the most referenced and favorite Psalms among Christians. Most Christians have probably heard or read this Psalm literally hundreds of times. And yet, David Roper, has added a newness and depth to it that is both refreshing and meaningful.
Going through the Psalm one verse at a time, Roper offers his commentary, cites many other Scripture passages related to it, as well as what other authors have said about the verse. A short book, this should be read slowly and thoughtfully to gain the most benefit.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and recommend it highly to others!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Discovery House for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Going through the Psalm one verse at a time, Roper offers his commentary, cites many other Scripture passages related to it, as well as what other authors have said about the verse. A short book, this should be read slowly and thoughtfully to gain the most benefit.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and recommend it highly to others!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Discovery House for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 6, 2019
Psalm 23 is one of my favorite Psalms and one of my favorite scriptures to reference. While this Psalm only has 6 scriptures, it contains a life time of information. Roper does an excellent job in this book of breaking down each scripture and discussing each scripture. The quotes provide a different tidbit of information and Roper recites multiple other scriptures throughout. What a great reminder of our Good Shepherd who wants to walk with us through our Darkest Valley and is with us each and every day. This is a great read for anyone Christian or non-Christian. I think there is so much explanation that can help lead to understanding throughout this book.
I received this book for an honest review from NetGalley.
I received this book for an honest review from NetGalley.
January 15, 2020
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Psalm 23 is fantastically well researched and written but the language may not be accessible for everyone.
The book itself works it's way through a much loved, well known Psalm whilst referencing other parts of the Bible and many other writers, poets and commentators. It is very thorough, providing extensive commentary.
I can't say I particularly enjoyed the read, but nonetheless I learned things and it offered some perspectives on the Psalm that I had never considered.
The language however is complex and archaic at points, suited to an older reader possibly.
Psalm 23 is fantastically well researched and written but the language may not be accessible for everyone.
The book itself works it's way through a much loved, well known Psalm whilst referencing other parts of the Bible and many other writers, poets and commentators. It is very thorough, providing extensive commentary.
I can't say I particularly enjoyed the read, but nonetheless I learned things and it offered some perspectives on the Psalm that I had never considered.
The language however is complex and archaic at points, suited to an older reader possibly.
June 27, 2019
I have always been partial to Psalm 23, In my younger years at church I had to remeber it to recite in front of the congregation when it was time for me to be presented my Bible, and it has stuck with me all these years. I found this writting of the Psalm interesting to read. He took each verse and broke it down showing more meaning . I found that at this time in my life reading this book has given me the strength to see things differently. Very well done I enjoyed it .
January 14, 2020
Most anyone who's been in church any amount of time can recite Psalm 23 from rote. When you hear something enough it's easy to think you "know it" already. David Roper in his line by line elaboration on the scripture breathed new life and meaning into this amazing passage of scripture for me. I don't think I'll ever view it the same way again.
July 22, 2019
The Scripture Psalm 23 is the most spoken scripture in the whole bible. The author goes word by word and tells you what they mean. It is very interesting and it taught me so much about this scripture. Thank you Netgelley for letting me review this book.
May 5, 2020
A wonderful reading of God’s faithfulness and plan to safe humanity from enteral damnation. If your going trough a rough time or just need to know God is there for you this is the a good book to read.
June 24, 2020
This is a book to take your time reading so as to be able to take in the nuggets of truth not only from Psalm 23 but from the author's journey through depression. It's beautifully written and real.
May 30, 2021
Insights to one of the most popular verses in the Bible. Really renewed my take on it!
November 15, 2021
A good book on the most famous of Psalms.
April 5, 2022
excellent
February 24, 2023
Wise and insightful. The perfect devotional. Roper gives this well-known verse practical application.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews