Soul Anatomy: Finding Peace, Hope, and Joy in the Psalms

by George Robertson

How do you worship when you're depressed? Where do you find words to express inexpressible joy? What do you pray when you need to rest? Soul Anatomy  is a biblical guide for working through emotional turmoil in a gospel-centered way. By working through the Psalms from beginning to end, men and women will find a God-authored script by which to express every category of the human experience.  The Bible's inspired hymnbook guides believers through the highest summits and lowest troughs of life and invites the not-yet believer to a Redeemer who ultimately experienced all of the emotions of these prayers in his incarnation. Author George Robertson enables readers to find a sympathetic Savior in the Psalms who experienced every human emotion, and he helps men and women see the God-inspired vocabulary for expressing every feeling to the Father. Soul Anatomy  helps men and women respond to the love of God in all the ways the psalmists spiritually, vocationally, physically, and volitionally. As divinely inspired prayers, God offers the vocabulary he welcomes from us when we do not know how to pray. Discover the heart of Jesus through the prayers of Jesus, the high priest who can sympathize with us. 

240 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2020

About the author

1790-1874

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

George Robertson takes readers on a journey through the Psalms in Soul Anatomy: Finding Peace, Hope, and Joy in the Psalms, published by New Growth Press. It's a thoughtful look at the psalms and how they help us to express our emotions, how they help us to pray, how they help us to experience God more deeply.

Robertson says the psalms invite us to understand ourselves in light of who God is, to increase our boldness in prayer, to give us voice for our emotions and show us how to process suffering, and to ground us in life-changing theology. And so, Robertson specifically dives into 24 specific psalms, addressing topics like happiness, justice, depression, waiting confidently, when facing accusations, and life under the cross. He unpacks each psalm and helps readers think through what they learn about God and themselves. He also gives readers plenty to think about and apply as they work through the questions at the end of each chapter.

All in all, it's a great book about the psalms--so appropriate in any season of life since the psalms address almost every human emotion. Robertson models for readers how to approach the psalms to dig deep and mine the truth as well as learn to experience God more deeply.

Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts:

Soul Anatomy is 24 chapters covering 25 different Psalms.
The Psalms examined are 1, 5, 6, 7, 17, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 35, 37, 49, 51, 56, 64, 65, 66, 68-divided over 2 chapters, 70, 73, 129, 137, 140, and 139.

Robertson has chosen these particular Psalms because they are the ones he has utilized the most in his personal life. These are the Psalms that have ministered to him.

My first thought about Soul Anatomy is it is deeply personal to Robertson. He has depression and anxiety. The Psalms has been a Bible book that has helped him immensely. He is transparent about his struggles. His acknowledgement of these struggles create an approachable book. It creates content reflecting humility.

The Psalms is a Bible book people don’t always know what to do with. They don’t know if it is something to be speed read because it is not to be taken literally. I’ve heard people remark it is too emotional. Too evocative. I’ve seen some people roll their eyeballs at the mention of Psalms. Their opinions are not mine.

The Psalms are personal and intimate. The Psalms are more than hymns and laments; it is a wide angle look at human nature, God’s attributes, the beauty of God’s creation, and humanity’s need for our compassionate, loving, merciful, and just God.

Psalm 51:1 says, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” David had spoken these words after his acknowledgement of sin with Bathsheba. David’s response is something else the Psalms teaches us: confession and repentance of sin. This point is Robertson’s point also. The chapter on Psalm 51 is one of my favorite chapters in Soul Anatomy. Robertson broke these verses down so I can fully understand. I am to “Appeal to God’s Mercy.” “Confess Your Sin.” To be aware of my sin and be in agreement with God that I have sinned. “I Sinned against You.” I have sinned against God! “I Alone Am to Blame.” I take responsibility. I do not blame another person. “Pray for a New Record.” Ask for God to “wash me.” “…blot out all my iniquity.” “Pray for Renewal.” “Ask for a New Relationship.”

Further takeaways from Soul Anatomy:
1. Soul Anatomy is a commentary. It is not a devotional or short study.
2. Some key words are defined.
3. Each chapter ends with questions for reflection and discussion.
4. Solid introduction explaining why the Psalms are important. It is a wonderful starting place for the rest of the book.
5. Illustrations from Christian authors. For example, the last China Inland Missionaries, Arthur Matthews and family. Other examples, Jonathan Edwards, C. S. Lewis, Charles Spurgeon, Augustine, John Calvin, Dan Allender, John Wayne, and ministers who were sent to Dachau during World War II.
6. Chapter 20 reminds me, “God delights to use the weak.” The hope I look forward to, and all Christians look forward to, is Revelation 21.

I feel Soul Anatomy is a heavy read. I believe it is because of the amount of Scripture studied. I believe it is possible not all Christians will want to take this big of a bite in Psalms.

Source: I received a complimentary e-book copy from New Growth Press. I am not required to write a positive review.

[Shirley Alarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This study book consists of twenty-four chapters, focusing on twenty-five psalms, with each one highlighting a different theme. The author is a Pastor and theologian who has preached on all one hundred and fifty psalms, twice over, in the last twenty years. This book clearly reveals his lifelong love of the psalms.

In the introduction he discusses what has brought him back to the psalms again and again. There are five points, that they invite us to understand ourselves; they can increase our boldness in prayer; they voice our grief and help process suffering; they are a poetic expression of faith and teach us to grow in community. These thoughts underlie the book.

The chapters all follow a similar format, with the author’s introduction to the theme, followed by a systematic exposition and commentary on the psalm. The final point links back to the theme title and then there are three to four questions for personal reflection or discussion. The chapter concludes with examples, guidance, and prompts in how to pray through the psalm. This is the application, and the focal point of each study, that the psalms deepen our relationship with God. In the author’s own words: “Being convinced God loves you is perhaps the greatest key to finding peace, hope and joy in him.”

How this book affected me: I appreciated the author’s honesty in sharing his own struggles and the personal stories that he included for relevance. The commentary refers to and quotes extensively other historical theologians, Wesley, Spurgeon, Calvin, and Luther to name a few, and more recent figures such as Bonhoeffer, H.A.Ironside, and C.S.Lewis. The quotations added weight to the message, but were not always necessary, as the author’s words had a validity of their own.

Who would enjoy this book: Soul Anatomy is a study book, almost a series of mini sermons, with extensive knowledge, insight, and a love for exposition of the psalms. It would appeal to the bible teacher, or student, looking to do a thorough study, with the belief that the application of God’s word is essential. The book shares a clear love for God’s word that it is indeed our life, and health, providing food for our souls.

The book reviews at Finding God Among Us focus on Christian books – adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. Our specialty is books on faith and new Christian book releases. We’re proud to be included in the Top 50 Christian Book Review Bloggers. Our publisher partners include New Growth Press, Shadow Mountain Publishing, and Revell and BakerBooks, divisions of Baker Publishing Group. I chose to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This review was written by reviewer Sharon Hazel.

[BlueFalkon95 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Anatomy is set up for anyone and Christians who are feeling depressed, under the weather, anxious, sorrow even being happy and joyful and other emotional sufferings. The book is similar to self help and devotional to which this book is classed in the style of a biblical devotional commentary. Based upon the Psalms a songbook which is written to encourage those who are in need to understand their feelings and how the scripture and songs in the Psalms to help sort out their huge thoughts, emotions and feelings. The contents of the book lists the emotions and feelings which corresponds to the verses in the Psalms. The book is very helpful written similar to a commentary is the verses are explained then a section is based upon an emotional feelings which the verses interpreted to how the reader could be feeling at that point and how the verses will help the reader. Each section includes questions to ponder and reflect or as a group discussion. Ideal book to keep on the bookshelf or next to the Bible to study; great book for those who are feeling emotional and need some time with God to sort through the feelings.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from New Growth Press via NetGalley in return of an honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.
#SoulAnatomy #NetGalley

Review run date was set for 05 October 2020 for Netgalley, unfortunately life stood at a standstill as I finished the final semester and three subjects of my studies. On 28 March 2021 I was set to write the review and my health became an emotional roller coaster so here I am today 14 October 2021 review will be post on my WordPress blog, Facebook blog, Instagram, LinkedIn, Amazon.com.au, goodreads, along with the non-linked retail online stores that sell the book is at:

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[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great exposition and application of a number of Psalms. Dr. Robertson has also filled each chapter with many great illustrations, both personal and historical. Well-written and easy to read, I still chose to read it slowly to really contemplate the truths in each chapter/each psalm. Definitely a worthwhile read and a helpful book for those needing reminders of the peace, hope, and joy that come from God alone.

[Elizabeth Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore the book of Psalms, so I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved how the author dived into various Psalms to help us understand emotions that we may feel, and how we can use the Psalms to help us walk with Jesus through various stages of our life. It tackles depression and mental health – which I loved! This book would make a wonderful bible study, and is perfect for anyone who loves diving deeper into understanding the bible.

[Colby · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent exposition of selected Psalms by my pastor George Robertson. It is movingly told and speaks powerfully to how we should understand God’s plan for our lives and what we should do to conform to His plan. I strongly recommend it. I give special thanks to Jim and Sissy Nickels for presenting this book to me in a time of need.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Psalms have been a part of worship and human expression for centuries. They help us understand ourselves in the light of God's truth, Robertson says. He takes us through twenty-five psalms with a running commentary on their content. He includes questions for thought and a prayer at the end of each study. The text is more in the style of a commentary than a devotional reading.

This is a book where readers might look to chapter headings and read about a psalm addressing a particular concern. When one is feeling abandoned, turn to Psalm five. Robertson reminds us God delights in paying attention to us. That is something we might not naturally believe so need to be reminded often. When being accused, Psalm 26 will help us experience God's peace. When we are waiting for God to move while we are facing difficulties, go to Psalm 27. And in Psalm 37 we find encouragement to change our focus to delighting in the Lord when life gets us down.

This is a book for Christians who are dealing with emotions during troubled times, such as depression. Robertson shares his own struggles with it and how the Psalms helped him. Reading about these Psalms will help readers learn how to give voice to their deepest emotions.

One word of caution, however. The Psalms are poetic expressions. The writers used many literary techniques such as hyperbole. I think we can get into trouble when we take poetic expression as doctrine. An example is Robertson on Psalm 5:11,12. “These are truths we can live by: God's protection and provision of grace is certain.” (Loc 469/3899) What does that truth of protection mean practically? How does that certainty of protection work for Christians being martyred today? We must remember, I think, that the Psalms are poetry and are to be treated as such.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.