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Joy That Renews: A devotional from Psalms to refresh your life every day
More than a A time of refreshing!
Everybody wants more joy and contentment in their lives. The Lord is very eager to give these to you, in abundance! If you are hungry for lasting joy, if you are eager to feel the overwhelming goodness of the Lord, if you want to experience first-hand God's deep and abiding love-then this book is right for you.
The writers of the Psalms, including David and Moses, were a lot like you. They went through very tough times in their lives, and they agonized over them. You will see how they overcame difficulties and discover that you too will live a life of victory and purpose by relying on God's amazing goodness.
Verses taken from each of the Psalms will lead you into a realistic and hopeful look at what God desires for you. You'll learn specific steps to gain freedom from habits that drag you down and how to deal with heartaches in your life. Your excitement and trust in the Lord will increase, producing joy that renews.
"There is a glaring absence of joy in our world right now. And yet the One who made this world offers an unending abundance of joy. Let this journey renew your joy. And may His abundant joy renew our world." -Ryan Alexander, Lead Pastor, Hosanna Church
"This fresh new book is an invitation to all who seek the shining, benevolent face of God in these anxious times." -Dave Householder, Sr. Pastor, The Well at Surf City, Huntington Beach, CA #DiveDeepTogether, author
"Steve's devotional from Psalms will set your passion for Jesus on fire." -Mark Strandjord, missionary, teacher, pastor
"Nothing addresses the reality of the human experience quite like the Psalms, and Steve has masterfully captured key verses to ponder, pray and apply to daily life." -Mary J. Nelson, pastor and author of Jehovah The God Who Heals and Praying for the Cure
Everybody wants more joy and contentment in their lives. The Lord is very eager to give these to you, in abundance! If you are hungry for lasting joy, if you are eager to feel the overwhelming goodness of the Lord, if you want to experience first-hand God's deep and abiding love-then this book is right for you.
The writers of the Psalms, including David and Moses, were a lot like you. They went through very tough times in their lives, and they agonized over them. You will see how they overcame difficulties and discover that you too will live a life of victory and purpose by relying on God's amazing goodness.
Verses taken from each of the Psalms will lead you into a realistic and hopeful look at what God desires for you. You'll learn specific steps to gain freedom from habits that drag you down and how to deal with heartaches in your life. Your excitement and trust in the Lord will increase, producing joy that renews.
"There is a glaring absence of joy in our world right now. And yet the One who made this world offers an unending abundance of joy. Let this journey renew your joy. And may His abundant joy renew our world." -Ryan Alexander, Lead Pastor, Hosanna Church
"This fresh new book is an invitation to all who seek the shining, benevolent face of God in these anxious times." -Dave Householder, Sr. Pastor, The Well at Surf City, Huntington Beach, CA #DiveDeepTogether, author
"Steve's devotional from Psalms will set your passion for Jesus on fire." -Mark Strandjord, missionary, teacher, pastor
"Nothing addresses the reality of the human experience quite like the Psalms, and Steve has masterfully captured key verses to ponder, pray and apply to daily life." -Mary J. Nelson, pastor and author of Jehovah The God Who Heals and Praying for the Cure
168 pages, Paperback
Published June 24, 2021
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28 people want to read
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May 11, 2022He everyone - this is Steve (the author of Joy That Renews).
I wanted to give you a brief idea of what you can expect from reading Joy That Renews. I have selected one verse from each of the 150 Psalms and written briefly about this verse - first from the point of view of how this verse could help you and second from the point of view of how it HAS helped me.
The book is very positive and uplifting. You can count on being encouraged and drawn closer to Jesus through each verse. You will see the many, many promises God makes to you through the Psalms. You will find thoughts and ideas that will help you face the challenges you will encounter. You will learn how to generate joy in your life. You will be surprised by understanding how close the Lord is to you and excited to get closer to Him.
I wanted to give you a brief idea of what you can expect from reading Joy That Renews. I have selected one verse from each of the 150 Psalms and written briefly about this verse - first from the point of view of how this verse could help you and second from the point of view of how it HAS helped me.
The book is very positive and uplifting. You can count on being encouraged and drawn closer to Jesus through each verse. You will see the many, many promises God makes to you through the Psalms. You will find thoughts and ideas that will help you face the challenges you will encounter. You will learn how to generate joy in your life. You will be surprised by understanding how close the Lord is to you and excited to get closer to Him.
October 30, 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this devotional from the Author in exchange for an honest review of the book. "joy that Renews" is a very quick and easy read! I can definitely tell that the Author is a man of faith and has a deep love for the Savior and wants the reader to be deeply encouraged in their faith-walk. This devotional centered around the Book of Psalms. Akerson picked out one verse from each chapter (Psalm 1 - Psalm 150) and wrote a summary, a call to action or even his own thoughts about that particular verse. I liked when Akerson shared his own personal stories on the pages. I certainly underlined and highlighted many uplifting phrases from this devotional. I think one of my favorite devotions was Akerson's thoughts on Psalm 127:1. I loved that he reminded me that God is solely responsible for the results of my work and that God will make my efforts successful. Overall, I think this is a great book to remind the reader of God's love, faithfulness and goodness. You will certainly be renewed, refreshed and encouraged from "Joy That Renews" as Akerson goes through topics such as: Humility, Repentance, Friendship, Fear, Failure, Heartache, God's Protection and so much more! A great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2021
Any Christian can benefit from a daily reading from the Psalms. This book provides a single verse from a Psalm along with the author's reflections on the verse. You can read them in order or choose a theme from the table of contents like Handling Despair, Defined by Love, or Joy Givers. This would be a great gift!
September 24, 2021
This devotional book is exactly what I needed.
I am normally quite the jovial person, willing to crack jokes at opportune times. However, like most, sometimes I struggle with finding the simple joys of life. This devotional book was a great reminder that I needed to refocus, and not try to find my joy anywhere else but in Jesus. From him, that is where the joy flows. For me, I feel that Joy That Renews is required reading!
I am normally quite the jovial person, willing to crack jokes at opportune times. However, like most, sometimes I struggle with finding the simple joys of life. This devotional book was a great reminder that I needed to refocus, and not try to find my joy anywhere else but in Jesus. From him, that is where the joy flows. For me, I feel that Joy That Renews is required reading!
July 27, 2021
Happy times to struggling times this book of psalms talks about it all 150 day devotional covers everything in everyday life. Enjoy sweet iced tea while sitting outside reading this psalm devotional while listening to nature knowing God is there to take care of us just like he does the birds, toads, spiders and crickets.
August 6, 2021
I'd like to thank the author Steve Akerson, for providing me with a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review.
He pulled one verse from each Psalm that stood out and briefly commented on each.
The writing style of the devotional is very engaging. After commenting on each verse, Steve Akerson shares how they have impacted him, and what he desires to see come to fruition in his life based on the word of God. He also invites us to reflect on the verses and proclaim the joy, peace, happiness, and everything that the Lord intends for us to have.
"Learn to trust Jesus with the bumps and roadblocks you will face. His wisdom will be yours as you learn to listen for and hear his voice, which will bring you peace. While on your path, stay close to Jesus - only he has joy that sticks."
I will be reading this devotional again and again.
He pulled one verse from each Psalm that stood out and briefly commented on each.
The writing style of the devotional is very engaging. After commenting on each verse, Steve Akerson shares how they have impacted him, and what he desires to see come to fruition in his life based on the word of God. He also invites us to reflect on the verses and proclaim the joy, peace, happiness, and everything that the Lord intends for us to have.
"Learn to trust Jesus with the bumps and roadblocks you will face. His wisdom will be yours as you learn to listen for and hear his voice, which will bring you peace. While on your path, stay close to Jesus - only he has joy that sticks."
I will be reading this devotional again and again.
August 17, 2021
My thanks to the author who provided me with a free authorised copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This is a great devotional that takes the reader through the book of Psalms. The author takes one verse from each of the Psalms and draws the readers attention to where our true source of joy is to be found, in Gods amazing character and all that he has done for us. I was impressed that even in some of the more difficult Psalms the author was able to do this very well. It is always a concern of mine when only one verse is used that it will be taken out of context, however the author does a fantastic job of not only linking the verse to the overall theme of the Psalm but he does not shy away from the difficult topics where joy is not automatically obvious. I thought the author did a wonderful job of doing what he set out to do, to draw me closer Christ who is the ultimate source of Joy. The only thing that I struggled with (and I believe this is a matter of personal preference in the end) was the authors choice of bible, The Passion. I know some of the Psalms quite well and when I didn’t even recognise the verses I found that quite disconcerting. I am sure that most readers wouldn’t be concerned by this though and it wasn’t as if the meaning had been changed. Overall this is a great devotional that takes the reader on a journey through the psalms pointing to our ultimate source of Joy in God.
July 25, 2021
Excellent introduction to a devotional life for those daunted by going straight to the Word. The range of the psalms is impossible to escape relating to. The author judiciously refuses to get in the way.
He picks one especially powerful verse in each psalm and chooses brief comments to engage the reader, especially with the goodness of God as an invitation and challenge unto specific repentance and application of Christ’s righteousness.
He picks one especially powerful verse in each psalm and chooses brief comments to engage the reader, especially with the goodness of God as an invitation and challenge unto specific repentance and application of Christ’s righteousness.
September 26, 2023
I really liked this devotional by Steve Akerson. It’s what a lot of us Christians and anyone, to lift us up and help us in our lives for God, our Father. I really appreciate this book and devotional. If you like devotionals, I know you’ll like this one. I thank the Author, Steve Akerson, for a copy of his book for my honest and trustworthy opinion and review.
Read
August 17, 2021I enjoyed this beautifully written devotional with my prayer time. The short devotionals reminded me of God’s goodness and provoked me to give thanks. Travel through the Psalms and have your joy renewed daily. Something we need badly in this day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2021
I was truly blessed in reading this wonderful book.
The method, of taking a verse from each of the one hundred and fifty psalms, was interesting, and the explanation of these verses and how they were personal to the author made them personal to me.
Highly recommended.
The method, of taking a verse from each of the one hundred and fifty psalms, was interesting, and the explanation of these verses and how they were personal to the author made them personal to me.
Highly recommended.
June 15, 2022
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. Opinions expressed are my own.
Scripture Connection
Each daily devotional focuses on a single verse from the book of Psalms.
Format
Each chapter is just a page long, making for a light and quick reading experience. This is a good thing, because the author often invites the reader to imagine/bring to mind a specific scenario. Additionally, the author packs a lot of content into this short space.
Devotionals consist of a title (which is handy for if the reader feels led to explore a specific theme), the verse of the day and two sections of discussion. The first section is directed toward the reader, while the second section is Akerson’s personal commentary about how the Lord spoke to him about the verse in question (It reads a little bit like a typical prayer section, although it’s not addressed to God. Nonetheless, I think it does furnish an invitation to prayer).
Spiritual Themes
The devotional incorporates a number of themes, based on common ideas in the Psalms. Akerson highlights six central ideas, in the Introduction:
God’s goodness
God’s steadfast love and faithfulness
Living in freedom
Joy and praise
Being thankful
Hearing God’s voice
Each of these themes emerge multiple times throughout the book. I also remember a few passages about repentance.
What I Liked
While there are multiple themes listed above, I would say that the key themes (or at least the ideas that form the framework of the book), are God’s grace and love. This is such a refreshing message for a devotional, and reminded me of Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling books.
I appreciated the centrality of Christ, throughout the devotional. Even though Psalms is in the Old Testament, the author consistently reads and comments through a Messianic lens, filtering all of Scripture through the beautiful reality of Jesus’ coming. I feel that this is an excellent contextualization, for the reader. And, it consistently points back to the One who matters most of all.
Joy that Renews is a book that overflows with hope, but it’s not a false hope. While each devotional makes it very clear that God loves His children, Akerson also acknowledges the hardship of life. Although God has the best for us, that does not mean that life will always go exactly as we please. However, Akerson emphasizes, we are called to praise God in everything.
My favorite passages were actually the ones on repentance, because they weren’t laden with the guilt I often find (or personally read into) such discussions. Instead, the author emphasizes the importance of confessing our sins to Jesus and moving forward. “He wants the practice of confession and repentance to lead you into more freedom and happiness,” Akerson writes.
I also feel that the messages about thanksgiving are so relevant!
Overall, I would describe the book as deeply encouraging.
Respectful Critique
The Introduction makes some very bold statements about what will happen as you read the book (i.e., “you will be refreshed in these ways”).
This is a style that I feel very uncomfortable with, because it makes assumptions about what God will do. The truth is, God DID use this book for me and I think it may be a handy tool for me to continue to reference as I feel led. I just wish the author hadn’t made such assurances, or had said something like, “my prayer is that…”
I also would have liked to have seen additional Scripture references, within the daily devotional commentaries. While I do feel that the arguments were Scriptural, I would have liked to see a bit more grounding, especially with very broad statements (such as “God wants only good for you,”) which would have benefited from clarification. When I look at the whole book, I feel that the author did demonstrate, wholistically, that God works for good in everything, but there were individual parts that could have been misinterpreted as almost a “prosperity gospel.” Nonetheless, the overall thrust of the book is clear.
Translation
Quite a few reviews mention the Bible translation (The Passion). Prior to reading this devotional, I was not well acquainted with the translation used. However, the author explains in the introduction that the Lord really spoke to him, through this particular translation.
I resonate with the idea that the Lord can use a new (to the reader) translation to bring new life to words that may seem meaningless in their familiarity. One of my main concerns, with Bible translation, is how genders are treated, and whether gendered passages are being rewritten to convey points that go against the original meaning of the text.
With that said, I will admit that some of the passages were difficult for me to recognize, and I’m not committed to wholeheartedly endorsing (nor dismissing) the translation. For this reason, I think that a reader could benefit from reading a familiar translation of the verse, alongside the verse in the book.
Recommendation Status
In light of the mixed feelings I had, this is a book I would recommend with reader discretion. I felt uncomfortable with the wording of the introduction and I would have liked to see more Scripture references, throughout.
At the same time, there was SO MUCH really strong content that the Lord used to minister to me. I also agreed, overall, with the themes/thrust of the book. There is so much to commend and I believe the Lord can use this book to bless its readers!
Scripture Connection
Each daily devotional focuses on a single verse from the book of Psalms.
Format
Each chapter is just a page long, making for a light and quick reading experience. This is a good thing, because the author often invites the reader to imagine/bring to mind a specific scenario. Additionally, the author packs a lot of content into this short space.
Devotionals consist of a title (which is handy for if the reader feels led to explore a specific theme), the verse of the day and two sections of discussion. The first section is directed toward the reader, while the second section is Akerson’s personal commentary about how the Lord spoke to him about the verse in question (It reads a little bit like a typical prayer section, although it’s not addressed to God. Nonetheless, I think it does furnish an invitation to prayer).
Spiritual Themes
The devotional incorporates a number of themes, based on common ideas in the Psalms. Akerson highlights six central ideas, in the Introduction:
God’s goodness
God’s steadfast love and faithfulness
Living in freedom
Joy and praise
Being thankful
Hearing God’s voice
Each of these themes emerge multiple times throughout the book. I also remember a few passages about repentance.
What I Liked
While there are multiple themes listed above, I would say that the key themes (or at least the ideas that form the framework of the book), are God’s grace and love. This is such a refreshing message for a devotional, and reminded me of Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling books.
I appreciated the centrality of Christ, throughout the devotional. Even though Psalms is in the Old Testament, the author consistently reads and comments through a Messianic lens, filtering all of Scripture through the beautiful reality of Jesus’ coming. I feel that this is an excellent contextualization, for the reader. And, it consistently points back to the One who matters most of all.
Joy that Renews is a book that overflows with hope, but it’s not a false hope. While each devotional makes it very clear that God loves His children, Akerson also acknowledges the hardship of life. Although God has the best for us, that does not mean that life will always go exactly as we please. However, Akerson emphasizes, we are called to praise God in everything.
My favorite passages were actually the ones on repentance, because they weren’t laden with the guilt I often find (or personally read into) such discussions. Instead, the author emphasizes the importance of confessing our sins to Jesus and moving forward. “He wants the practice of confession and repentance to lead you into more freedom and happiness,” Akerson writes.
I also feel that the messages about thanksgiving are so relevant!
Overall, I would describe the book as deeply encouraging.
Respectful Critique
The Introduction makes some very bold statements about what will happen as you read the book (i.e., “you will be refreshed in these ways”).
This is a style that I feel very uncomfortable with, because it makes assumptions about what God will do. The truth is, God DID use this book for me and I think it may be a handy tool for me to continue to reference as I feel led. I just wish the author hadn’t made such assurances, or had said something like, “my prayer is that…”
I also would have liked to have seen additional Scripture references, within the daily devotional commentaries. While I do feel that the arguments were Scriptural, I would have liked to see a bit more grounding, especially with very broad statements (such as “God wants only good for you,”) which would have benefited from clarification. When I look at the whole book, I feel that the author did demonstrate, wholistically, that God works for good in everything, but there were individual parts that could have been misinterpreted as almost a “prosperity gospel.” Nonetheless, the overall thrust of the book is clear.
Translation
Quite a few reviews mention the Bible translation (The Passion). Prior to reading this devotional, I was not well acquainted with the translation used. However, the author explains in the introduction that the Lord really spoke to him, through this particular translation.
I resonate with the idea that the Lord can use a new (to the reader) translation to bring new life to words that may seem meaningless in their familiarity. One of my main concerns, with Bible translation, is how genders are treated, and whether gendered passages are being rewritten to convey points that go against the original meaning of the text.
With that said, I will admit that some of the passages were difficult for me to recognize, and I’m not committed to wholeheartedly endorsing (nor dismissing) the translation. For this reason, I think that a reader could benefit from reading a familiar translation of the verse, alongside the verse in the book.
Recommendation Status
In light of the mixed feelings I had, this is a book I would recommend with reader discretion. I felt uncomfortable with the wording of the introduction and I would have liked to see more Scripture references, throughout.
At the same time, there was SO MUCH really strong content that the Lord used to minister to me. I also agreed, overall, with the themes/thrust of the book. There is so much to commend and I believe the Lord can use this book to bless its readers!
December 15, 2023
"Joy That Renews" by Steve Akerson is a standout four-star work that beautifully weaves a charming and comforting tapestry of Psalm devotionals. Akerson's writing strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and depth, making the wisdom of the Psalms relevant and uplifting for contemporary readers. What sets this book apart is its thoughtful organization, allowing each devotional to stand alone—a perfect fit for daily spiritual practice or moments when a quick dose of inspiration is needed.
The book's strength lies not just in Akerson's insightful commentary but also in his genuine love for the Psalms. His writing creates a connection between the reader, the author, and the timeless biblical text. Each devotional serves as a gem of reflection, guiding readers toward a deeper understanding of joy and its transformative power. "Joy That Renews" is a comfort in a world filled with uncertainty, offering solace and wisdom. It's not merely a collection of devotionals; it's a companion for those seeking renewal and a sense of joy in their journey.
In today's hectic world, "Joy That Renews" stands out as a testament to the enduring power of scripture to provide strength and inspiration. Steve Akerson's devotionals are not only well-crafted but also emotionally resonant, creating a warm and encouraging space for readers. The book's four-star rating is well-deserved, as it successfully delivers on its promise of offering a comforting and charming exploration of joy through the Psalms. Whether used for daily reflection or as a source of hope during challenging times, this collection is sure to leave a lasting impact, making it a highly recommended addition to any reader's spiritual library.
~Thanks to the author for sending me a free copy in exchange for my honest review!
The book's strength lies not just in Akerson's insightful commentary but also in his genuine love for the Psalms. His writing creates a connection between the reader, the author, and the timeless biblical text. Each devotional serves as a gem of reflection, guiding readers toward a deeper understanding of joy and its transformative power. "Joy That Renews" is a comfort in a world filled with uncertainty, offering solace and wisdom. It's not merely a collection of devotionals; it's a companion for those seeking renewal and a sense of joy in their journey.
In today's hectic world, "Joy That Renews" stands out as a testament to the enduring power of scripture to provide strength and inspiration. Steve Akerson's devotionals are not only well-crafted but also emotionally resonant, creating a warm and encouraging space for readers. The book's four-star rating is well-deserved, as it successfully delivers on its promise of offering a comforting and charming exploration of joy through the Psalms. Whether used for daily reflection or as a source of hope during challenging times, this collection is sure to leave a lasting impact, making it a highly recommended addition to any reader's spiritual library.
~Thanks to the author for sending me a free copy in exchange for my honest review!
June 8, 2022
This book is a great devotional covering the book of Psalms. The author, Steve Akerson, takes one verse from each chapter of Psalms and writes a short (one page) devotional about that verse. It is a refreshing and encouraging book. If you enjoy Scripture, you will enjoy this book. If you have daily devotions, you can easily add this book to your daily Scriptural diet and if you have thought about having a dialy time with the Lord this book will help you get into the habit. The author also introduced me to a version of the Bible I had not read before. He uses The Passion Translation.
After each devotion he gives a two to three sentence summary. Here is one example from Psalm 9:10, "For everyone who knows your wonderful name keeps putting their trust in you. They can count on you for help no matter what. O Lord, you will never, no never, neglect those who come to you." Akerson's summary, "God's mercy and his grace are full of his authority. When I need it most, I turn to him and seek them. I trust that he is eager to hear me. He considers me fully worthy of his love."
I hope you will give Joy That Renews: A devotional from Psalms to refresh your life every day a try!
After each devotion he gives a two to three sentence summary. Here is one example from Psalm 9:10, "For everyone who knows your wonderful name keeps putting their trust in you. They can count on you for help no matter what. O Lord, you will never, no never, neglect those who come to you." Akerson's summary, "God's mercy and his grace are full of his authority. When I need it most, I turn to him and seek them. I trust that he is eager to hear me. He considers me fully worthy of his love."
I hope you will give Joy That Renews: A devotional from Psalms to refresh your life every day a try!
June 23, 2022
Devotions from the book of Psalms.
The author has expanded on the verses in Psalms to give the reader a greater insight to each verse, with it's meaning.
The book takes the reader form Psalms 1:3 to Psalms 150:2
This book was a gift from the author.
The author has expanded on the verses in Psalms to give the reader a greater insight to each verse, with it's meaning.
The book takes the reader form Psalms 1:3 to Psalms 150:2
This book was a gift from the author.
July 19, 2022
These devotions brim with infectious joy and confident trust in our Lord.
Taking one verse from each of the Bible’s 150 psalms, Joy that Renews invites readers to grow deeper in their relationship with God. The daily devotionals focus on God’s goodness and love and on themes like living in freedom, thankfulness, and listening to God. Although the Psalms were written many years before Christ, they contain much that points to Jesus.
Each day’s reading begins with a title, a one-line summary, and then the Scripture, a brief application, and a heartfelt response. The conversational, transparent style makes for easy reading and relatability. The author uses The Passion Translation, which puts oft-familiar verses in a fresh light.
Anyone familiar with the psalms as a whole is aware that they’re not all light and jubilant. Some are laments, and some groan with deep pain and affliction. One of the points Steve Akerson draws from these heavier psalms is that “You will always have a big choice in your life—either to focus on your problems or on God’s goodness. That choice will make a tremendous difference in the quality of your life and on those around you.” [Day 22, “Chased by Goodness,” Hoopla edition page 61]
And “It is good for you to praise Him, even if your praise is accompanied by tears and sorrows.” [Day 31, “Turn Distress Upside Down,” Hoopla edition page 77]
I appreciate how, whatever the circumstances, this book turns the focus back to God and His goodness. This helps strengthen our faith and leads us into worship. I also appreciate the encouragement to listen to God with expectancy—the more we train our spiritual ears to recognize His voice, the closer we’ll walk with Him. Or, as Day 110, “Listen—God is Talking,” says, “His words will bring richness to your soul.” [Hoopla edition page 253]
These daily readings blessed me, and I’ll be marking Joy that Renews as a book to read again. The book is also available in print and digital format from many online venues.
Author Steve Akerson is one of the Prayer Team leaders at Hosanna Church in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. For more about the author and his book, and to request the free study guide that accompanies it, visit joythatrenews.com.
Taking one verse from each of the Bible’s 150 psalms, Joy that Renews invites readers to grow deeper in their relationship with God. The daily devotionals focus on God’s goodness and love and on themes like living in freedom, thankfulness, and listening to God. Although the Psalms were written many years before Christ, they contain much that points to Jesus.
Each day’s reading begins with a title, a one-line summary, and then the Scripture, a brief application, and a heartfelt response. The conversational, transparent style makes for easy reading and relatability. The author uses The Passion Translation, which puts oft-familiar verses in a fresh light.
Anyone familiar with the psalms as a whole is aware that they’re not all light and jubilant. Some are laments, and some groan with deep pain and affliction. One of the points Steve Akerson draws from these heavier psalms is that “You will always have a big choice in your life—either to focus on your problems or on God’s goodness. That choice will make a tremendous difference in the quality of your life and on those around you.” [Day 22, “Chased by Goodness,” Hoopla edition page 61]
And “It is good for you to praise Him, even if your praise is accompanied by tears and sorrows.” [Day 31, “Turn Distress Upside Down,” Hoopla edition page 77]
I appreciate how, whatever the circumstances, this book turns the focus back to God and His goodness. This helps strengthen our faith and leads us into worship. I also appreciate the encouragement to listen to God with expectancy—the more we train our spiritual ears to recognize His voice, the closer we’ll walk with Him. Or, as Day 110, “Listen—God is Talking,” says, “His words will bring richness to your soul.” [Hoopla edition page 253]
These daily readings blessed me, and I’ll be marking Joy that Renews as a book to read again. The book is also available in print and digital format from many online venues.
Author Steve Akerson is one of the Prayer Team leaders at Hosanna Church in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. For more about the author and his book, and to request the free study guide that accompanies it, visit joythatrenews.com.
June 5, 2022
This is a devotional based on the psalms. As there are 150 psalms, there are 150 devotions in chronological order.
Each devotion starts with a verse from a psalm. It is then followed with the author’s reflections of that psalm, sometimes including an explanation of the situation or circumstance the psalmist was facing when he wrote it. The author then wraps up with a brief statement of how that psalm has impacted him personally.
Many of these devotions impacted me personally. The impacts ranged from comforting, encouraging, challenging, to reminding me of truths I hadn’t thought about in a while. There were so many verses and excerpts that touched me it was difficult to choose a few favorites, but I did my best and here is what I came up with:
• There are going to be things that happen in your life that will bring you disappointment, hurt and sorrow. God’s word consistently says to be thankful in, but not for these things.
• As you make being thankful a lifestyle, it will change your mindset and your life.
• Learn to trust Jesus with the bumps and roadblocks you will face. His wisdom will be yours as you learn to listen for and hear his voice, which will bring you peace. While on your path, stay close to Jesus—only he has joy that sticks.
• Life without trust is a tragedy...Trusting Jesus means that there are going to be times when you have to choose to believe his promises and his words, even when you can’t see evidence right in front of you... Those are the times that are going to bring you so much closer to Jesus.
• Peace—everybody wants it, people chase after it in so many ways. People are willing to try nearly anything to get peace. Permanent peace is God’s gift to you. It is secure and on-going. You have what the world is desperately chasing after.
• You can find God in the grocery store, at work, at your kitchen table, or in your church building. Any place where you bow before the Lord and worship him becomes a sacred place.
If you choose to give this devotional a try, I can’t imagine that you will not be blessed.
Each devotion starts with a verse from a psalm. It is then followed with the author’s reflections of that psalm, sometimes including an explanation of the situation or circumstance the psalmist was facing when he wrote it. The author then wraps up with a brief statement of how that psalm has impacted him personally.
Many of these devotions impacted me personally. The impacts ranged from comforting, encouraging, challenging, to reminding me of truths I hadn’t thought about in a while. There were so many verses and excerpts that touched me it was difficult to choose a few favorites, but I did my best and here is what I came up with:
• There are going to be things that happen in your life that will bring you disappointment, hurt and sorrow. God’s word consistently says to be thankful in, but not for these things.
• As you make being thankful a lifestyle, it will change your mindset and your life.
• Learn to trust Jesus with the bumps and roadblocks you will face. His wisdom will be yours as you learn to listen for and hear his voice, which will bring you peace. While on your path, stay close to Jesus—only he has joy that sticks.
• Life without trust is a tragedy...Trusting Jesus means that there are going to be times when you have to choose to believe his promises and his words, even when you can’t see evidence right in front of you... Those are the times that are going to bring you so much closer to Jesus.
• Peace—everybody wants it, people chase after it in so many ways. People are willing to try nearly anything to get peace. Permanent peace is God’s gift to you. It is secure and on-going. You have what the world is desperately chasing after.
• You can find God in the grocery store, at work, at your kitchen table, or in your church building. Any place where you bow before the Lord and worship him becomes a sacred place.
If you choose to give this devotional a try, I can’t imagine that you will not be blessed.
December 20, 2021
I wish to thank Steve Akerson for providing me with a copy of his book in exchange for a review. I believe the author is expecting an honest review of his work and book. The words of the review were written with this in mind.
The book was given a 5-star rating because it deserves it. I loved the Introduction where readers are asked thought-provoking questions such as: “Are you hungry to experience more lasting joy in your life?, ”Do you wonder if God really loves you?” Great questions with answers provided throughout the pages of this book.
The author shares what led him to write a book based on selected verses from the Psalms, and how joy and excitement filled him while writing it. The joy he shares throughout the book is contagious, and gives meaning and purpose for writing it.
Joy That Renews was written by a godly man; one who openly declares his love for God. He has a desire for others to experience the hope, love, and joy available through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This book will benefit people of all ages and all walks of life. It provides an opportunity to discover new insights from the book of Psalms, for hearts and minds to be opened to receive greater knowledge of God and His ways, and to experience more joy in one’s life.
The author chose to use the Passion Translation, as the language is compelling and inspiring. Reading the selected verses of Psalms in this version was a new experience for me. Now I understand why others love it so much.
I appreciated the care and attention given to how each page was formatted. The eye-catching title, wonderfully-worded subtitle, selected verse from Psalms, short devotion, and personal reflection by the author.
By the end of Psalm 150; the reader will close the book with a deeper sense of what joy in the Lord truly is; how to attain it; and how to keep it. That it's possible to have joy renewed on a daily basis!
The book was given a 5-star rating because it deserves it. I loved the Introduction where readers are asked thought-provoking questions such as: “Are you hungry to experience more lasting joy in your life?, ”Do you wonder if God really loves you?” Great questions with answers provided throughout the pages of this book.
The author shares what led him to write a book based on selected verses from the Psalms, and how joy and excitement filled him while writing it. The joy he shares throughout the book is contagious, and gives meaning and purpose for writing it.
Joy That Renews was written by a godly man; one who openly declares his love for God. He has a desire for others to experience the hope, love, and joy available through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This book will benefit people of all ages and all walks of life. It provides an opportunity to discover new insights from the book of Psalms, for hearts and minds to be opened to receive greater knowledge of God and His ways, and to experience more joy in one’s life.
The author chose to use the Passion Translation, as the language is compelling and inspiring. Reading the selected verses of Psalms in this version was a new experience for me. Now I understand why others love it so much.
I appreciated the care and attention given to how each page was formatted. The eye-catching title, wonderfully-worded subtitle, selected verse from Psalms, short devotion, and personal reflection by the author.
By the end of Psalm 150; the reader will close the book with a deeper sense of what joy in the Lord truly is; how to attain it; and how to keep it. That it's possible to have joy renewed on a daily basis!
August 6, 2021
This devotional focuses on each of the 150 Psalms, summarizing and then highlighting one specific verse from each. Each page ends with a short personal reflection from the author, often including practical application in today's world. While the content of the devotions are encouraging and foster a reliance on God, I am not a fan of the Bible "translation" chosen.
The Passion Translation (TPT) is defined on its website as an “essential equivalence translation” and that it "consistently favors a more expansive, natural thought-for-thought expression of God’s Word." The website also states it changes pronouns to be gender neutral, whereas the Bible is clear about the differences between genders and uses the pronouns appropriate for the intended meaning.
While the content of the devotional is beneficial, I do have concerns about using this translation that essentially claims to know God's thoughts and intentions better than His God-breathed actual words. (see 2 Tim 3).
I received a PDF of this title from the author in exchange for a review; all opinions are my own.
The Passion Translation (TPT) is defined on its website as an “essential equivalence translation” and that it "consistently favors a more expansive, natural thought-for-thought expression of God’s Word." The website also states it changes pronouns to be gender neutral, whereas the Bible is clear about the differences between genders and uses the pronouns appropriate for the intended meaning.
While the content of the devotional is beneficial, I do have concerns about using this translation that essentially claims to know God's thoughts and intentions better than His God-breathed actual words. (see 2 Tim 3).
I received a PDF of this title from the author in exchange for a review; all opinions are my own.
July 23, 2021
An excellent book to add to you devotion list!
Steve Akerson takes you on a stroll through the Psalms by highlighting one verse in each. On every page you'll discover and rediscover attributes of the great and amazing God of the Universe. That same Creator God also knows us intimately and want to be in a personal relationship with us. He is our Father who provides us with love, joy, forgiveness, hope, peace, comfort and strength.
One of my favorite quotes from the book is from the Psalm 23 page: "You will always have a choice in your life - either to focus on your problems or on God's goodness."
Along with the verse from each Psalm and Akerson's writing on that verse, we are encouraged to reflect on what we've read. Akerson helps by sharing what he has learned and/or action plans from the various passages.
This is a book I will read again and again!
Steve Akerson takes you on a stroll through the Psalms by highlighting one verse in each. On every page you'll discover and rediscover attributes of the great and amazing God of the Universe. That same Creator God also knows us intimately and want to be in a personal relationship with us. He is our Father who provides us with love, joy, forgiveness, hope, peace, comfort and strength.
One of my favorite quotes from the book is from the Psalm 23 page: "You will always have a choice in your life - either to focus on your problems or on God's goodness."
Along with the verse from each Psalm and Akerson's writing on that verse, we are encouraged to reflect on what we've read. Akerson helps by sharing what he has learned and/or action plans from the various passages.
This is a book I will read again and again!
August 3, 2021
Would you like to read the Bible but don’t know where to start? Or, maybe you need of a quick, fresh devotional reading. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this book of devotions based on the book of Psalms.
The writer takes one verse from each one of the 150 psalms and reflects on its meaning with brief comments that focuses on God, and its practical application, with examples from his own life. Using the Passion Translation, he highlights the themes in Psalms that focus on God’s goodness, God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, living in freedom, joy and praise, being thankful and hearing God’s voice.
This book serves as a great introduction to the book of Psalms and is easy to read and understand. It is perfect for busy people looking for bite-size passages from God’s word. And it will, without a doubt, add a fresh dose of joy to your life every time you dip into it.
The writer takes one verse from each one of the 150 psalms and reflects on its meaning with brief comments that focuses on God, and its practical application, with examples from his own life. Using the Passion Translation, he highlights the themes in Psalms that focus on God’s goodness, God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, living in freedom, joy and praise, being thankful and hearing God’s voice.
This book serves as a great introduction to the book of Psalms and is easy to read and understand. It is perfect for busy people looking for bite-size passages from God’s word. And it will, without a doubt, add a fresh dose of joy to your life every time you dip into it.
August 13, 2021
A Refreshing Taste of the Psalms
This books makes a wonderful daily devotional. Each day's readings are a powerful mix of encouragement, comfort and truth, to fuel joy and praise in your heart.
I particularly liked the short section at the end of each reading where the author writes a person note that often becomes the echo of your own heart. This really brings the scripture alive, helping it to stay with you through the day.
I received an ARC copy from the author, which was a joy to read.
This books makes a wonderful daily devotional. Each day's readings are a powerful mix of encouragement, comfort and truth, to fuel joy and praise in your heart.
I particularly liked the short section at the end of each reading where the author writes a person note that often becomes the echo of your own heart. This really brings the scripture alive, helping it to stay with you through the day.
I received an ARC copy from the author, which was a joy to read.
February 2, 2022
The author offers help for joy seekers and the doubtful with a daily reading of Psalms. He feels energized when he hears the Lord speaking through the text. You will gain confidence as you feel God is only good to you, and the text changes the reality of your life. Be who you’ve always wanted to be. Your heart will be filled with joy, and you will be thankful even when you get bad news. God only gives positive things in your life. That is what this book is about.
June 14, 2022
A breezy walk through the Psalms. High praise, indeed!
I’ve done lots of spiritual reading and it’s usually based on the New testament. So, reading this book based solely on the Psalms was a refreshing first for me.
Like the authors of the Psalms, Steve’s writings come from the heart. Despite this, it never verges on the cheesy or oversentimental, thanks to superb editing. Clearly, this was a labour of love. There is striking order and symmetry on every page of the book. It’s a simple but winning formula.
Each page starts with a witty hooking title, like, “Plant Thankfulness, Reap Joy,” or, “Take my Junk”.
This is followed by a pearl of a catchphrase as a sub-title, like,” Your life will be better as you focus on God’s tender care, not your problems.”
Then comes a carefully selected verse from each of 150 psalms in numerical order, as the centrepiece of the page. The author avoids quotations in the text, probably not to detract from the majesty of the Psalms.
What follows is one paragraph in which the author portrays a scene, scenario, or troubling circumstances that we all experience in our lives, or the dire context in which the authors of the psalms wrote then.
Then follow two cogent paragraphs of spiritual troubleshooting by applying the psalms in our daily life.
A final rallying paragraph is a first-person life-affirming statement.
The meditative format of the book makes it ideal for reading a chapter a day at night-time. Also, it’s the ideal book to have on your sideboard, picking a chapter randomly as a chill-out on a difficult day for spiritual uplift. It is not a heavy theological treatise. Rather it is a succinct self-help manual centred on the psalms.
The writing is simple, engaging, and empathic. There is also a touch of humour sprinkled throughout. The title, “Ouch, but Thanks,” reminded me of what St Theresa of Avila said after a donkey had thrown her into a freezing river,” If this is how you treat your friends, then it’s no wonder you have so few of them”. Also, the author’s invocation which I can relate to, brought a smile to my face: “Ha! It’s true that I’m gray, but I don’t consider myself old, though my grandchildren probably do. I’ve gained perspective, and I’ve gained time to read God’s Word and pray. I’ve never felt closer to Jesus because I see him more clearly now.”
All in all, the author has created a commendable book out of 150 gems. High praise, indeed!
I’ve done lots of spiritual reading and it’s usually based on the New testament. So, reading this book based solely on the Psalms was a refreshing first for me.
Like the authors of the Psalms, Steve’s writings come from the heart. Despite this, it never verges on the cheesy or oversentimental, thanks to superb editing. Clearly, this was a labour of love. There is striking order and symmetry on every page of the book. It’s a simple but winning formula.
Each page starts with a witty hooking title, like, “Plant Thankfulness, Reap Joy,” or, “Take my Junk”.
This is followed by a pearl of a catchphrase as a sub-title, like,” Your life will be better as you focus on God’s tender care, not your problems.”
Then comes a carefully selected verse from each of 150 psalms in numerical order, as the centrepiece of the page. The author avoids quotations in the text, probably not to detract from the majesty of the Psalms.
What follows is one paragraph in which the author portrays a scene, scenario, or troubling circumstances that we all experience in our lives, or the dire context in which the authors of the psalms wrote then.
Then follow two cogent paragraphs of spiritual troubleshooting by applying the psalms in our daily life.
A final rallying paragraph is a first-person life-affirming statement.
The meditative format of the book makes it ideal for reading a chapter a day at night-time. Also, it’s the ideal book to have on your sideboard, picking a chapter randomly as a chill-out on a difficult day for spiritual uplift. It is not a heavy theological treatise. Rather it is a succinct self-help manual centred on the psalms.
The writing is simple, engaging, and empathic. There is also a touch of humour sprinkled throughout. The title, “Ouch, but Thanks,” reminded me of what St Theresa of Avila said after a donkey had thrown her into a freezing river,” If this is how you treat your friends, then it’s no wonder you have so few of them”. Also, the author’s invocation which I can relate to, brought a smile to my face: “Ha! It’s true that I’m gray, but I don’t consider myself old, though my grandchildren probably do. I’ve gained perspective, and I’ve gained time to read God’s Word and pray. I’ve never felt closer to Jesus because I see him more clearly now.”
All in all, the author has created a commendable book out of 150 gems. High praise, indeed!
July 5, 2022
Joy That Renews is a journey through the Psalms designed to engage the reader in restoring joy to the daily life of the follower of Jesus. Akerson selects one verse from each of the 150 psalms recorded in the Book of Psalms in the Bible. Each devotional begins with a thematic title followed by a thesis statement and then the devotional thought. I liked that set up. The writer has a fairly consistent hermaneutic in his interpretation - he consistently follows the text. A few occasions it becomes a literary stretch between title and devotional thought.
My biggest issue is with the choice of Bible translation. The author has selected The Passion "translation" as his go to text for this writing. This is more of a paraphrase than a translation and a poor one at that. The Passion seems to impose more of "idea or thought" than a good(NAS, NKJV, ESV) or even average (current NIV) translation of what the text actually renders. At times this version takes the passage out of context to get across an idea, inserting words that are not even close to arrive at the desired destination. In a couple of places Akerson even references more traditional quality translations to provide insight for which this reader was grateful. Akerson's effort to stay hermaneutically sound become problematic by the selection of The Passion as his foundational interpretive text.
The verses selected in some of the more popular psalms are not always the ones most people choose. This was refreshing to take a peek at verses that are sometimes omitted in devotions. Thoughts like "...don't let your emotions run your life;" reject evil, run to God as your refuge or safe place; and "...seek the water of God's written word" are solid truths that we find ourselves needing daily and Steve unpacks these in a clear, understandable fashion. Knowing that God is much more concerned about my holiness than my happiness gave me challenges with some of the more self focused sections.
Overall I give this book a 2.5 and we round it up to 3 because no one like decimals or fractions. Steve gives some good insights into both popular and obscure psalms. If this is your devotional choice I do recommend a more accurate Bible translation be utilized as companion to this reading. At some point we all need our joy renewed by the Lord.
My biggest issue is with the choice of Bible translation. The author has selected The Passion "translation" as his go to text for this writing. This is more of a paraphrase than a translation and a poor one at that. The Passion seems to impose more of "idea or thought" than a good(NAS, NKJV, ESV) or even average (current NIV) translation of what the text actually renders. At times this version takes the passage out of context to get across an idea, inserting words that are not even close to arrive at the desired destination. In a couple of places Akerson even references more traditional quality translations to provide insight for which this reader was grateful. Akerson's effort to stay hermaneutically sound become problematic by the selection of The Passion as his foundational interpretive text.
The verses selected in some of the more popular psalms are not always the ones most people choose. This was refreshing to take a peek at verses that are sometimes omitted in devotions. Thoughts like "...don't let your emotions run your life;" reject evil, run to God as your refuge or safe place; and "...seek the water of God's written word" are solid truths that we find ourselves needing daily and Steve unpacks these in a clear, understandable fashion. Knowing that God is much more concerned about my holiness than my happiness gave me challenges with some of the more self focused sections.
Overall I give this book a 2.5 and we round it up to 3 because no one like decimals or fractions. Steve gives some good insights into both popular and obscure psalms. If this is your devotional choice I do recommend a more accurate Bible translation be utilized as companion to this reading. At some point we all need our joy renewed by the Lord.
June 28, 2023
This is a pleasant and encouraging devotional that takes the reader through the Psalms. I am increasingly convinced of the importance for Christians to be familiar with the Psalms, so I like that a book like this can encourage people to engage with the Psalms more. It is very accessible and is likely to connect even with Christians that aren’t usually book readers.
3 concerns I do have:
1. It focuses on one verse from each Psalm and occasionally this leads to a misapplication of a verse because it has been stripped of its context. This didn’t happen too often. To counteract this I would simply recommend that a reader go through the entire Psalm that is the focus for that day's devotion, so they can be aware of the context themselves. Again, I already think we need to immerse ourselves in the Psalms, so I would hope readers would do this anyway.
2. The author’s use of the Passion Translation. I've long been aware of this translation but never been very familiar with it. My experience with it via its quotations in this book make me leery of it. Most of the time it was fine, but at least one instance, Psalm 81:10, had a complete mistranslation of the text.
3. The author didn’t actually teach "name and claim it" theology but did sometimes use language associated with it. I think this actually pretty common for those in Charismatic churches just as a matter of culture at this point, so I’m not that concerned about it. Just something to be aware of.
One of the great advantages this devotional has is that by being based in the Psalms, it covers a much wider range of topics than devotionals usually do. This provides a much richer spiritual experience. This makes sense given the Psalms are, in a sense, the “ultimate” devotional book. I would recommend this book for those looking for a daily devotional; especially if they read the whole Psalter along with it.
***I received a free copy of this book in exchange of a review***
3 concerns I do have:
1. It focuses on one verse from each Psalm and occasionally this leads to a misapplication of a verse because it has been stripped of its context. This didn’t happen too often. To counteract this I would simply recommend that a reader go through the entire Psalm that is the focus for that day's devotion, so they can be aware of the context themselves. Again, I already think we need to immerse ourselves in the Psalms, so I would hope readers would do this anyway.
2. The author’s use of the Passion Translation. I've long been aware of this translation but never been very familiar with it. My experience with it via its quotations in this book make me leery of it. Most of the time it was fine, but at least one instance, Psalm 81:10, had a complete mistranslation of the text.
3. The author didn’t actually teach "name and claim it" theology but did sometimes use language associated with it. I think this actually pretty common for those in Charismatic churches just as a matter of culture at this point, so I’m not that concerned about it. Just something to be aware of.
One of the great advantages this devotional has is that by being based in the Psalms, it covers a much wider range of topics than devotionals usually do. This provides a much richer spiritual experience. This makes sense given the Psalms are, in a sense, the “ultimate” devotional book. I would recommend this book for those looking for a daily devotional; especially if they read the whole Psalter along with it.
***I received a free copy of this book in exchange of a review***
May 12, 2022
While I think that the author, Steve Akerson, wrote his devotional with the intention of being helpful to his readers, I cannot trust Joy that Renews because it is not based on God's word, but Brian Simmons' opinion of what the Bible says (Passion Translation).
When I first began reading the devotional, I immediately wondered what version was used because it sounded odd. I did a simple search and found out much about the Passion Translation of the Bible and about the theology it promotes--the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). One of my sources was GotQuestions .org. Here is a snippet of what it says about NAR: "The New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR, is an unbiblical religious movement that emphasizes experience over Scripture, mysticism over doctrine, and modern-day “apostles” over the plain text of the Bible."
I did read many of the devotionals written on one verse from each Psalm. I compared each selected verse with several of the Bible versions out there (ESV, NIV, NASB, KJV, NKJV, etc.) and felt that the Passion Translation does not say the same thing--it is as if the writer didn't think the Bible was correct and needed to be rewritten. It is the same type of thing as the Joseph Smith papers (written to expand and revise the Bible--Mormonism) or Thomas Jefferson's Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth (all miracles removed--exceedingly liberal Unitarian or Deists).
The book is thoughtfully written, sounds pro-God, and is not full of grammatical errors, but I would not recommend it as a devotional because a devotional must be based on God's word. I would love to see Joy that Renews rewritten using the Bible.
When I first began reading the devotional, I immediately wondered what version was used because it sounded odd. I did a simple search and found out much about the Passion Translation of the Bible and about the theology it promotes--the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). One of my sources was GotQuestions .org. Here is a snippet of what it says about NAR: "The New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR, is an unbiblical religious movement that emphasizes experience over Scripture, mysticism over doctrine, and modern-day “apostles” over the plain text of the Bible."
I did read many of the devotionals written on one verse from each Psalm. I compared each selected verse with several of the Bible versions out there (ESV, NIV, NASB, KJV, NKJV, etc.) and felt that the Passion Translation does not say the same thing--it is as if the writer didn't think the Bible was correct and needed to be rewritten. It is the same type of thing as the Joseph Smith papers (written to expand and revise the Bible--Mormonism) or Thomas Jefferson's Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth (all miracles removed--exceedingly liberal Unitarian or Deists).
The book is thoughtfully written, sounds pro-God, and is not full of grammatical errors, but I would not recommend it as a devotional because a devotional must be based on God's word. I would love to see Joy that Renews rewritten using the Bible.
July 26, 2022
I was asked by the author to read and review Joy That Renews.
I am a certified (ACBC) counselor (retired pastor and current elder in my church) and came at the book from that point of view. I frequently assign, as growth projects, devotionals and other Scripture based resources. The value and blessing associated with a devotional is helping the person develop basic spiritual disciplines to minister to them according their their need..
Psalms are Hebrew prayers. They are God's people crying out to him in their anxieties, depression, joys, worship, etc. They represent a turning toward God, rather than a turning away for God when we face life in a sin cursed world.
So, as a counselor and reviewer, the question I asked my self in reading through portions of the book is, would I recommend the book as a growth project?
The answer to the question is yes I would with one caveat.
I would ask the person to read the passage in the context of the entire Psalm as they pull Akerson's nugget from it. I found the nuggets helpful, but believe they would be most helpful in context, perhaps along with a good Bible, such as John MacArthurs or the ESV. Reading a passage in context is just good biblical counseling advice as it usually avoids poor interpretation and loss of meaning.
I gave the book four stars because the rating is, "really liked it." Good job Mr. Akerson.
I am a certified (ACBC) counselor (retired pastor and current elder in my church) and came at the book from that point of view. I frequently assign, as growth projects, devotionals and other Scripture based resources. The value and blessing associated with a devotional is helping the person develop basic spiritual disciplines to minister to them according their their need..
Psalms are Hebrew prayers. They are God's people crying out to him in their anxieties, depression, joys, worship, etc. They represent a turning toward God, rather than a turning away for God when we face life in a sin cursed world.
So, as a counselor and reviewer, the question I asked my self in reading through portions of the book is, would I recommend the book as a growth project?
The answer to the question is yes I would with one caveat.
I would ask the person to read the passage in the context of the entire Psalm as they pull Akerson's nugget from it. I found the nuggets helpful, but believe they would be most helpful in context, perhaps along with a good Bible, such as John MacArthurs or the ESV. Reading a passage in context is just good biblical counseling advice as it usually avoids poor interpretation and loss of meaning.
I gave the book four stars because the rating is, "really liked it." Good job Mr. Akerson.
January 7, 2023
This is a great devotional book on Psalms. The author picks one specific verse from each Psalm and reflects on it. Most selected verses are simply joyful. However, the author sometimes reflects on challenging verses (see Ps 106:24).
Akerson's style is straightforward, personal, and beautiful. He writes from a personal experience [ you almost feel like he has been blessed and wants to bless others by sharing his thoughts.] Although I appreciate his Christ-centeredness, given that Psalms is an Old Testament book, he sometimes went far with his Christology.
In general, the author did an excellent job connecting his reader with Jesus [ which is the ultimate goal of this devotional volume.] I was personally encouraged by this book. It filled me with joy and encouragement, and I gained some insights. For instance, I have realized that God's grace is higher than my mistakes; Jesus will not abandon me even when I make a wrong choice. He is faithful even if I am not. Finally, I recommend this book to all who need to revive their personal relationship with the Lord.
View all my reviews
Akerson's style is straightforward, personal, and beautiful. He writes from a personal experience [ you almost feel like he has been blessed and wants to bless others by sharing his thoughts.] Although I appreciate his Christ-centeredness, given that Psalms is an Old Testament book, he sometimes went far with his Christology.
In general, the author did an excellent job connecting his reader with Jesus [ which is the ultimate goal of this devotional volume.] I was personally encouraged by this book. It filled me with joy and encouragement, and I gained some insights. For instance, I have realized that God's grace is higher than my mistakes; Jesus will not abandon me even when I make a wrong choice. He is faithful even if I am not. Finally, I recommend this book to all who need to revive their personal relationship with the Lord.
View all my reviews
July 26, 2022
“That’s what the voice of the Lord is like—it restores and renews your hope and joy.”
“Thanksgiving in your life will produce joy. Your life will be better, and you will be happier and more at peace when you practice being thankful no matter what is going on. You will learn to trust God more, which will bring forth more hope and more joy. Your life will be like a joy engine!”
“The more and longer I focus on Jesus, the more peace and joy he gives me.”
This is a nice, simple books that allows you to read one Psalm a day and focus on the joy that will renew your soul. From small to big things, Steve Akerson brings out nuggets of truth that points us closer to God. In a world where it is easy to dwell on the negative, this is a great book to see the beauty around us and the peace and joy that only God can produce.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
“Thanksgiving in your life will produce joy. Your life will be better, and you will be happier and more at peace when you practice being thankful no matter what is going on. You will learn to trust God more, which will bring forth more hope and more joy. Your life will be like a joy engine!”
“The more and longer I focus on Jesus, the more peace and joy he gives me.”
This is a nice, simple books that allows you to read one Psalm a day and focus on the joy that will renew your soul. From small to big things, Steve Akerson brings out nuggets of truth that points us closer to God. In a world where it is easy to dwell on the negative, this is a great book to see the beauty around us and the peace and joy that only God can produce.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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