Summer in the Psalms: Finding Rest and Renewal Through Scripture and JournalingPsalms 90-Day Reading Plan

Oh the joys of Summer! Last week we joyfully attended our grandson’s graduation from elementary school. He  is headed into Junior High (where did the time go)?. After the group presentation, they had the kids take their final walk through the halls. Some kids couldn’t walk fast enough, while others lingered as they hugged teachers and visited with friends. We positioned ourselves outside the main doors to greet the kids as they made their final walk through the doors for the last time. As they emerged through the doors, there was a vast array of emotions. Smiles mingled with tears, smiles with a mask of relief, and pure joy. The walk through the doors that last time signaled their official entry to Summer. 

I remember the joy of Summer as a child, tween, and teen because I had carefree days to read to my heart’s content! I suppose that’s why when the Summer season approaches, I get the desire to have a special Summer reading list. 

This Summer is no different. I decided to read and journal through Psalms.  Psalms is a beloved book of the Bible. I found myself leaning on several scriptures throughout our son’s cancer journey. But, I couldn’t resist the idea of a focused time of devoting my reading and journaling during the Summer to the book of Psalms. 

Why Psalms Are Perfect for Summer 

Every emotion can be found in the book of Psalms. Scriptures of joy, thanksgiving, and even sadness and desperation are contained within the 150 books of Praise. It’s as though the book of Psalms is full of as many emotions as Texas weather patterns! 

This Summer I’m teaching in a newly developed Sunday School class and guess what the curriculum is? Yes! 14 Weeks of studying various books in Psalms. Since life will be busy this Summer, it seemed an obvious choice to weave my personal Bible study time with teaching plans. 

I am looking forward to this time to read, pray, journal, and reflect deeply on God’s character and the wisdom found in His Word. 

The Power of Pairing Bible Reading with Journaling

I love to mix journaling with my Bible reading. I’ve grown weary of reading to just read and tick something off my to-do list. Journaling and meditation on the Scripture helps me slow down so I can process what God is teaching me in the scripture. 

There’s no right or wrong way to journal while reading and studying the Word. Sometimes I write a favorite scripture from the passage. Other times, I rewrite the scripture to make it personal or a prayer. This helps me turn my Bible reading into conversation with God, not just a task. Even 5–10 minutes a day can be transformative!

A Simple Weekly Rhythm to Try 

• 5 days of reading: Choose 2 Psalms each day (keep it short and reflective). This will help you read through all the Psalms in 90 days.
  
• 1 day to journal: Write out a favorite verse, what stood out, or a prayer inspired by it.
  
• 1 day to reflect: Use prompts like “Where did I see God this week?” or “What am I learning about His faithfulness?”
  

Isn’t that a simple plan? It doesn’t take hours of studying to make an impact on your heart and spirit!

Encouragement to Begin 

Remember, God meets us where we are – even in the short moments of quiet time. He understands your season of life. Committing to reading, studying, and journaling through Psalms will be the spiritual refreshing your soul craves. 

Also, you don’t have to be perfect or consistent. God honors your desire to seek Him, a theme you’ll read in Psalms 1.

I invite you to grab my Psalms reading plan or journaling guide! I did all the thinking for you with a reading plan and journal prompts! 

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