A Light for the Pathway
Exploring the Psalms
Foreword by Christopher J.H. Wright
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
What did the Psalmists of Israel believe? How did they practice their religion? What impact did their faith in God have on the way they handled the struggles and uncertainties of life? How does this speak to us today? This book explores some themes which underlie the faith of the psalmists: for example, covenant, creation, law, justice, humanity, suffering, lament, restoration, and pilgrimage. Holding these together is the overarching theme of God's steadfast love throughout their history. The psalms are prayers and praises, often used in temple worship, some intimate and personal, many corporate and full of thanksgiving. Some are celebrations of the kingly rule of God over all creation. How do we Christians today approach this ancient hymn book, which is full of poetic imagination and deep spirituality? How can it help our own journeys on our pathways of faith and hope? This side of the life and death and resurrection of Jesus, can we hear in the psalms words of comfort for our struggles of faith, as well as joy in our worship, in today's confusing world?
David Atkinson, former Fellow of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, is a retired Church of England bishop, and author of several books including Pastoral Ethics (1994), Renewing the Face of the Earth (2008), several volumes in the Bible Speaks Today series, Hope Rediscovered (2018), and The Apocalypse of Jesus Christ (2020). He coedited The New Dictionary of Christian Ethics and Pastoral Theology (1995).
“An inspirational masterclass on the Psalms. Each chapter reveals fresh insights, stirring the heart and stimulating the reader’s intellectual curiosity. These insights are augmented by beautiful meditations which lift the veil on the psalmist’s inner feelings. . . . Informative, refreshing, and uplifting.”
—Jeremy Groombridge, parish priest in the Church of England
“These explorations of ripe wisdom are a joy to read and a delight to be digested. David Atkinson draws on the deep wells of the poetry which nourished Jesus and provides for us living water for today.”
—Graham Kings, Honorable Assistant Bishop, Diocese of Ely
“David Atkinson’s book helps us to explore and appreciate the breadth and depth of this wonderful world of biblical worship that embraces all human life, all creation, and the ultimate future.”
— Christopher J. H. Wright, International Ministries Director, Langham Partnership