#269 – Psalms: A Guide to Life

What would your spiritual life be like if you had a guide that helped you navigate your relationship with God? I did a teaching and as I shared about David’s story I also shared corresponding Psalms to illustrate how David navigated his life with God and how he connected with his own emotional [...]

What would your spiritual life be like if you had a guide that helped you navigate your relationship with God? I did a teaching and as I shared about David’s story I also shared corresponding Psalms to illustrate how David navigated his life with God and how he connected with his own emotional experience along the way.During this time, I came across the book Open and Afraid: The Psalms as a Guide to Life, I knew that I wanted to have a conversation with David Taylor.  

Growing up, David Taylor was surrounded by art and literature. As he matured, he developed the desire to explore the connection between art and God’s Word. Now, as he serves as an assistant professor of theology and culture at Fuller University, his pursuit for truth has gone even deeper.  Intrigued by the book of Psalms, David wondered what life would be like if we only lived based on what we read in the book of Psalms. His studies led him to write an entire book on what he had discovered. 

His conclusion is that the Psalms are gifts from God to help us remain open and unafraid, and that being open and vulnerable before God leads us to holiness. We do ourselves a disservice when we choose to harden parts of ourselves so that we don’t as fully experience fear, loss, or pain. It’s okay to express emotions; God can handle our anger, and He is aware when we are upset. He wants us to cling to Him in these moments, so that He can show us that He is already holding us.

As he guides us through the book of Psalms in this episode, David Taylor offers us a clear picture of what it’s like to encounter God in a new way. If your desire is to allow the Holy Spirit to lead you, or to take a deeper look into the life of David, then this episode is for you.

Living open and unafraid 
Encountering God through the Psalms 
Learning to trust the Holy Spirit

Resources from today’s show 

Purchase copy of David’s book, Open and Unafraid: The Psalms as a Guide to Life
Connect with David on Instagram, Twitter, or on his website  
Purchase my book, The 28-Day Prayer Journey. There is one bonus still available! 
 Inner Circle opens 10/1! – chrystalevanshurst.com/innercircle

Click to Tweet 

“The Psalms serve as an emotional and spiritual source of replenishment.” – Chrystal Hurst 
“The Psalms are a gift from God to help us remain open and unafraid.” – David Taylor

Other Stuff to Check Out

Did you catch my last episode on Walking in Freedom with Megan Fate Marshman? Listen here.

Check out my new book! The 28-Day Prayer Journey

Need to encourage your soul? Try listening to the playlist I put together for my mom, Lady Lois’ Worship

Interested in supporting the content I create and enjoying bonus content?  Learn about joining my Inner Circle!

My book, Be sure and also check out my other books She’s Still There, Show Up For Your Life,  Kingdom Woman!

How might you practically, tangibly begin to open up to God and live a life unafraid?
What steps can you take to know God more deeply?
Take some time to read a chapter (or two or three) from the book of Psalms, what do you discover about yourself?

Connect with me…

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