The Psalms Project

I started the Psalms Project in the Summer of 2025 in an effort to spend more focused time in the Psalms.

I have long read the Psalms as a part of my daily devotional time, that quiet time in God’s Word as the day begins. Rarely, though, have I journaled the thoughts I have about the Psalms, reading one each day like a vitamin, but not delving deeply in the words unless they resonate with a particular circumstance or feeling. They are as likely to make me wonder if I ever feel the way the Psalmists felt as they are to connect me deeply with their worship, joy, sadness, or exultation.

I’ve already made a relatively new habit of journaling thoughts about my daily Bible reading – something I realize I should have been doing for years. Better late than never, I suppose. So, it wasn’t a leap or burden for me to commit myself to spending a few extra moments adding a specific daily reflection from a Psalm. The joy of retired life. A flexible schedule!

At the same time I find myself trying to learn to paint. I’ve dabbled in this a couple of times in my younger life. Always I find some connection to what I’m trying to illustrate, and doing it makes me think and feel deeply about the subject matter. I’ve always been drawn to the transparent beauty of watercolor images – loose lines, translucent color, and the power to draw a viewer into scene. Somehow the medium fits my mood as I dwell on the poetry of the Psalms. This is especially true if I can conceive and execute a line and wash image – that wonderful combination of pen and ink with the wash overlay of color.

What, I wondered, could happen if I combine these efforts? I will read a Psalm (or at least a portion of a Psalm) every day. I will immediately write a reflection. Just some words and thoughts that immediately come to mind as I worship in these ancient hymns. And, at least once per week I will seek out an image; one verse, one word, one phrase – something in the seven Psalms I’ve read, and I will try to capture a watercolor image that grows out of the thoughts I’ve had.

The Psalms Project was born. And now it lives on here at Numbering My Days (another Psalms reference that means a lot to me). It’s a collection of words, not too carefully chosen or edited, and a collection of the artistic efforts of a very beginning amateur, and clumsy, would-be painter.

If you find yourself here and reading, you might try this: read the Psalm that is referenced, then read the few words of my reflection on that Psalm. Get a journal or open a notes app and jot down a thought or two of your own. And, I hope, enjoy a little art. Sketch something yourself or sing a melody. Allow these Psalms to open your day, your mind and heart, to the wonder and joy of the very personal God who is majestic, glorious, holy, righteous, mighty – and yet is present for us in our worship.