Psalms Bible Sketches

Inspired by the Psalms

Draw, listen to, read, meditate on, memorize, pray and sing the Psalms

Sketching Psalms draws me close to God who allows my body, soul, mind and spirit to absorb His Word. My desire is to

• exercise artistic gifts God created in me
• wisely use time He gives me to live and grow
  
• receive the Holy Spirit’s work in me
• share the Good News
  

Psalm 4:8

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

Praise the Lord for sleep, peace, and safety.

Psalm 12:5

“Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” Psalm 12:5
Behold, I will gather them from all the countries to which I drove them in my anger and my wrath and in great indignation. I will bring them back to this place, and I will make them dwell in safety. Jeremiah 32:37

We cannot trust and obey God by ourselves. Our Heavenly Father creates faith which supports faithful living. Belief in Christ saves us from hell. He sent the Holy Spirit who leads us through Scripture to learn of sin and to repent. Thank Jesus for defending His faithful—forgiving, providing safe places and protection.

Psalm 16:6

The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. Psalm 16:6

God provides His children an inheritance of paradise through the sacrifice and victory of His perfect Son.

Psalm 16:11

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

My gratitude goes to the Holy Spirit keeping me in His presence—through good and bad times—filling my life with joy and certainty of eternity with Him.

Psalm 19:1-2

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. Psalm 19:1-2

When I look at my unworthiness next to God’s expectations and promises in the Bible, it is obvious to me that our Creator is amazingly gracious and merciful. 

Psalm 19:12-13

Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Psalm 19:12-13

I thank my Savior for knowing me better than I know myself; He forgives and protects me.

Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Praise God for encouraging me to want my heart and words to be right, showing my need to repent, and forgiving when I fall short.

Psalm 26:3

For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. Psalm 26:3

I praise the Lord for revealing that I can trust Him to love me unconditionally. God has called pastors and friends to not only remind me that I need Him, but also to reassure me how true and faithful His promises are.

Psalm 29:11

May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace! Psalm 29:11

Glory be to the Lord for blessings of strength and peace in Jesus.

Psalm 32:1

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Psalm 32:1

Perfect, innocent Jesus took my punishment for my sin so I can be forgiven. I am blessed when He says, “It is finished.”

Psalm 33:20-22

Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. Psalm 33:20-22

While I wait, I rest at night in merciful forgiveness and wake up with newness each day. His gifts of patience, help, shielding, and gladness of an eternity to come are for all who trust Him.

Psalm 34:19

Good people suffer many troubles, but the Lord saves them from them all; Psalm 34:19

Praise God’s goodness! He never disappoints those who look to Him and He rescues them from danger.

Psalm 49:15

But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. Psalm 49:15

I can’t save myself. There is a God and I am not Him. Praise Christ our Savior!

Psalm 50:15

and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalm 50:15

Glory be to God who hears prayers through Christ interceding for believers.

Psalm 51:6,10,15

Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. … Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. … O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. Psalm 51:6,10,15

Jesus cleanses, renews, and gives me His power to repent and praise Him!

Psalm 56:8

You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Psalm 56:8

You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Psalm 56:8

Praise our Creator for designing us with ability to cry and release our anxious tears of broken hearted sadness. Our loving Comforter hears prayers of those who trust Him. He cares about every single moment of our lives.

Psalm 62:1-2

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

We can’t live perfectly—not even close to it (no one can); yet, God stands with those who are waiting for Jesus to return. He gives power and increases strength in His children (whom He purchased in Christ) who rely on Jesus in a life marked by repentance.

Psalm 73:26

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

Thank the Lord for Christ’s strength when I am weak and fail. It is His power that gives me a contrite heart, mercifully forgives me, and guides me to forgive others.

Psalm 73:28

But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. Psalm 73:28

God who cares for me in His perfection, works through me to take care of myself so I may bless others. I thank my Heavenly Father for those who helped and prayed for me. I pray He would guard and keep each of us to praise Him for eternity, yet I leave that to His providence, content to be in His care as I rest in Jesus’ name.

Psalm 90:17

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! Psalm 90:17

God’s favor means approval or affection tied to the concept of grace. We thank Him that the burden of work, that comes from the first sin, is replaced with enduring service in His wisdom and name!

Psalm 94:19

When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. Psalm 94:19

Thank the Creator who will not stop loving His wounded people.

Psalm 108:4

For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Psalm 108:4

I boldly and courageously praise our worthy Savior who has forgiven past sins, remains with me presently, and promises to keep my steps steady in the future!

Psalm 118:5

Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. Psalm 118:5

The Lord is on our side. We can trust in Him for enduring love and help. We take refuge—not in ourselves or in man and princes—only by grace we receive mercy through Jesus Christ.

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 GW

Jesus is the light and the way.

Psalm 136:1-3

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; Psalm 136:1-3

Many thanks!

Psalm 139:9-10

If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:9-10

How precious and wonderful is my Lord who knows my heart and thoughts—He leads me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:13

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13

Thanking our Creator for the gift and miracle of life.

Psalm 145:15-16

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:15-16

I pray you will page or scroll through a Bible to read, or use the audio feature to listen to, more of the book of Psalms 150 chapters with 2,461 verses (someone counted them, according to my web search).

Jesus loves you. If you don’t go to church, I pray you will go—and by grace receive His gifts at the house of the Lord. God gives faith which assures those who are repentant that Christ’s death and resurrection saves from sin’s curse, forgives and restores. He sent the Holy Spirit to empower, comfort and give us peace as we trust our Savior’s finished work for us.

“The Psalms have a way of connecting with the daily concerns of our lives and guiding us in heartfelt prayer and worship. For these reasons, they remain the most devotional portion of Scripture and the inspiration for hymnals and prayer books. … They teach so much about the blessings and challenges of walking in the Lord’s ways.” The Lutheran Study Bible

During times of distress or uncertainty, remember Psalm 23: Christ Is Our Shepherd.

Esther Bible Sketch

Who knows how to live these days?

Do you wonder what your purpose is in such a time as this?

“And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14b ESV Bible verse hand lettering marker sketch.

Day-to-day complexities of life’s relationships and personal responsibility to care for our own spiritual, emotional, mental and physical health cannot be managed alone. 

 

Thankfully, our patient Savior provides all that is needed to face each moment of each day. His perfect plan and timing is over our head. We may simply receive help, forgiveness and comfort by trusting Jesus has already won the victory over sin, death, and evil. Abundant opportunities surround us on every side to seek Biblical wisdom, practice patience, and pay-it-forward by sharing Good News, grace and mercy.

“Sometimes life seems as if we are on an incredible journey—and then suddenly, the bus breaks down. We feel trapped in a desert of delay with no way to move on. And in the in-between, it seems God isn’t doing anything to fix our situation. We’re tempted to complain and pout. To grumble and grow bitter. That’s when we need to remember the story of Esther and how God worked behind the scenes to rescue her people. We wait well when we remind ourselves that even while we’re waiting, our Lord is paving the way ahead, scheduling exciting experiences, and booking new destinations for our lives. That’s when we need to choose to rest in God’s providence.” Sharla Fritz in her book: Waiting—A Bible Study on Patience, Hope, and Trust

The Holy Spirit moves faithful people to encourage and listen to each other. He knows each person’s unique roles in personal and community relationships—lays out opportunities, provides guidance—and carries out His promise to defend, protect, and deliver those who seek Him. The only help we can offer each other is in full light of His Word and gifts revealed in Christ crucified for us. We may sow many seeds, share our faith everywhere we go, yet it is not us—it is our Creator who provides nutrients and growth to each individual who is willing to honestly receive His Word. Trusting God’s powerful love, we confidently pray to our Advocate. We may live by grace throughout life’s storms until the Last Day when He makes final judgement and harvests His crop of humble, repentant believers to live forever with Him.

“His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Luke 3:17 ESV

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:5–6 ESV

God knows His purpose and plans. Our Heavenly Father offers salvation to bring all souls out of trouble through faith which brings repentance and trusts Jesus is the way to peace beyond understanding.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 ESV

Book of the Bible dedicated to Esther

“Esther is the heroine of the biblical book that bears her name. Her Jewish name was Hadassah, which means ‘myrtle.’ Her beauty, charm, and courage served her well as queen to King Ahasuerus. In that role she was able to save her people from the mass extermination that Haman, the king’s chief advisor, had planned (2:19–4:17). Esther’s efforts to uncover the plot resulted in the hanging of Haman on the very same gallows that he had built for Mordecai, her uncle and guardian. Then the king named Mordecai minister of state in Haman’s place. This story is an example of how God intervenes on behalf of his people to deliver them from evil, as here through Esther he preserved the Old Testament people through whom the Messiah would come.”

Commemoration Biographies

Scripture speaks about uncovering lies and evil in several instances. Jesus is all about truth.

Helpful resources

• Play from the website: Serving the Lord as a Young Adult: Esther, or learn about getting this podcast formatted for your device
• Listen to a conversation about Esther Agrees to Help the Jews
• Bible Study audio about Mordecai Persuading Esther to Help
• Read a youth source blog post Girl Talk: Seize your Esther Moments
• Learn Five Powerful Leadership Lessons From the Book of Esther
• New for the to-read list: Callings for Life: God’s Plan, Your Purpose

Pray

Lord, thank you for safely bringing me to this day. Teach and lead me in your grace and truth. Amen.