How do you worship when you're depressed? Where do you find words to express inexpressible joy? What do you pray when you need hope?
Soul Anatomy is a biblical guide for working through emotional turmoil in a gospel-centered way. It shows how the Psalms serve as a God-authored script by which to express every category of the human experience.
The Bible's inspired hymnbook guides believers through the highest summits and lowest troughs of life and invites the not-yet believer to a Redeemer who ultimately experienced all of the emotions of these prayers in his incarnation.
Author George Robertson enables readers to find a sympathetic Savior in the Psalms who experienced every human emotion, and he helps men and women use the God-inspired vocabulary for expressing every feeling to the Father. Soul Anatomy helps men and women respond to the love of God in all the ways the psalmists do: spiritually, vocationally, physically, and volitionally. Readers will discover the heart of Jesus through the prayers of Jesus, the high priest who can sympathize with us and learn to pray their troubles using God's own words.
"The Psalms are unique in the Bible as the book in which every possible human condition is depicted, along with the right way to pray oneself through the circumstance. How do you deal with betrayal, disappointment, personal failure, prosperity, adversity? In every case the Psalms instruct us on how to process the situation before God. George Robertson's work on the Psalms brings out this lifeÐrelatedness. Evangelical Protestants, to their great loss, are not as familiar with the Psalms as are other branches of the Christian church. This will help remedy that. I recommend it!"
Tim Keller, Chairman, Redeemer City to City
"In this wonderful book, George Robertson has provided a veritable gold mine of insights for anyone looking to grow in their knowledge of and relationship to God. If you are looking for a devotional book on the Psalms that carefully balances faithful interpretation and pastoral application, look no further. I know I will be using this book to help me not only grow as a Christian, but also minister as a pastor and professor."
Julius J. Kim, President, The Gospel Coalition
"Dr. George Robertson has made a career of loving, reading, preaching and writing about the Psalms. He has preached through the entire book multiple times, and this collection from his messages well reflects the wisdom of a psalmist, the understanding of a scholar, and the heart of an experienced pastor. What a privilege to read this distillation of decades of pastoral experience and pulpit excellence used to share the poetic insights and gospel spirit of the Hebrews' hymnal."
Bryan Chapell, Senior Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church, Peoria, IL
"Robertson's work displays every strength the godly reader will seek in pastoral expositions of the Psalms. They are clear and substantial, theologically sound and attentive to the text, brimming with helpful illustrations and applications, and devoted to the person and word of the Triune God. In these pages you will hear the voice of a shepherd, offering God's peace and nourishment for the soul."
Daniel Doriani, Vice President and Professor of Theology, Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, MO
"The Psalms are for every mood of the Christian life every joy, every sorrow, every anxiety, and every hope. In this devotional commentary, a wise and loving pastor illustrates and applies the biblical psalms in ways that help everyday Christians connect the gospel to the ups and downs of everyday life."
Philip G. Ryken, President, Wheaton College; council member of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals; author of more than thirty books.
"Soul Anatomy by my friend Pastor George Robertson is both personally honest and pastorally helpful. His honesty and vulnerability make me think, 'Oh, I'm not alone.' His help and wisdom make me think, 'Oh, Jesus is real right where I need him.' This book gently puts the hand of the reader into the hand of Christ our Healer. Who doesnât need that?"
Ray Ortlund, Renewal Ministries, Nashville, TN
"Dr. George Robertson is a rarity among today'
s theologians; a scholar with a common touch. In these psalms, Dr. Robertson combines scholarly precision with everyday living. You will come away from reading these words feeling that you have been to a banquet of grace you have and will look forward to coming back for more. Your life will be uplifted and your soul renewed by the spiritual feast found on these pages. I cannot recommend them too highly."
Leslie Holmes, Former Provost, Erskine Theological Seminary
"In Soul Anatomy, George Robertson has combined insightful and engaging exegesis of God's songbook (The Psalms) with practical, helpful, and personal applications of these eternal truths. This book will be treasured by anyone who desires a more intimate relationship with their Creator and Redeemer."
Paul Kooistra, Former President, Erskine College
"All too often, Christians aren't sure how to deal with the ebb and flow of their emotions, with the challenge of their circumstances, or with the painful reality of opposition. And so, we wander around looking for counsel and help from popular culture or our own counterfeit gods. And yet, God has given us an entire book of the Bible that serves as 'an anatomy of the soul' the Psalms. I can't think of a better guide through this God-given book of counsel and help than Dr. George Robertson. With a pastor's touch, a disciple's heart, and an exegete's skill, God used him to lead me beside still waters and green pastures to be refreshed and restored. I'm sure that if you let him, God will use him to do the same for you."
Sean Michael Lucas, Senior Minister, Independent Presbyterian Church, Memphis, TN
"The Psalms, with a Holy Spirit inspired touch, speak to the souls and hearts of men and women living in a sin-cursed world both surrounded and impacted by the brokenness produced in a world of rebellion against God. George Robertson has not only mined the Psalms for the theological truths that apply the gospel "oil upon the troubled waters" of both heart and soul but has done so with a pastor's touch. Enjoy the gospel melody from Christ, the Singer of the Psalms, as he refreshes your heart and soul on every page of this faithful and insightful volume."
Harry L. Reeder, III, Senior Pastor, Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, AL
"George Robertson's work in Soul Anatomy is latent with the effects of years served in faithful and fruitful pastoral ministry. The human heart is expressed so emotively in the psalms, and this exposition is enlightened by the experience of a pastor who has cared for many through all ranges of the lived experience."
Stephen Um, Senior Minister, Citylife Presbyterian Church, Boston, MA
"This work is not just another staid exposition of the Psalms. Robertson's work brings out the full intention of the Psalms to meet head-on the emotional states of the heart common to us all. Anyone who has used his previous works will again sense this pastor's passion for using the Word of God to meet needs. There is nary a human feeling that the Psalms do not address, and the author's work is arranged to point the reader immediately to how the Psalm addresses various emotions. One will particularly appreciate this pastor/scholar's good use of illustrations, both personal and historical, that center on feelings of apprehension, rest, despair, and elation. This author's writing, though not unsophisticated, is comprehensive and reads well for pastors, counselors, and laymen alike."
Robert Vasholz, Professor Emeritus, Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, MO
"Only now am I appreciating the riches and depth of the Psalms for our spiritual nurture and growth, and Pastor Robertson's book is a welcome aid in this exploration. His mediations on these divine, yet very human words help to heal my wounds and lift my soul. I recommend this volume to all who want to be nourished by our Lord's prayer book."
Bill Kynes, Pastor, Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church, Annandale, VA
"To be honest, I'm not the emotive type, and the soul-stirring beauty of the Psalms has often eluded me. Thus, it was a great day to discover that George Robertson a scholar, devoted shepherd of his flock, and prince among preachers was publishing his work on the Psalms. For strugglers like me, Soul Anatomy is medicine my parched heart craves."
Ray Cortese, Senior Pastor, Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church, Lecanto, FL
Soul Anatomy is set up for anyone and Christians who are feeling depressed, under the weather, anxious, sorrow even being happy and joyful and other emotional sufferings. The book is similar to self help and devotional to which this book is classed in the style of a biblical devotional commentary. Based upon the Psalms a songbook which is written to encourage those who are in need to understand their feelings and how the scripture and songs in the Psalms to help sort out their huge thoughts, emotions and feelings. The contents of the book lists the emotions and feelings which corresponds to the verses in the Psalms. The book is very helpful written similar to a commentary is the verses are explained then a section is based upon an emotional feelings which the verses interpreted to how the reader could be feeling at that point and how the verses will help the reader. Each section includes questions to ponder and reflect or as a group discussion. Ideal book to keep on the bookshelf or next to the Bible to study; great book for those who are feeling emotional and need some time with God to sort through the feelings.
Must read for everyone who is looking for healing and wholeness in Jesus
If you're wondering what scripture has to say to your emotions and your mental health during this pandemic and beyond, here's a series of "talks to the soul" that will lift you up. Whether you are happy or sad, angry or calm, afraid or confident, the Psalms address every aspect of our response to God and those around us. Robertson explores the psalms - and encourages us to deeply reflect in reading and response on what God is doing. Is your life going smoothly? Choose a chapter about that. Are you suffering because of others' decisions? There's a psalm for that. At the end of each chapter, you can personally record how you are engaging with scripture and bringing God's reassuring presence into your life. Recommended to all.
Absolutely mandatory reading for anyone who struggles with depression and anxiety. As someone who struggles deeply with both this book has helped me get through the pain of 2020 which has included deaths, sickness, being laid off, and much more. Showing me that our father in heaven has given us a mediator for the darkest moments, even when it feels like we have no faith.
A great exposition and application of a number of Psalms. Dr. Robertson has also filled each chapter with many great illustrations, both personal and historical. Well-written and easy to read, I still chose to read it slowly to really contemplate the truths in each chapter/each psalm. Definitely a worthwhile read and a helpful book for those needing reminders of the peace, hope, and joy that come from God alone. Probably my only complaint is that it didn't cover more of the Psalms! (Maybe a sequel could remedy that!)
This study book consists of twenty-four chapters, focusing on twenty-five psalms, with each one highlighting a different theme. The author is a Pastor and theologian who has preached on all one hundred and fifty psalms, twice over, in the last twenty years. This book clearly reveals his lifelong love of the psalms. In the introduction, he discusses what has brought him back to the psalms again and again. There are five points, that they invite us to understand ourselves; they can increase our boldness in prayer; they voice our grief and help process suffering; they are a poetic expression of faith and teach us to grow in community. These thoughts underlie the book. The chapters all follow a similar format, with the author’s introduction to the theme, followed by a systematic exposition and commentary on the psalm. The final point links back to the theme title and then there are three to four questions for personal reflection or discussion. The chapter concludes with examples, guidance, and prompts in how to pray through the psalm. This is the application, and the focal point of each study, that the psalms deepen our relationship with God. In the author’s own words: “Being convinced God loves you is perhaps the greatest key to finding peace, hope and joy in him.” How this book affected me: I appreciated the author’s honesty in sharing his own struggles and the personal stories that he included for relevance. The commentary refers to and quotes extensively other historical theologians, Wesley, Spurgeon, Calvin, and Luther to name a few, and more recent figures such as Bonhoeffer, H.A.Ironside, and C.S.Lewis. The quotations added weight to the message, but were not always necessary, as the author’s words had a validity of their own. Who would enjoy this book: Soul Anatomy is a study book, almost a series of mini sermons, with extensive knowledge, insight, and a love for exposition of the psalms. It would appeal to the bible teacher, or student, looking to do a thorough study, with the belief that the application of God’s word is essential. The book shares a clear love for God’s word that it is indeed our life, and health, providing food for our souls. 'Finding God Among Us' Reviewer Sharon Hazel.
The Psalms have been a part of worship and human expression for centuries. They help us understand ourselves in the light of God's truth, Robertson says. He takes us through twenty-five psalms with a running commentary on their content. He includes questions for thought and a prayer at the end of each study. The text is more in the style of a commentary than a devotional reading. This is a book where readers might look to chapter headings and read about a psalm addressing a particular concern. When one is feeling abandoned, turn to Psalm five. Robertson reminds us God delights in paying attention to us. That is something we might not naturally believe so need to be reminded often. When being accused, Psalm 26 will help us experience God's peace. When we are waiting for God to move while we are facing difficulties, go to Psalm 27. And in Psalm 37 we find encouragement to change our focus to delighting in the Lord when life gets us down. This is a book for Christians who are dealing with emotions during troubled times, such as depression. Robertson shares his own struggles with it and how the Psalms helped him. Reading about these Psalms will help readers learn how to give voice to their deepest emotions. One word of caution, however. The Psalms are poetic expressions. The writers used many literary techniques such as hyperbole. I think we can get into trouble when we take poetic expression as doctrine. An example is Robertson on Psalm 5:11,12. “These are truths we can live by: God's protection and provision of grace is certain.” (Loc 469/3899) What does that truth of protection mean practically? How does that certainty of protection work for Christians being martyred today? We must remember, I think, that the Psalms are poetry and are to be treated as such.
Any reading throughout the Psalms will always provide a blessing and growth in our knowledge of God's character. Robertson did not structure the book as I had expected. I was thinking the book would take the format of a devotional or study. But it seemed to be more of a blend between a devotional and a commentary. He covers only a fraction of the Psalms: chapters 1, 5, 6, 7, 17, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 35, 37, 49, 51, 56, 64, 65, 66, 68, 70, 73, 129, 137, 140, and 139. He is clear that the reason for choosing these particular Psalms are because he refers to them most often when needing peace, hope and joy. Each chapter is structured with an introduction, commentary style description, and devotional style reflection questions and prayer. The introduction provides insight on the context of the Psalm which is extremely helpful in fully understanding its meaning and purpose. Robertson then moves into sharing his insights verse by verse of that particular Psalm. He also incorporates his own experiences into this section from family to preaching to failures to blessings. The conclusion provides reflection questions and discussion along with a prayer that directly incorporates that particular Psalm. I had a difficult time reading through this book. I have commentaries that I use for reference, not a nightly reading. Because of Robertson's chosen writing style that mirrors a commentary, I struggled with being able to stay focused for a long period of time. There just wasn't a good flow throughout the writing to capture my attention. The chapters are also fairly long. I would definitely use this as more of a reference when studying the Psalms rather than a full read through book. I did enjoy the reflection questions and discussion along with the prayer. These were very beneficial even outside of the actual Roberston's commentary descriptions. I received an e-copy of this book from New Growth Press in exchange for an honest review.
George Robertson takes readers on a journey through the Psalms in Soul Anatomy: Finding Peace, Hope, and Joy in the Psalms, published by New Growth Press. It's a thoughtful look at the psalms and how they help us to express our emotions, how they help us to pray, how they help us to experience God more deeply. Robertson says the psalms invite us to understand ourselves in light of who God is, to increase our boldness in prayer, to give us voice for our emotions and show us how to process suffering, and to ground us in life-changing theology. And so, Robertson specifically dives into 24 specific psalms, addressing topics like happiness, justice, depression, waiting confidently, when facing accusations, and life under the cross. He unpacks each psalm and helps readers think through what they learn about God and themselves. He also gives readers plenty to think about and apply as they work through the questions at the end of each chapter. All in all, it's a great book about the psalms--so appropriate in any season of life since the psalms address almost every human emotion. Robertson models for readers how to approach the psalms to dig deep and mine the truth as well as learn to experience God more deeply.