by Veronica Szczygiel
Summer is such a special time. Everything is bursting with life, and everyone seems more cheerful. School is out, vacations are planned, and time is spent with family and friends. Summer’s for hitting the beach, going on a hike, visiting a neighborhood park, and barbecuing.
It’s also a great time to grow closer to our Lord.
One place to start is with Scripture. God’s wise and holy words can ground us as we look forward to these beautiful summer months.
Here are five psalms that will help us enjoy the fruits of the season and reap the fruits of our prayer life.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul” (Psalm 23:1-3).
Usually heard during funerals, this psalm is perfect for summer because it’s the time when we long for relaxation and rest from our daily responsibilities.
By praying this psalm, we can force ourselves to slow down, take a pause, and truly enjoy the moments and memories we make.
The Lord wants us to have fulfilling lives, and that includes times of rest. By turning to Jesus, we can feel restored, refreshed, and renewed.
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
Summer is a time of joy: The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and there are so many fun neighborhood festivals and events we can attend.
This psalm encourages us to set aside our worries and anxieties and be fully immersed in the glory of the Lord each and every day.
Each day is a gift given to us by God; let us rejoice and be glad!
“Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it” (Psalm 96:11-12).
This psalm reminds us of the beauty of nature all around us, which is especially vibrant this season. From ocean waves to thick forests, backyard gardens to farmers’ markets, we can find God in all of his creation.
This psalm reminds us to go out in the great outdoors and seek God there!
“The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and coming in from this time on and forevermore” (Psalm 121:7-8).
This psalm is a wonderful prayer to say, especially when traveling.
Travel brings immense joy, but can also be riddled with stress, challenges, or the unexpected thrown our way. Returning to this psalm when things go awry — like cranky children or delayed flights — can keep us hopeful and excited for our new adventures.
“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God” (Psalm 104:33).
As we enjoy the bounty of summer, let’s remain grateful for all the blessings that God has given us. Let us sing our praise to him!
Veronica Szczygiel, Ph.D., is the Communications Director at Semper Fi & America’s Fund.