Earth Psalms: Reflections on How God Speaks through Nature

by Francine Rivers, Karin Stock Buursma (Primary Contributor)

Millions of readers have been transformed and inspired by Francine Rivers' bestselling novels "Redeeming Love" and "A Voice in the Wind." Now, in this weekly devotional, the beloved author invites you to join her in seeking the Creator through the marvelous natural world we live in. Francine shares observations she's gathered over a lifetime of exploring--abroad and in her own backyard--and reflects on how they might apply to your daily life. What do the majestic redwoods, the persistent woodpecker, or a glorious sunrise reveal about our artistic and generous God? How could that change your outlook or the way you handle adversity?Stunning photography, Scripture excerpts, applications, and prayers accompany Francine's reflections, inspiring you to be encouraged. Be challenged. Be comforted. God's power is immense; His attention to detail in precise; His love for you is vast and unfailing. The proof is all around you.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Devotional, Inspirational, Christian Living, Religion

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2016

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers continues to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her numerous bestsellers include Redeeming Love, A Voice in the Wind, and Bridge to Haven, and her work has been translated into more than thirty different languages. She is a member of Romance Writers of America's coveted Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

www.francinerivers.com
www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers
Twitter: @FrancineRivers

Reviews

[Oceana GottaReadEmAll · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read the last day tonight!
The whole devotional was lovely and I would highly recommend.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars
There was nothing wrong with this book… unfortunately it just didn’t translate well to audio. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read a physical copy.

Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3 stars
Narrators: Stina Nielsen
Narration Rating: 3 stars
Genre: Non-fiction
Length: 4h 23m

[Charlotte Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely devotional from one of my favorite Christian fiction authors.
The pictures were beautiful and added to each devotional.
A weekly devotional making it different than your usual daily and helps to study the Word for the week pertaining it to your daily life that week.
With 52 devotionals it takes you through the year.
I will start over at the beginning of the year 2020, that's how much I loved it.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this beautiful book! It was a Christmas gift from my sister's in-laws, and features short devotionals with gorgeous full-color design to go with it.

It's intended to be used as a weekly devotional, but the devotions are short, and I ended up using it as a daily devotional. It's very encouraging, and I have promptly lent it to my best friend.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars ✨

“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, [we] can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So [we] have no excuse for not knowing God” (Romans 1:20). Everything God has created is a wonder to behold. If we look closely, we find lessons in our observations.

It’s no secret Francine Rivers is probably one of my all time favorite authors. She could write a phone book and I’d read it with joy! So when I saw she wrote a weekly devotional, of course I had to give it a go. This was such a beautiful devotional, she took simple things from nature, and shared the wisdom she gained from each experience and how God shows up in every situation. There are also beautiful pictures and quotes included within. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it if you’re looking for a good daily/weekly devotional.

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 3 out of 5]

THREE POINT FIVE STARS

Earth Psalms is a weekly devotional by Francine Rivers. I don’t think it was intended to be read in one sitting like I did. And on top of that, I listened to it which I prefer to actually read the paperback version of a weekly devotional.

The way I read this book - in one sitting - reminds me of old days when I would buy workout videos and I’d watch them before I’d do them. That way I knew what to expect and I wasn’t flailing around trying to keep up. Similar idea with this devotional - read it first before going back to do a more in-depth study.

The anthropomorphism of the animals in the devotional made for cute lessons but in reality, is most likely not what the animal is thinking when they behave that way. I get that the author was trying to use it to illustrate a point but it took me out of the moment because animals aren't people and don't think that way. Anyway, that's probably more something that stands out to me than to other readers.

Audiobook source: Libby
Narrator: Stina Nielsen
Length: 4H 23M

[Shelley Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars
One of my morning rituals, that keeps me steady and clear, is my quiet time. I have my cup of coffee in a mug of my choosing, journal in hand and enjoy the early morning quiet moments to read a devotional and my Bible. It’s a sweet time of collecting & gathering my thoughts and preparing for the day ahead.

Earth Psalms is a beautiful book with gorgeous photography showcasing stunning nature scenes with interesting tidbits about each scene, or natural item of choice. Each day’s devotion offers a Scripture, an interesting anecdote from the author’s life and experiences, and a related lesson associated with God’s creation. There is also a short section with questions to contemplate and journal, as well as a short prayer.

Earth Psalms is informational, inspirational, relatable and a pleasure to read.

[DiAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful blend of wisdom, God's word, and application. One of the finest devotions I've read in a long time.

[Kim Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I’m not a big fiction reader. In fact, I read almost zero fiction. I have heard amazing things about Francine Rivers’ novels and although I haven’t read any of them (shame on me), I was excited to see what she could do with a devotional. This one is kind of incredible. It’s absolutely stunning – the pictures, the words – all of it. The above picture doesn’t come close to doing it justice.

There are 52 devotionals for the 52 weeks of the year and each one has a scripture verse, a quote or song lyric and three sections for personal application: Reflect, Apply and Connect with God (which is a prayer). Each photo in the book has a super short description or tidbit of info about the part of nature or the animal(s) it depicts.

Did you know that we can learn a lesson about loyalty from geese? Or about risk-taking from a turtle? Or about the need for community from redwood trees? Or even that you could learn about friendship from a crab spider? This devotional is full of beautiful observations about God’s creation and how those observations can serve as lessons for us in how to live a deeper faith, in true community and in communion with God the Father.

It would make a fabulous gift for just about any adult – especially those who are nature or animal lovers.

Here are some of my favorite quotables from the Earth Psalms devotional:

“Why joy? Because troubles test our faith, which builds endurance. And endurance helps us blossom into the people God created us to be. Faith blossoms. Courage inspires.” (p42)

“Our prayers are an act of worship because when we pray, we are acknowledging that God is there, that He is Lord, and that we need Him. God breathes in our prayers and smiles, answering in His time, in His way, and for our best.” (p50)

“We don’t always see the Holy Spirit moving within us, either, but the evidence of His presence is that our “lifescape” is changing.” (p75)

“The beauty we see around us not is a reminder of His majesty and beauty, and it’s a promise of even more majesty and beauty to come.” (p90)

“Sometimes the things that look dead are just getting ready to grow.” (p114)

“Avoid the crab spiders. Seek out the honeybees.” (p143)

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a collector of devotionals. I enjoy how each one is distinct in character, often times emphasizing something within myself, and Earth Psalms greatly appeals to my love of God, nature, and photography.

With 52 devotions, I can reflect upon—savoring fully through verse and illustration—one aspect of God’s creation for seven days. Not only are the short reflections applicable to everyday life, the photography is stunningly beautiful!

I highly recommend Earth Psalms. It brings into focus who God is with its peaceful and contemplative nature. This would make a lovely gift for anyone.

Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy. No compensation has been received.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Christian non-fiction devotional book that is meant to be read throughout the year. There are 52 chapters, with the intention of reading and reflecting on one chapter per week.

This book looks at different aspects of God's creation and the lessons we can derive from nature to apply to our daily faith walk. Francine Rivers also reflects on some of her own personal stories/experiences pertaining to nature. There are numerous photographs throughout the entire book, making it such a pleasant reading experience. There are scriptures throughout, as well as quotes from various people--such as C.S. Lewis.

The chapters are quite short, making this very accessible to read weekly (about three pages per week).

I definitely recommend this book. Francine is a favourite author of mine!!

[Linz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a devotional that I will be coming back to and doing again and again!

[Chella]

This book is special to me, like it was an actual gift from God.

I had just made the difficult decision to DNF another book (which shall remain anonymous) that I disliked so much I was physically enraged. In fact, I loathed this other book so immensely I felt compelled to IMMEDIATELY rid myself of it, and so I marched to the local Little Library to drop it off and say goodbye, not expecting or planning to trade it out for another book. But, lo and behold! This book was there, pristine and perfect, and it was like one of those menacing rain clouds broke into pure, peaceful sunlight. The transition from one mood to the next would have been jarring had the new mood not been so... peaceful.

Of course I don't know with certainty that God would leave a book randomly for me to find, but it surely felt like a love note.

[Lynnette · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty decent weekly devotional. It's in the traditional devotional format of a short little story and then a few thought-provoking questions and some scripture at the end. I was disappointed by the title of this book. I feel like it was kind of misleading. I thought she was going to be talking about actual Psalms in the Bible. Instead she took examples that she had seen or heard of in creation and applied them to the Christian Life. What she wrote was great, I just wasn't expecting that from the title.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This book was gifted to me*

I enjoyed all the connections to nature and the ecological facts shared throughout this devotional. Just as the diversity in God’s creation, each human being and the variety of our cultures showcase the beauty of all creation. Think about two animal types, cats and dogs, that are so different. Each one is unique, and the relationships they form cannot be duplicated. This is the beauty of humans, too. While Christian-centered, this work offers good life advice, interesting nature tidbits, and gems to be gleaned regardless of religious background.

[Manja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book all throughout 2024. There are 52 chapters - one for each week. I have been loving Francine River’s books for a long time and her writing, paired with personal anecdotes and the photographs is excellent. Nature can teach us so much an our God and faith. I can only highly recommend this devotional.

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one book where I would suggest you read the actual book and not go the audio route.

I think a lof of the purpose of the book is lost through the audio.

*I listener to the audiobook on Everand.*

[Autumn Slaght · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe that all around us, God has placed things in every creature, every natural event, every sunset, every plant and all creation to point us to Him. If we open our eyes and see Him speak through every created thing, we will become closer to Him and think more deeply of His ways. Francine Rivers does that in this beautifully illustrated book. She uses things as adorable as squirrels to somethings brilliant and majestic as sunsets to remind us of our Creator, His words and His ways. Many times during reading of this book it was exactly what I needed to hear at my personal spiritual point in time. Thank you, Francine for writing this book!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earth Psalms: Reflections On How God Speaks Through Nature by Francine Rivers

Earth Psalms is a 52 week Bible Devotional that is very different than other devotionals I have. The cover is beautiful and invites one to open the book and pursue the pages within. From the introduction, Francine Rivers encourages the reader to “look at the world God created....search for the subtle messages that will expand your love for Him and your desire for a closer relationship with Him”. Within this devotional she has provided glimpses of His messages to each of us.

The pages are broken into weekly readings with brief observations from Francine's own reflections coupled with:
1) Bible verse
2) devotional reading
3) a relevant quotation
4) questions for reflection
5) suggestion for application
6) a prayer
7) an ending Scripture verse

Intermixed within these pages are gorgeous photography, enhancing God's creative glory with awe and majesty. (I read through this quickly for my review, even though I am just getting it posted)...I am now on week 10, the Scripture verse for today is one of my favorites: Isaiah 40:31 KJV....”But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint”..... I am looking forward to discovering God's messages each day/week as I walk closer to Him. I highly recommend Earth Psalms to those seeking a closer walk with God.

~I received a copy of the book from the author via TBCN, (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scripture tells us God's invisible qualities are revealed in the created world. (Rom. 1:20) “God is an artist, and his earth and the universe are His canvas,” Rivers writes. (ix) She shares here spiritual lessons gleaned through her observations of God's creation.

There are 52 readings. We learn facts about nature in some of them. For example, we find out apple trees need to be grafted to guarantee the kid of fruit produced. Apple trees grown from seeds produce apples of different color, taste, etc. We learn how the stenocara beetle gets enough water to exist while living in the Namib Desert.

Sometimes we learn interesting facts, such as how and why window boxes came into use. We are introduced to the huge work of small earthworms. We also find out about the loyalty of geese and the history of potatoes.

Sometimes we even learn a little history, like that of the trees providing pine nuts and shade for Roman roads. We also find out about gophers and their role in ridding the California coast of Russians in the 1840s.

Rivers includes a spiritual lesson in each of the readings. From a father quail watching over his young Rivers reminds us of our Father watching over us and warning us of danger. We read about the folly of going after false light like moths do and about relationships from crab spiders.

Each reading also includes quotes from the Bible, hymns, and from noted people, questions for reflection, suggestions for an application of the lesson, a prayer to say, as well as beautiful photographs.

The subtitle of the book is “reflections on how God speaks through nature.” I am not so sure that accurately describes the contents of this book. I would say it contains spiritual lessons or truths one can relate to nature observations. The lessons are mostly about God's relationship with us rather than His eternal power, as noted in Romans 1:20. The photographs are from stock photo suppliers. While they are nice, I would have rather had photos that had some relationship to the authors.

The authors hope that this book will encourage readers to look at the world God created and find their love for Him expanded. (xi)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[A.M. Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I Loved: First of all the overall display is to be praised. This hardback book is stunning from the first page until the very last. Each devotional is four pages long with 2 breathtaking pictures to coincide with the theme of the devotion.
Francine Rivers has penned 52 thoughtful devotions that were inspired by different aspects of nature. It's a quick, but thoughtful, read to add to your Bible study. I enjoyed the way each devotional is laid out and the details that make up each one.
Here's a sample of what to expect in each devotional:
One full page picture and one smaller image.
At least 4 quotes that go along with the lesson. Most quotes are scripture but some are also hymns and others are quotes from various authors.
A personal backstory linking the devotional theme with the lesson.
Some devotionals have an amazing fact featuring the theme's the animal or plant.
At the end of the devotionals' main body, are 3 smaller sections to help you connect the lesson to your life.
-Reflect helps you turn the lesson you've just read onto yourself.
-Apply gives you a suggestion to focus on for the week to keep the lesson front and centered in her mind and your heart. The suggestions are easy and applicable.
-Connect with God is a suggested prayer.
I'm not always a devotional fan but I loved the focus on God through His creation. And I especially loved the weekly Apply sections that offer great advice for allowing the lesson to impact your life.

Rating and Recommendation: I'm giving Earth Psalms 5 stars. I recommend it to anyone looking for a new Christian Devotional. This will make a wonderful gift.

~I received a free copy from Tyndale House. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this book the very day it came in the mail. The photo on this hardback book doesn't even begin to do justice to the interior photography and design. It is packed with the most amazing pictures of God's creation and little tidbits of information concerning each creature displayed.

It contains Scripture, songs, quotes and inspiring devotionals that will encourage and lift your spirit. I have enjoyed reading many of them and look forward to reading the rest. Every day Francine comes up with a great observations that come from the time she has spent considering the world around her. At the end of each day she gives a chance for reflection, application, and time to connect with God. The photographs
of nature included are just awe inspiring. They are scattered on almost every page in the book along with a lovely border on the edge of the pages.

This would make a great gift, or just an attractive coffee table centerpiece. It can be used as a devotional, or maybe just a pick-me-upper with your afternoon tea or coffee. I would highly recommend you get a copy of this for yourself and a friend! I would love to give some away at Christmas.

I was privileged to receive this book in exchange for my honest opinion from the Tyndale Blogger Program.

[Janet Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Francine Rivers's first devotional is a beautiful must-read for anyone who loves exploring God's creation. This hardcover book, co-authored by Karin Stock Buursma, has a beautiful, colorful cover. Inside it contains 52 "reflections on how God speaks through nature." Each reflection is short, just a few pages of thoughts born of Rivers's experiences and observations. They are illustrated with beautiful, sometimes whimsical, color photos of God's world. They also contain relevant Scripture and quotations from well-known Christian leaders. Some also contain random, interesting facts about the plants or animals pictured throughout the book. Each devotional ends with an idea to reflect on, a practical application, and a prayer.

I enjoy Rivers's calm and thoughtful presentation of each reflection. I love that the concept for the book is based on Romans 1:20, "For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, [we] can clearly see his invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature. So [we] have no excuse for not knowing God." This is a book that I will turn to often when I just want to contemplate God's Presence and His creative side. It is my pleasure to recommend this book to you.

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most beautiful books I've ever seen! It's such an amazing book with gorgeous photographs and beautiful Scriptures and devotions throughout. There are 52 devotions to reflect on each week and bring us into reflection on God's beautiful creation through the photographs.

The book is hard cover with heavy paper inside that make it a pleasure just to hold! The content is so amazing and together it makes for a coffee table quality book. I just couldn't put it down!

At the end of each devotion there is a section for you to reflect on then apply to your life. I loved this because the author gave insights to things that I hadn't really thought of before. It is just such an amazing reflective book. It really brings you closer to your relationship with God and what a wonderful way to start your quiet time! I found this book calmed my heart and my spirit and gave me an added dimension to my time with the Lord.

You'll love this book! It's just a must have for anyone who loves a beautiful devotional and the work of Francine Rivers. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Tyndale Blog Network

[Brittany Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a beautiful book. The design is well done- very vibrant and colorful and full of beautiful pictures of nature.

This is a 52 week devotional- one devotion per week. It’s called Earth Psalms so I started it at the same time as I started Tim Keller’s Psalms Devotional thinking they would pair well together. But I didn’t do my research. Rivers’ book is not solely based in the Psalms. She picks Scripture from the whole Bible to go along with something she sees in nature that pertains to biblical principles. And not realizing it was 52 weeks and Keller’s is daily, it didn’t make the best duo.

I would probably read this again but try to do it as it was designed and spend more time reflecting on one devotion weekly. She provides good questions and reflections at the end of each devotion as well as a short prayer. Some of the devotions are pretty surface level as most devotionals are, but the questions are relevant and the information is theologically sound. I still found many of the devotions to be valuable and what I needed to hear that day. God still speaks through pretty devotional books with pretty pictures.

[Amanda H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read quite a few of Francine Rivers fiction stories, I was interested to get this devotional and read something very different by her. I've enjoyed it immensely! I love the weekly devotions that tie nature and scripture together with her beautiful thoughts and photography! I love the variety of topics that are covered in the book, from prayer to protection, faithfulness to living waters. I also like that each devotion is accompanied by thoughts to reflect on, things to apply, and a scripture to connect with God. This book would make a beautiful gift for a friend or loved one, since it is a lovely hardcover book.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

[Jasmine Shadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books title attracted me in the store because I love nature. I love so many things about God's creation, and I was looking forward to this book. It did not disappoint. There are so many things in this book that spoke to my heart. Sometimes I would get teary eyed and sometimes I would laugh, but each week I looked forward to the lessons of this book. I have felt since my youth that the Lord has shown us so much of Himself and so many lessons about living in His glorious creation. Thank you Francine Rivers and Karin Stock Buursma for taking on this project. I am looking forward to reading it again each week in the coming year.

[Lisa Lewis Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm generally not a big fan of devotionals; I much prefer digging directly into my Bible. That said, I did really enjoy this devotional. First, it has 52 devotions, much more do-able than the 365-day ones. And each devotional is based on a verse in Scripture and an aspect of nature. I gained more understanding of the Bible, and isn't that what a devotional should do? I highly recommend this devotional, ESPECIALLY if you're not a big fan of devotionals!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read many of Rivers fiction books and am a great fan. This creative non-fiction book is my kind of book. I love nature and enjoy every moment in woods, mountains, or in my back yard. This is an excellent choice for a birthday or Christmas gift. The photographs are exceptional, the layout looks royal. Pages are covered in fancy edging. A must gift book!

[VikToriya Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s all in the description portion. The book looks like a devotional journal…beautiful, filled with amazing photos, scriptures and prayers. What amazes me is the application part that will give some practical advises for the reader to try.