A Book Review from Books At a Glance
by Kristin Stiles
The Psalms present many attributes of God. Often these are portrayed in vivid imagery, but the meanings and nuances may be missed by children. Since they take things quite literally, being told that God is our Rock may be extremely confusing. In his book, God, You Are, William Osborne presents these descriptions of God in a way that is clear and understandable to young children.
Osborne has chosen “20 Promises from the Psalms for Kids.” Each one describes a characteristic of God. He takes these attributes and puts them into terms and scenarios that would make sense to children. He clarifies the difference been the literal definitions and what is being conveyed. For example, when explaining that “God, You Are My Shield,” he points out that this doesn’t mean God is metal or wood, but that He is our strong protector. Osborne also relates how these attributes are demonstrated through Jesus. Jesus is our shield because He can protect us from sin and death through His shed blood on the cross. As with this example, there are many other examples that also point to Gospel truths.
In the introduction, Osborne encourages parents to use this book as a morning or bedtime devotional. I think that it would serve that purpose well. Beautiful watercolor illustrations accompany each selection which begins with a single verse from Psalms followed by three paragraphs of text. Then there is another verse from outside of the Psalms followed by a brief prayer. In addition to memorizing these attributes of God, children could also be encouraged to learn the two verses that go with them. This would be a wonderful way to teach these truths about God to your children.
Kristin Stiles is a home-school mom, a Sunday School teacher, and helps lead the “Young, Reading, & Reformed” children’s ministry at Reformed Baptist Church of Franconia, PA.
Buy the books
GOD, YOU ARE: 20 PROMISES FROM THE PSALMS FOR KIDS, by William R. Osborne