Review: ESV Scripture Journal, Spiral-Bound Edition: Psalms (Artwork by Ruth Chou Simons)
My May Crossway Review Program pick was the soft, water-color edition of Psalms, in a spiral-bound version. I was curious to check out this style of journal as I have used a number of the softbound, lay flat Scripture Journals and own the full New Testament set ( a wonderful Christmas gift from a special person).
In this review, I hope to share a look at these beautiful journaling Bibles while offering a bit of inspiration and encouragement for you if you have been curious about using them. I will share a review of the new spiral edition, and also a peek into my completed softbound Illuminated Psalms Scripture Journal. I hope it helps you to see the power and benefit of using these specific journaling tools.
First Impressions
The artwork by Ruth Chou Simons makes this cover inviting. Hummingbirds among a floral vine, and cloudscape over welcoming meadows, provide a cover which evokes a quiet and calm call. The cover itself brings to mind, Jesus inviting us to come away to spend time with the Father for awhile.
The font is easy on the eyes, clear, appearing on the left side throughout, while the opaque, cream-colored journaling pages appear on the right. There are lightly ruled lines standing opposite the ESV scripture which is single-column and 11.75 size font (as I mentioned already- very easy to read).
This Psalms collection (512 pages) with spiral binding weighs in at 28.52 ounces. Not quite two pounds, but not a featherweight either! The size is 5.25 inches X 8.0 inches. So this reminds me of an A5 size for my planner people, BUT fat! I am one who adores a chunky, yet petite book like this. It’s got some heft but is still something I can throw in a bag and carry.
I do have a concern about the cover. The cover is a heavy cardstock. How durable this will be over time remains to be seen. It is a beautiful cover, but without laminated protection or an alternative plastic cover, I don’t think it will hold up to the daily journaling I do. The flipping back and forth of pages on those paper ringholes will likely leave a tattered cover if I use it daily as I did with my previous journal. Because it is spiral-bound, I am not sure I will be able to slip it (safely) into one of my Traveler’s Notebooks, or other leather journal covers as I did with the former. My best guess is this is an at-home journaling Bible, or carefully carried if taken along somewhere outside the home. I will update at a future time. I do look forward to seeing how it does hold up.
Another thought is for those who are left-handed. I am right-handed, and so the spiral is positioned ideally for me, as I write from right to left. If someone is left-handed, might that be a concern? I am not sure but I do know, I do not like journaling in spiral-bound journals when spiral sits on the right as I write. Oh, phew…that’s a mouthful and a lot to consider. But, if that’s something for you to consider, a lay-flat binding might be better.
The spiral itself, is sturdy and attractive. Overall this Journaling Psalms Bible is endearing to look at! Onward!
Why Use a Psalms Scripture Journal?
I am so glad you asked! As one who continually prays alongside scripture, BUT especially the Psalms, I will tell you, it is a journey (and journal) worth taking the time to do.
The Psalms offer us an opportunity to walk inside a praying life in real time. They may not all fit at the same time in your specific circumstances, but the more you are immersed in the Psalms the more you are immersed in God’s presence, peace, and power for the messy, real-time life you are living. Psalms are a gateway to the heart of God, like no other area of scripture. All of scripture is God-breathed, but the raw emotions of humanity as revealed in Psalms teaches us that our down-to-earth, real-life frustrations matter to God.
The Psalms teach us to go to Him with our smallness, weakness, anger, fear and frailty, and allow His Spirit to walk us through our emotions, all the way back to His loving arms. I believe there is nothing like praying with my pen alongside scripture, especially the Psalms, to grow in my day-to-day Christian walk. God is not surprised by the intensity of emotional responses to our momentary afflictions- Psalms helps us find a connecting point…a link to our creator, if you will. One that allows for the reality of impulsive, intense, real responses. It’s all there in the pages for you to see, and gain insight becoming a Psalmists as you find your own voice side-by-side with scripture.
Features to Note
- Features the English Standard Version (ESV) full text
- Single-column format
- Cream-colored Paper
- 11.75 Font! Excellent readability!
- Large, sturdy, attractive spiral binding (copperish in color)
Suggestions for Use
- Sermon notes for a Psalms series (I don’t think I would write random sermon notes, myself but only if the sermon is Psalms focused- but you might!).
- Recording prayers, notes, thoughts
- Copy scripture as a means of meditation or to help memorize
- A daily journal of thanksgiving alongside scripture
- Creative prayer, reflection, doodling and dreaming with God
How I have Used My Psalms Journal
I use the Psalms as a foundation for my prayer life. It’s a continual journey. It is similar to a Bible Reading Plan, except instead I find myself returning to the Psalms over and over again, a place to live, breathe and have my being with the Lord. I journal prayers, but also reflections, I do scripture doodles, although I am not very artsy at all. I love words, and The Word, so I just write my heart to God as I go about my daily rhythms of living. I do enjoy being creative, but I am not an “artist” so I just enjoy employing a bit of creative scripture writing at times. Sometimes I journal about a photo, or clipping, or a memory.
I don’t worry about impressing anyone, I just enjoy my time of lingering over God’s Word. These pages are for me. Between me and my Maker. And because I have chosen to remain off of the majority of popular Social Media platforms in order to increase my focus on the Lord I have found increased creativity and confidence in my devotional life. Some of you may recall I did a hyper-speed flip of the pages on YouTube of this completed journal (I have unlocked the video for this post link). But the pages I am sharing here, are carefully chosen. My longhand prayers, prayer lists, and heart pour overs are a blessing to my faith life and for the Lord’s eyes only these days.
Another thing I enjoyed doing was tipping into the binding (with some tape) the church bulletin and praying through it weekly. Also local business cards, and ministry cards can be pasted in the back pages for prayer. Another feature I failed to mention is that each Journaling Bible has a few extra open pages in the back.
In a time when public oversharing is common, I find great peace in the unshared spaces I share with the Lord in scripture. The Psalms Scripture Journal makes a great journaling companion.
Check out The ESV Illuminated Scripture HERE (This product was purchased by me)
Check out the ESV Scripture Journal, Spiral-Bound Edition: Psalms (Artwork by Ruth Chou Simons) HERE (This Bible was sent to me for review)
Thank you for reading this review. If you have questions about anything I mentioned, please don’t hesitate to comment, or reach out to me at dawn.paoletta@gmail.com. ALSO, I have made some changes to address the blog commenting issue, so let me know if it is better or not. Thanks!
Thank you to Crossway for providing this newly released (2025) Psalms Journal for review. I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts and opinions.
Enthusiastically, Dawn
Enthusiastically, Dawn 