The Firmly Planted Tree

By Joey Hawkins

A Psalms reading podcast for the encouragement of the church.

The Firmly Planted Tree is a podcast for the reading and discussion of the Psalms—the song and prayer book of the church bringing the whole of human experience before God. FPT is hosted by Joey Hawkins.

He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
—Psalm 1:3

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Introduction From The Host

The Firmly Planted Tree Episodes

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 41 – A Collocation

Psalm 41 finishes out the first book of the Psalms. In placing it next to Psalm 1, we see the way God works both in

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 40 – Sacrifice

In Psalm 40, David proclaims the biblical theme that God does not merely desire sacrifice but obedient hearts and lives which sees it’s ultimate fulfilment

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 39 -Silence

Psalm 39 calls us to the dual burden and wisdom of silence before the Lord and calls us to lay out our words to Him

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 38 – Memorial in Suffering

Psalm 38 is a difficult memorial: to reflect on our sin during times of suffering. While Scripture affirms that suffering happens to the just and

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 37 – The Righteous Not Forsaken

Psalm 37 is David’s homily reminding us that God is faithful to the righteous, and the position of the successful wicked is not secure. It

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 36 – Who am I fooling?

Psalm 36 is a psalm in three parts where the final ties it together. Reflection and praise tied together in the prayer that comes from

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 35 – Contend, O Lord

Psalm 35 can’t help but get you riled up. In it David demonstrates the active waiting on the Lord that would characterize much of his

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 34 – Good Towards His People

Psalm 34 exhorts us to trust in the goodness of God towards his people, that our circumstances can be affected by our prayer and trust

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 33 – Sturdy Praise

Psalm 33 is one of the quintessential praise Psalms. It calls us to worship and praise God in the stout and sturdy praise of the

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 32 – Sin and Suffering

Psalm 32 begs he question: what is the link between sin and suffering? Not all suffering is a direct result of our sins, but we

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 31 – My times are in His hand

Psalm 31 reminds us in the “prayer prayed twice” that God in in control of our souls and our time here on earth. Join me

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 30 – Testimony 101

Psalm 30 is a Psalm that invites us to tell the testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness over and over again. Our music is provided

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 29 – Ascribe to the Lord

Psalm 29 thunders at both earthly and heavenly powers to recognize God as sovereign and powerful and I pray you will join in ascribing honor

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 28 – The Ask

“In Psalm 28 he brings forward his petition, spreading hands as a suppliant towards the holy of holies, and receives his answer.” – Derek Kidner

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 27 – Secret Sauce

What made David, well, David? In this episode, we read and reflect on Psalm 27 and what makes David the “man after God’s own heart.”

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 26 – Tested and True

In this episode, we read and reflect on Psalm 26. Contrasting the themes of Psalm 25 and 26, we seek to have our hearts tested

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 24 – The Ascended King

In this episode, we read and reflect on Psalm 24. This psalm was sung at the arrival of the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 23 – The Shepherd’s Psalm

In this episode, we read and reflect on Psalm 23 and simply share a few translations and excerpts from commentaries and writings on this beloved

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 21 – The King’s Strength

“Lord, who is like unto thee? Solomon in all his glory could not be compared with thee, thou once despised man of Nazareth.” – Charles

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 20 – The King and his people

In this episode, we read and reflect on Psalm 20, a psalm that is the picture of Godly leaders and those under their care. Our

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 19 – A One-Two Punch

In this episode, we read and reflect on Psalm 19, the double whammy of the heavens and the Law proclaiming the glory of God. Our

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 18 – Blessed be the Rock

In this episode, we read and reflect on Psalm 18, the reflection by David on the faithfulness of God over his life and reign as

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 17 – Arise O God

In this episode, we read and reflect on Psalm 17, where we consider the plea and prayer of David before God the judge and savior,

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 16 – The Pleasant Portion

In this episode, we study Psalm 16, looking at the man who orients his life around the Lord, and then in praise of the Lord

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 15 – A Guest of God

In this episode, we read and reflect on Psalm 15, a psalm that resembles the holiness requirements to enter the tabernacle yet drives us straight

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 13 – The Howling Psalm

In this episode, we read and reflect on Psalm 13, as Spurgeon so aptly put it the “howling psalm.” Our music is provided by Brian

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 12 – I Do Not Love My Lips

In this episode, we read and reflect on Psalm 12, with quotes from C.S. Lewis on the deceptive tongue that shows up throughout the psalms.

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 11 – Steady On

In this episode, we read and reflect on Psalm 11, a short Psalm set as a simple statement of trust. Our music is provided by

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 9 – The Avenger

In this episode, we read and reflect on Psalm 9 from a translation of the Septuagint. While there are many themes to look at, I

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 8 – Our Place

“We may style this Psalm the song of the Astronomer; let us go abroad and sing it beneath the starry heavens at eventide.” – Charles

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 7 – The Oath of Innocence

In this episode, we read and reflect on Psalm 7, one that has been a part of my prayer life. We look at the Biblical

Joey Hawkins

Psalm 6 – All My Tears

In this episode, we read and reflect on Psalm 6, the first of the penitential Psalms. I pray that whatever tears shed in your life