Exploring Biblical Expression in Times of Struggle and Gratitude
A Review of
Psalms in Sickness and in Health
Andrew W. Litke
Paperback: Cascade Books, 2025
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Reviewed by Daniel Jesse
Andrew Litke’s Psalms in Sickness and in Health is a remarkable exploration of the biblical psalms on the themes of health, both in suffering and in times of recovery and thanksgiving. Litke’s approach is distinguished by his ability to bring together psalms of lament and psalms of praise, offering readers a holistic vision of religious expression relevant for anyone navigating illness, healing, and faith.
Litke provides fresh translations of the psalms. Rather than relying on familiar renderings, he delves into the original Hebrew texts, seeking out nuances that have often been lost or flattened in traditional translations. This approach injects new life into ancient words, allowing readers to encounter these poems as living expressions of human experience. Litke’s translations are both linguistically sensitive and poetically vibrant, capturing the emotional intensity and spiritual honesty of the psalmists.
In addition to translating, Litke skillfully unpacks the layers of meaning in each psalm. He does not settle for surface interpretations; instead, he guides readers into the depths of the text, illuminating the cultural, historical, and theological context that shaped each poem. Litke reveals the unique voice of each psalmist, showing how their words resonate with anguish, hope, gratitude, and faith. Through careful exegesis, he demonstrates that these psalms are not monolithic expressions but rather a chorus of diverse voices, each contributing to a multifaceted understanding of the relationship between humanity and the divine.
Litke’s selection and analysis of psalms highlight the diversity of religious expression in the face of struggle. The psalms of lament, for example, are presented as unfiltered cries of pain, filled with questions, doubts, and even accusations directed toward God. These are not sanitized prayers; they are honest and vulnerable, reflecting the depth of human suffering and the courage it takes to bring that suffering before the divine. Litke emphasizes that such honesty is not a sign of weak faith but rather a testament to the strength of those who refuse to hide their pain.
Conversely, the psalms of thanksgiving are explored as celebrations of healing and restoration. Litke shows how these poems express gratitude not only for physical recovery but also for the presence of God during adversity. The transition from lament to praise is never straightforward, and Litke is attentive to the ambiguities that often accompany the journey from sickness to health. He encourages readers to see both lament and thanksgiving as essential components of a robust spiritual life, each offering valuable insights into the nature of faith.
Perhaps the greatest strength of Psalms in Sickness and in Health is Litke’s ability to showcase the astonishing honesty and vulnerability with God found in these texts. He refuses to gloss over the difficulties of faith, instead inviting readers to embrace the full range of human emotion in their spiritual practice. In doing so, he portrays a courageous faith that persists not despite suffering, but through it.
Litke’s work is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the psalms as more than ancient poetry. It is a guide for those who struggle, a companion for those in pain, and a celebration of the diversity and richness of biblical expression. Through his fresh translations and insightful commentary, he offers a powerful reminder that the journey of faith is marked by both vulnerability and courage, and that the psalms continue to speak to the deepest parts of our human experience.
Daniel Jesse
Daniel Jesse is a Humanities and Theology Professor working with AI inside and outside of the classroom, a Christian Worship researcher, and occasional preacher. He writes about Emotional Formation in the Church on Substack at: danieljesse.substack.com
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