Introduces the kinds of Psalms: praise (illustrated by Ps. 104), lament (13), and thanksgiving (30). Shows how the Psalms speak to us in all circumstances.

Life is a journey, full of smooth sailing and rocky roads. The Psalms are there for us as we experience life. They can clarify our thinking or release emotions from the deep well of the soul. Joy Comes in the Morning helps readers understand how to utilize the Psalms throughout life’s journey and introduces readers to the concept of genre. Joy Comes in the Morning is a unique combination of head and heart. It introduces readers to the importance of genre as an interpretive tool and demonstrates this for the three major genres in the Psalms. Interwoven with the author’s personal testimony, Joy Comes in the Morning also traces the author’s journey and shows how no matter life’s circumstances, joy comes in the morning.

“For nearly thirty years, Mark Futato has studied, taught and lived the Psalms. Now he distills his multi-facted knowledge in a wonderfully readable and profound guide to the form, the interpretation and the full meaning of the main genres of the Psalms. This is a clear, deep, and personal introduction to the song book of Israel.” —Dan Doriani

“With this book Mark Futato reaffirms his position as a sensitive and insightful interpreter of the Psalms. Mark not only shares his knowledge with us but also his heart and life story. I recommend this book to pastors and laypeople alike.” —Tremper Longman III

Mark D. Futato is a professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. His in-depth study of the Book of Psalms has spanned over twenty years. He has written a major commentary on the Psalms and was part of a team that translated the Psalms for the New Living Translation. In addition, he is also the author of Transformed by Praise: The Purpose and Message of the Psalms.