Appreciating the Psalms
Most of us have captured in our memory good times we would love to freeze and keep forever. Plans were made, life was good, circumstances were pleasant, the road ahead looked smooth. We were comfortable with “water-colored memories of the way we were.”
Then, suddenly, without warning, something or someone disrupts our comfort and we tumble about in a swirl of emotions, confused by the sudden and often tragic turn of events. We don’t understand; we are confused and often angry.
Most of us have captured in our memory good times we would love to freeze and keep forever. Plans were made, life was good, circumstances were pleasant, the road ahead looked smooth. We were comfortable with “water-colored memories of the way we were.”
Then, suddenly, without warning, something or someone disrupts our comfort and we tumble about in a swirl of emotions, confused by the sudden and often tragic turn of events. We don’t understand; we are confused and often angry.
How we traverse these unexpected and tumultuous seasons often reveals what our hearts and minds truly understand about God. If we hold in our memory banks truth about the unchanging character and goodness of our creator, we have a lifeline to grasp as the storm rages about us. If we do not, we are in danger of getting stuck in the turmoil, sucked down, and seeking other ways to avoid the pain of reality. There is a real danger in the way we respond.
However, for those who know of God’s goodness and choose to focus on that truth, slowly and gradually life unfolds and we move into a new awareness of peace and comfort, a new discovery about life, about people, about God and, surprisingly, about ourselves.
The psalmists have written in rich and evocative language describing these changing seasons on the journey of life. With honesty and forthrightness mingled with hope, they focus our thoughts during each of life’s seasons: times of comfort, times of difficulty, and times of resolution.
The Psalms are perhaps the most comforting passages God has provided to support us in each of these three seasons. I call them Psalms for the Comfort Zone, Psalms for the Danger Zone, and Psalms for the Discovery Zone. Our study will introduce all the Psalter and delve into examples of each type of Psalm.
The honest and emotional expression of the Psalms has made them a favorite of faith communities through the centuries. They teach us how to pray, how to think and to live wisely on life’s journey, even in the midst of trouble.
Just as popular songs today often put words and music around our life experience, so the Psalms are “songs for the soul.” Psalms are poems intended to be sung. Psalms are music without the notes. The tunes are lost to us, but God has preserved the lyrics, perhaps in His own purposes, so that all generations and all cultures can set them to their own music. Sing their own songs. We’re glad you’ve chosen to join our chorus for this study.
The Book of Psalms is wisdom literature that utilizes Hebrew poetic language and structure in expression, has been classified by thematic repetition in content, and has been celebrated on behalf of many generations for its unique characteristics.
The Psalms were written by numerous authors (seven authors are specifically identified; 48 Psalms are anonymous) and compiled over almost 1,000 years.
"It is better to trust in the LORD
Than to put confidence in man."
There are 150 individual Psalms. By reading five Psalms per day, the entire book can easily be completed in one month. Read the Psalms slowly, notice the poetic parallelism and language, enjoy the range of emotional thanksgiving, praise, sorrow, and joy, treasure His Word in your heart, and let these expressions of the Psalms become the personal songs of your soul to your loving heavenly Father and sovereign omnipotent LORD.
The audio for this series is a 3-part lecture series delivered by Gwynne Johnson at the Women’s Retreat of Northwest Bible Church, Dallas TX, April 20-21, 2007.
Lecture #1: Introduction to Psalms and Psalms for “The Comfort Zone”
(Friday)
The psalms are “songs for the journey”—a wonderful gift from the Lord. They help us express our emotions in a God-honoring way and help us put words to life’s experiences. Psalms for “The Comfort Zone” form a foundation for living through future crisis, reminding us of God’s canopy of certainty amidst the uncertainty of life. Five types of comfort psalms include those of: orientation (Ps. 115); creation (Ps. 104); Torah (Ps. 119, 145); wisdom (Ps. 37, 14); and well-being (Ps. 131).
The Hebrew name for the Book of Psalms is “Praises” [Heb tehillah (root: halal))—to praise, celebrate, glory, sing, boast], and praise and its cognates are mentioned in the Psalms over 180 times, more than in any other book. God is to be praised for His awesome character and mighty works by all of His creatures and creation, regardless of the triumphs, tragedies, sorrows, or joys of this temporal life. The Greek title “Psalms” [Gk psalmos—to twang or pluck] includes the concept of singing accompaniment with a stringed instrument, and the Psalms remain the primary hymnal of the people of God.
Hallelujah combines praise with the covenant name of God [Heb halal and Yah—YHWH, Yahweh, or Jehovah] producing the exclamation “Let us praise Yahweh” or “Praise the LORD.”
Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s introduction for this series most encouraged or challenged you?
Psalms for the comfort zone record reflections upon God’s faithfulness in history and promises for wisdom today. Remember to begin your study in prayer for His wisdom.
1. Name the three subject categories of the Psalms discussed last week. How does this increase your understanding of Psalms?
A.
B.
C.
2. Psalms of orientation provide a worldview that includes God in our thinking. Each of the following three Psalms teaches us something that will give our lives stability today.
A. Read Psalm 114. What do you learn about the power and care of God from this Psalm? How might this affect the way you view life?
B. Read Psalm 115. What do you learn about God’s care for His own? What do you learn about those who trust in gods of their own making?
C. Read Psalm 116. Where does the psalmist go in trouble? What comfort and encouragement might you discover from this for times of difficulty in your own life?
3. Read Psalm 145. List at least three attributes of God’s character that you find in this Psalm.
A.
B.
C.
4. Which attribute of God’s character did you need to remember this week? Why?
Which were you tempted to forget as a result of present circumstances?
B. What additional insights do you gain from the cross references on praising God for His character, attributes, and activities in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?
5. List three promises from Psalm 145 to those who fear the Lord.
6. Read Psalm 119:1–8. List several benefits of an obedient walk. How have you experienced any one of these? What does that imply about a disobedient walk?
7. Read Psalm 119:9–16. What keeps our life pure, according to these verses? Paraphrase and summarize these verses in your own words below.
8. Read Psalm 119:89–104. What are several benefits of the law of God? How have you experienced one or more of these? Which benefit was most important to you this week or in the recent past?
9. What commitment would you like to make regarding the Word of God as a result of reading these verses? Write it in a prayer to God below.
10. What hope and encouragement do you find in Psalm 119:114? Have you ever experienced this personally?
11. What one insight or lesson do you want to remember from this week’s lesson? Note it below and on the journal page entitled “Songs for My Soul” at the back of the workbook
Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it. Or write it on a card and place it in a prominent place to review this week.
All of creation, including the sun and moon, and every creature in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth will ultimately praise the Lord. The psalmist declares in Psalm 103:1, “Praise the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, praise His holy Name!” Understanding God’s character enables us to praise Him more completely. List the insights you gain about God from the related scriptural cross references. How do these insights enhance your understanding of the character of God and stimulate your response of faith in praise to our awesome God, Savior, and Lord?
Ps 16:7; 111:10
Ps 18:46
Ps 28:7; 59:17
Ps 40:1–3
Ps 42:5
Ps 68:19
Ps 96:6
Ps 103:1–3, 10–12
Ps 104:1,14; 136:25
Ps 107:8; 136:1
Ps 138:5
Ps 138:7
Ps 30:4
Ps 103:20
Ps 148:1–13
Ps 150:6
Ps 9:1; 111:1; 119:7
Ps 35:28; 71:6, 14
Ps 63:5; 98:4
Ps 105:2; Eph 5:19
Resolve to praise the Lord this week for who He is and for all that He has done and is continuing to do for you!
The heart [Heb leb— over 860 times; Gk cardia— over 85 times] is used frequently in the Bible to refer to the actual physical organ, as well as to the innermost being, the source of knowledge and understanding, will and desires, emotions and moral conscience, rebellion and pride. The first mention of the heart was not in the context of romantic love, but God’s observation of man that “every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen 6:5). The second mention of heart was God’s response, that “He was grieved in His heart” (Gen 6:6).
The human heart is deceitful, desperately sick, and impossible to understand (Jer 17:9–10), yet God knows and tests the heart, and will circumcise the hard heart to make it responsive to Him.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do!
Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s lesson or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?
Comfort Zone Psalms record profound observations on the reality of evil in the world. Grasping God’s promised blessings for the righteous and the ultimate fate of the wicked provides a perspective that produces endurance under difficulty. Begin your study in prayer and ask the LORD to teach you to delight in Him.
1. Which principle regarding the Psalms of Torah discussed last week has been most helpful to you? Why? Which principle challenged you?
2. Which principle regarding creation encouraged you this past week? How have you applied it personally this week?
3. Read Psalm 37:1–15. List on the following chart as many commands for God’s people from these verses as you can find. Considering the commands you found, what observations might you make about our human response to injustice and the temporal success of evil people?
Commands |
Human responses |
4. According to Psalm 37, what ultimately happens to evil people? List as many consequences as you find.
5. What kind of “time frame” do you think is in the psalmist’s thinking? What kind of “time frame” do you think we usually operate in? What difference do these two perspectives make?
6. Read Psalm 14.
A. The fool is described as one without wisdom. List as many descriptive words as you can find in this Psalm for the fool or unwise one. What warning can you derive from these descriptions?
B. What additional insights do you gain from the cross references on the qualities and inclinations of the human heart in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?
7. From Psalm 14, describe the behavior of those who do not trust the Lord. Read Romans 3:22–24. Where does the New Testament place each of us? What hope do you find in the verses in Romans?
8. Read Psalm 112. List from this Psalm the promises to those who fear the Lord. Which promise will you claim this week?
9. Read Psalm 133. What two metaphors does the psalmist use to describe the blessings of unity? When have you experienced this joy? When have you been grieved by its absence?
10. Read Psalm 131 aloud. How do you feel after reading this Psalm? How does this give you hope?
11. What one insight or lesson do you want to remember from this week’s lesson? Note it below and on the journal page entitled “Songs for My Soul” at the back of the workbook.
Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it. Do you remember your verse from last week’s lesson?
Our heart reveals the thoughts of the mind, the desires of our will and is of primary importance to God. List what you learn from the related scriptural cross references about the heart. How do these insights enhance your understanding of the qualities and inclinations of your heart?
Ps 4:7
Ps 20:4
Ps 24:4
Ps 26:2
Ps 27:14
Ps 44:21
Ps 51:10
Ps 51:17
Ps 86:11
Ps 90:12
Ps 95:8
Ps 101:5
Ps 119:10
Ps 119:112
Prov 3:5–6
Jer 17:9–10
Ezek 36:26
Mt 5:8
Eph 1:18
Rom 10:10
What is the condition of your heart?
The audio for this series is a 3-part lecture series delivered by Gwynne Johnson at the Women’s Retreat of Northwest Bible Church ( Dallas, TX), April 20-21, 2007.
Lecture #2: Psalms for “The Danger Zone” (Saturday morning)
Psalms for “The Danger Zone” protect our hearts when we are under pressure. These psalms of lament help us deal with pain and hurt without sinning. They help us to remember that “life is tough, but God is good.” The lament psalms proceed from plea to praise, directing our hearts to God in the midst of pain. They protect us from such dangers as denial (Ps. 142, 13); isolation, opposition, and confusion (Ps. 42, 43); wrong words (Ps. 141); personal sin (Ps. 51, 32); and grudges.
Lovingkindness [Heb hesed— steadfast love, grace, mercy, faithfulness, goodness, devotion; used 240 times in the Old Testament, especially in the Psalms] communicates the interaction of 1) strength and power, 2) steadfastness and faithfulness, and 3) love, grace, and mercy. Lovingkindness expresses obligation, steadfast loyalty and commitment in covenant relationships, between God and man (used of God’s marriage relationship with Israel) and between individuals (David and Jonathan, David and Mephibosheth).
Lovingkindness is the cornerstone of God’s character and work in creation, redemption, and deliverance, will endure forever, and should be celebrated, emulated, and reflected by those who have received His grace.
Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s lesson or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?
Danger Zone Psalms include Psalms that illustrate the human struggle to understand the goodness of God amidst the heartaches of life. The Psalms put words around our legitimate sorrow and confusion and direct our minds toward God’s unchanging character.
1. Read Psalm 13.
A. What words express how the psalmist is feeling emotionally? How might this help you in prayer to God during times of difficulty?
B. How are you encouraged by the honesty and faith of the psalmist?
2. Read Psalm 42.
A. Describe in your own words how the psalmist is feeling as he begins this Psalm. How is he feeling at the conclusion?
B. What lessons might you draw from the psalmist’s thoughts in these verses?
3. Read Psalm 44.
A. Why do you think it was important to recount God’s faithfulness to Israel? What does this teach about the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness in the past?
B. What additional insights do you gain from the cross references on the lovingkindness of the LORD in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?
C. List several incidents in your own life where you have sensed God’s love and protection. Have you thanked Him for this recently?
4. Read Psalm 17.
A. What do you learn from this Psalm about the importance of our words? What warning might you glean from this?
B. List several descriptive words about the psalmist’s enemies. When have you ever felt like this?
C. What phrases comfort you from this Psalm?
D. What petition expresses your present heart’s desire?
E. Why do you think it is helpful to hear the psalmist’s emotions during difficult times?
5. Write a Psalm of Lament or Petition to the Lord following the pattern of expressing honest emotion, thankful recollections, and a determination to trust in the character and goodness of the Lord.
6. What one insight or lesson do you want to remember from this week’s lesson? Note it below and on the journal page entitled “Songs for My Soul” at the back of the workbook.
Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it. Review this week by taking your verse cards with you in your purse or car, or displaying them on your bathroom mirror or on your refrigerator.
Lovingkindness demonstrates the steadfast covenant love of God in the Old Testament, much as agape characterizes the unconditional gracious love of God in the New Testament. List the insights you learn about the lovingkindness of the LORD as revealed in the related scriptural cross references. True love demonstrates character in action. Which aspect of God’s lovingkindness most encourages you?
Psalm 40:10
Psalm 51:1–2
Psalm 89:33
Psalm 92:2
Psalm 103:4
Psalm 109:26
Psalm 117:2
Psalm 119:76
Psalm 119:149
Psalm 136:1–3
Psalm 136:4–9
Psalm 136:10–15
Psalm 136:16
Psalm 136:17–20
Psalm 136:21–22
Psalm 136:23
Psalm 136:24
Psalm 136:25
Psalm 136:26
Psalm 89:1
How can you share His lovingkindness with others?
Trouble [Heb tsar—narrow, a tight place; root tsarar—to cramp, oppress, vex, trouble] vividly portrays the concept of being confined in a tight place, crowded by an opponent or adversary, afflicted, experiencing anguish, distress, sorrow, or tribulation.
Troubles are often inflicted by external circumstances and enemies, producing profound physical, mental, and emotional anguish and grief, yet they are a strong motivation to draw near and cry out to God. God hears his children’s cries in times of trouble, will preserve them, is a refuge and source of strength, will rescue and deliver them in His perfect timing, and ultimately will cause all things to work together for good (Rom 8:28).
Present trials are a prelude to future testimonies and triumphs!
Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s lesson or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?
This week we continue to focus on the Psalms for the danger zone. These Psalms of lament caused by external circumstances produce passionate petition for help from God. Trials provide an opportunity and motivation to express our emotions honestly to God and to grow in our freedom and intimacy with Him.
1. What have you learned about Lament Psalms from observing them last week and this week?
2. Read 1 Samuel 20, 21, 22:1. These verses describe the circumstances David faced after he had been anointed by Samuel as the future king and before he hid himself in the cave described in Psalm 142.
A. How do you think David might have been feeling when he wrote this Psalm? Who was his enemy?
B. How have you ever been confused about God’s timing in your own life?
3. According to 1 Samuel 22:2, who joined David in the cave? Were they there to comfort David or for themselves?
4. Read Psalm 142.
A. List as many words as you can from the first four verses that indicate deep and intense emotions.
B. Which word or words best reflects your feelings this week?
C. How does God view our emotions? What additional insights do you gain from the cross references on tears and weeping in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?
5. List on the following chart the various characteristics of God noted by David in this Psalm, and note why they might be important to David.
PSALM 142 |
|
Aspect of God’s Character |
Importance to David |
6. Which characteristic of God is most encouraging to you this week? How could you apply it to your present circumstances?
7. Reread Psalm 142.
A. List as many specific complaints of David as you find in this Psalm.
B. List the specific requests that David makes of God.
8. From Psalm 142, list the verses where David directly addresses the LORD [YAHWEH].
9. From Psalm 142, which verses indicate David’s dependence upon God for deliverance?
10. Three important characteristics of effective prayer are (1) intensity, (2) specificity, and (3) direct address toward God—based on a personal relationship with Him. Write out a prayer about a personal situation you are facing using these three elements.
11. What one insight or lesson do you want to remember from this week’s lesson? Note it below and on the journal page entitled “Songs for My Soul” at the back of the workbook.
Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it.
Can you recite from memory all four verses you have chosen so far in this study of the Psalms? If not, use this next week (a Fellowship Week with no lesson due) to review them so when trouble comes you have the resources to stand strong in faith.
In every life there is a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance. Troubles, while bringing believers to the throne of God in prayer, are often a time of expressing emotional anguish with tears and weeping. Trace the trail of tears in the related scriptural cross references. As you record your insights, briefly note who is weeping and their circumstances. What is God’s response to the tears of His beloved children?
Gen 23:2
Gen 37:35
1 Sam 1:8, 10
2 Sam 12:21; 18:33
2 Ki 20:2–3, 5; Isa 38:5
Est 8:3
Job 16:20
Ps 6:6
Ps 42:3
Ps 56:8
Ps 126:5
Mt 25:30
Lk 6:21
Lk 7:13
Lk 8:52
Lk 19:41
Jn 11:33, 35
Jn 20:13, 15
Heb 5:7
Rev 7:17 ; 21:4
Today’s tears provide the heartfelt irrigation for tomorrow’s harvest of joy!
Sin [Heb hatta’t—offense, sin; root chata—to miss; used 293 times in the Old Testament] is to miss the mark or standard established by God’s Word. It can be an offense against God or man, and was first used when God warned Cain that sin was crouching at the door desiring to master him (Gen 4:7). Transgression [Heb pasha— break away from authority, rebel, revolt; used 134 times in the Old Testament] is willful rebellion against and independence from God.
Sin [Heb hatta’t—offense, sin; root chata—to miss; used 293 times in the Old Testament] is to miss the mark or standard established by God’s Word. It can be an offense against God or man, and was first used when God warned Cain that sin was crouching at the door desiring to master him (Gen 4:7). Transgression [Heb pasha— break away from authority, rebel, revolt; used 134 times in the Old Testament] is willful rebellion against and independence from God. Iniquity [Heb avon— perversity; from root avah— to be bent, crooked, twisted, perverted] is a perversion or twisting into error, often expressing the twisted inner character and guilt of the sinner. All of creation groans under the effects of sin.
Sin should immediately be confessed (agree with God) and repented (turn away from sin to God). God promises to blot out (erase the records and debt), cleanse (from defilement and corruption), forgive (to remove a burden), and remove our sins as far as the east is from the west (Ps 103:12).
He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy
Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s lesson or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?
The Danger Zone Psalms include Lament Psalms, expressing distress and petition from the external oppression of others (Lessons #3 and #4), as well as Penitential Psalms (Lesson #5), expressing confession and repentance from the internal oppression of personal sin and its inevitable consequences. As you study these Psalms, notice the impact of personal sin on the inner person as well as the joy of forgiveness.
1. In last week’s lesson, David was fleeing Saul’s pursuit before he was crowned king of Israel. In this lesson Saul is dead and David is the prosperous king reigning over all Israel. Read 2 Samuel 11:1–4.
A. What observations might you make about David and his state of mind from these verses?
B. What warning might we glean from his actions?
2. Read 2 Samuel 11:5-27.
A. List the downward steps into sin that you observe in David and his relationship with Bathsheba.
B. What does this passage illustrate about the complications and development of sinful choices?
C. What period of time passes during this tragic episode in David’s life?
3. Read 2 Samuel 12:1–24. What observations do you make about sin, its consequences, conviction, and confession from this narrative?
4. Read Psalm 51. This Psalm is David’s confession after Nathan’s confrontation.
A. List the words that reflect David’s conviction of his sin and his understanding of God’s character.
B. What additional insights do you gain from the cross references on the ministries of the Holy Spirit, including conviction of sin and enablement for service, in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?
5. Reread Psalm 51:2–4.
A. Why do you think David would see his sin only as against God? Were others harmed by his sin?
B. What do you learn about how others suffer when we sin against God?
C. Can you think of a contemporary example where others suffer for a sin against God?
6. What do you learn about true confession from this Psalm?
7. Read Psalm 32. This Psalm reflects David’s experience after his confession.
A. How does he describe the experience of denial, or hiding, of his personal sin? (See vv. 3–4) How does that emphasize the importance of dealing with personal sin?
B. What words best describe the joy of forgiveness and cleansing?
C. What warning does he offer about future choices?
D. What aspects of God’s character are emphasized in this Psalm?
E. How does that encourage you this week?
8. What insight do you gain from your reading of Psalms 51 and 32 regarding true repentance and confession?
9. Is there any repentance needed this week in your personal life?
10. What one insight or lesson do you want to remember from this week’s lesson? Note it below and on the journal page entitled “Songs for My Soul” at the back of the workbook.
Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it. Review your memory verses from earlier lessons as well.
The Holy Spirit’s activities include creation, conviction of sin, and equipping the saints for service. The Spirit temporarily came upon or filled selected individuals in the Old Testament, providing enablement for service; however, in the New Testament the Spirit permanently indwells all believers at salvation. List the insights you learn about the ministry of the Holy Spirit from the following scriptural cross references. How do these insights enhance your understanding of David’s concern in Ps 51:11?
Gen 1:1-2
Gen 6:3; Jn 16:7–11
Ex 31:2-5
Judges 14:6
1 Sam 16:1, 14
1 Sam 16:13
Isa 11:2
Ezek 36:26–27
Lk 1:35
Jn 14:15-17
Jn 14:26
Acts 5:1-3, 9; 7:51
Rom 8:26–27
1 Cor 12:11
Gal 5:22–23
Eph 1:13
Eph 4:30–32; Isa 63:10–11
Eph 5:18
1 Thess 5:19
2 Peter 1:20–21; 2 Sam 23:1–2
Which ministry of the Holy Spirit is most evident in your life? What can you do to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in your relationships this week?
The audio for this series is a 3-part lecture series delivered by Gwynne Johnson at the Women’s Retreat of Northwest Bible Church (Dallas, TX), April 20-21, 2007.
Lecture #3: Psalms for “The Discovery Zone” (Saturday Evening)
As we go through The Danger Zone in obedience, we discover new freedom and new joy. The Discovery Zone leads us to praise, which is thanksgiving spoken aloud. Psalm 30 takes us from the pit (representative of powerlessness) to praise. Psalm 66 is a command to worship God, both communally and personally. Our worship serves as a witness to others. God is our place of safety in a world of chaos, and our certainty in a world of uncertainty.
A fortress [Heb mesudah— castle, fortress, stronghold, strong place] characteristically combines features of difficult access, powerful defenses, and a place of security from enemies. Eagles build their nests on inaccessible cliffs for security and protection of their young (Job 39:28–29). Cities were walled and fortified to protect their inhabitants from invasion.
Masada is a boat-shaped rock formation overlooking the western shore of the Dead Sea, towering 1,200 feet above the surrounding Judean desert wilderness. Masada was fortified by King Herod, and later besieged by the Roman legions for seven months before falling in A.D. 73. Masada may have temporarily sheltered David during his years of pursuit by Saul, providing a dramatic visual of the LORD as “my rock and fortress” (2 Sam 22:1–2; 23:14; Ps 18:2).
The LORD is a fortress to those who fear Him!
Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s lesson or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?
Psalms from the Discovery Zone reveal a new understanding and new orientation in the life of the psalmist. They tell the story of “going into trouble and coming out of trouble.” As a result, the psalmist discovers truth about God and better understands himself.
1. Read Psalm 61.
A. When troubles come, why is a refuge important? How can we discover the refuge of God in our 21st century world? Where might it be and how do you get there?
B. Read verse 5. How would you describe the heritage of those who fear the Lord? What do you think it means to “fear the Lord”?
2. Read Psalm 46.
A. In light of present world circumstances, how does this Psalm comfort you this week? Be specific.
B. How do you understand verse 1? What do you think a “present help” (KJV) means?
C. Why is verse 10 so important today in our personal worlds? What could you do this week to apply this principle?
3. Read Psalm 30.
A. How would you describe the emotional state of the psalmist? Based on his words, what has changed in his circumstances?
B. What does this Psalm teach about God?
C. What additional insights do you gain from the cross references on the various pictures of God in the Psalms in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?
D. What promise do you find to claim for yourself?
4. Read Psalm 34.
A. List at least three praise statements that are true for you.
B. What do you think the psalmist means in verse 8? (Compare with Luke 6:38 and Romans 12:1)
5. Read Psalm 40.
A. According to verses 1–3 what is the result of persevering in faith through trials? How might that encourage you?
B. As a result of his experience, list some things the psalmist has learned about God. Which of those attributes would be important to you this week?
C. What has the psalmist discovered about himself according to verses 12 and 13?
D. Choose a promise from this Psalm, or memorize a favorite verse.
6. From any of the Psalms in this lesson, what do you discover about God’s mercy?
7. Write a Psalm of Discovery using the praise and worship aspects of the Psalms just studied. Use your own words and contemporary circumstances.
8. What one insight or lesson do you want to remember from this week’s lesson? Note it below and on the journal page entitled “Songs for My Soul” at the back of the workbook.
Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it. Review this week by sharing your verses with your family or friends.
God is pictured in the Psalms as the fortress refuge of the obedient, oppressed by external trials and enemies, as well as for the disobedient who, having repented of personal sin and temptations, experience His grace and forgiveness. The world caricatures God as an impotent old man on a rocking chair uninvolved with His creation, or as an impersonal “force” striving with its evil side, or as a poor barefoot man in a robe holding children on his lap. The psalmist records numerous visual images of God. List the insights about God’s true character that you learn from the related scriptural cross references.
Ps 7:11; 50:6
Ps 17:8; 57:1
Ps 18:2, 31:3; 144:2
Ps 18:2, 31, 46
Ps 22:4; 37:40
Ps 23:1; 80:1
Ps 24:9–10
Ps 26:1; 43:1
Ps 27:1; 18:28
Ps 30:2; 103:3; 147:3
Ps 32:7; 119:114
Ps 34:7; 91:11
Ps 46:1; 118:8
Ps 65:5; 85:4
Ps 65:7; 107:29
Ps 103:19; 113:5
Ps 106:10; 107:2
Ps 115:9–11
Ps 115:15; 121:2
Ps 121:3–4
Ps 127:1; 78:69
Which picture of God is most meaningful to you?
To bless [Heb barak—to kneel, bless, be blessed, curse; used more than 300 times in the Old Testament] is derived from a root meaning “to kneel,” by implication in adoration of God. God’s blessings are upon individuals first used with Adam and Eve in Gen 1:22, 28), nations (Gen 12:1-3), His entire creation, and uniquely upon the righteous who obey Him. God blesses the obedient (Ps 1:1), as well as the disobedient, who have received His forgiveness (Ps 32:1). God’s blessings include wisdom, salvation, prosperity, and the internal peace that passes all understanding.
Man’s response to God’s blessings should be to praise the LORD, to be a blessing to one another, and to keep looking for the blessed hope, the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Faithful obedience will reap abundant blessings and delights the heart of God!
Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s lesson or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?
Discovery Zone Psalms include individual and community proclamations of praise that serve as continual reminders of the deliverance and blessings of the Lord. Worshipers on their ascent to Jerusalem for the three annual feasts sangPilgrimage Psalms, recounting the specifics of the psalmist’s difficulty and praise for the deliverance of Yahweh. Begin your study in prayer and thank Him for specific blessings in your life.
1. Psalms from the Discovery Zone include many Psalms of the worshiping community. Read Psalm 66 and answer the following questions.
A. Read verses 1–3 and list the words used describing the kind of praise the psalmist is using to thank Yahweh.
B. Read verses 1–4. What repeated phrase indicates that the praise is both public and communal?
C. Read verses 5–7. Which phrase in these verses is most encouraging to you?
D. Read verses 8–12. What do you learn about difficulties from these verses? What confidence do they inspire?
E. Read verses 13–15. What shift do you observe in the use of personal pronouns? Why might that be important?
F. Read verses 16–20. Which verse offers a warning to one who will be blessed by God?
G. What additional insights do you gain from the cross references on the manifold blessings of God in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?
2. Write a Psalm of Thanksgiving, using this pattern of reflection and thanksgiving, regarding some recent deliverance in your life.
3. Read Psalm 124.
A. As you read this short Psalm, what emotion does it evoke in your heart? What memories?
B. The psalmist uses the metaphor of a bird caught in a snare that is broken, making escape possible. What contemporary metaphor might you use to describe the way of escape God has provided?
C. Read 1 Cor 10:13. What additional thoughts about deliverance do you gain from this verse in the New Testament?
D. Can you think of a time when God provided you with a “way of escape” from temptation?
4. What one insight or lesson do you want to remember from this week’s lesson? Note it below and on the journal page entitled “Songs for My Soul” at the back of the workbook.
Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it. Encourage someone this week by sharing at least one of your verses from the Psalms.
God’s blessings upon His children inspire confidence within difficulties, and demonstrate His love to a watching world, so all the earth may fear Him. List what you learn from the related scriptural cross references. How do these insights enhance your understanding of the blessings of God and of those who have been blessed by God?
Ps 1:1–3
Ps 2:12
Ps 32:1,2
Ps 65:4
Ps 94:12; Job 5:17–18
Ps 103:2–5
Ps 119:2
Ps 127:5
Prov 24:25
Prov 28:20
Mt 5:3
Mt 5:4
Mt 5:5
Mt 5:6
Mt 5:7
Mt 5:8
Mt 5:9
Mt 5:10–12
Luke 6:28
Acts 20:35
James 1:12
Rev 22:14
Count your many blessings! Name them one by one . . .
Messiah [Heb mashiyach—to anoint or consecrate; derived from the root mashach—to rub with oil, paint, anoint] is one who has been anointed or consecrated for a special office or function. Kings, high priests, and several prophets were anointed or specially set apart to perform their office. Furniture in the Temple was anointed to set it apart for service. Even Cyrus, a pagan king of Persia, was God’s anointed deliverer of Israel (Isa 45:1).
The New Testament identified Jesus [transliteration of Heb yehowshua (Joshua)—Jehovah is Salvation or Savior] of Nazareth as the Christ [Gk christos—anointed one], specially anointed by the Holy Spirit as God’s chosen Savior and Deliverer. Christians are “anointed ones” set apart by the indwelling Holy Spirit for a specific purpose or function.
Fulfill your destiny as an anointed child of the King!
Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s lesson or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?
Discovering Christ in the Messianic Psalms is an incredible confirmation of the prophetic nature of the Word of God. The psalmist’s own experiences and the enthronement of the Davidic line of kings foreshadow the future events in the life, death, and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. Begin your study in prayer and worship of your Savior and Lord.
1. Read Psalm 2:7–8, Matthew 3:17, and Acts 13:32–39. As you consider these verses, when do you think that Jesus was “begotten” of the Father? Which verses indicate this to you?
2. Read Psalm 16:9–11, Matthew 28:7, and Acts 2:22–33.
A. What do these verses tell you about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
B. What difference does this make to you personally?
3. Read Psalm 110:1–2 and Acts 2:34–39. What is Peter’s argument in Acts regarding this Psalm? What new insight about Jesus do you gain from this?
4. What hope does Jesus’ ultimate victory give you in your present circumstances?
5. Read Psalm 110:3–4, Genesis 14:18–20, and Hebrews 5:6 and 7:1–3. List some facts that you learn about Jesus as High Priest from these verses.
6. Why do you think it is important for us that Jesus is of the order of Melchizedek?
7. How might your personal prayer life be different if you recognized that Jesus was always praying for you?
8. Read Psalm 22, Matthew 27:27–46, and Mark 15:34.
A. List as many comparisons as you can find between the descriptions of Psalm 22 and the experience of Jesus on the cross.
Psalm 22 |
Jesus’ Experience on the Cross |
B. What additional insights do you gain from the additional cross references listing specific prophecies in the Psalms that were accurately fulfilled (almost 1,000 years later) by Jesus in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?
9. As you contemplate Jesus’ suffering, how does it cause you to love Him more? How might it affect your celebration of His birth?
10. As you consider all the prophecies fulfilled in Jesus’ life, what confidence does this give you for your daily life?
11. What one insight or lesson do you want to remember from this week’s lesson? Note it below and on the journal page entitled “Songs for My Soul” at the back of the workbook.
Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it. How can you continue to treasure His WORD in your heart?
Thank you for your faithfulness in completing this study of Psalms: Songs for the Soul. Choose to return regularly to the Psalms, selecting Psalms that speak to the season you are experiencing.
Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, our Creator and Sustainer, our Judge, Savior and Sacrifice, our Redeemer, Lord and King. His first coming fulfilled over 300 specific prophecies, many of them in the Psalms. List the insights you learn from these related scriptural cross references, briefly noting the specific prophecy and the literal accurate fulfillment.
Psalm Prophecy Fulfillment
Ps 2:7Acts 13:33; Heb 1:5
Ps 2:8 Rev 2:27
Ps 8:2 Mt 21:15–16
Ps 8:61 Cor 15:27; Heb 2:8
Ps 16:10Mt 28:7; Acts 13:35
Ps 22:1Mt 27:46; Mk 15:34
Ps 22:7–8Mt 27:39–44; Lk 23:35
Ps 22:15Jn 19:28
Ps 22:16Jn 20:25, 27
Ps 22:18Mt 27:35–36
Ps 31:5Lk 23:46
Ps 34:20Jn 19: 32-36
Ps 35:11; 109:2–4Mt 26:59-61; 27:39–44
Ps 35:19Jn 15:25
Ps 40:7-8Heb 10:7
Ps 41:9; 55:12–14Mt 26:14–25; Jn 13:18
Ps 45:6Heb 1:8
Ps 68:18Acts 1:9–11; Eph 4:8
Ps 69:9Jn 2:17; 6:37–40
Ps 69:21Mt 27:34; Jn 19:28–30
Ps 109:8Acts 1:20
Ps 110:1Acts 2:34–35; Mt 22:44
Ps 110:4Heb 5:6; 6:20; 7:17
Ps 118:22Mt 21:42; Acts 4:11
Ps 118:26Mt 21:9
For every single mention of Christ’s first coming, the Bible refers to His second coming eight times. If His first coming as Savior was fulfilled with 100% accuracy, just as certainly He will return as He has promised.
At first glance, the psalmist may appear to be repetitive, unorganized, and rambling, touching upon various topics in a random, illogical manner. However, Hebrew poetry is based upon rhythm and parallelism, unlike English poetry, which utilizes rhyme and meter. The Psalms are beautiful expressions to the LORD ranging from the exhilarating heights of praise and joy to the profound depths of despair and discouragement experienced by the human soul.
Ps 3:1 O LORD, how my adversaries have increased!
Many are rising up against me.
Ps 1:6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the wicked will perish.
Ps 1:1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Not sit in the seat of scoffers!
Ps 42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So my soul pants for Thee, O God.
Ps 6:6 I am weary with my sighing;
Every night I make my bed swim,
I dissolve my couch with my tears.
Ps 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
The psalmist employs numerous poetic metaphors to involve the mind, touch the imagination, and stir the heart (“the mountains skipped like rams” when God spoke at Sinai [Ps 114:4], or “the cords of death encompassed me” to describe his distress (Ps 116:3). Anthropomorphisms (anthropo—human and morphos—form, shape) use known human characteristics to describe and clarify the characteristics and activities of God (who is spirit) and others.