A Study of the Psalms and Books of Wisdom to Encourage Your

In the past the Psalms were arranged according to the months of the year. Psalm 29 was placed in July, the month of thunderstorms, because it graphically depicts the voice of the Lord causing a mighty thunderstorm. 

As David describes the storm, he is no TV weatherman. He looks beyond the high-pressure fronts and air mases to see God at work. David tracks the storm entering from the Lebanon coast and ravaging the mighty forests of Mount Hermon. David watches it sweep across the nation to the southern desert outpost of Kadesh. But through it all, he sees God’s lower dissipation, and he hears the roaring thunder of God’s voice. Lightning and thunder strike panic into the hearts of many, but not for God’s people. Not only does the storm remind David of God’s power, but it also reminds him of God’s holiness, so he worships (verse 2).

When a storm hits and there is thunder and lightning children often run to their parents for comfort and shelter. During a storm we can remember God is a mighty God, an awesome God. We can remember that a thunderstorm speaks of Gods immense power. The next time you hear thunder and watch the trees twist in the fierce wind praise God for his greatness. 

When the storm passes, all becomes quiet once again. And David speaks of the Lord giving his people peace.

1). Three times in verse 1, David says “ascribe”. The definition of ascribe is, “to attribute as a quality, believe that a particular quality or feature belongs to or is typical of someone or something; to credit or assign.” 

2). What instructions does David give about ascribing in verses 1 and 2?

3). We know what the definition of ascribing means, how can incorporate the practice of ascribing glory to God into our daily lives?

4). Make a list of the ways David describes the voice of the Lord in Psalm 29. Discuss each one.

5). What significance does this have for understanding the nature and power of God?

6). In many passages in the Bible God is described as a shepherd, a father, etc how does Psalm differ?

7). Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s power in your life. What was going on at the time? How did it affect your understanding of God?

7). In the Old Testament God chose many to hear His voice. Today, God speaks to us differently. In modern times where do we see or hear the ‘voice of God’ as described in Psalm 29?

8). As You read Psalm 29, how does it enhance your understanding of the divine-human relationship and in what ways can God’s promise of strength be manifested in personal experiences?

9). How does Psalm 29 emphasize the importance of worshiping God in “the beauty of holiness?”

10). How might the call to worship in Psalm 29 influence a believer’s approach to public or community worship?

11). How would you apply imagery of God’s voice in nature to our contemporary environmental concerns?

12). What emotions does David’s description of God’s power stir up within you?

13). In the beginning of Psalm 29 David calls upon the heavenly beings to worship God. How does this relate to our call to worship?

14). In what ways can Psalm 29 help us talk to others about worship?  

15). Discuss the importance of acknowledging God’s sovereign rule over the universe as presented in Psalm 29.

16). How can the themes of Psalm 29 be used to inspire others in their faith journey?

17). How does Psalm 29 help shape your understanding of the relationship between God and nature?

18). How can Psalm 29 inspire a deeper commitment to trust God during life’s challenges?

19). Are you comforted by how David ends Psalm 29? What feelings or thoughts come to mind as you read verse 10?

20). Final consideration: if the voice of the Lord is powerful enough to shake the earth which He created what else is it powerful enough to do in your life, in the lives of others in the world and universe He created? 

21). What kinds of feelings and thoughts does this evoke?

22). How does the promise of God’s peace in verse 11 provide comfort during turbulent times in our lives?

Psalm 77 beautifully illustrates the emotional journey from feeling desolate and abandoned to finding solace in God’s mighty deeds. The psalmist’s ability to shift focus from his distress to God’s miracles serves as a powerful testament to the sustaining power of faith during trials, reminding us that God’s love and power are ever-present, even during times of hardship.

In the opening verses of the Psalm, the psalmist is seen crying out to God, feeling unheard and experiencing sleepless nights filled with distress. He questions if God has abandoned him forever, rejecting His mercy. As we study this Psalm it’s likely we can identify with much of what Asaph, the writer, expresses. We can also take comfort and be assured by learning and being reminded of God’s position, promises and power.

Asaph begins with an earnest plea, demonstrating that it is natural and appropriate to bring our troubles before the Lord. It’s not difficult to understand why Asaph felt this was an appropriate Psalm to set to music. 

1). Whom did Asaph cry out to when trouble came?

2). What did Asaph have trust in?

3). What was Asaph’s activity at night?

4). What image does “untiring” bring to you?

5). What happens when God doesn’t answer or deliver you right away after you begin praying about a matter?

6). (vs3) Have you ever had a time where your “spirit felt faint”? Explain.

7). (vs3) What are you thinking when you are doing all the “right” things (groaning before God, meditating, etc) yet God isn’t responding?

8). In verse 4, Asaph says, “You kept my eyed from closing; I was too troubled to speak.” What do you believe Asaph was saying to God through this statement? 

9). As Asaph thinks about “the former days” in verses 5 & 6, what is he recalling?

10). What happens when you think about the former days/years

a) In your personal life?

b) In your family’s history?

c) In your church’s history? 

11). What’s so difficult about the night when we are suffering or experiencing troubles in our life?

12). What’s the difference between your “heart” meditating and your “head” meditating? 

13). When it comes to the promises and Person of God, what is learning to let your heart meditation take the lead as opposed to your head?

14). In many places throughout Scriptures, we learn the heart cannot be trusted (read Jeremiah 17:9 and Proverbs 28:26) yet, in Proverbs 3:5-6 (read) Solomon wrote we should trust in the Lord with all our heart. Explain the difference. 

 These verses contain six rhetorical questions to consider. They are: (discuss each question)

a) Will the Lord cast off forever?

b) And will He be favorable no more?

c) Has His mercy ceased forever?

d) Has His promise failed forevermore?

e) Has God forgotten to be gracious?

f) Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies?

16). In the Hebrew Text the word “Selah” is added. You may have seen this word in several other Psalms. Although the exact meaning of “Selah” is uncertain it is thought to have meant “rest or pause or repeat what was written before. How would it benefit your heart if you meditated on Psalm 77:1-9?      

 17). Would you say our doubts about God’s presence, power and care flow out of our fears? Why or why not.

18). Would you say that its okay to express our doubts and fears to God, using these moments to seek God’s truth and reassurance? Why or why not?

19). Asaph’s Psalm is a great example of how we should focus on God’s faithfulness when we feel overwhelmed. How can intentionally meditating and recalling the ways of God help us during trials and troubles?

20). What happens for you when you begin to trust in the sovereignty of God?  

21). Is there someone who comes to mind today that might benefit from this Psalm? If the yare not someone who ordinarily reads the Bible how will you get them to read this Psalm? 

 God, sometimes we feel overwhelmed in life. Help us remember that even when we cannot see Your footprints, we can trust that You are guiding us through the waters of life. Help us, O Lord to… 

What do you think the pharaoh of the Exodus would have said if you had told him that the Hebrew slaves, who were making bricks for him, would have a strong kingdom of their own and conquer other nations as Psalm 111:6 says. What do you think Adolph Hitler would have said if you had told him that there would be a new nation called Israel and that it would become a formidable Middle Eastern power? What do you think those fearful disciples in the upper room would have said if you had told them that they would become instruments of world change? And what do you think the mothers of those who became instrumental in winning large numbers of people to the Lord would have said if you had told them that their little sons and daughters playing games out in the field would win millions to the Kingdom of God?

God delights in doing surprising things—things that we cannot imagine. What do you think God might be starting to do through you today? Maybe a chance meeting with someone, maybe a text or email you write, maybe an unexpected phone call could be the start of something beyond your wildest dreams. Just because God doesn’t show you the end result within twenty-four hours doesn’t mean that he isn’t starting to do something big. And don’t expect fireworks. More likely your contact with tomorrow’s greatness will come through something that is seemingly insignificant today. That’s the way God often works.

 1). David begins with a “declaration” to praise God. To make a declaration is to make a decision. How do we see this played out in Psalm 111?

2). David declared he would praise God with his whole heart. What are some ways we praise God with a “divided” heart? How can a divided heart in worship keep us from experiencing the fullness of God’s presence and wonders in our midst?

3). If we want other people to praise God, we must praise Him first. If we want them to love God, we must show our love for Him first. Continue: If we want other to (name) God we must (name) Him first. 

4). In the Psalms different words are used for gatherings. “Assembly” refers to a small, private group, a more intimate setting. Congregation refers to a larger gathering of God’s people. How does David describe how he will praise God in Psalm 111?

5). What is the significance of the community setting in Psalm 111, and how does it apply to our modern-day church community?

6). It is said that no small things are done by so great a hand. The works of God are great. How can we praise God for who He is and what He does. How can we praise Him for His works in creation but also His works of great numbers in other areas?

7). It’s been said that “the more one gazes the more one sees.” The greatness of God’s works invites close study by the scientist, the historian, and the theologian. Their findings will lead them to do their work with all their strength and take please in how God’s wisdom and power are revealed. How does the study of God’s works direct and effect you?

8). What pleasures can be ours when we take time to study the works of the Lord?

9). David says that God’s works are honorable and glorious. Name some of the ways we see this is true.

10). What does David remind us in verses 4-6?

11). How have you found God to be gracious and full of compassion?

12). What does it mean that God gives food to those who fear Him?

13). What does it mean to be “mindful” of God’s covenant?

14). David understands that God is just and fair and true. How would you talk to someone about these attributes of God who has not experienced these virtues through the world or others?

15). God is not fickle but sometimes we believe He is. What are some ways people who don’t know His ways think God is fickle? How would you help them know and understand God differently?

16). How has and does God send “redemption” to His people?

17). What can we learn from God’s great works?

18). Why is the fear of the LORD the beginning of wisdom?

19). How do we assure the praise of the LORD will endure forever?    

God, let me praise you wholeheartedly like David! Help me to see Your great works and always have a healthy and reverent fear of You. Amen 

She was just going to the well for some water, but there she met a man who changed her life. He talked about giving her “living water”, and he knew all about her—including her five husbands—but that didn’t keep him from talking with her. He talked about worshiping God in spirit and truth rather than simply in ritual actions. He spoke of a God who wanted to know her. He was certainly a prophet, but could he be the Promised One?

Jesus told her that He was indeed the promised Messiah. Upon hearing this, the Samaritan woman rushed into town to tell others. “Come and meet a man who told me everything I ever did!” she shared without shame or hesitancy. “Can this be the Messiah?”

Presumably the townspeople knew this woman. Some may have previously judged, despised, rejected, avoided, and gossiped about her. But that day they listened to her and many flocked to see this man she was talking about so enthusiastically. 

Why did they listen to her that day? Why didn’t they snub or turn their backs to her that day? What made that day so special as opposed to any other day? Maybe they already saw a change in her or perhaps they sensed the presence of the Spirit pulling them to the Savior. Perhaps the Spirit worked through this woman’s testimony so others were deeply touched and intrigued. Whatever it was, whatever happened it worked. You can read John 4 later to refresh yourself on the story. 

As you read and study Psalm 66 pay attention that is reverberates with one major message: “Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he does for his people” (v5).

Here’s something to consider: Psalm 66 will either convict you that you are not doing like the Samaritan woman; sharing a personal testimony about what Jesus has done for you, or it will make you rejoice that you testify about the Savior to everyone you can, as much as you can! 

1). To begin: Here’s the truth: no one wants lectures in theology or on morality, but they do want an explanation for the changes in your life. If you are a Christian, you’re a witness of what God has done for you. How often have you done the above and considered it witnessing to others about Christ?

2). In reading Psalm 66, what do we learn about the nature of God’s power?

3). How does the psalmist invite all nations to participate in the praise of God? How can this be applied in a contemporary context?

4). Discuss the transition from a “communal” praise (that praise you do in corporate worship gathered with other believers) to personal testimony in Psalm 66. What does this signify the relationship between personal faith and corporate worship?

5). How has the Psalmist depicted the trials faced by God’s people? How do they resonate with the trials you face in your own life?

6). Reflect on the Psalmist’s commitment in verses 13-15. Although we don’t offer burnt offerings or sacrifice rams, bulls or goats in modern times, how does this speak to our obedience?

7). Share with others how the personal testimony in the last verse relates to your personal experiences with answered prayers?

8). In what ways does Psalm 66 reflect God’s faithfulness towards his people?

9). The Psalmist balances reverence and fear with gratitude and praise. How can we do the same today?

10). What roles does the memory of God’s past deeds (10-12) play in sustaining faith for the future?

11). How can Psalm 66 inspire us to share personal testimonies of God’s work in our lives today? 

12). As a modern-day Samaritan woman what would your testimony to others about what Jesus has done for you, sound and look like?

13). How does the Psalm address the idea of God’s testing? How does it connect to the concept of refining?

14). How can we make God’s praise “glorious” in our day-to-day lives?

15). How does the Psalmists’ promise to fulfill his vows resonate with your personal commitment to God?

16). In what ways does Psalm 66 guide us to respond in times of adversity?

17). What does the phrase “Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! mean to you personally?

18). How does Psalm 66 inspire you to celebrate God’s work in your community?

19). Reflect on the universality of God’s dominion as depicted in Psalm 66. How does this perspective shape our understanding of global Christian fellowship?

20). What insights does Psalm 66 offer for maintaining faith and hope during challenging times?

21). How can the corporate expressions of praise in Psalm 66 influence the way we conduct worship in our local churches today?

Use verse 20 for prayer to complete your study time

 In the middle of his second missionary journey, the apostle Paul wasn’t sure where to go. He had split up with his mentor, Barnabas, and was the leader of his own team, which included Silas and young Timothy. Paul planned to go one way, but the Holy Spirit didn’t let him. Then he turned to go another way, and once again the door was closed to him. How frustrating it must have been! God had called Paul to travel through Asia Minor spreading the word about Jesus, and he had been faithful to that calling. Was God now going to leave him stranded. Was God now going to leave him estranged?

No doubt Paul and his friends called upon God with the same requests that David did in Psalm 25: “Show me the path…point out the right road…lead me by your truth.”

And the very next night God did give them direction. Pau had a vision of a man beckoning him to enter Europe (Acts 16:9). Paul heeded his message from the Lord, and, as a result, the evangelization of a whole new continent was begun.

In every age Christians long to her God’s clear direction” “This is the way; turn around and walk here” (Isaiah 30:21). This is where we must truly recognize that the Lord is indeed our Shepherd and trust Him to show us the way.

Whatever problem you are facing today, call upon God, and in his perfect timing he will guide you. 

1). David starts out this prayer stating who he puts his trust in. In whom do you put your trust? What’s the evidence of that?

2). What do you think it means for David to ask not to be “put to shame” for trusting in God? 

3). What can we lift our soul to God as David did in this psalm?

4). In what ways can our enemies “triumph over us”?

5). What are some ways “shame” comes to those who are treacherous without reason?

6). Verse 4 says, “show me your ways, Lord.” David knew God’s character and nature well. How well do you know God’s character and nature? Can you list some of the “ways” of God?

7). Verse 5 highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance. How do you seek God’s guidance in your daily life? How does your life reflect that?

8). Only share what’s comfortable to share, but what sins of youth are you thankful God will not remember? How does this plea apply to your life today?

9). Why do you think David asks God to remember how God is merciful and loving?

10). Have you ever prayed to God that He would remember He’s a merciful and loving God? 

11). What does David’s request to be remembered by God’s love, rather than his sins, teach us about God’s character?

12). Reflect on how God’s guidance has been evident in your life as described in verses 8-10.

13). In a world and society where we do not always encounter the good and upright why is it refreshing, comforting and encouraging to know God is good and upright? 

14). Why are the “humble” guidable? How does God guide the humble in verse 9? On a scale of 1-10 how well do you do in this area? 

15). What ways does God teach us when we have a “humble” spirit? 

16). How does this psalm speak to current situations in your life where you need protection or deliverance?

17). How does this psalm influence your understanding of the relationship between humility and divine guidance?

18). In what ways does Psalm 25 inform your understanding of God’s love towards his people?

19). How might the lessons from Psalm 25 influence your current situations of distress or uncertainty?

20). How can you apply psalm 25 to your personal and professional life?

This would have been one of the psalms that was customary for Jewish boys to learn since it was easy to remember the succession: “teach, show and lead.” Jesus would have been taught and memorized it also. Is there one or several verses in this psalm that will be easy to commit to memory?

From ancient days people have been both amazed and terrified by the power of the ocean. Wave after wave strikes the shore and pulls itself back. On rocky coastlines waves hit with power, sending spray and sound all around. Out at sea rough water can toss a huge boat like it’s a piece of paper. A hurricane can turn waves into weapons mightier than the ocean.

Many people love to sit by the sea and meditate. The pounding waves resonate deep within the human soul. As we sit by large bodies of water like seas and oceans we might also be awestruck that we personally know the one who made those waves. That we have a relationship with the one who first spoke great bodies of water into existence. We are sustained by one more powerful than the strongest undertow.

We don’t honor the ocean; we exalt the Creator of the ocean. We don’t just meditate on the gentle drumbeat of the waves on shore; we commune with the heart of the drummer. We worship the Lord, the eternal King, who is our Lord and closest friend.

In medieval times it was thought that the earth remained in a fixed position while the sun and other heavenly bodies circled it. This belief was based in part on Psalm 93:1 “The world is firmly established.” From eternity, before the formation of the world, God always remained the same in himself, not needing creation or any creature, thereby to obtain any new perfection.”

Do you remember singing the song, “God moves in a mysterious way; His wonders to perform; he plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm by William Cowper? It describes perfectly our great God and how much his ways are mysterious 

1). How does the psalmist see and describe God?

2). What is the visual he paints for his readers?

3). How does the description of God’s reign in Psalm 93 affect your understanding of His sovereignty?

4). In what ways can the imagery of the roaring seas apply to your life’s situations?

5). How do you perceive the majesty and strength of God in your everyday life?

6). How can the unchanging nature of God’s decree provide comfort in uncertain times? 

7). How does the concept of God’s eternality impact your faith?

8). In what ways does the steadfastness of God’s laws influence your moral and ethical decisions?

9). How can Psalm 93 serve as a source of strength in moments of personal chaos or turbulence?

10). What are practical ways to express the understanding of God’s eternal reign in your daily living?

11). How can recognizing God’s sovereignty as described in Psalm 93 influence your relationships with others?

12). How can the acknowledgement of God’s majesty affect your prayer life?

13). How does Psalm 93’s emphasis on the eternal of God contrast with the temporary nature of human experiences?

14). How does Psalm 93 challenge or confirm your understanding of the natural world’s testimony to God’s glory?

15). Based on Psalm 93, how might you articulate God’s sovereignty and majesty to someone struggling with faith?

16). How might the messages from Psalm 93 shape your approach to worship? 

If you were to paraphrase Psalm 93 in your own words, what would you say?

It was probably the last week of May A.D. 30. A rugged-looking Galilean stood tall in the courtyard of the Jerusalem Temple, remembering what had happened in early April. It had been the lowest point of his entire life. After denying that he even knew the man, he had watched Jesus of Nazareth being hauled off to be executed.

Now, only seven weeks later, Peter stood in front of thousands. “Listen carefully, all of you,” he shouted, and then he explained what had happened just seven weeks earlier. Jesus, who had done many miracles, had been crucified, but amazingly God “raised him back to life again” (Ats 2:14-36).

Then Peter quoted Scripture: “King David said this about Him,“  and he began reciting four verses from Psalm 16, which seem to refer to a resurrection. But whose resurrection? Davids? No, obviously not, for David was still dead. This prophecy was speaking of Jesus (Acts 2:25-31).

That combination of Peter’s personal testimony and Scripture was used by the Holy Spirit to bring three thousand people into the Kingdom of God that day, which is called Pentecost. If early April had been Peter’s lowest point, can you imagine how different he felt on the Day of Pentecost?

On this 26thSunday of Pentecost, as we observe the last few weeks of Pentecost before the season of Advent begins, take a moment to rejoice in the wonderful news that Jesus has risen from the dead, conquering death for us just as David foretold in Psalm 16 and how we also have the powerful Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth.

1). What does it mean to take refuge in God?

2). What are other things people may take refuge in?

3). Full disclosure: Have you ever taken refuge in anything other than God? What were the circumstances and what turned you around?

4). Share an example of a challenging or dangerous situation you needed to turn to God for help in? What was the outcome?

5). What do we see about David’s attitude toward God in verse 2?

6). What are some good things you have received from the Lord lately? Were you surprised by what God did? How did you respond?

7). Switching gears: Why is it good for the soul to contemplate death?

8). Are you afraid of dying? Why or why not?

9). If not, how are you preparing for death?

10). If so, do you find yourself trying to avoid all conversations and thoughts about death and eternity?

11). Who is the author of Psalm 16?

12). In whom did David place his truth?

13). In whom did David find great delight?

14). How does David’s understanding of God’s presence influence his life? How does your understanding of God influence your life?

15). In verse 9, David mentions that his “heart is glad.” What makes your heart glad in your relationship with God?

16). In difficult situations how do you “keep the Lord always before you” as David did?

17). How can you use Psalm 16 as a prayer in your daily life?

18). What steps can you take to nurture the same kind of trust in God that David demonstrates in Psalm 16?

19). In the context of present-day living, how can we avoid the pursuit of “other gods?”

20). How does the idea of God being your “chosen portion and cup” apply to your life?

Martin Luther described the Gospel this way. Luther said, “the gospel is nothing else than laughter and joy.”

The LORD has done, is doing, and will continue to do great things for us—and not merely great things. These are days and times we need to be reminded of this truth more than ever.

Like this psalm, the story of Joseph’s life in Genesis 37-50—begins with a dream and includes an amazing harvest. It would be good to take some time and review Joseph’s life to see if there are any parallels between this psalm and Jospeh’s life. 

 1). How does the experience of the Israelites in Psalm 126 parallel our own life’s ups and downs?

2). Can you recall a time in your life where things seemed to be like what’s described in Psalm 126? 

Maybe one day you were down, in the trenches, thinking things would never turn around, and the very next day everything changed!

3). Psalm 126 encourages us to remain hopeful and continue sowing even during tough times? How does it encourage you personally?

4). How can we see God’s love and power in both the Israelites past deliverance and their hope for future restoration?

5). In what ways can we respond when we see God working in our lives as the Israelites did?

6). What role does gratitude play in the Psalmist’s reflection and prayer?

7). How might verse 4 resonate with someone experiencing spiritual dryness?

8). How can we maintain a balance between remembering God’s past blessings and yearning for his future deliverance?

9). How can the theme of Psalm 126 guide us in our daily living, particularly in interactions with others and in our spiritual journey?

10). How does the concept of joy in Psalm 126 differ from worldly understandings of happiness?

11). In what ways does this Psalm demonstrate the relationship between prayer and divine intervention?

12). In what areas of our life are you waiting for God’s restoration?

13). How does Psalm 126 inspire you to keep faith during difficult times?

Imagine you had no more than two minutes to witness God to someone who doesn’t know Him like you do and have never experienced His miraculous power and blessings such as described in Psalm 126, how would you use the themes of Psalm 126 to accomplish it? (Everyone should take a stab at completing this exercise!)

Locate a verse or two of Psalm 126 to close out in prayer

 Sometimes worry will keep us from sleeping. The longer we stay awake and in bed the more we fret about tomorrow’s problems and the more upset we become. So finally, we get up and do things to get our mind off negative thoughts.

We can sing in strange places. Some people sing in the shower and others when they are driving their car. Few people say they sing in the middle of the night when they can’t sleep. It seems the psalmist chose to sing in the middle of the night when he couldn’t sleep. He wasn’t just singing the latest pop tunes he was singing to the Lord and about the justice of God. 

Another time to sing is as we undergo spiritual warfare, which the psalmist was doing. Exuberant praise as the psalmist writes about is not just what we sing or the music we make but what we do in our lives as God’s people. 

In this psalm we learn praise also involves following God’s command to fight against injustice and carry out justice in peaceful ways. Psalm 149 challenges us to find ways to do so in today’s culture and our individual lives.

Define "praise.”

Consider the Old and New Testaments as two different times, not only in Biblical history but spiritually. 

Spiritually speaking, what is the “new” song God’s people are to be singing?

What does it mean when we praise God “in the assembly”? 

Israel was God’s people. What does it mean when the “people” of God rejoice in God as their Maker? To be glad in God as their King? 

How does the idea of singing a “new song” to the Lord apply to your current life and circumstances?

How can you make the joy and hope you read in verses 4 and 5 part your daily life?

Have you considered God as “equitable and just? Is that difficult, given how much injustice we see in the world around us?

How would Psalm 149 bring comfort and encourage those facing difficulty and trials?

Psalm 149 underscores the special relationship between God and His people. How does Psalm 149 deepen your understanding of God’s covenantal faithfulness?

As long as we live on earth, we can count on having spiritual battles. How does Psalm 149 inspire you to participate actively in spiritual battles in your life?

How does Psalm 149 affect your view of the relationship between worship, justice, and spiritual warfare in the life of a believer?

Today, it seems many cannot fathom how to execute judgment without promoting violence, how can we promote and apply God’s command to execute judgment in our modern context without promoting violence or harm?

In the light of Psalm 149 how would you handle injustice you encounter in your life?

In closing, share your thoughts of Psalm 149 and how it might affect the way you execute praise and justice in today’s world and in your individual life. 

On a clear Judean night David could probably see five thousand stars. Today, with a four-inch telescope a person can see more than 2 million.

Psalm 8 answers the question raised in Psalm 8:4. Charles Darwin said man is an animal. Sigmund Freud said that man is a spoiled child. Karl Marx believed man is an economic factor. But the Bible says God has a much higher calling for his created beings. The Bible says God made humans a “little lower than the angels and crowned us with glory and honor.” What does God want for us? He wants us to reign in life and in death.  

Through His servant David, God reminds us He created us to have dominion over the earth. He sent Jesus to redeem us so we could be kings and not slaves, and He sent the Holy Spirit so we can live as kings. It’s clear our kingship comes from God. We are to both remember and recognize God not only created us but how we are to live. 

As we study Psalm 8 let’s consider the honor God bestowed upon us at creation and why He not only pays attention to us but sent Jesus to die that we might regain and reclaim what was knit into us at creation. We live either a sovereign or as a slave. The Holy Spirit will give us the power we need to live as sovereigns. The devil will kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10) in order to make us enslaved (again).

The word Majesty means, “impressive stateliness, dignity, or beauty. To David, God is the most wonderful and the most beautiful being anywhere in the universe, worthy of respect and admiration. David realizes that God is Supreme, higher and more powerful of anyone anywhere. From David’s prayer, you can feel his love for God. To him, God is not a force. Neither is God an angry judge or a strict rule giver. God is someone to love and admire. In your own prayers do you pray the way David prays? Do you often praise God in your prayers? Wha is something you can do to praise the Lord on a regular basis?

List out several synonyms for the word “majestic.”

In all the earth people often idolize and look up to certain people. For some it is celebrities. Others think that politicians are the answer. Sometimes it is athletes. David recognized the truth that there is no one else to look up to and worship besides God. He alone is worthy to be praised. In modern times what names/people does the world often look up to?

What does the phrase mean “you have set your glory above the heavens?”

Why does God desire glory and honor for himself while people should not? Why is that prideful for people but not for God? 

Sometimes we ask to see God’s glory. In layman’s terms define the “glory” of God. Now read the following to see what Scriptures say about the “glory of God.”

2 Corinthians 3:18

Psalm 19:1

Habakkuk 2:14

Isaiah 43:7

Matthew 19:14

Describe a time when you were most amazed at God’s creation.

How did you feel about God at that time? How did you feel about yourself?

What do the heavens, moon, and stars show us about God?

How did David feel when he thought about these amazing aspects of God’s creation?

Based upon all we know and see how do you answer the questions: are people significant or insignificant?

What can we learn from David here about praising God in prayers?

How do you praise God in your own prayer life?

What is one way you can focus more on God’s glory?

What is the meaning of verse 2 of Psalm 8?

In what way do children and infants show forth God’s strength?

How do these still or silence the enemy and avenger? 

David uses two different names for God: LORD and Lord? The first is David’s covenant name used in Exodus 3:24 (read) It is Yahweh and means “I AM WHO I AM”. The second use of “Lord” is another name for God which emphasizes His Sovereignty.

Notice that David does not just say “a Lord” or “the Lord.” He says, “our Lord.” David had relationship with Yahweh, the eternal Creator of the universe. It was not a peer relationship of equals. The Lord is still sovereign, but it is nonetheless a personal relationship.

Sometimes people are very casual or familiar with God yet, the Lord is sovereign and Supreme. How do you address the LORD in your prayers? Did you know the difference between the two names before today? How might knowing this make a difference to you from here on out and when you come across the min the Scriptures?

What else about Psalm 8 stands out to you?

What does David declare in this verse?

After reading Psalm 8 how will you most think about God as you lay down at night or when you awake in the middle of the night?

One last question:

Is your life too busy or crowed to spend time meditating on God? Do you find that you have no quiet time to spend contemplating about important questions or to just be in awe about the wonders of the universe? If the answer is “yes” what do you plan to do about that? 

Choose the part of Psalm 8 that touched you the most to close in prayer.

History is full of examples of people who gave up lucrative careers to go into full time church work, serving the Lord. Matthew was a successful tax collector until he gave up everything and followed Christ, Augustine had a promising future as a politician, and Martin Luther could have been a successful attorney but chose the priesthood instead. 

When Thomas Acquinas, a respected Doctor of Philosophy choose to become a monk, he explained his decision by quoting Psalm 84:10, “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live a good life anywhere else.”

A gatekeeper was a servant at the Temple. For anyone of status, it would seem to be a major step down. Yet the psalmist considers it an important career move. Serving in God’s house is better than being served anywhere else, for God will see that your greatest needs are taken care of.

This is what made Saint Francis of Assisi reject a retailing career, what made track star Eric Liddell become a missionary, and David Livingston take his medical training to the heart of Africa. They were gatekeepers, serving God by letting people into his presence. 

As we study Psalm 84 today, think of all the people who have been ushered into the presence of God with the help of dedicated servants who felt just as Thomas Acquinas did when he quoted verse 10 as his inspiration for choosing a career in God’s house. 

 To begin. After reading Psalm 84:1-12 identify the “themes” of the Psalm. Answer and discuss the following: 

1. What does the psalmist’s longing for God’s dwelling place say about his relationship with God?

2. Are there ways we apply the psalmist’s intense longing for God to our personal spiritual lives?

3. How do verses 1-4 challenge your current view of worship?

4. The psalmists refers to “the Valley of Baca”—a dry desert where there was no water. How does the metaphor of the Valley of Baca apply to your own life experiences?

5. How can hardships or trials (your personal Valleys of Baca) be transformed into places of spiritual growth (springs)?

6. What do you think the psalmist means when he says those whose strength is in the Lord go from “strength to strength?” 

7. What is the significance of the psalmists declaring that a day in God’s courts is better than a thousand elsewhere?

8. How does the statement “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked” challenge what we’ve come to believe about success and status?

9. How do verses 8-12 reflect the psalmist’s trust in Gods goodness and protection?

10.In what ways have you experienced God as a “sun and shield” in your own life?

11.How does this psalm teach us about the blessing of trusting in God?

12.How can understanding the blessing of dwelling in God’s presence change your daily routine?

13.Wanting to be in and longing for the presence of God isn’t just a desire of those who have answered the call to serve him in his temple, but something we can all have. What is the best way to cultivate a similar desire for God’s presence as the psalmist demonstrates?

14.How does the longing for God’s presence inspire your own prayer life?

15.What are some practical ways to express your trust in God’s goodness in your daily life and how can you take steps to foster a deeper sense of worship and connection with God? 

16.Looking at Psalm 84, how does it inspire you to find joy in God’s presence, even in times of adversity?

17.Does this Psalm cause you to feel or think differently toward those who have chosen to answer the call of the Holy Spirit to serve God’s people in his House? If so, in what ways? If not, why?

18.Even if you did not choose or feel called to be a “gatekeeper” in God’s house how can you improve your support of those how did?

19.Do you agree that Psalm 84 guides us into contemplating what is true worship and how we can gain a heart of worship? What are some ways we can turn the trials of life into blessing. 

 Not everyone is called to full time service in the church, but we should all be doing what God has called us to do. No matter what else you are doing in life, find a way to be one of God’s gatekeepers. It’s a great job and the benefits are tremendous. 

Is there a favorite part of this psalm you'd like to shape into a closing prayer?