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

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?

Some history to begin:

In 1877, missionary of prison ministry, Frederick Baedeker enjoyed going to prison. He traveled to Russia to preach and give out Bibles. While there he was allowed to visit the prisons, and for eighteen years he was the only person who had the right to visit any prison in Russia. And visit he did, from Poland to the Pacific. Wherever he went, he was watched by secret police, but he continued traveling, becoming one of the greatest distributors of Scripture of all time.

Federick said, “Few people have any idea of how many people all over the world are kept behind iron bars like wild animals.” Though he was threatened, and his life was often in danger, Baedeker said, “These people need the gospel terribly, and I am going to give it to them.”

When Baedeker met Count Lev Tolstoy, the Russian writer told him that if the Russian people had better education there would be no need of prisons. Baedeker disagreed, he knew the activity and stronghold of evil over many was the cause. He knew that people often make their own prisons.

This is the message of Psalm 146: There is a Strong One who is still in the business of freeing prisoners. 

Define praise. 

How does the psalmist say we can praise God?

What does the psalmist say about putting our trust in people in authority or those who have power? What happens when people—even those who have more power than we do—die?

How have you seen this to be true even when “common” people die?

Consider God’s promise concerning those who look to God for help.

What fascinates you each time you read how God created the world and all that is in it? 

What are some of the ways God has proven to be faithful to his creation?

In what ways have we experienced the faithfulness of God to this day?

What other points in verses 3-6 would you like to bring up in group or meditate on?

It is no coincidence that verse 7 mentions freeing prisoners ad feeding the hungry in one breath. They are also mentioned in together in Isaiah 58:6-7 (read). Wy do you understand God is so passionate about the oppressed, the hungry and the prisoners? Talk it out.

We can be blind in a number of ways (vs 8) (discuss these). How does God lift up those who are bowed down?

In light of our debate in this country about immigrants and status. How do you view verse 9? What if we truly thought God is watching over those who are living in a country not their own?

How long does God reign? How comforting is it to know that God will be on the throne even after you are no longer here, but your children, grandchildren, and future generations are living. Why?

How does the psalmist end the psalm?

How can we do this same thing in our own life?  

Use verse 3 as a closing prayer

 It was June 6, 597, Columba, the pioneer missionary to Scotland, was translating the Psalms into the local dialect. When he completed the tenth verse of Psalm 34, he said, “Here I must stop. Let Baithene [his successor] write what follows.” Early the next day the seventy-seven-year-old Columba died.

A controversial and sometimes quick-tempered Irishman, Columba loved the Psalms, people, and animals (in that order). In fact, it may have been a controversy over a copy of the Psalms that caused him to leave his beloved Donegal in Ireland and establish a base on the little isle of Iona to evangelize Scotland and northern England. With a group of twelve monks, who copied Scripture and then brought it to the people, he confronted the druids and converted the kings.

The first half of Psalm 34 reminds us that we can praise and pray to God for help, and we will be delivered. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness and how, at times, God will manifest his love and presence in a very tangible, touchable way. And the second half of this psalm reminds us that God is always using his word to teach us as his children to fear the Lord; watch our tongue; turn from evil; and work for peace. 

As we reflect on and study this psalm today let’s consider how well we are doing at what God, through king David, instructs us from beginning to end.

Read Psalm 34 in its entirety then work your way back through, verse by verse or as the questions below lead and indicate. 

How many promises can be identified in this psalm?

Isolate and talk about each one. Do your best not to give a “one-line “answer but spend time answering and reflecting thoughtfully.

What happens when we pray to the Lord (vs4) 

What does God promise for “those who look to him for help” (vs5). How has this been a personal experience for you?

As verse 5b says, when we look to God we are lightened and our “faces will not be darkened” meaning God will comfort us. Have you found this to be true? When and how? 

Why did David refer to himself as a “poor” man? (vs6)

What happens when we cry to the Lord in our suffering?

What fears has God set you free from? (vs6)

What does God do for those who fear him (vs7)

Without having a theological definition of what “taste and see that the Lord is good” in front of you, what do you understand this statement to mean? (vs8)

How can we show reverence to God (vs9)

What do you believe verse 10 means? 

How have you learned to “fear the Lord”? (vs 11)

What kind of life do you desire to live? (vs12)

How well are you doing keeping verses 13-14? 

In what areas or ways could you do better?

What are the Lord’s eyes “seeing” as he looks at you? (vs15-16)

What Does God promise to do in verse 17?

Have you experienced being brokenhearted? How have you sense God’s closeness (vs 18)

What did Jesus say in John 16:33? (read) Is this the same as what we read in Psalm 34:19-20?

What will happen to the wicked (vs. 21)

What will happen to those who serve God (vs 22)?

Reflect on the parts and lines of Psalm 34 that have been especially meaningful to you personally. 

What stanzas or parts of Psalm 34 would you like to shape as a closing prayer? 

 An interesting story about a missionary assigned to China, whom the Chinese nicknamed “Mr. Glory Face.” Archibald Orr-Ewing, who came from Scotland, was known for walking sixty miles a day in order to spread the love of Jesus and evangelize the Chinese. After he got married his wife convinced him to cut back to fifty miles a day. He lived a spartan life and gave what money he had to build buildings for the China Inland Mission. How many came to know and love Jesus through the diligence of Glory Face, coming to know the loving Savior Jesus Christ through Glory-Face.

Gregory the Great said, “It’s a marvel that people are not always praising, since everything around us is continually inviting praise. As we study Psalm 145 may we be inspired to become those who praise God continually. We may not cover as much ground as Glory Face but we can cover as much ground as the Lord will allow.   

What comes to mind when you see words such as “exalting” and “praising” God? How would a king or someone in such a high position praise and exalt God? How can you praise and exalt God?

What is the activity of both humans and God throughout these verses? What makes God great? 

How does the next generation know to praise God? (Hint: read psalm 78:4-7).

What activity of God comes to mind when you see words such as greatness, mighty acts, glorious splendor, majesty, wonderful works, great deeds, abundant goodness, righteousness? 

The definition of “proclaim” is to officially or publicly announce. How do you “proclaim the great deeds of God”? 

What does the psalmist so cleverly do over verses 8-9?

What are your thoughts about the “gracious compassion of God? How does this fit with what God promises in 2 Peter 3:9-10. How have you personally benefited and enjoyed Gods being “slow to anger” and long-suffering? Would you also call God’s being long-suffering an act of gracious compassion?

William Carey, who as often called the father of foreign missions, loved this psalm. A remarkable man, Carey taught himself languages of India and translated the Bible into thirty-four Indian languages. He was also an enthusiastic gardener and a scientific botanist, with 427 species of plans in his garden, carefully identifying each by their Latin names. When he published an edition of a classic botanical book, he prefixed it with the tenth verse of Psalm 145.

Although he suffered many hardships, perhaps the hardest came when his entire mission complex, which contained manuscripts that he had worked on for years, burned to the ground. In one short evening, all the labors of his years were consumed. “How unsearchable the ways of God!”

What “works of God” do you notice all around you? How do they tell the story of his Kingdom?

What are the mighty acts of God we can share with others? 

As Carey said, “the Lord has laid me low that I my look more simply to him.”

How bravely and confidently he and his colleagues returned to their work. Rebuilding and as they worked exalting God in the process. In your life’s journey how has the Lord “laid you low” and how have you continued to praise him afterward or throughout?  

Are you learning to test the promises of God and finding God to be trustworthy? What promises have carried you especially?

What does it mean that “God has given us our food at the proper time?

 What does James say about God’s drawing close to us? (Read James 4:8) how have you experienced the closeness of God when you called upon him?

Are you confident the Lord watches over you? Why or why not?

How does knowing the wicked will be destroyed bring you (comfort, peace, confidence, etc)?  

Jewish rabbis taught that if you prayed this psalm from the heart three times a day, you will prepare yourself for the world to come. After studying psalm 145 can you see why they taught this? What comes to mind when you think of how heaven will be?

Choose one or two verses from Psalm 145 to pray close. 

It would have been considered heresy for any Hebrew schoolboy to say, “I hate history.” He could hate arithmetic, spelling, even reading, but never history.

There’s no way to talk about the faith of the Israelites without considering the exodus from Egypt—a historical event. Skeptics can argue about the ten plagues or the miracles, but somehow these people got away from an Egyptian pharaoh and ended up in Canaan. That’s history. His Story: God’s story. God’s actions in the lives of his people.

Christianity is rooted in history too. We adopt Old Testament history to be sure, but the pivotal point for us is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Skeptics can argue about the miracles of turning water into wine or feeding the five thousand, but somehow the body of a crucified rabbi disappeared, and his followers were willing to die for the historical fact of the Resurrection. Without that historical grounding, our faith makes no sense. 

Think about it. We have more than a historical past. There’s a glorious future, too. Psalm 136 ends each verse with the same refrain: “His faithful love endures forever.” That gives us strength for the present and hope for the future.

As we study Psalm 136 today let’s consider the miracles, the faithful steadfastness of God, not only past but presently, and let’s intersperse prayers of thanksgiving as we go throughout; for how do we stop to think about the miracles of God without stopping to give thanks at the simultaneously?

Psalm 136 is divided into three sections: verses 1-9; 10-16; and 17-26. As we begin our study let’s take time to refresh our memory of what God did for His people, bringing them out of Egypt. 

 What activity stands out for you as you read this account of the Israelites exodus from Egypt after 400 hundred years—to the day—of enslavement? After experiencing and enduring the ten plagues is it hard to believe the Egyptians would have been happy to see the Israelites go? 

It was a bold move to ask for treasures to take with them. Only God could have set this up. How has God worked in a similar way in your life? Share your story with the class.

Why do you believe so many people who were not Israelites went with God’s children when they exited Egypt? 

What about your personal witness and expression of what it means to belong to God make others want have a relationship with him also? 

What do you think the Israelites may have been reflecting on and feeling as they made their exodus from Egypt? What about as they walked the distance from Ramses to Succoth? 

What would you have been feeling and thinking during that time? 

The authorship of Psalm 136 is not definitely unknown, but it was likely composed by David and given to the Levites to sing every day. It was also sung in Solomon’s temple and by the armies of Jehoshaphat during their victory in the wilderness of Tekoa. 

The word translated as “faithful love” throughout this psalm has also been translated as “mercy,” “steadfast love,” “kindness,” “loyalty” and even “covenant faithfulness.”

Can you see how God’s covenant, “faithful love,” flows out of the solemn covenant he made with his people? 

How have you experienced God’s “faithful love,” in your personal life journey? What about as a community of faith?

What would a psalm of thanks look like for you if you were retracing your own personal history and journey with God? What would a psalm of praise look like if you were retracing the history of your faith community? What significant events would you highlight? 

Take a few minutes so each one can write out three verses of thanksgiving, starting each one with “Give thanks to the LORD…and concluding with “His faithful love endures forever.”

What have some of your “wilderness” experiences been?

Check out what God did in Numbers 21. Why do you think Sihon and Og were singled out in Psalm 136?

Consider what God did for his own beloved Israel. Do you believe God still works mightily to this day?

Are you humbled by verses 23-25? Has God ever failed to do this in your life?

How will you do what the last verse of Psalm 136 commands?

It is said that “the birds rise in the morning and are saluting the rising sun with their sweet notes on the air. Thus, should we strike up our harps in praising God at the first appearance of a mercy.” (William Gurnall) 

It’s likely that David ordered Psalm 136 be sung daily, that way the people would take time each day to remember and thank God for what he had done for them. Have you made it a habit of beginning your daily prayers by thanking God even before you ask him for things? If not, does Psalm 136 inspire you to do so?

Sing one or more verses of “I Love to Tell the Story.”

1. I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love;
I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true,
It satisfies my longings as nothing else would do.

o Refrain:
I love to tell the story,
’Twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love.

2. I love to tell the story, more wonderful it seems
Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams;
I love to tell the story, it did so much for me,
And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

The young, newly ordained, George Whitfield was only twenty-five years old when he was hauled before the clerical tribunal for the grievous offense of preaching the gospel outdoors. He had preached to a group of two hundred coal miners in a field. The young Oxford-trained cleric was also charged with being and “enthusiast” and a Methodist. To these charges Whitfield replied, “Every Christian must be an enthusiast” (which means to have God in you). The young minister stated, “You think that I am going to make you methodically mad. So you may breathe out your invectives against me, yet Christ knows all; he takes notice of it, and I shall leave it to him to plead my cause.” Whitfield must have felt like David in Psalm 26 verses 1-2.

We should note that Psalm 26 seems to connect with Psalm 25 where David prays for integrity and declares his integrity in verse 1 and acknowledges God’s unfailing love in verse 3. So, the psalmist recognized his integrity was dependent upon God’s mercy and the same is true for us. 

What Bible passages come to mind when you read David’s words, “Vindicate me, LORD, for I have led a blameless life…I have not faltered…?

Were you thinking of verses such as Romans 3:10-12 (read) and I John 1:8-10 (read). How is it possible for David to say what he did in Psalm 26?

Like us, David knew he was sinful. What he expresses to God is that his heart was not impure and that there was no willful sin. David expressed an innocence and purity of heart. Can you identify with what David is saying here? How is willful sin different from intentional sin? 

Since both intentional and unintentional sin is sin why can we claim innocence when there was no intent to sin against God? How does what David says here provide comfort?  

How does “being mindful of God’s unfailing love” impact your attitude and actions toward others or determine how you live life?  

In the wilderness the glory of God was visible over the Tabernacle. Read Exodus 40:34-38 and John 1:14 to see how the glory of God was made visible in the New Testament times.

How do you feel when you understand that you are the glory of God right here, right now to others?

It’s been said that two things will always be found together—love of God and recoil from sin. There cannot be attachment without detachment. 

 How does this statement show in David’s life? How does it prove out in your life?  

Does being a sinner and imperfect exempt us from righteous behavior? Why or why not?

How can we follow David’s example in verses 6-7?

An elderly woman who could not hear the loudest of sounds was asked in writing why she was so faithful to attend church. She replied, “I come to God’s house because I love it, because I like the company, and because I am not satisfied with serving God in private.”

What would you respond to that same question? Share with the class what compels you to return to the Lord house week after week.   

Consider and respond:

When our trust in the Lord is solid, our integrity is also solid. Failing to trust in the Lord will only lead us to take ethical shortcuts to achieve our goals. 

What are some areas in life and in this world where taking an “ethical shortcut” is tempting?

Note the areas where you might be tempted to take some ethical shortcuts. Then ask the Lord to help you trust him in those circumstances. 

 What does David ask of God in verses 9-11? What will happen to the godless and wicked at the end of time? Can you hear yourself praying a similar prayer?

How do you plan to “live a blameless” life? What will you do when you mess up or fail God and others?  

In verse 12 David mentions the “great congregation” which is heaven. Why will all believers be on solid ground in heaven?

Choose one or more verses from Psalm 26 to shape as a prayer.

Let’s begin our study of Psalm 85 by looking at a bit of history.

England had been in a nasty civil war for decades when Oliver Cromwell took charge in 1653. As the head of the army, Cromwell seized power from Parliament and the king and ushered in a period of relative calm. Cromwell was a Puritan who emphasized personal faith over church establishment. He also loved the Psalms, often quoting them in public and urging others to read them.

In 1656 Cromwell opened his second parliamentary session by reading Psalm 85. He went on to talk about his vision for an England where God would be glorified. After the blight of civil war, the people were eager to think that God’s anger would be “put aside” and their fortunes restored.

We must be very careful about applying God’s promises to Israel to any modern nation. England had a time of peace during Cromwell’s reign, but there was more war ahead. England was not God’s special representative nation on earth any more than the United States is now. But we do find certain universal truths in God’s promises to Israel: Whenever God’s people—in any nation—humble themselves, repent, and worship God as it says in 2 Chronicles 7:14 their lives are change, and that often has ripple effect on the society around them.     

Read Psalm 30:5 and 2 Chronicles 7:14 to refresh your mind about what God promised king Solomon once the Temple was completed. Discuss. 

What would happen if we took God’s command seriously?  

What does the psalmist say God has done for his people in verses 1-3. Even though we have established that some promises of God are unique to the time, people, and circumstances, can you see how what the psalmist says here about God still takes place today? Discuss and share some examples.

What does this activity of God mean for his people presently? For you individually?  

What great event was Haggai writing about? 

Pick out the well-known verse we still speak to this day.

Why do we need God to “turn his anger aside?” what would happen if we felt the full brunt of God’s anger? Does this scare or humble you?

Have you ever felt God was angry with you after disobeying him? How did you know God was angry? Did you ask if God was going to be angry with you forever?

Do you know the definition of being revived? What happens when God revives us? 

How would God show us his “unfailing love” after we have been disobedient and turned back to him to repent of our sin? 

How have you experienced God’s love in this way before?

What did you take away from today's study of Psalm 85?

O God, when our faith gets overladen with dust, blow it clean with the wind of Your Spirit. When our habits of obedience get stiff and rusty, anoint them with the oil of Your Spirit. Restore the enthusiasm of our first love for You. Amen