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

Psalm 138 is a heartfelt expression of gratitude, humility, and dependence on God. It is believed to be written by David and celebrates the assurance of God’s steadfast love, his mighty deeds, him omnipresence, his divine protection. It is about a deep, personal relationship with God. As you study Psalm 138 you can reflect on your own personal relationship with God, and you may even consider if your trust in God is as steadfast and heartfelt as David’s and so many others. 

When we read the psalms, we are reading the oldest prayer and worship book. They are the same prayers Jesus grew up with, learning by heart and sowing into His heart. They are the same promises and words Jesus repeated over and over during His sermons, lessons, and counsel to others. The psalms are the books the prophets also knew so well. 

1). David began Psalm 138 by praising God. How would David have sung the praises of God “before the gods?” How do you sing the praises of God before the gods of this world and in a modern age? Be as specific as you can. 

2). It’s easy to see that David’s Psalm is about praise but what other themes stand out? 

3). Today most don’t take David’s statement that he would “bow down toward God’s holy temple” literally. What are other ways we might bow down toward God’s holy temple in order to praise His name?” 

4). David says as soon as he prays God’s answers him. Could it be that David believed the promises of God to answer prayer so strongly that he knew in his heart it was so? How does this contrast or conflict with our beliefs about answered prayer? 

5). What would change in your prayer life and what you do once you say “Amen” if you believed God answered prayer immediately? 

6). The Lord gave David boldness to confront his enemies. For what causes do believers today need boldness? For what do you need boldness?

7). How does God increase our strength?

8). How has God increased your strength and what was the occasion or need?

9). Since, not all nations have “kings” today, what does it mean when David says “may all the kings of the earth praise you, LORD”?

10). Where should we sing God’s praises. In front of believers in the church or in front of unbelievers out in the world? Explain your answer.

11). Is it prideful for God to exalt His own name? Why or why not?

12). What does it mean to “give thanks with your whole heart?”

13). It’s easy to praise God for His “greatness” when we measure God’s greatness by His goodness toward us or when He answers our prayers or causes things to go our way, but there are other ways God shows His greatness. How? 

14). David states, “Though the LORD is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; those lofty, He sees them from afar” Why does God draw near to the humble but distances himself from the prideful?

15). Be honest. Where is pride a problem in your life? How does your pride keep God at s distance? 

16). How does Daivd contrast God’s care for people in verse 6? How have you seen this take place today? 

17). How has God preserved your life in the midst of trouble? 

18). How has Gid stretched out His right hand to save you?

19). What does vindication mean?

20). Why do you need to be vindicated?

21). How will God vindicate you?

22). What does it mean to you that God will not abandon the works of His hands?

23). Even when we falter in our faith and trust, does that keep God from loving or restoring us? 

24). Share a testimony of something that you are thankful for.         

The older we become the more we might appreciate Psalm 71. It focuses on God’s special blessings for those who are getting older. Some might wonder what God does for us as we get older. He helps us meet and solve some of the problems that we encounter in our later years such as the problem of weakness which David addresses in verse 9. God also helps us as we become confused which David also addresses.

A third problem is our habit of looking back at the “good old days.” David was futuristic. He didn’t know what the future held but he trusted God to know. And though we often face the problem of complaining—which is so easy to do once we grow old—David solves this by asking God to help us praise Him and relish in God’s glory all day long. 

An interesting concept David introduces is the concept of “continually”. When we’re older we know not much goes on continually. We must drop some things and we must start others. But David uses this word three times in his prayer. Some things may drop but there are things we can keep until we are no longer here. One is prayer. We can pray without ceasing. We can pray continually. We can also hope continually

If we are praying continually, praising continually and hoping continually we are also saying that “the best is yet to come.” We can be mindful of the generations yet to come and assured that God’s strength and power will be with us.  

In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;(B)
let me never be put to shame.(C)
2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;
turn your ear(D) to me and save me.
3 Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.(E)
4 Deliver(F) me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,(G)
from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.(H)

5 For you have been my hope,(I) Sovereign Lord,
my confidence(J) since my youth.
6 From birth(K) I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.(L)
I will ever praise(M) you.
7 I have become a sign(N) to many;
you are my strong refuge.(O)
8 My mouth(P) is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor(Q) all day long.

9 Do not cast(R) me away when I am old;(S)
do not forsake(T) me when my strength is gone.
10 For my enemies(U) speak against me;
those who wait to kill(V) me conspire(W) together.
11 They say, “God has forsaken(X) him;
pursue him and seize him,
for no one will rescue(Y) him.”
12 Do not be far(Z) from me, my God;
come quickly, God, to help(AA) me.
13 May my accusers(AB) perish in shame;(AC)
may those who want to harm me
be covered with scorn and disgrace.(AD)

14 As for me, I will always have hope;(AE)
I will praise you more and more.

15 My mouth will tell(AF) of your righteous deeds,(AG)
of your saving acts all day long—
though I know not how to relate them all.
16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts,(AH) Sovereign Lord;
I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
17 Since my youth, God, you have taught(AI) me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.(AJ)
18 Even when I am old and gray,(AK)
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power(AL) to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.(AM)

19 Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens,(AN)
you who have done great things.(AO)
Who is like you, God?(AP)
20 Though you have made me see troubles,(AQ)
many and bitter,
you will restore(AR) my life again;
from the depths of the earth(AS)
you will again bring me up.
21 You will increase my honor(AT)
and comfort(AU) me once more.

22 I will praise you with the harp(AV)
for your faithfulness, my God;
I will sing praise to you with the lyre,(AW)
Holy One of Israel.(AX)
23 My lips will shout for joy(AY)
when I sing praise to you—
I whom you have delivered.(AZ)
24 My tongue will tell of your righteous acts
all day long,(BA)
for those who wanted to harm me(BB)
have been put to shame and confusion.(BC)

1). How does the Psalmist’s trust in God take shape in Psalm 71?

2). In what ways does the Psalmist exhibit his faith throughout his life journey in Psalm 71?

3). Reflect on situations in your life where you need to rely on God’s  deliverance as the Psalmist did.

4). How does the Psalmist’s approach to adversity apply to modern challenges believers face?

5). How might you apply the Psalmist’s consistent praise of God in your life?’

6). What does this Psalm teach about the relationship between faith and fear?

7). How can we see God’s faithfulness in our lives, reflecting on verse 6?

8). How does the Psalmist’s prayer in his old age inspire you to view aging and faith?

9). Why is it essential to narrate God’s deeds to the next generation, as the Psalmist omits to doing?

10). How can we use the Psalmist’s approach to handle criticism and adversity in our lives today?

11). How does this Psalm inspire you to handle situations when you feel abandoned or alone?

12). How can you translate the Psalmist’s commitment to continual praise into your daily practices?

13). Reflect in a time you experienced God’s deliverance in your life as shared in the Psalm?

14). How does psalm 21 inspire you to deal with life circumstances.

15). What practical steps can you take to rely on God’s righteousness as suggested in Psalm 71?

16). What are some ways that the Psalmist models turning fear into faith?

17). How does the Psalmist’s reliance on God in his old age resonate with you? 

18). What steps can you take to celebrate Gods deeds more actively in your life?

19). How does Psalm 71 encourage you to handle life’s adversities?

20). How can you implement the “Psalmist’s attitude of hope and praise during challenging times in your life?

How will you pray for yourself or others who are getting older?

 It’s one thing to praise God for the gift of salvation but do we also remember to praise Him for creation itself? We may read it in the Psalms, but when is the last time you have personally praised God for 

The sun

The moon

The way the earth revolves around the sun 

The rain that falls to water the earth

The beautiful flowers and species of trees,

The waters, hills and lush valleys

What about the snow that falls in the cold winter months

Can you say you are normally too busy to stop and appreciate all of creation and how it works together like a well-rehearsed symphony?  

One of the leaders of the French Revolution, Jean Bon St. Andre, said to a poor peasant, “I will have all your steeples pulled down, so you will not be reminded anymore of your old religion.” The peasant replied, “But you cannot help leaving us the stars.” 

Creation is God’s gift to us. not even all the harm humans do, all the natural catastrophes that occur through the ages can take away what God has done for His pleasure and our enjoyment. 

Reading Psalm 19, we can almost see David in our mind’s eye as he sat on hilltops, walked the valleys, stood beside still waters while the sheep in his care nourished and refreshed themselves. No wonder his praise for God’s creation was passionate and heartfelt. 

As we study Psalm 19, let us tap into the spirit of David and praise God anew for all He has created and has stood through the ages. 

1). What can we learn about God by studying nature?

2). What important things can’t we learn about Him by observing nature alone?

3). What have you learned from Scripture recently about God and His ways?

4). What have you learned from life experiences about Gpd and His ways?

5). When you read Psalm 19:1-6 how does the portrayal of the heavens inspire your understanding of God’s majesty?

6). How can observing God’s creation inspire us to praise Him more?

7). Why is it wrong to worship nature instead of God?

8). Notice how, in verse 7, David shifts from praising God for creation to focusing on God’s law. Why do you think He did this?

9). In verses 7-9 David lists six themes what are they? What does he say about each one?

10). What has your experience been? Do you support what David says in this verse? Why or why not?

11). What about verses 8 and 9?

12). Then, just as now, gold was a precious commodity, yet David says God’s laws, statues (instruction, precepts, commands, and decrees) are more precious than God. Would you be able to make the same heartfelt expression? Would you consider God’s teachings more precious than money?

13). How can it be possible that God’s commands and law—which are not necessarily easy to follow and obey—be sweeter than honey (vs 10).

14). How do you feel about what David says in verse 12? Are we the best judge of our errors? Why or why not?

15). As God has pointed out your hidden faults to you, have you pent time in prayer just as David did? 

16). According to Jeremiah 31:31 (read) each person is fully aware of their sin. Do you agree or disagree? Is this why David asks for forgiveness? 

17). What do you think the difference is between willful sin and unintentional sins? Why should we be more concerned about willful sins?

18). Why did David say he would be “blameless” and innocent of great transgression?

19). Have you ever prayed what David prayed in verse 14? Is pleasing God with your heart’s meditation and the words of your mouth more important to you than anything? How can you make sure this is one of your highest spiritual values and principles?

Choose one of the verses from Psalm 19 to pray

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