Walking with God... in the Psalms

Home Group Bible Studies

Term 1, 2005-02-04

St Marks Avalon with St Davids Palm Beach

Introductory notes to the Studies and Daily Readings

The Studies and Daily Readings have been prepared using the New International Version of the Bible. If you are using another version, some of the quotations may be a little different.

The theme for the Weekly Bible Studies and Daily Readings will be introduced in the Sunday Sermon at the beginning of the week. While it is not essential to listen to the sermon first before doing the study, it may help and may given members of the Home Group more to discuss each week.

An introduction to the book of the Psalms

The book of Psalms has one Author, yet several authors and editors, reaching its final form after Israel's Babylonian exile, perhaps as late as 200bc. Many of the Psalms are prefaced with a superscription, for example, 'A Psalm of David'. These title notes actually form part of the canonical Hebrew text and usually give some indication of the setting, background or purpose of the Psalm. Occasionally musical or performance notes are also given. Seventy-three of the 150 Psalms are Ôof David', some set against particular circumstances in the life of Israel's ideal King. Others have their source in temple musicians such as the Sons of Korah and Asaph.

This is not a random collection of poems, shuffled together in any old way. They have an order, a shape. If you were to read through them in one sitting, you would notice that there is a movement from a dominant note of distress in the beginning, to a dominant note of joy at the end. (Eg Pss 3-7 are Psalms of Lament; Pss 144-150 are poems of praise-- hallelujah).

Indeed, the Psalms are a five-part royal symphony [1] . The first three movements (or Books) explore David's monarchy and his model relationship with God. Then, part four wrestles with the failure of Israel's monarchy after David, recognising that God alone is Israel's true King. Then, with climactic praise, the final movement celebrates God's glorious and everlasting rule over Israel and all of creation.

Many of the Psalms are deeply personal in nature, portraying the wise and righteous at honest prayer. These psalms are often cast in a form that orients the reader towards the future, beyond the failed Davidic covenant to the promised new covenant. Cries of lament expect a real response from God, an answer that can only be given substance in the coming of Messiah. So as we enter into the divinely inspired life of the Psalms, we grasp hold of a prayed wisdom that anticipates the salvation rule of God in Jesus Christ.

Ultimately, the Psalms are for singing, for praying and for thoughtful meditation. As we give voice to them, they give shape to our yearnings and imaginings. They amplify the cries of our own hearts with substance and godly passion.

The Program

The Walking with God in the Psalms program explores five major themes, prefaced by an introduction. This introduction is done in this week's sermon from Psalm 1 and gives the basic message that God's plan for us is 'blessing' in relationship with him. The five themes we will explore are:

Week 1: God wants us to walk with him through every part of life

Week 2: The Psalms teach us how to talk with God through every part of life

Week 3: The Psalms show us how to walk with God through every part of life

Week 4: The Psalms point us to Jesus as the goal of life

Week 5: The Psalms help us go the distance with God

Bible Study: week 1

God wants us to walk with him through every part of life

Psalm 37:1-24

Discussion Starter: There are certain times in life when we are more likely to call out to God for help or advice or just to thank him. Which times of life do you think that this would happen most commonly? Can you think of particular times of your life when you have called out to God?

Introduction

Many people view God primarily as a problem solver, the Great Therapist in the Sky. When this is true, we use psalms to soothe ourselves in times of trouble. But as we learn to love God for who God is, we enjoy God more. We learn to walk with him through every part of our life. When God becomes our master companion in this way, we learn the important skills of waiting on God, being still before God, and delighting in God; meaning that we love God, are thrilled by God, and can't keep our minds off him.

In Psalm 37 God calls us to himself. He bids us to find deep satisfaction and contentment in him and in all that he provides for us. Read Psalm 37 now.

Based on the commands of verses 1-2, what did the psalmist assume his hearers were going through? Have you ever gone through something similar?
Verses 3-8 tell us how to respond to the to temptation to "fret because of evil men", or to "be envious of those who do wrong". List each command in these verses separately.
How does verse 3 contrast with verse 1? Compare verse 8 with verse 1.
The command to 'dwell in the land' seems to imply that the readers of this Psalm might have been planning to desert the Promised Land that God had given themÑthe land where God had promised to make his home with his people (Num 35:34). What significance might the command to 'dwell in the land' have for us today?
What do you think it really means to 'Delight yourself in the Lord' (verse 4)?

There is a danger in thinking that if we delight ourselves in the LordÑpay some spiritual dues of praise or dutyÑ God will give us whatever our heart desire: an upbeat attitude, an attractive body, and a car that never breaks down. In other words, we might 'delight in the Lord' simply to get some stuff. But, quite to the contrary, these verses lead us to treasure the person of God and for him to become the desire of our hearts.

Describe what a person might look like 'delighting themselves in the Lord and receiving the desires of their heart'. What other words in verses 3-8 help fill out this description.
How might you begin doing these things in your life? How will you know that you are?

Supplementary Questions (only if you have time)

Psalm 37 has shown us two possible ways of living: (i) we can become preoccupied with evildoers and evil; or (ii) we can give ourselves over to walking with God and delighting in him. How do verses 9-24 contrast the outcomes of the two ways of living?
What do you see as the benefits of walking with the Lord?
In what practical ways has our discussion of this Psalm shown you how to walk with the Lord?

Bible Study: week 2

The Psalms show us how to talk with God through every part of life

Psalm 107

Discussion Starter: Have you ever been speechlessÑwhen you just do not know what to say to someone? Sometimes we find ourself speechless with God. When do you find yourself not knowing what to say to God?

What have you found helpful in those times?

Introduction

In Psalm 107 the Redeemed of the Lord (that is, people who have experienced God's kindness) are called to give him thanks. This is a psalm that shows us how to talk with God through the good and the bad, the ups and downs of life. Read Psalm 107 now.

Discussion

1. How do verses 1-3 introduce the major themes of the psalm?

2. The psalmist gives four illustrations of people talking to God in all kinds of situations. What do each of these illustrations in verses 4-9, 10-16, 17-22 and 23-32 have in common?

3. What needs do the people have in each of these sections? How does God meet them?

Each illustration in verses 4-9, 10-16, 17-22 and 23-32 shows (i) people in crisis of some kind, (ii) the Lord's rescue from that situation, and (iii) a call to respond to God's deliverance. What are some of the different ways in which people are encouraged to 'talk' to God through every part of life?
What kinds of things might be said in conversation with God at these times?
Verse 43 forms a conclusion to the psalm. How does it relate to all that the Psalm has said? What do you think it means to 'consider the great love of the Lord'?
Are you likely to call out to God in the midst of your trouble, as those in this passage did? Why or why not?
How might you talk to God as you reflect back on past situations of your life?

Spend some time in group prayer, telling God of your response to his activity in your life.

Supplementary Question (only if you have time)

Verses 33-41 show more of God's providential actions in the life of men and women. What do these verses reveal about the ups and downs of life? What do we learn about the way we should relate to God through life?

Big Idea: God is always ready to hear our prayers, no matter what is going on, no matter where we are; and he will always answer our prayers.Goal: To encourage to people to talk with God, no matter when or where they are in life.

Bible Study: week 3

The Psalms shows us how to walk with God through every part of life

Psalm 19

Discussion Starter: We seem to have a fascination for Guide BooksÑtraveller's guides to exotic places with photographs, maps, restaurant suggestions and accommodation reviews. The problem with travel guide books is that they can only tell us about a place. They cannot show you how to live well in a place, that is, living the way the locals do.

What do you think separates living as a local in Avalon / Palm Beach from being a tourist?

Introduction

This Psalm shows us how to live as a local in God's world. It teaches us to live well in God's home: we know the lay of the land, we are connected with the owner and maker.

One of the chief ways we connect with God is through Scripture, but merely reading the Bible or even studying it is not enough. The connection is extended and made stronger as we meditate on Scripture. Quite simply, this means that we take time to thoughtfully savour God's word, prayerfully considering its implications and working out what it really will mean for us at that moment.

In the Bible, meditation on God's word invariably implies our obedience to what he is saying. For example,

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Joshua 1:8)

Read Psalm 19 now.

Discussion

What does creation reveal about God (vv. 1-6)? Where and when have you appreciated some insight into God's character through his creation?
What does creation not reveal about God?
Every person, no matter when or where they live, has experienced some testimony to God's glory through creation (vv. 3-4). What do you think is the right response to this revelation?
The terms law, statutes, precepts, commands and ordinances in this passage are synonyms for Scripture. In verses 7-11, how are the Scriptures described?
What do they do?
From which of the effects of Scripture listed in verses 7-11 have you benefited?
What methods of bible reading, reflection and meditation have you found best in reaping the best from God's word? (for further thought, see additional notes)
What is the overall effect of the psalmist's encounter with God through nature and the Scriptures (vv. 11-14)?
Our 'Walking with God' program at St Marks and St Davids has included daily bible readings in the Psalms. In soaking yourself in God's word in this way, have you noticed some of the fruits and benefits described in vv 7-11 in your life? Take some time to share with one another some of the things that God has been showing you.

A Prayer of response to Psalm 19:

I look at your creation, O God, and see inexhaustible evidence of your power to order and to make. I read your word and find a sure revelation of your will to save and to love. Bother where I live and how I live are your work. Hallelujah! Amen.

Additional Notes: an ancient method of bible reading and reflection

The Lectio Divina

Christians throughout the middle ages, and for centuries afterwards, have used the Lectio Divina (divine readings) as a method of savouring God's word, reviving the soul, making wise the simple and giving joy to the hear (vv. 7-8). This method is used in personal times of bible reading and prayer. The Lectio Divina usually includes four phases:Reading scriptureRead your chosen scripture passage aloud, slowly and deliberately, at least twice. Confirm in your own mind the overall message and thrust of the passage. Ask yourself which verses are hard for you to grasp, which are the ones that you know you need to absorb and focus your attention on.

Meditating on scripturePonder the words and prayerfully enter into the text, asking yourself how the passage impacts you, what new insights might there be in this text, and how it applies to you right now.

Praying scriptureBased on what God says, and on your meditation above, engage God in conversation about his word. Where appropriate, pray some parts of the text back to God, making his words your words. Tell God the desires of your heart that flow out from this text.

Contemplating the scriptureContemplating is resting in God: we don't ask questions as we have previously. Here, words become less important than fellowship with God. We bask in the deep security of God's love for us: we wait on him in silence. We open ourselves to God, seeking his perspective on our lives and the way his word addresses us.

Bible Study: week 4

The Psalms point us to Jesus as the goal of life

Psalm 110

Discussion Starter: Human beings are basically selfish. Yet there are some human impulses that serve to keep us together, living socially and preventing us from tearing each other apart with unchecked egotism. Which human activity do you think most holds our whole world together? Government? Economics? Family? Religious pursuit? Cultural activities?

Introduction

King David was commended, not for being the perfect king, but for having a heart after God's own heart (1 Kings 4:11). Psalms are for singing and praying. They are models that, when followed, form our hearts after God's own heart. As we pray and meditate upon Psalm 110 we are rescued from self-centredness and we are re-centred in the being and action of God.

This Psalm became particularly important for early Christians who understood that God rules this world by his word through his Son. They realised that, in fact, he was the true centre around which God's world revolved. Indeed, they grasped that he was the goal and reward of living well in this life.

. Read Psalm 110 now.

Discussion

This Psalm is divided up into two precisely balanced parts vv1-3 and vv4-7. Each half has the same number of syllables in the Hebrew. So the psalm is given shape by the two oracles of God (vv 1 and 4). How do you think verses 2-3 elaborate upon verse 1?
Who do you think the psalmist might be referring to as "my Lord" in v.1? (see Mt 22:41-45)?
How will that Lord rule, and over whom (vv. 1-3, 5, 6)?
How do you respond to the absolute and war-like flavour of this psalm? What might God be revealing of himself to you through this theme?
In what sense does the Lord Jesus fit into this theme?
Verse 4 begins the second half of the Psalm with another declaration from God:'You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'Melchizedek was the original king-priest of the God Most High in Jerusalem, who received a tithe from Abraham (Gen 14:18-20). He was a unique in the Old Testament because both offices of king and priest were united in one person.(i)What is the function of a king?(ii)What is the function of a priest?(iii)How does the Lord Jesus unify both these offices?

Conclusion

The first half of Ps 110 shows the Messiah drawing, without coercion, hopeful armies to his leadership. The second half shows God establishing his rule against all opposition.The conclusion of the Psalm (verse 7) was understood by Christians to picture Jesus: the king-priest on our level, thirsty in his humanness and kneeling at the stream; then refreshed, with head lifted, proceeding on his way, ruling and saving. The personal and the political are united in this one figure. God rules (king) and God saves (priest).(i) What confidence does this bring to you?(ii)How has this Psalm re-centred your thinking about the world and its problems?(iii)How has this Psalm re-centred your thinkingabout yourself and your problems?

Supplementary Question (only if you have time)

What is significant about the Lord swearing with a covenant oath (compare Ps 110:4 with Hebrews 6:16-20; 7:20-22)?

What is significant about a priesthood for God's people that is permanent and irrevocable?

Bible Study: week 5

The Psalms show us how to go the distance with God

Psalm 139: 1-18

Discussion Starter: Life can be very difficult sometimes. Hardships can tempt us to walk away from God or throw in the towel. Describe a time in your life (or someone that you know) where you have faced this temptation. How did you deal with it?

Introduction

This is a Psalm that shows us God's complete loving knowledge of us, as well as his commitment to walk with usÑnot matter where life takes usÑ from the cradle to the graveÉ and beyond.

. Read Psalm 139:1-18 now.

Discussion

1. According to the psalmist, what specific things does the Lord know about us (vv. 1-6)?

2. How does God's all encompassing knowledge of you make you feel?

The psalmist declares that God's knowledge of him is wonderful (v. 6). Yet why do you think he also feels an urge to flee from God's presence (vv. 7-12)?
This Psalm spans our life, from conception (v13) to 'waking up' beyond the grave (v18). How does the psalmist understand God's commitment to 'going the distance' with us?

5. What words are used to describe God's activity and artistry in making us (vv. 13-16)?

6. How does this psalm help you to feel more loved and valued by God?

7. How does this psalm help us to 'go the distance' with God?

Reflection

Reflect and comment on the following:The key to 'going the distance' with God is more about his commitment to us than our commitment to him.'

Pray together in response to your time together

Book I = Ps 1-41; Book II = Ps 42-72; Book III = Ps 73-89; Book IV = Ps 90-106; Book V = Ps 107-150.