Psalms part 1: chapters 1-8

Do you like music?  Though everyone has different styles, most people have a genre that they listen to.  You may not be a great singer or play an instrument, but it is hard to imagine not having music on while working out, driving, or at a party.  God made music to connect to our spirit in a unique way.

 

The book of Psalms in simply a collection of poems and songs.  Some are historical and prophetic, some to magnify God, some express the personal fears and questions involving the journey of faith.  There are 150 Psalms arranged in 5 books.  Though they aren’t arranged in a particular order, each has a theme and is meant to focus us on God.  Throughout our study you will learn much of Him and we pray that your worship and personal connection with Him will be strengthened. 

 

Each week we will read several Psalms.  Our format will be to read the Psalm, find its theme, and then reflect more using the study questions provided.  You could consider reading one or two psalms a day during your quiet time. This study may seem more devotional than any we’ve done as the Psalms magnify God and His attributes in a way that is honest, beautiful, and expressive.  Remember to start with prayer; after your study you may want to pray back to God what you see of Him in each Psalm.  Try to identify the theme of each to guide as a reference for when you need a Psalm to comfort you--you may even consider making a list in your notebook or note section of your Bible to use in the future when you need encouragment.

 

This week, read Psalms 1-8.

 

Psalm 1

·         Record the theme (what it’s mostly about)

·         Compare the wicked and righteous man (what do they do and think about)

·         How does God view them?

 

Psalm 2

·         Record the theme

·         What is God’s attitude toward the nations?

·         Cross reference this Psalm with Micah 4:1-3

·         How would our ruling authorities act if they believed the truth in this Psalm?

·         This psalm can be classified with a coronation theme.  Does it give any sense of the future as well?

 

Psalm 3

·         Record the theme

·         This Psalm is linked to David when he fled from Absalom.  You can read about this in 2 Samuel 15 and 16.

·         Do you relate to the Psalmist’s cry?  What truths about God help you cling to him during distress?

·         The Psalm ends with a blessing.  What blessing is there today for people who serve God?

·         What time of day does the Psalm refer to?

 

Psalm 4

·         Record the theme

·         The psalmist is crying out to God.  What are the circumstances that surround him? 

·         This psalm mentions sin. Contrast the two types of men in this poem.  What category does the author put himself in?

·         How can you make this psalm a nightly prayer?

 

Psalm 5

·         Record the theme

·         What characteristics of God are in this psalm?

·         How does this psalm define wickedness?  How does God feel toward it?

·         How does David relate to God?

·         What would every day look like if you lived out 5:3?

 

Psalm 6

·         Record the theme

·         What does the psalmist want?  What is his problem?

·         When David asks to be healed, how does he appeal to God?  Is it based on his own character or God’s character?

·         Is David confident God hears him?  Are you when you pray?

 

Psalm 7

·         Record the theme

·         This theme talks about God’s role as judge.  How does he judge the righteous?  Is it the same as He judges the wicked?

·         What is important about God in this psalm that you need to keep in mind throught your day?

 

Psalm 8

·         Record the theme

·         What things recorded in this psalm remind us of God’s glory?

·         How has God honored man out of the rest of His creation?

·         Meditate on the majesty of God by the things He has made that show His power, creativity, and blessing on your life.