We’re taking a break from John’s Gospel for the summer to do Psalms with the help of many wonderful preachers and writers. This week we’ll learn how to read the Psalms as an overview. This would be a great time to invite your friends to join us, or to do this with friends as a summer study.
A paradigm changer for me on how to read the Psalms was a chapter on the Psalms in Philip Yancey’s book: The Bible Jesus Read.
We read and discussed this article in church Sunday and many mature Christians found it eye-opening, so I felt free to do it here, with this mature group. We’ll take it page by page, with illustrations from the Psalms. The Psalter is both the songbook and the prayer book of the Bible. We will be practicing singing and praying them. You may want to get a prayer journal. Our own Judy wrote recently:
This week’s study has been eye-opening how my passion has subsided and has given me the determination to love God more (not just Jesus) I’ve been in Psalms’s praises. Yesterday I wrote some verses out and then journaled. Yesterday it was a time of intimacy. . .
In a few weeks, we will do Psalm 23, and if you don’t already have it, I’d like you to get this classic, for we will spend 3 weeks on it. Please do it right away so you are ready.
I’m sure you could get it from the library, and the audio is free if you have Amazon Prime, but it’s very inexpensive at this link:
1. How have you experienced the presence or power of God in your life this week?
Monday: Frostily Depressed
Read the opening page, finishing the paragraph that ends on the 2nd page.
2. Why did Yancey hate the psalms?
3. What did he try to do to like them better that failed?
4. What discovery opened his eyes?
5. Can you identify with Yancey’s frustration? Why or why not?
Tuesday: The Psalms Are Meant To Increase Our Intimacy with God
Read Pages 2 through halfway through 3 stopping at “Many Psalms show their authors…”
6. What did Yancey learn from reading the notes in his father’s Bible? Have you ever read someone’s Bible notes and learned something about them or their relationship with God?
7. How are the Psalms similar?
8. Poetry may teach us something, but primarily it is meant to get to our hearts. My friend Ann became a Christian after reading T. S. Elliot’s Hollow Men. She didn’t want to live a hollow life. Look at one of your favorite psalms, and find the poetry that captured your heart. Share the word picture or word pictures here and explain why it touches your heart.
9. Now, share, and you may want to share it in a journal too, how that word picture causes you to praise God, confess sin, or ask God for something. Then do it.
10. What mealtime prayer did Yancey learn as a child and why did he become uncomfortable with it?
Wednesday: Honest to God
Read through the middle of page 5 to “The Cursing Psalms”
11. What stands out and why?
12. Why did Yancey find it comforting that the psalmists struggled with questions? Was that part of your spiritual journey or not? Explain.
13. Describe the contrasting juxtaposition of Psalms 22 and 23. What does this teach us?
14. How about 102 and 103?
15. Why do you think God wants us to be honest with Him? Do you think you are? Has this helped you hear from God? Explain.
Thursday: Cursing and Praising
Read up to the middle of page 7 and stop at “Third, the psalms give me a model of spiritual therapy.”
16. How did C. S. Lewis see the cursing psalms, but what problem is there with that view?
17. How does Yancey see the cursing psalms? Do you find this helpful? Explain.
18. What did C. S. Lewis first misunderstand about the psalms of praise when he said, “I don’t want my dog to bark approval of my books.” What did he come to understand?
19. How did the ancient Hebrews respond to God’s glory? (Our Laura-dancer will like this!)
Friday: Spiritual Therapy
20. Read to the end and share what stands out to you.
21. Depending on your emotions today, see if you can find a psalm that matches them. Meditate on it, and share what word pictures stand out to you. Then use it as a springboard for prayer, let it lead you into praise, lament, confession, or supplication.
Read through the middle of page 5 to “The Cursing Psalms” 11. What stands out and why?
The Psalms are human. I can relate to the author myself. 12. Why did Yancey find it comforting that the psalmists struggled with questions? Was that part of your spiritual journey or not? Explain.
The Psalms are “…messy, like life.” They are relate-able to us even now, thousands of years later.
13. Describe the contrasting juxtaposition of Psalms 22 and 23. What does this teach us?
Psalms 22 is wondering where the Lord is; the author feels abandoned. In Psalms 23, he realizes God is with him.
14. How about 102 and 103?
Psalms 102 is so heart wrenching! “…My bones burn like a furnace…” and “…I am reduced to skin and bones…”
Psalms 103 is praising God! So uplifting 😉
It teaches us that we have many ups and downs in our lives, and it is good to lament to God. It also teaches us to remember that God has helped us before and will help us again. He really is faithful to us.
15. Why do you think God wants us to be honest with Him? Do you think you are? Has this helped you hear from God? Explain.
Well, this seems silly to me. Even if we don’t speak the words or think the thoughts, He knows! I guess He wants us to treat Him as a confidant; always there for us. I do think I am honest with Him. I also think it helps me hear from Him. There have been several times when I have begged Him to help me or for mercy, and the phone rings with an answer, or I find the missing child! Thank You Lord Jesus!
20. Read to the end and share what stands out to you.
I like how Yancey mentioned the irony of his book titled Disappointment with God! A negative title among Christian books filled with hope and promise. But it’s true. Our own lives are so full of ups and downs, and I think that also includes our spiritual lives, if we’re honest. The Psalms put all the array of human emotions right out there: joy, betrayal, hatred, delight, doubt, abandonment, feeling downright mean. Yancey calls them “spiritual therapy in process”. Wholeness means including God in all of these emotions.
Dee, I haven’t read any of his books! But I should put them on my list of must-reads. I love reading Nouwen and have been in a very unique book by Joyce Rupp called The Cup of Our Life which is a six-week devotional in which you choose, and pray with, a cup! It’s pretty amazing how an ordinary cup provides a lot of symbolism for our spiritual life.
I love Nouwen so much. Nouwen and Buechner both, I just want to snatch up all the books I can get of them. I’m really intrigued by the book by Joyce Rupp. Thank you for sharing that. I’m going to look that up.
Barb Conrad
June 22, 2024
I’m putting that book on my list… new author for me… thank you for sharing it
Bev
June 14, 2024
Friday: Spiritual
20. Read to the end and share what stands out to you.
—This section talks about the many raw emotions of the writers of Psalms and how they brought all of those emotions from every area of their lives to God. So this statement stood out to me.
“From Psalms I have learned that I can rightfully bring to God whatever I feel about him. I need not paper over my failures and try to clean up my own rottenness. It is far better to bring those weaknesses to him, for he alone has the power to heal.” He also mentioned “that process of “letting God in” on every detail of life..”
—Again it comes back to being completely honest with God and in doing so there is healing to be found.
This morning my devotional listed a large section of Psalm 119 to be read. As I went down through that passage I was impressed with how many times I found the Word “rescue”. I realize how often I need rescue and it comes from God’s Word and his truth being applied to my life.
21. Depending on your emotions today, see if you can find a psalm that matches them. Meditate on it, and share what word pictures stand out to you. Then use it as a springboard for prayer, let it lead you into praise, lament, confession, or supplication.
—Today I am feeling hopeful as I have read from Psalm 119. I would say starting by reading God’s Word has shaped my emotions this morning. It has caused me to consider the prayer burdens on my heart in light of the Scripture I read and to find comfort and confidence in God to answer and deliver me from trouble and it comes in great measure because God and his Word are rock solid.
From Psalm 119:89-91
“Your eternal word, O Lord, stands firm in heaven. Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created. Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans.”
—My prayer.
Your eternal word, O LORD, stands firm in Heaven. How I praise you for that strong rock solid truth. Your word is set and will not change and your word will last for eternity.
And Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created. O Father throughout all generations, time after time after time you are faithful just as you have established the earth and it stands fast. Your faithfulness continues to me as well and I am strengthened and encouraged in my knowledge of You and your Word. Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans. I praise you for that wonderful security which comes in knowing I can trust your plans.
LORD, As I look around me at this world nothing seems even close to rock solid and this generation is full of evil and people who deny that you even exist. It is full of hate and anger being unleashed ruthlessly against others. The earth is groaning under the weight of sin. Forgive me Jesus for my doubt and fears. For my faithlessness in You and your word that you will accomplish your plans.
God I ask that you help me keep my eyes on you. I need you and need to focus my heart and mind on you and you alone. And on the truth of your Word that I have just acknowledged in my praise above. Your eternal word, O LORD stands firm in Heaven!
I thank you for your grace extended to me as I long to live and serve you where I am in these later years of my life and in doing so I want to finish well.
I love You LORD!
I love Psalm 119 soooo much. I never get enough of it, never quit finding deep truths to chew on. It is a masterpiece of the psalms. I love all the rescues you found. It is filled with wisdom and endless hope for the future.
My pastor shared this gem with me a couple weeks ago
**********
Forward facing, ever in anticipation of new mercies, isn’t hope’s only fountainhead. History is hope’s happy help, yes, the employ of meditative memory. 🧠
“This I call to mind, and therefore I have hope”
(Lamentations 3:21).
Strike a match and light the candle of comfort found at Calvary’s Cross. 🕯️Love gave life to the lost, the last, the least, the lonely there. ❤️Recall God’s past purchase today and rejoice fully over your future redemption!
Tuesday: The Psalms Are Meant To Increase Our Intimacy with God
Read Pages 2 through halfway through 3 stopping at “Many Psalms show their authors…”
1. What did Yancey learn from reading the notes in his father’s Bible? Have you ever read someone’s Bible notes and learned something about them or their relationship with God?
He was moved, challenged,and convicted as he read the notes of his father written on the margins of his Bible.
Yes. I inherited my mother-in-law’s bible and my sister-in-law gave me her older bible at one time. I saw my mother-in-law’s objectivity and formal relationship with God in her writings. I saw my sister-in-law’s emotional responses. The tone of their writings was the opposite, but I highly value the insight into how they lived their lives then.
7. How are the Psalms similar? I come to them not primarily as a student wanting to acquire knowledge, but rather as a fellow pilgrim wanting to acquire relationship. The first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, and all our souls, and all our minds. More than any other book in the Bible, Psalms reveals what a heartfelt, soul-starved, single-minded relationship with God looks like.
Psalms has given me insight into the situations and the conditions of the writer’s heart.
2. Poetry may teach us something, but primarily it is meant to get to our hearts. My friend Ann became a Christian after reading T. S. Elliot’s Hollow Men. She didn’t want to live a hollow life. Look at one of your favorite psalms, and find the poetry that captured your heart. Share the word picture or word pictures here and explain why it touches your heart.
I have many psalms that touch my heart but I chose Psalm 121 because of my recent trip to the Philippines.
Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?My help comes from the Lord,the Maker of heaven and earth.
We were 2 days away from leaving the place where I grew up. My cousins took us on an hour-long trip to the mountains. The terrain was beautiful, and Ruth and I relished the beauty that surrounded us. My heart ached in wonder thinking of this verse. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;indeed, he who watches over Israelwill neither slumber nor sleep.
We were 2 days into our time with my brother and Ruth rolled her ankle and fell flat on her face. I trembled at what could have been (us being so far away from home) and her ankle swelled quickly. The waiters were very solicitous and gave us an ice pack. We went home with an ace wrap from a pharmacy and I prayed over her. The next day she was okay. I felt God’s comforting presence all through the night.
The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand;the sun will not harm you by day,nor the moon by night.
It was so hot there but the Lord provided me with air-conditioned cabs, affordable hotel rooms, “shuttle” services of my cousin’s husband and my niece’s husband going from place to place, safety during trips amidst crazy Asian traffic, etc. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and goingboth now and forevermore.
He sure did keep us from all harm. My picture image is of an Admiral fully fitted to protect those under His care with a commanding and powerful presence that all “foes” fled away upon seeing Him. Praise God!
3. Now, share, and you may want to share it in a journal too, how that word picture causes you to praise God, confess sin, or ask God for something. Then do it.
Thank you, Lord, for being our strong and loving Protector. Forgive me for those times that I doubted your goodness and thank you for reminding me of your Word that is active in my heart all the time. Help me to remember that you are always with me to the end of the age.
10. What mealtime prayer did Yancey learn as a child and why did he become uncomfortable with it?
“The Psalms help me reconcile what I believe about life and what I encounter in life.”
The prayer was “God is great. God is good. Let us thank him for this food.” He was uncomfortable with the contradiction of what he saw in terms of the character of God. If He is great, then why have more Christians died for their faith… If He is good, why did his father die at such a young age…thank God for food…how about those starving in Sudan or Ethiopia?
It was, Dee! I envisioned a broken hip and every worse thing! I even remember trembling and shaking and I am thankful I did not faint right there next to her. God was gracious and merciful to us!
So thankful that Ruth healed quickly, Bing. It is so scary when you have a mishap far from home. I love this Psalm 121, too. I had a week of good company and I also had some times of sadness and unrest. Psalm 121 is just what I needed to read today.
Wednesday: Honest to God
Read through the middle of page 5 to “The Cursing Psalms”
11. What stands out and why?
Taken together, the 150 psalms are as difficult, disordered, and messy as life itself.
12. Why did Yancey find it comforting that the psalmists struggled with questions? Was that part of your spiritual journey or not? Explain.
The psalmist identifies with our questions as well. Yes. I have to deal with my unrealistic expectations and skewed knowledge of the character of God. I want a comfortable life and the Psalms is a testament that in this world we will have trials and tribulations but we have a God who understands and we can go to.
13. Describe the contrasting juxtaposition of Psalms 22 and 23. What does this teach us?
Psalm 22 was a heartfelt cry of despair to a God who seemed to have forsaken the writer (David, Jesus) and Psalm 23 spoke of consummate comfort.
14. How about 102 and 103?
Psalm 102 expresses the despair of an aging, weakened man whereas Psalm 103 was about not forgetting all of His benefits.
15. Why do you think God wants us to be honest with Him? Do you think you are? Has this helped you hear from God? Explain.
He already knows what is in our hearts; He wants us to acknowledge them for our good. I try to be honest with God-am finding it easier and easier to do so. Yes, it helps me hear from God knowing there is nothing between us and I am hearing Him.
Friday: Spiritual Therapy
Read to the end and share what stands out to you.
I’m a writer, and the fact that Yancey’s publisher worried over the title makes me kind of mad. But I understand why. What is upsetting is really just that people in general are scared to admit that, in their experience, God wasn’t enough. Don’t get me wrong, I hate that about myself, too. I AM scared to admit that I’ve had pretty serious crises of faith. And they’re not gone for good. Life ebbs and flows. It’s going to happen again. That’s LIFE. So why is it shameful to be real?? Shining light on things makes them better. Yet I don’t know why I always resist it. Anyway, I loved when Yancey said, “Misunderstandings must be nakedly exposed before true understanding can begin to flourish.”
I also loved when he said, “Somehow, those people managed to make God the gravitational center of their lives so that everything related to him. To them, worship was the central activity in life, not the thing to get over with to resume activity.” My relationship with God is not something I manage or “handle.” It handles me. I’m not in control of it; it controls me. I ride His waves. I couldn’t control them if I tried.
And when he said, “The psalmists panted for God with their tongues hanging out, like an exhausted deer pants for water.” Heck, yes. I know that thirst. And on my journey, at some point a rock gushing water finally shows up. But sometimes, if I’m honest, before it showed up I was pretty dang scared there wouldn’t be another one for me.
▪ Depending on your emotions today, see if you can find a psalm that matches them. Meditate on it, and share what word pictures stand out to you. Then use it as a springboard for prayer, let it lead you into praise, lament, confession, or supplication.
Psalm 77. Specifically Verses 16-20: “When the Red Sea saw you, O God, its water looked and trembled! The sea quaked to its very depths. The clouds poured down rain; the thunder rumbled in the sky. Your arrows of lightning flashed. Your thunder roared from the whirlwind; the lightning lit up the world! The earth trembled and shook. Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters – a pathway no one knew was there! You led your people along that road like a flock of sheep, with Moses and Aaron as their shepherds.”
The imagery of the road leading through the sea, the pathway through the mighty waters – a path no one knew was there. Four years ago I found myself at the end of the road. I didn’t see a way through, but He made a way and I’m still here. I guess I had to come to the end of myself to see the path. I’ve been thinking about that Psalm lately because that’s how my faith journey has felt these past four years. I’m so thankful that even though the road is unknown and sometimes really rough, I’m tethered to God.
I memorized Psalm 77 this past year. It is definitely in my top five favorite psalms. I feel very much at the end of the road after 8 years of total chaos. That same passage has helped me hang on. And the aging process is one of my greatest comforts. I know my days left on this earth are numbered and each day is a step closer to heaven.
What a beautiful post, Ali. Thank you for sharing your heart. Your post is a great encouragement to me today. This is radioactive: I’m so thankful that even though the road is unknown and sometimes really rough, I’m tethered to God.
Thursday: Cursing and Praising
Read up to the middle of page 7 and stop at “Third, the psalms give me a model of spiritual therapy.”
16. How did C. S. Lewis see the cursing psalms, but what problem is there with that view?
He seemed almost embarrassed by the cursing psalms and “the reaction of the psalmists to injury is profoundly wrong, though natural. The problem is there is no clear-cut progression from the Old Testament to the New and both testaments contain some commands, let’s say, like love your enemies in the OT and the NT, there are citations of the cursing psalms like Psalm 69.
17. How does Yancey see the cursing psalms? Do you find this helpful? Explain.
Yancey sees the cursing psalms as best understood as prayers. We readers are overhearing prayers addressed to God. Yes, I find this helpful. If I were in the place of the psalmist and if I was wronged unjustly, I have several options, one of which is to bring them to God entrusting Him with the task of “retributive justice” We take all of our worst feelings to God as petitions rather than gossiping about it. I should take those feelings, undisguised, to God.
And I love this: God has a high threshold of tolerance for what is appropriate to say in a prayer. He can handle my unsuppressed rage. I may well find that my vindictive feelings need his correction only by taking those feelings to him will I have that chance for correction and healing.
18. What did C. S. Lewis first misunderstand about the psalms of praise when he said, “I don’t want my dog to bark approval of my books.” What did he come to understand?
“Kneel” before something of surpassing beauty and share it with others. We acknowledge that everything good and true and beautiful in the universe comes from the Creator and expresses our proper position before God.
19. How did the ancient Hebrews respond to God’s glory? (Our Laura-dancer will like this!) Their typical response was to praise God for it through musical instruments and songs, Praise was joy expressing itself in song and speech, an inner health made audible.
—Well it has been an interesting week of study focused on the Psalms. Starting with this blog study and Yancey’s essay and then early in the week I got an email from Paul Tripp Ministries which I follow promoting his teaching in a 52 day Devotional on the YouVersion Bible App. It is called “The Gospel One Psalm at a Time”. So I started that as well since it is a Scripture reading and a brief video. Interestingly earlier this year I had decided I would take my time and start reading through the Psalms and make note of any verses that stood out to me and meditate on them.
So needless to say at this point I am immersed in the Psalms on several fronts and enjoying the teaching of all.
My take away is to remember that the Psalms are personal prayers to God and are to be viewed from the perspective of the writers calling out to God with a whole range of emotions from praise & joy to fear, anxiousness, and intense anger. God is the intended audience and not other people. As Yancey says “They are not so much representing God to the people as the people representing themselves to God:”
I am definitely starting to view the Psalms differently and in a better way.
I get his weekly blog post but wasn’t aware of this. Sounds wonderful. I will check it out.
I thank God for all of the on line resources. They have sustained me. I listened to HE WILL HOLD ME FAST all night long (on repeat) as I prepare for a funeral this morning. It is a treasure
Read up to the middle of page 7 and stop at “Third, the psalms give me a model of spiritual therapy.” 16. How did C. S. Lewis see the cursing psalms, but what problem is there with that view?
He thought the Psalms were a natural reaction, but also wrong. He thought the religious bad men were the worst. Jesus brought a new spirit to the Psalms; to love your enemy. Not sure I am following this train of thought.
17. How does Yancey see the cursing psalms? Do you find this helpful? Explain.
I love this part! He says they are “spiritual therapy.” Hahaha….He says we could do one of three things when harmed or hurt by someone: wrong them back, deny and suppress the hurt, or take it to God.
I do think it’s helpful to take our troubles to God. It helps get the anger off my chest. God wants us to be honest and forthright with Him.
18. What did C. S. Lewis first misunderstand about the psalms of praise when he said, “I don’t want my dog to bark approval of my books.” What did he come to understand?
I suppose he meant that his dog, who adored him, would also praise his writing? In other words, kudos from his closest friends and family is not what he needed.
He said that we should pause, reflect, and then share with someone, like a good joke or an engagement announcement.
19. How did the ancient Hebrews respond to God’s glory? (Our Laura-dancer will like this!)
They praised God with music and dance! Yes Dee, I love this idea of course!
Friday: Spiritual Therapy
20. Read to the end and share what stands out to you.
Oh, so much to grasp and process from these last pages! For the Hebrew poets, there were no walled-off areas; God could be trusted with reality…The book offers a unique behind-the-scenes view of people’s emotional history…these people managed to make God the gravitational center of their lives so that everything related to him. To them, worship was the central activity in life, not the thing to get over with to resume activity. Oh, let it be so of me, Lord! May I be committed to making the Psalms my prayers in life.
21. Depending on your emotions today, see if you can find a psalm that matches them. Meditate on it, and share what word pictures stand out to you. Then use it as a springboard for prayer, let it lead you into praise, lament, confession, or supplication.
Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother;Like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel put your hope in the Lord both now and forever. Psalm 131:2
I see a picture of a baby in its mother’s arms, asleep, resting, and contented.
MATIN-a set of quiet songs at sunrise by Jess Ray. I love the first and last songs especially. This is a great set of songs to listen to at sunrise! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuV6iDKCJ6U
Psalm 131 in song by Esther Mui: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V32aJWdz_z8&t=139s
20. Read to the end and share what stands out to you.
The Psalms are a sign of great health.
God alone has the power to heal.
The Hebrew poets included God in every aspect of their lives.
God needs to be the center of our lives where everything revolves around Him.
I’m going to make the Psalms more of my prayer life.
21. Depending on your emotions today, see if you can find a psalm that matches them. Meditate on it, and share what word pictures stand out to you. Then use it as a springboard for prayer, let it lead you into praise, lament, confession, or supplication.
I think I am going with Psalm 42 today, as I am exhausted, anxious, and overwhelmed. School may be over but I’m not finished with the work. I have another job that also needs my attention, and a grad course to finish this week. That doesn’t count watching the kids and trying to get my house a little bit cleaned. Ugh.Here is a beautiful rendition of it…
Saturday:
▪ What is your take-a-way and why?
My takeaway is that the Psalms bears witness to the fact that I am not alone. That my joy, despair, intimacy and doubts are all part of the human experience. And that I can express all of it to God without shame, because God wants me close to Him always.
21. Depending on your emotions today, see if you can find a psalm that matches them. Meditate on it and share what word pictures stand out to you. Then use it as a springboard for prayer, let it lead you into praise, lament, confession, or supplication.
Yesterday I felt very down. My sister got some not so good news from a doctor, and I’m having to learn to let go of my expectations in another relationship. I also worked a long 12 hour shift yesterday. Psalm 42 is the one in which the psalmist is talking to his soul, saying, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God…” I knew why I felt downcast and was trying to get a hold of my hope in God. Everything changes, but He does not change. The only psalm I have memorized is Psalm 1, and I go often to the image of being like a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season, whose leaves don’t wither. I know I must draw from the Living Water of the Holy Spirit to find strength and comfort, to be able to give what I don’t in my own strength possess.
22. What is your take-away and why?
I understand what Yancey is saying about the Psalms being like reading the private prayer journals of others. Yet, can’t we also see in them very real truths about God? I have to think that some of the Psalms are divinely inspired, because we see “Someone” in the shadows behind the words. Michael Reeves said that “Beholding Christ in the Psalms will change us into overcomers.” I have loved the rich discussion here and everyone’s sharing!
Susan, I have been missing you here so am so glad to find and to read your posts! I love this so much ( I am partial to Michael Reeves, for sure): “Beholding Christ in the Psalms will change us into overcomers.”
Psalm 42-such a comfort when one is down. I am praying for the concerns you shared.
I so love your answer to 22. Susan. (I also appreciate Michael Reeves too) Yet, can’t we also see in them very real truths about God? I have to think that some of the Psalms are divinely inspired, because we see “Someone” in the shadows behind the words. I join Bing in praying for your concerns.
Thursday: Cursing and Praising Read up to the middle of page 7 and stop at “Third, the psalms give me a model of spiritual therapy.” 16. How did C. S. Lewis see the cursing psalms, but what problem is there with that view? – He thought them to be embarrassing. He thought that the higher calling made the Jews more snobbish. By Lewis thinking this way, it made him to appear more snobbish and not have a heart for the Jewish community. 17. How does Yancey see the cursing psalms? Do you find this helpful? Explain. – He sees them more as prayers to God. I liked how he said instead of voicing our complaints or dislike to someone else, which appears as gossip, we can take them to God which is more like a ‘spiritual therapy’ and God can handle the justice needed as he sees fit. 18. What did C. S. Lewis first misunderstand about the psalms of praise when he said, “I don’t want my dog to bark approval of my books.” What did he come to understand? – We need to make praise a shared enjoyment. If we are excited about something, or enjoy something, we need to proclaim that the beauty of our excitement or joy is from God because he created everything. 19. How did the ancient Hebrews respond to God’s glory? (Our Laura-dancer will like this!) -I can see Laura dancing in enjoyment. The Hebrews didn’t sit around trying to figure out how to handle God’s glory, they burst out in song and dance to thank Him. That is how they showed their joy.
Friday: Spiritual Therapy 20. Read to the end and share what stands out to you. – I can learn to see the Psalms as a way to cry out, be angry with and praise God in every part of my life. I don’t have to hide from him when I feel angry about something that happened and I can’t understand why. I can bring that to him in Psalm and he will comfort me in the way I need it, because I’ve addressed myself to him. God is not afraid to hear from me in what ever mood I’m in. 21. Depending on your emotions today, see if you can find a psalm that matches them. Meditate on it, and share what word pictures stand out to you. Then use it as a springboard for prayer, let it lead you into praise, lament, confession, or supplication. – I’m doing this on Saturday since our week was full the last couple of days. But I think Psalm 20 fits my mood today. With all that is happening with my family and friends, I feel a bit overwhelmed. But knowing I have a God that hears me when I cry out to him, he will send me the help I need to support me. Because he hears me, my desires are met. I can have the peace I need knowing that He will overcome all that my life is facing right now and I will continue to trust Him as the only one that can see me, my family and friends through these times. Lord, I know you can do all things. Peace can come, strength can come and complete healing can come. You hear me Lord and I continue to trust and believe that you are in control and will overcome all the obstacles in the way. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Saturday: 22. What is your take-a-way and why? – I’m learning from this study and the posts of the other ladies, that I don’t need to bypass the Psalms because I don’t understand them. I can take them as personal journals to God for those who need him in many ways. I can read them and feel for the author and find comfort in what they say.
psalms, but what problem is there with that view? He saw them as immature faith that then was corrected by the New Testament. The problem was that The new Testament quotes the old testament and there were corrections already made in the Old Testament.
17. How does Yancey see the cursing psalms? Do you find this helpful? Explain. As a picture of personal transparent prayers. That no matter what feeling or negative experience an Old Testament saint had they say God as center.
18. What did C. S. Lewis first misunderstand about the psalms of praise when he said, “I don’t want my dog to bark approval of my books.” What did he come to understand? That praise is shared enjoyment of beauty. They praised God for it. Expressing their joy.
19. How did the ancient Hebrews respond to God’s glory? (Our Laura-dancer will like this!) They praised God for it. Expressing their joy.
Friday: Spiritual Therapy
20. Read to the end and share what stands out to you. I think what still stands out to me is that Psalms is like reading Old Testament pilgrims spiritual prayer journals.
21. Depending on your emotions today, see if you can find a psalm that matches them. Meditate on it, and share what word pictures stand out to you. Then use it as a springboard for prayer, let it lead you into praise, lament, confession, or supplication. I used Psalm 69. I basically sang it as a prayer changing words or phrases to fit my heart and my plea. (No I didn’t curse enemies and ask for them to be removed from the book of life). 😉
Saturday:
22. What is your take-a-way and why? It’s really that concept of the Psalms being representative of early Old Testament believers prayers to God, and how we should bring every emotion, every spiritual struggle to God, and allow the Holy Spirit to revive, redeem, and convict us.
Saturday:
22. What is your take-a-way and why?
My takeaway is seeing the Psalms as personal prayers, gut-wrenching honest conversations with God with no bars held. I can use them to talk to God and to worship Him. I can memorize them and hide them in my heart. I am so grateful for every study here through the years. Dee, these blog studies have been such a blessing to me. Thank you so much!
Hi Dee, I’m not very good at managing e mails and texts. Did you post wk 2 questions? I can’t find beginning of wk 2. Thx. PS WE had a great wk I’m end in Door… but it started to rain just Before Fyr Ball on Sat night! Reminded me of Climbing the Rainbow by Lloyd J Ogilvie. “I have climbed the rainbow in the rain…and KNOW the promises are not in vain!” Actually the rain was a blessing.. we both didn’t really want to fight the crowds (as we had planned). We stayed in our room and spent our last night just reading and relaxing! PS we heard LJO 2-3 times at Cove. What a godly man… so sweet! Thx Dee
We read and discussed this article in church Sunday and many mature Christians found it eye-opening, so I felt free to do it here, with this mature group. We’ll take it page by page, with illustrations from the Psalms. The Psalter is both the songbook and the prayer book of the Bible. We will be practicing singing and praying them. You may want to get a prayer journal. Our own Judy wrote recently:
232 comments
Read through the middle of page 5 to “The Cursing Psalms”
11. What stands out and why?
The Psalms are human. I can relate to the author myself.
12. Why did Yancey find it comforting that the psalmists struggled with questions? Was that part of your spiritual journey or not? Explain.
The Psalms are “…messy, like life.” They are relate-able to us even now, thousands of years later.
13. Describe the contrasting juxtaposition of Psalms 22 and 23. What does this teach us?
Psalms 22 is wondering where the Lord is; the author feels abandoned. In Psalms 23, he realizes God is with him.
14. How about 102 and 103?
Psalms 102 is so heart wrenching! “…My bones burn like a furnace…” and “…I am reduced to skin and bones…”
Psalms 103 is praising God! So uplifting 😉
It teaches us that we have many ups and downs in our lives, and it is good to lament to God. It also teaches us to remember that God has helped us before and will help us again. He really is faithful to us.
15. Why do you think God wants us to be honest with Him? Do you think you are? Has this helped you hear from God? Explain.
Well, this seems silly to me. Even if we don’t speak the words or think the thoughts, He knows! I guess He wants us to treat Him as a confidant; always there for us. I do think I am honest with Him. I also think it helps me hear from Him. There have been several times when I have begged Him to help me or for mercy, and the phone rings with an answer, or I find the missing child! Thank You Lord Jesus!
I think you answered your own question very well!
20. Read to the end and share what stands out to you.
I like how Yancey mentioned the irony of his book titled Disappointment with God! A negative title among Christian books filled with hope and promise. But it’s true. Our own lives are so full of ups and downs, and I think that also includes our spiritual lives, if we’re honest. The Psalms put all the array of human emotions right out there: joy, betrayal, hatred, delight, doubt, abandonment, feeling downright mean. Yancey calls them “spiritual therapy in process”. Wholeness means including God in all of these emotions.
Are you a Yancy reader, Susan? I loved What’s So Amazing about Grace and many more. He wrote me an encouraging email once!
Dee, I haven’t read any of his books! But I should put them on my list of must-reads. I love reading Nouwen and have been in a very unique book by Joyce Rupp called The Cup of Our Life which is a six-week devotional in which you choose, and pray with, a cup! It’s pretty amazing how an ordinary cup provides a lot of symbolism for our spiritual life.
I love Nouwen so much. Nouwen and Buechner both, I just want to snatch up all the books I can get of them. I’m really intrigued by the book by Joyce Rupp. Thank you for sharing that. I’m going to look that up.
I’m putting that book on my list… new author for me… thank you for sharing it
Friday: Spiritual
20. Read to the end and share what stands out to you.
—This section talks about the many raw emotions of the writers of Psalms and how they brought all of those emotions from every area of their lives to God. So this statement stood out to me.
“From Psalms I have learned that I can rightfully bring to God whatever I feel about him. I need not paper over my failures and try to clean up my own rottenness. It is far better to bring those weaknesses to him, for he alone has the power to heal.” He also mentioned “that process of “letting God in” on every detail of life..”
—Again it comes back to being completely honest with God and in doing so there is healing to be found.
This morning my devotional listed a large section of Psalm 119 to be read. As I went down through that passage I was impressed with how many times I found the Word “rescue”. I realize how often I need rescue and it comes from God’s Word and his truth being applied to my life.
21. Depending on your emotions today, see if you can find a psalm that matches them. Meditate on it, and share what word pictures stand out to you. Then use it as a springboard for prayer, let it lead you into praise, lament, confession, or supplication.
—Today I am feeling hopeful as I have read from Psalm 119. I would say starting by reading God’s Word has shaped my emotions this morning. It has caused me to consider the prayer burdens on my heart in light of the Scripture I read and to find comfort and confidence in God to answer and deliver me from trouble and it comes in great measure because God and his Word are rock solid.
From Psalm 119:89-91
“Your eternal word, O Lord, stands firm in heaven. Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created. Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans.”
—My prayer.
Your eternal word, O LORD, stands firm in Heaven. How I praise you for that strong rock solid truth. Your word is set and will not change and your word will last for eternity.
And Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created. O Father throughout all generations, time after time after time you are faithful just as you have established the earth and it stands fast. Your faithfulness continues to me as well and I am strengthened and encouraged in my knowledge of You and your Word. Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans. I praise you for that wonderful security which comes in knowing I can trust your plans.
LORD, As I look around me at this world nothing seems even close to rock solid and this generation is full of evil and people who deny that you even exist. It is full of hate and anger being unleashed ruthlessly against others. The earth is groaning under the weight of sin. Forgive me Jesus for my doubt and fears. For my faithlessness in You and your word that you will accomplish your plans.
God I ask that you help me keep my eyes on you. I need you and need to focus my heart and mind on you and you alone. And on the truth of your Word that I have just acknowledged in my praise above. Your eternal word, O LORD stands firm in Heaven!
I thank you for your grace extended to me as I long to live and serve you where I am in these later years of my life and in doing so I want to finish well.
I love You LORD!
Thank you for the reference to Psalm 119. I read through it and wow. Rescue is such a powerful word.
I love Psalm 119 soooo much. I never get enough of it, never quit finding deep truths to chew on. It is a masterpiece of the psalms. I love all the rescues you found. It is filled with wisdom and endless hope for the future.
My pastor shared this gem with me a couple weeks ago
**********
Forward facing, ever in anticipation of new mercies, isn’t hope’s only fountainhead. History is hope’s happy help, yes, the employ of meditative memory. 🧠
“This I call to mind, and therefore I have hope”
(Lamentations 3:21).
Strike a match and light the candle of comfort found at Calvary’s Cross. 🕯️Love gave life to the lost, the last, the least, the lonely there. ❤️Recall God’s past purchase today and rejoice fully over your future redemption!
Looking forward to it
So glad to have you Vicki!
Tuesday: The Psalms Are Meant To Increase Our Intimacy with God
Read Pages 2 through halfway through 3 stopping at “Many Psalms show their authors…”
1. What did Yancey learn from reading the notes in his father’s Bible? Have you ever read someone’s Bible notes and learned something about them or their relationship with God?
He was moved, challenged,and convicted as he read the notes of his father written on the margins of his Bible.
Yes. I inherited my mother-in-law’s bible and my sister-in-law gave me her older bible at one time. I saw my mother-in-law’s objectivity and formal relationship with God in her writings. I saw my sister-in-law’s emotional responses. The tone of their writings was the opposite, but I highly value the insight into how they lived their lives then.
7. How are the Psalms similar?
I come to them not primarily as a student wanting to acquire knowledge, but rather as a fellow pilgrim wanting to acquire relationship. The first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, and all our souls, and all our minds. More than any other book in the Bible, Psalms reveals what a heartfelt, soul-starved, single-minded relationship with God looks like.
Psalms has given me insight into the situations and the conditions of the writer’s heart.
2. Poetry may teach us something, but primarily it is meant to get to our hearts. My friend Ann became a Christian after reading T. S. Elliot’s Hollow Men. She didn’t want to live a hollow life. Look at one of your favorite psalms, and find the poetry that captured your heart. Share the word picture or word pictures here and explain why it touches your heart.
I have many psalms that touch my heart but I chose Psalm 121 because of my recent trip to the Philippines.
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
We were 2 days away from leaving the place where I grew up. My cousins took us on an hour-long trip to the mountains. The terrain was beautiful, and Ruth and I relished the beauty that surrounded us. My heart ached in wonder thinking of this verse.
He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
We were 2 days into our time with my brother and Ruth rolled her ankle and fell flat on her face. I trembled at what could have been (us being so far away from home) and her ankle swelled quickly. The waiters were very solicitous and gave us an ice pack. We went home with an ace wrap from a pharmacy and I prayed over her. The next day she was okay. I felt God’s comforting presence all through the night.
The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand;the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
It was so hot there but the Lord provided me with air-conditioned cabs, affordable hotel rooms, “shuttle” services of my cousin’s husband and my niece’s husband going from place to place, safety during trips amidst crazy Asian traffic, etc.
The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
He sure did keep us from all harm. My picture image is of an Admiral fully fitted to protect those under His care with a commanding and powerful presence that all “foes” fled away upon seeing Him. Praise God!
3. Now, share, and you may want to share it in a journal too, how that word picture causes you to praise God, confess sin, or ask God for something. Then do it.
Thank you, Lord, for being our strong and loving Protector. Forgive me for those times that I doubted your goodness and thank you for reminding me of your Word that is active in my heart all the time. Help me to remember that you are always with me to the end of the age.
10. What mealtime prayer did Yancey learn as a child and why did he become uncomfortable with it?
“The Psalms help me reconcile what I believe about life and what I encounter in life.”
The prayer was “God is great. God is good. Let us thank him for this food.” He was uncomfortable with the contradiction of what he saw in terms of the character of God. If He is great, then why have more Christians died for their faith… If He is good, why did his father die at such a young age…thank God for food…how about those starving in Sudan or Ethiopia?
That was a scary episode with Ruth so far from home!
It was, Dee! I envisioned a broken hip and every worse thing! I even remember trembling and shaking and I am thankful I did not faint right there next to her. God was gracious and merciful to us!
So thankful that Ruth healed quickly, Bing. It is so scary when you have a mishap far from home. I love this Psalm 121, too. I had a week of good company and I also had some times of sadness and unrest. Psalm 121 is just what I needed to read today.
Wednesday: Honest to God
Read through the middle of page 5 to “The Cursing Psalms”
11. What stands out and why?
Taken together, the 150 psalms are as difficult, disordered, and messy as life itself.
12. Why did Yancey find it comforting that the psalmists struggled with questions? Was that part of your spiritual journey or not? Explain.
The psalmist identifies with our questions as well. Yes. I have to deal with my unrealistic expectations and skewed knowledge of the character of God. I want a comfortable life and the Psalms is a testament that in this world we will have trials and tribulations but we have a God who understands and we can go to.
13. Describe the contrasting juxtaposition of Psalms 22 and 23. What does this teach us?
Psalm 22 was a heartfelt cry of despair to a God who seemed to have forsaken the writer (David, Jesus) and Psalm 23 spoke of consummate comfort.
14. How about 102 and 103?
Psalm 102 expresses the despair of an aging, weakened man whereas Psalm 103 was about not forgetting all of His benefits.
15. Why do you think God wants us to be honest with Him? Do you think you are? Has this helped you hear from God? Explain.
He already knows what is in our hearts; He wants us to acknowledge them for our good. I try to be honest with God-am finding it easier and easier to do so. Yes, it helps me hear from God knowing there is nothing between us and I am hearing Him.
Friday: Spiritual Therapy
Read to the end and share what stands out to you.
I’m a writer, and the fact that Yancey’s publisher worried over the title makes me kind of mad. But I understand why. What is upsetting is really just that people in general are scared to admit that, in their experience, God wasn’t enough. Don’t get me wrong, I hate that about myself, too. I AM scared to admit that I’ve had pretty serious crises of faith. And they’re not gone for good. Life ebbs and flows. It’s going to happen again. That’s LIFE. So why is it shameful to be real?? Shining light on things makes them better. Yet I don’t know why I always resist it. Anyway, I loved when Yancey said, “Misunderstandings must be nakedly exposed before true understanding can begin to flourish.”
I also loved when he said, “Somehow, those people managed to make God the gravitational center of their lives so that everything related to him. To them, worship was the central activity in life, not the thing to get over with to resume activity.” My relationship with God is not something I manage or “handle.” It handles me. I’m not in control of it; it controls me. I ride His waves. I couldn’t control them if I tried.
And when he said, “The psalmists panted for God with their tongues hanging out, like an exhausted deer pants for water.” Heck, yes. I know that thirst. And on my journey, at some point a rock gushing water finally shows up. But sometimes, if I’m honest, before it showed up I was pretty dang scared there wouldn’t be another one for me.
▪ Depending on your emotions today, see if you can find a psalm that matches them. Meditate on it, and share what word pictures stand out to you. Then use it as a springboard for prayer, let it lead you into praise, lament, confession, or supplication.
Psalm 77. Specifically Verses 16-20: “When the Red Sea saw you, O God, its water looked and trembled! The sea quaked to its very depths. The clouds poured down rain; the thunder rumbled in the sky. Your arrows of lightning flashed. Your thunder roared from the whirlwind; the lightning lit up the world! The earth trembled and shook. Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters – a pathway no one knew was there! You led your people along that road like a flock of sheep, with Moses and Aaron as their shepherds.”
The imagery of the road leading through the sea, the pathway through the mighty waters – a path no one knew was there. Four years ago I found myself at the end of the road. I didn’t see a way through, but He made a way and I’m still here. I guess I had to come to the end of myself to see the path. I’ve been thinking about that Psalm lately because that’s how my faith journey has felt these past four years. I’m so thankful that even though the road is unknown and sometimes really rough, I’m tethered to God.
Beautiful on Psalm 77!
I memorized Psalm 77 this past year. It is definitely in my top five favorite psalms. I feel very much at the end of the road after 8 years of total chaos. That same passage has helped me hang on. And the aging process is one of my greatest comforts. I know my days left on this earth are numbered and each day is a step closer to heaven.
So good you are memorizing, Beth. Great way to speak truth to your soul.
What a beautiful post, Ali. Thank you for sharing your heart. Your post is a great encouragement to me today. This is radioactive: I’m so thankful that even though the road is unknown and sometimes really rough, I’m tethered to God.
Thursday: Cursing and Praising
Read up to the middle of page 7 and stop at “Third, the psalms give me a model of spiritual therapy.”
16. How did C. S. Lewis see the cursing psalms, but what problem is there with that view?
He seemed almost embarrassed by the cursing psalms and “the reaction of the psalmists to injury is profoundly wrong, though natural. The problem is there is no clear-cut progression from the Old Testament to the New and both testaments contain some commands, let’s say, like love your enemies in the OT and the NT, there are citations of the cursing psalms like Psalm 69.
17. How does Yancey see the cursing psalms? Do you find this helpful? Explain.
Yancey sees the cursing psalms as best understood as prayers. We readers are overhearing prayers addressed to God. Yes, I find this helpful. If I were in the place of the psalmist and if I was wronged unjustly, I have several options, one of which is to bring them to God entrusting Him with the task of “retributive justice” We take all of our worst feelings to God as petitions rather than gossiping about it. I should take those feelings, undisguised, to God.
And I love this: God has a high threshold of tolerance for what is appropriate to say in a prayer. He can handle my unsuppressed rage. I may well find that my vindictive feelings need his correction only by taking those feelings to him will I have that chance for correction and healing.
18. What did C. S. Lewis first misunderstand about the psalms of praise when he said, “I don’t want my dog to bark approval of my books.” What did he come to understand?
“Kneel” before something of surpassing beauty and share it with others. We acknowledge that everything good and true and beautiful in the universe comes from the Creator and expresses our proper position before God.
19. How did the ancient Hebrews respond to God’s glory? (Our Laura-dancer will like this!) Their typical response was to praise God for it through musical instruments and songs, Praise was joy expressing itself in song and speech, an inner health made audible.
I’ve been on your blog, a silent, grateful participant!
So glad to have you come out of hiding!
Saturday:
22. What is your take-a-way and why?
—Well it has been an interesting week of study focused on the Psalms. Starting with this blog study and Yancey’s essay and then early in the week I got an email from Paul Tripp Ministries which I follow promoting his teaching in a 52 day Devotional on the YouVersion Bible App. It is called “The Gospel One Psalm at a Time”. So I started that as well since it is a Scripture reading and a brief video. Interestingly earlier this year I had decided I would take my time and start reading through the Psalms and make note of any verses that stood out to me and meditate on them.
So needless to say at this point I am immersed in the Psalms on several fronts and enjoying the teaching of all.
My take away is to remember that the Psalms are personal prayers to God and are to be viewed from the perspective of the writers calling out to God with a whole range of emotions from praise & joy to fear, anxiousness, and intense anger. God is the intended audience and not other people. As Yancey says “They are not so much representing God to the people as the people representing themselves to God:”
I am definitely starting to view the Psalms differently and in a better way.
Those are great videos — we are using some of them in church this summer.
Bev, thanks for sharing this Scripture reading and video from Paul Tripp. I shall look into it!
I get his weekly blog post but wasn’t aware of this. Sounds wonderful. I will check it out.
I thank God for all of the on line resources. They have sustained me. I listened to HE WILL HOLD ME FAST all night long (on repeat) as I prepare for a funeral this morning. It is a treasure
Read up to the middle of page 7 and stop at “Third, the psalms give me a model of spiritual therapy.”
16. How did C. S. Lewis see the cursing psalms, but what problem is there with that view?
He thought the Psalms were a natural reaction, but also wrong. He thought the religious bad men were the worst. Jesus brought a new spirit to the Psalms; to love your enemy. Not sure I am following this train of thought.
17. How does Yancey see the cursing psalms? Do you find this helpful? Explain.
I love this part! He says they are “spiritual therapy.” Hahaha….He says we could do one of three things when harmed or hurt by someone: wrong them back, deny and suppress the hurt, or take it to God.
I do think it’s helpful to take our troubles to God. It helps get the anger off my chest. God wants us to be honest and forthright with Him.
18. What did C. S. Lewis first misunderstand about the psalms of praise when he said, “I don’t want my dog to bark approval of my books.” What did he come to understand?
I suppose he meant that his dog, who adored him, would also praise his writing? In other words, kudos from his closest friends and family is not what he needed.
He said that we should pause, reflect, and then share with someone, like a good joke or an engagement announcement.
19. How did the ancient Hebrews respond to God’s glory? (Our Laura-dancer will like this!)
They praised God with music and dance! Yes Dee, I love this idea of course!
Friday: Spiritual Therapy
20. Read to the end and share what stands out to you.
Oh, so much to grasp and process from these last pages!
For the Hebrew poets, there were no walled-off areas; God could be trusted with reality…The book offers a unique behind-the-scenes view of people’s emotional history…these people managed to make God the gravitational center of their lives so that everything related to him. To them, worship was the central activity in life, not the thing to get over with to resume activity. Oh, let it be so of me, Lord! May I be committed to making the Psalms my prayers in life.
21. Depending on your emotions today, see if you can find a psalm that matches them. Meditate on it, and share what word pictures stand out to you. Then use it as a springboard for prayer, let it lead you into praise, lament, confession, or supplication.
Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother;Like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel put your hope in the Lord both now and forever. Psalm 131:2
I see a picture of a baby in its mother’s arms, asleep, resting, and contented.
MATIN-a set of quiet songs at sunrise by Jess Ray. I love the first and last songs especially. This is a great set of songs to listen to at sunrise! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuV6iDKCJ6U
Psalm 131 in song by Esther Mui: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V32aJWdz_z8&t=139s
20. Read to the end and share what stands out to you.
The Psalms are a sign of great health.
God alone has the power to heal.
The Hebrew poets included God in every aspect of their lives.
God needs to be the center of our lives where everything revolves around Him.
I’m going to make the Psalms more of my prayer life.
21. Depending on your emotions today, see if you can find a psalm that matches them. Meditate on it, and share what word pictures stand out to you. Then use it as a springboard for prayer, let it lead you into praise, lament, confession, or supplication.
I think I am going with Psalm 42 today, as I am exhausted, anxious, and overwhelmed. School may be over but I’m not finished with the work. I have another job that also needs my attention, and a grad course to finish this week. That doesn’t count watching the kids and trying to get my house a little bit cleaned. Ugh.Here is a beautiful rendition of it…
https://open.spotify.com/track/5Jk80AJ9lWbLqaI3ivGbQZ?si=L96ovUwfQ_uDlv17l4IoHQ&context=spotify%3Asearch%3Aas%2Bthe%2Bdeer
This resonates this morning….I am discouraged and sad. I will put my hope in God.
Psalm 42 is my go to psalm when down!
Saturday:
▪ What is your take-a-way and why?
My takeaway is that the Psalms bears witness to the fact that I am not alone. That my joy, despair, intimacy and doubts are all part of the human experience. And that I can express all of it to God without shame, because God wants me close to Him always.
Lovely, Ali.
21. Depending on your emotions today, see if you can find a psalm that matches them. Meditate on it and share what word pictures stand out to you. Then use it as a springboard for prayer, let it lead you into praise, lament, confession, or supplication.
Yesterday I felt very down. My sister got some not so good news from a doctor, and I’m having to learn to let go of my expectations in another relationship. I also worked a long 12 hour shift yesterday. Psalm 42 is the one in which the psalmist is talking to his soul, saying, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God…” I knew why I felt downcast and was trying to get a hold of my hope in God. Everything changes, but He does not change. The only psalm I have memorized is Psalm 1, and I go often to the image of being like a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season, whose leaves don’t wither. I know I must draw from the Living Water of the Holy Spirit to find strength and comfort, to be able to give what I don’t in my own strength possess.
22. What is your take-away and why?
I understand what Yancey is saying about the Psalms being like reading the private prayer journals of others. Yet, can’t we also see in them very real truths about God? I have to think that some of the Psalms are divinely inspired, because we see “Someone” in the shadows behind the words. Michael Reeves said that “Beholding Christ in the Psalms will change us into overcomers.” I have loved the rich discussion here and everyone’s sharing!
Susan, I have been missing you here so am so glad to find and to read your posts! I love this so much ( I am partial to Michael Reeves, for sure): “Beholding Christ in the Psalms will change us into overcomers.”
Psalm 42-such a comfort when one is down. I am praying for the concerns you shared.
I so love your answer to 22. Susan. (I also appreciate Michael Reeves too) Yet, can’t we also see in them very real truths about God? I have to think that some of the Psalms are divinely inspired, because we see “Someone” in the shadows behind the words. I join Bing in praying for your concerns.
Susan! We picked the same Psalm for today. Life is hard sometimes, isn’t it? ♥️
So many have mentioned Psalm 42. I just re-read it, and goodness, I needed to read that. Such healing words. Beautiful.
Thursday: Cursing and Praising
Read up to the middle of page 7 and stop at “Third, the psalms give me a model of spiritual therapy.”
16. How did C. S. Lewis see the cursing psalms, but what problem is there with that view? – He thought them to be embarrassing. He thought that the higher calling made the Jews more snobbish. By Lewis thinking this way, it made him to appear more snobbish and not have a heart for the Jewish community.
17. How does Yancey see the cursing psalms? Do you find this helpful? Explain. – He sees them more as prayers to God. I liked how he said instead of voicing our complaints or dislike to someone else, which appears as gossip, we can take them to God which is more like a ‘spiritual therapy’ and God can handle the justice needed as he sees fit.
18. What did C. S. Lewis first misunderstand about the psalms of praise when he said, “I don’t want my dog to bark approval of my books.” What did he come to understand? – We need to make praise a shared enjoyment. If we are excited about something, or enjoy something, we need to proclaim that the beauty of our excitement or joy is from God because he created everything.
19. How did the ancient Hebrews respond to God’s glory? (Our Laura-dancer will like this!) -I can see Laura dancing in enjoyment. The Hebrews didn’t sit around trying to figure out how to handle God’s glory, they burst out in song and dance to thank Him. That is how they showed their joy.
Friday: Spiritual Therapy
20. Read to the end and share what stands out to you. – I can learn to see the Psalms as a way to cry out, be angry with and praise God in every part of my life. I don’t have to hide from him when I feel angry about something that happened and I can’t understand why. I can bring that to him in Psalm and he will comfort me in the way I need it, because I’ve addressed myself to him. God is not afraid to hear from me in what ever mood I’m in.
21. Depending on your emotions today, see if you can find a psalm that matches them. Meditate on it, and share what word pictures stand out to you. Then use it as a springboard for prayer, let it lead you into praise, lament, confession, or supplication. – I’m doing this on Saturday since our week was full the last couple of days. But I think Psalm 20 fits my mood today. With all that is happening with my family and friends, I feel a bit overwhelmed. But knowing I have a God that hears me when I cry out to him, he will send me the help I need to support me. Because he hears me, my desires are met. I can have the peace I need knowing that He will overcome all that my life is facing right now and I will continue to trust Him as the only one that can see me, my family and friends through these times. Lord, I know you can do all things. Peace can come, strength can come and complete healing can come. You hear me Lord and I continue to trust and believe that you are in control and will overcome all the obstacles in the way. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Saturday:
22. What is your take-a-way and why? – I’m learning from this study and the posts of the other ladies, that I don’t need to bypass the Psalms because I don’t understand them. I can take them as personal journals to God for those who need him in many ways. I can read them and feel for the author and find comfort in what they say.
psalms, but what problem is there with that view? He saw them as immature faith that then was corrected by the New Testament. The problem was that The new Testament quotes the old testament and there were corrections already made in the Old Testament.
17. How does Yancey see the cursing psalms? Do you find this helpful? Explain. As a picture of personal transparent prayers. That no matter what feeling or negative experience an Old Testament saint had they say God as center.
18. What did C. S. Lewis first misunderstand about the psalms of praise when he said, “I don’t want my dog to bark approval of my books.” What did he come to understand? That praise is shared enjoyment of beauty. They praised God for it. Expressing their joy.
19. How did the ancient Hebrews respond to God’s glory? (Our Laura-dancer will like this!) They praised God for it. Expressing their joy.
Friday: Spiritual Therapy
20. Read to the end and share what stands out to you. I think what still stands out to me is that Psalms is like reading Old Testament pilgrims spiritual prayer journals.
21. Depending on your emotions today, see if you can find a psalm that matches them. Meditate on it, and share what word pictures stand out to you. Then use it as a springboard for prayer, let it lead you into praise, lament, confession, or supplication. I used Psalm 69. I basically sang it as a prayer changing words or phrases to fit my heart and my plea. (No I didn’t curse enemies and ask for them to be removed from the book of life). 😉
Saturday:
22. What is your take-a-way and why? It’s really that concept of the Psalms being representative of early Old Testament believers prayers to God, and how we should bring every emotion, every spiritual struggle to God, and allow the Holy Spirit to revive, redeem, and convict us.
Saturday:
22. What is your take-a-way and why?
My takeaway is seeing the Psalms as personal prayers, gut-wrenching honest conversations with God with no bars held. I can use them to talk to God and to worship Him. I can memorize them and hide them in my heart. I am so grateful for every study here through the years. Dee, these blog studies have been such a blessing to me. Thank you so much!
Love doing them with you all!
Hi Dee, I’m not very good at managing e mails and texts. Did you post wk 2 questions? I can’t find beginning of wk 2. Thx. PS WE had a great wk I’m end in Door… but it started to rain just Before Fyr Ball on Sat night! Reminded me of Climbing the Rainbow by Lloyd J Ogilvie. “I have climbed the rainbow in the rain…and KNOW the promises are not in vain!” Actually the rain was a blessing.. we both didn’t really want to fight the crowds (as we had planned). We stayed in our room and spent our last night just reading and relaxing! PS we heard LJO 2-3 times at Cove. What a godly man… so sweet! Thx Dee