Welcome to the Weekly Digest!
Below you will find resources to help you on your journey through the Book of Psalms. We've provided you with a reading plan for the upcoming week, journaling prompts, a weekly Spotify playlist, and ideas for prayer. Be sure to check in every week to see what we have for you next as we continue to enrich our journey through the Psalms.
Reading Plan January 23rd-29th
Psalms 81-85. Read and reflect on Psalm 84 in preparation for Sunday, January 23rd's teaching. You can download the reading guide for the entire series here.
Scripture Memorization
Scripture memorization is an important discipline to introduce to our lives as a way to actively hide God's word in our heart. It allows us to not only internalize the text, but to share that truth with others more readily.
Memory Verses forJanuary: Psalm 71:17-18 ESV
O God, from my youth you have taught me,
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
So even to old age and gray hairs,
O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation,
your power to all those to come.
Journal Prompts
* A quick note on journaling: if you're new to this practice, our journey through the book of Psalms will be a great way to get started. The most important step to forming this discipline in your life is to write anything and write often. Journaling is an incredible way to slow down, digest the content of a text, let your brain internalize thoughts that may come up, and keep a record for future reflection on what God was speaking to you during your reading. Journaling can take many forms such as written prayers, bullet points, stream of consciousness, or even poetry. Try some different methods and find the one that works best for you.
Journal Prompts / Discussion Questions from Today's Teaching
1. Have you ever questioned God regarding His reward system? Explain how and when.
2. If doubt is like a raised foot, then how have you seen doubt / questioning move you forward in your faith or digress you in your faith?
3. Take a moment and write out YOUR statement of faith.
4. Have you ever experienced a crisis of envy? Who or what are you envious of?
5. Is Godliness worth it and why?
6. What is the antidote for envy according to Asaph?
Journal Prompts / Discussion Questions for This Week's Reading
Psalm 81
QUESTION: God's character and intent for us is to find rest, delight and provision for our lives in Him. Unfortunately, we find ourselves many times not receiving His gracious hand and reliving the words in verse 11 “Israel would have none of me”. In what areas of your life have you felt reluctant to lean into God's provision?
PRAYER: I haven’t asked enough from you, O God—I see that now. Remembering what you have promised and what you have done, I will rejoice in festival celebration, taking what you so generously give and sharing what you so joyously provide. In Jesus Christ. Amen.
Psalm 82
QUESTION: The Lord's righteous indignation permeates this psalm and reminds us of the heart of the Father for his creation. He does not a blind eye to the injustices of the world and will judge the earth according to his infinite wisdom. When was the last time you saw an injustice and cried out to the Lord in petition and lamenting?
PRAYER: “Tie in a living tether the prince and priest and thrall, bind all our lives together, smite us and save us all; in ire and exultation aflame with faith, and free, lift up a living nation, a single sword to Thee” (G. K. Chesterton, “O God of Earth and Altar”). Amen.
Psalm 83
QUESTION: History is noisy with the activity of conspirators against God: “your enemies are in tumult” (v. 2). The conspicuous great of the earth—Edom, Philistia, Assyria—fill the air with an arrogant din that cancels out meaning. “So few of the Big ever listen” (W. H. Auden, Homage to Clio, New York: Random House, 1960, p. 5). Meanwhile, prayer approaches the (supposed) silence of God and hears quiet words that fill life with significant hope. Take time in silence and solitude and begin to write these words of hope out. How do they combat the taunts of life?
PRAYER: O Lord, I enter the quiet place of prayer with you and my heart is attentive to what you have to say. I have been shouted at, accused, and threatened from newspapers, radio, and social media. Now I want to hear the syllables of hope that come in the still small voice of your Spirit and establish you as Lord in my heart as well as “Most High over all the earth”. Amen.
Psalm 84
QUESTION: The act of worship internalizes the way of discipleship into habits of praise and obedience so that life is not a depressing descent, but an exhilarating ascent to strength. What are the rhythms in your life that help put you in a place of deep trust and gratitude?
PRAYER: I lift my eyes to you, O God, in worship and adoration. I focus on your promises and expect your grace. I gather all my needs and desires and bring them to you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Psalm 85
QUESTION: Nothing suffers from time quite so much as religion. The skeletal structure of obedience becomes arthritic, and the circulatory system of praise becomes sluggish. The prayer “revive us again” keeps the body of Christ youthful and responsive to every new mercy and grace in God. Take time to reflect on your walk with the Lord - where have you seen his revival over the years? In what areas of your life now are you in need of revival? PRAYER: O God, when my faith gets overladen with dust, blow it clean with the wind of your Spirit. When my habits of obedience get stiff and rusty, anoint them with the oil of your Spirit. Restore the enthusiasm of my first love for you and the alacrity of my first obedience to you, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
