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 March 20th - March 26th
Psalms 106-110. Read and reflect on Psalm 101 in preparation for Sunday, March 27th'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 for March: Psalm 101:6
I will look with favor on the faithful in the land,
that they may dwell with me;
he who walks in the way that is blameless
shall minister to me.
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. In your own words describe a time in your life when you failed to submit to the authority of God’s character and nature?
Has there ever been a moment that you’ve doubted His unending love for you?
2. The Psalmist reveals God as both King and priest. How does that frame the way you see God in your life?
3. How well did you do on the 10 commandment test and how do those results position you in the shadow of God’s holiness?
4. Explain how confidence is gained through the understanding of God’s consistency in His character and nature.
Journal Prompts / Discussion Questions for This Week's Reading
Psalm 106
In verses 6-43, the writer of Psalm 106 recounts the long history of the people of Israel’s sin
and the harsh consequences they faced from their choices to stray away from God.
-As you read through those verses reflect and write down some ways you connect in your
own life with that of how the people of Israel acted as they rebelled and sinned against God
along with the effects of sin they faced.
At the beginning of Psalm 106, the writer also gives us a picture of who God is by praising God
for His love and mercy that endures forever towards His people along with the acts of
salvation of God’s mighty hand.
-How does this picture of God change the way you see and interact with God in the midst of
your sin and brokenness?
Psalm 107
The main theme of Psalm 107 is that of God redeeming and delivering those who cry out to
Him in trouble as the writer repeats these words several times; “then they cried out to the
Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress (Ps. 107:6,13,19,28).”
-How does this knowledge of who God is and the role God plays in the life of His people
change the outlook of how we approach God in the midst of trouble and our approach to
moments of trouble in general that we face in our lives?
Why is someone considered “wise” to answer this call given in verse 43?
"Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the
Lord (Ps. 107:43).”
Psalm 108
"Oh grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man! With God we shall do
valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes." -Psalm 108:12-13
-What are some times in your life you’ve seen the words to be true “vain is the salvation of
man,” as you’ve tried to take care of the needs you face by your own means?
-On the other end, what are some moments you’ve seen the words; “With God we shall do
valiantly,” to be true in your life as you’ve placed your trust in God and depended on Him to
meet your needs?
Psalm 109
David speaks in (Ps. 109:4-5); of how he has extended love towards his adversaries, but they
have returned to David; “evil for good,” and “hatred for love.”
-Reflect on a time you’ve treated someone with respect and love only to have them treat you
badly in return. How did you respond?
In response to the undeserving persecution David is facing from his enemies, he makes this
powerful statement; “but I give myself to prayer (Ps. 109:4).”
Throughout the verses to follow we see David call down curses upon those who have treated
him wrongly but in the context of David’s words being spoken to God in prayer, David is
submitting his feelings for vengeance to God for His judgement.
Despite David being a tough place he is committing his situation to God, seeking God’s
answer and glory to be seen and finishing his prayer by praising God.
-Reflect and journal about your response to people who have treated you harshly for no
reason and the response we see from David here.
-What are the differences when taking the situation into your hands or placing it in God’s
hands?
Psalm 110
In this prophetic Psalm, David’s words are pointed towards Jesus, “The Messiah,” and
“conquering King,” and gives us a clear picture of Jesus’ authority and power over the evil of
this world.
As we look at the words written here describing Jesus’ power and authority, it’s a great
reminder to us of living with a “fear of God.” This fear isn’t just a trembling fear of the mighty
power displayed by Jesus as our Lord and King but a reminder of the victory he has won over
evil for the sake of our souls that sparks joy into the heart of the believer.
-What are your thoughts on the view of Jesus’ authority and power that Psalm 110 displays?
-Does this view change your perspective on Jesus, your relationship with Him, or your life as a
whole? If so, in what ways?
-How does knowing the truth of Jesus authority and the victory he’s given us make you feel?
Prayer
Holy, Holy, Holy! Though the darkness hide Thee, though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see, only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee perfect in power, in love, and purity” (Reginald Heber, “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty”).
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