Month 2

Psalm 93

1. Countless people want to control others, some succeed and want to rule the world. Name 5 of the most important aspects of the king described in this psalm.
2. Verse 2: time is a difficult concept; timelessness is beyond comprehension.
   
   This suggests that God knows us as who we were months ago, now, and months in the future. This may not mean he knows we wake up tomorrow at 541am, but he knows us such that the outcome is the early rise.
   
   What other ways do we have about the God who is everlasting?
3. Verse 3: with floods, we think of something dynamic, requiring our immediate response to what could be major disasters to our persons, close ones, and our surroundings.
   
   What are some of our personal experiences that are like floods?
4. Verse 4 says that however violent and all-consuming the floods are, God is far greater. The author of this question learned to let go of difficult situations and instead sought calmness with God.
   
   Each of us will have different experience and engaging with our floods – how did we respond to this when God reminded us that he is greater than the floods?
5. There are several major wordings in v5 depending on translation: “God’s house”, “testimonies”, “royal laws”, etc. We know that God is timeless and his plans are perfect.
   
   But we will still face problems big and small. We cannot be holy angels for more than a minute, nor can we detach from everything.
   
   How does our assurance in God help us with our daily affairs? Pray about this regarding the coming week.

Psalm 32

1. Verses 1-2: The Good News Translation begins with “Happy are those whose sins are forgiven”. Other translations carry a similar tone of excitement. Read down the rest of this chapter (any translations): how do we earn this forgiveness?
2. Sometimes we might articulate something done wrong as “error” and other wrongs as “mistakes”. Verse 5 does not deal with wrongs that way. What does the psalmist say or do about his wrongs?
3. Now, go back to verse 4. God has come close to each of us despite our ignoring or moving away from him. Share our own experience about this in our group. What has God spoken to us about, if any?
4. Verse 6: who are the people to pray to God and what are they praying about?
5. The psalms are full of surprises. V7 gives a picture of us facing trouble, perhaps experieincing cold sweat and panic attacks. At the crucial moment, God helps us. Not only so, when all our senses are exhausted, what did God do to cheer us up?
6. The psalmist knows his God very well. What verses in this psalm suggest how much God should be involved in our daily affairs? Take turn in the group to say what our chosen verse(s) is/are.
7. Our God saves. What does “be glad” and “rejoice” mean to our neighbours?

Psalm 85

1. Read the psalm as if it was a letter addressed to you individually. What is the writer asking for?
2. The voice of the psalmist is laden with a multitude of wants matched with a great longing for something pleasing. How does God fit in to this picture?
3. Verse 1: Today, what might be suitable replacements for “land” and “fortunes” here?
4. Verse 6 suggests that the psalmist is confused about God’s promise, which had not been fulfilled. Think of some of the issues and problems we face as individuals and as a community. What are God’s promises to us that he will bring resolution?
5. There appears to be another aspect of emotional tension in the text. Forgiveness of sins and salvation are not matched with celebration or praise. What might be verses for and against this view?
6. Now, take vv1-2 and contrast that with vv6-7. It paints a picture of someone battling with hope and assurance, against despair and doom. As a community of believers, what are practical steps to support someone who is in that situation?
7. Read vv8-13 again. Each person in the group will select one or part of a verse that God is speaking to us about. Share this in the group.

Psalm 16

1. The psalmist, David, sounded very positive here. For what reasons?
2. As a church or community of God, what are we satisfied and thankful about, and what do our expressions look like?
3. The standards and ways of the world often encrouch church communities. What is the forgiveness in Jesus when what happened in our past days legally hold us away from serving him?
4. Pair up v4 and another verse from this psalm, e.g. 4 and 6, or 4 and 2. Imagine someone is interested in church, never get near, but they are coming to church quiz at the pub. Suggest some practical steps the church can do to ensure that the family feels accepted in the church community.
5. Prepare a poster with the title “Who is my Lord?” and invite all church people to provide responses after the weekly service or gathering. Or do something similar online. Apply any adjustment necessary to present it as the church’s new psalm.

Two new compositions for Psalm 16!

Having had some interaction with French protestant churches, I came across their setting of Psalm 16. While working on an initial draft of the English words from that psalm, I slowly realised another familiar tune appeared to serve the words well.

• “Qui est mon protecteur?” and its music is maintained but a set of corresponding lyrics added.
• “Who is My Lord?” is based on a familiar tune and harmony. Which tune and harmony, your guess! 😜
Qui est mon protecteur – Who is my protector
Psalm 16: hymn. Bilingual French and English

Qui est mon protecteur – Who is my protector: for download

• Score (French and English) PDF
• Desktop playback (as above) mp4    mp3
Who is my Lord?
Psalm 16: song.

Who is my Lord? – for download

• Score PDF
• Desktop playback (as above) mp4    mp3