Month 17

Psalm 149

1. In V1, where do God’s people sing his praises?
2. Compare v1 with vv8 and 9, what does God do to his people in front of those who refuse to believe him?
3. Read v2 replacing the pronouns to “I”, “me” and “my”; e.g. “Be glad, David, because of my creator” (Good News Tranlation), or “Let me be glad in my maker” (New Revised Standard Version). God is our maker, and we are his children. We can face a multitude of problems in what is happening to us, but God can help. Pray that God will speak to you as you open up to him.
4. This psalm describes our praises to God as one that demands our physical strength, mental agility, communal harmony and spiritual submission. What might be some relevant verses?
5. Re-read this psalm again and take note of the split between vv1-5 and vv6-9. First, the nature of our praise subtly shifts from v1 (a new song) to v9 (we are glorified). A second thing to note is that there is no break in the link from the praise in vv1-5, to the praise in vv6-9 where we are the ones executing judgment on those who refused to obey. As you reflect on this, how much do you agree with this reading of the psalm?
6. Those who refuse to believe God are said to be punished. What hope is there for them to obey God? Write a short message to yourself (in the size of a postcard) about what you feel about someone who is troubling you that God will intervene. Put the message away and remind yourself to read it again in 3 or 6 months time. Has anything changed – you, the person, or something else?

New music composition pending

Psalm 86

1. In v.1: What does the psalmist ask of God and why?
2. The psalm describes undesirable situation he is in, e.g. “sad” (v.4) and “in trouble” (v.7). What else can you find in this psalm?
3. The psalm also describes what the psalmist hopes of God. He writes these in terms of requests he makes to God. List 2 or 3 that are most meaningful to you. In what ways are they meaningful to you?
4. Continuing from the previous question, choose one of those in your list. Taking turn in your group, tell you group what your item is; if you like, explain it further.
5. Pray about difficult situations or problems arising from the previous question. The new Psalm 86 composition “Incline Your Ear, O Lord” might be helpful to meditate on God’s protection and help: suggest to the group what other worship hymns or songs are helpful.
6. Memorise one important and meaningful sentence from this psalm that you can recall when you feel you are in difficult situation or needing help. Let your group know what this sentence is (or the verse). Say it to each other to build each other up. Try to do this as you meet in the coming weeks.

Two compositions for Psalm 86, both titled “Incline Your Ear, O Lord”:

• In Borneon / Indonesian / Malay

• In English, a different tune

Dekatkanlah TelingaMu, ya Tuhan

Mazmur 46: hymn

Incline Your Ear, O Lord

Psalm 46: hymn