Individual studies
Psalm 147
- Verse 2 is a clear motif for this psalm. What is it?
- God does not stop at physical infrastructure of Jerusalem. What does verse 3 tell us what else God does?
- This psalm cannot stop recalling all the things God has done for us. What reasons do we have to praise the Lord?
- Scientists assigned a code to a new planet they discovered, followed by a name. What does v4 tell us about God?
- We have skills and knowledge to deal with every matter comes our way. But vv9-11 say God satisfied our basic provision. To what extent do we agree with this, and what might be our response to God?
- God cared for us from the most horrific situations and experience (v3). Read v13: how might this help in God strengthening us recovering from trauma?
- Verse 19 says that God revealed his words to his chosen people. In fact, this psalm is a witness to God acting out his words. List 3 or 4 of what God did for his people.
- Recall any examples that God has provided for our needs as according to his word to us.
Psalm 12
- Churches closed, humanitarian organisations are governed by power and territory and much less by Godly principles. How fair is this assessment of our world? Is this all doom and gloom and no good news?
- Verse 1 is on this theme of “disappearing” people of God. Based on what we know, what are some factors that made us realise there are far fewer people of God now?
- Harsh words spoken to us in person are more damaging than how we learn of them in other ways; however, modern-day remote messages have also been devastating. People have been deeply affected by what they have discovered about their family through their family tree and ancestry research. Reflect on how information can be manipulated to cause harm to others. Pray that God guides our words and how we might encourage others to speak positively.
- How have we managed ourselves when spoken with in harsh words? Pray about this and open to God on what other ways we can remain gracious and thankful to God in our words.
- What are God’s people urging God to do in v5?
- Verse 6 says that God’s promises are “like silver refined in fire”, but it is we who have experienced lots of hardships, and we are the ones going through fire. How might we apply this verse to our lives?
- Probably because of the translation into English, it feels better to read v8 and then v7, so that the psalm ends with God’s protection for us. What are the important points here for our faith in God, whichever order we read the two verses?
- Pray about how God wants us to grow as his people that we are faithful to him as the truth.
Group studies
Psalm 61
- Split the discussion group in such a way that each group spends some time reflecting on a pair of verses: 1 & 2, 3 & 4, 5 & 6, or 7 & 8. What do each pair of verses tell us about God responding to our cries for help? Compare our answers.
- For the group that studied 1 & 2, share what it means to have an “overwhelmed heart” (v2): where is God in such a situation?
- Group 3 & 4: what are the words (vv3-4) that describe God when we are “overwhelmed”?
- Group 5 & 6: What does it mean to fear the Lord?
- Group 7 & 8: the psalmist remembers his promise to God daily, what else does he do?
- Applying the psalm to our own situation, what might be our “promises” (v5, 8)? This might be something general or specific (e.g., assisting with church paperwork), relevant to us individually or together.
- Recall examples of someone overwhelmed in their heart (perhaps because of career, debt, relationship, health, etc.) and recovered from it. What lessons might we learn from that so we can deal with a bad experience when we become overwhelmed?
- This psalm is written by David, who was God’s anointed king. Assuming we are not kings (or queens), in what ways might we be faithful to God in helping others, e.g. those who feel alienated, are seeking safety and refuge, or not being listened to?
- Verse 7 says two things: (a) we have authority from God to fulfil his work; (b) we will be faithful to God in our work. Pray that God’s will is central to what we do in and out of church and we continue to support each other in this group or fellowship.
Psalm 37
- This psalm begins with an instruction “Don’t worry” in v1. Read through this psalm individually and take note of 2 or 3 other instructive words.
- Following the above question, combine the instructive words from everyone in the group: a list of instructive words. What are words chosen by multiple people, and those only chosen once? Take a moment to reflect and care for the needs of every individual in the group.
- For someone who struggles with the pressures of life, health and relationships, how do we make use of v2 to support them to find God?
- Why should we trust in the Lord and commit all our plans to him?
- Verse 6 speaks about rigut righteousness (or innonce) and justice. Give some examples about how this might occur in our lives, and/or previous incidents when these words were fulfilled in our experience.
- Verse 7: how is this relevant to us?
- Verses 8-13: What are God’s plans for those against us, or us, or both?
- Verse 19: what is God’s promise to us and those who are finding life and health impossible to handle?
- Verse 35: “I have seen …”, Verse 37: “Take notice …” Apply the verses 35-38 in our own situation, individually or as a group or church: re-word the verses to speak specifically to the challenges and struggles we face.
- Consider vv39-40 as a summary of our sharing and discussion. Conclude the study by spending time in group prayers, to commit our concerns and hopes to God.
God has declared us innocent that we may be at peace.
Church study
Psalm 87
- Musicians are known to turn up at church worships and play their instruments or sing. This psalm is attributed to the “descendants of Korah”, believed to be temple musicians of Jerusalem. In what ways have our church attributed our musicians?
- It is not stated or implied in this psalm that the attribution of the church musicians to God’s inclusive plan for nations and domains, such as Egypt and Tyre. Instead of aiming for any liturgical dogma, in what ways does our church perceive the worship life of our fellowship?
- How might being accepted as children of God look and feel like for someone who have suffered mental abuse, rejection and is looking for traumatic recovery?
- Following on from the previous question, what are our existing provisions for caring for people in suffering, and what opportunities do we have to expand both the care available and those who need it?
- What might becoming citizens of Jerusalem (v6) mean to us today?
- There is a slight pause after reading v6, before v7. Are there any links between the two verses?
- Consider our fellowship activities in the next 2 months and identify how Psalm 87 is applied in the way we serve others and worship God.