Individual studies
Psalm 122
- The “house of the Lord” was Jerusalem, described as a fortified city. (vv1-3). What descriptions do we say about our church?
- V4: those who came to Jerusalem were biologicially related (the tribes of Israel). Our church today make up of “tribes” of the worshippers who are not biologicially but spiritually related. Reflect on the joys of diversity of this church and the marvellous ways God units us.
- In this church of Jerusalem, people give thanks to God and they are judged. Should our church thank God and expect to be judged? (vv4-5) What might be our reasons?
- What does the psalmist seek God for the city and people of Jerusalem? (vv6-7)
- We often think we need to preserve peace when there are disputes, including in our church. What are different ways peace is maintained? See for example v8.
- The last verse (v9), like many psalms, appears to convey something different to the rest of the text. But what is clear is the importance of peace within Jerusalem (church) before other there are other blessings. Reflect on this verse and consider if we agree to this idea, or suggest other more plausible ones.
- Pray about what we have learned from the previous question (regarding v9) and commit the day to the Lord for granting peace to us.
Pending music compositions.
Psalm 17
- What is the psalmist’s prayer to God about? (vv1-2)
- The psalmist was adamant that God comes to his aid, for what reasons? (v3)
- V5 might be something we have prayed to God about. How much does this verse reflect the emotional and mental confusion we have faced or are facing?
- Identify action words in vv6-15, and decide who did the action. For example, v10 “Listen” is God, and “boasting” is the enemies.
- Following from the previous question, who (God, us/psalmist, enemies etc.) have the most number of actions?
Are these helpful or damaging actions? - V14 is a poignant verse because it assumes that everyone has a hunger for reward, be it reputation, wealth, control, & etc. What are the contrasting outcomes between those faithful to God and the unfaithfuls?
- V15 Reflect on this concluding verse. It might sound like boasting to say that one is righteous, but it is also affirming who God is and what he has done to enable us to be accepted by him. We might still feel it is not our part to declare that we are fully acceptable to God, only God can and he does, but the words come from him rather than us. How does this verse stand in our life of faith today?
- Choose a verse for our medication this week, set a reminder in the next 3 or 4 days to reflect on what God has shown us in our medication. Pray about this before closing this study.
Pending music compositions.
God has declared us innocent that we may be at peace.
Group studies
Psalm 104
- How do we praise the Lord? See verses 1 and 35.
- Scientists say that the amount of water on earth is in fact the same throughout history. See vv6-7 and share the many ways water affect the lives of individuals and communities.
- The psalm has many descriptions (e.g. vv11-18) of God’s creations, for example, the birds (v12), the goats (18). What are the key points for you? Share your own findings and reflections with the group.
- Verses 19-23 speak about a God who is full of life, he created rises and wanes of times and seasons, and growth of all beings. What do you think v23 mean?
- Verses 27-30 continue on the theme of “life”. Split the group into twos, share with each other what God has put in your heart about how special life is. Pray to give thanks to God and we know him more.
- Earthquakes, avalanche, floods and hurricanes are some of the disasters that appear to become more and more common now than say 10 years ago. Verse 32 suggests the earth is subject to God’s actions. How might we explain such disasters to people who disagree God loves everyone?
- Verse 35 stands as a contrast in this psalm. The psalmist has a negative view of the unfaithfuls since they disobeyed God. How else does the psalmist consider these people? See vv33-34.
- This psalm is as much about God’s creation order as his plans for us in this creation. Think about whaling and eco-social responsibility. Spend the rest of the group’s time on this topic to suggest topics for attention or improvement, and any action points.
Pending music composition.
Psalm 34
- V3: What does “exalt the name of the Lord” mean? Share different understanding from everyoe in the group.
- When experiencing hurt and trauma, our faces will show we are unhappy and/or unwell. What else do verses 4-5 say about those who pray to the Lord?
- What does an angel of the Lord (v 7) do?
- V8-10: there is an imagery of a strong young lions (v10); what does this comparison between the lion and us speak about God’s relationship with us?
Different people will understand this metaphor in different ways: let’s hear everyone’s viewpoint. - We might think that we are alone in trying to do good, what does v15 say?
- Recall when the Lord rescues us from troubles and/or mental torture (“crushed in spirit”, vv17-18). Share this with someone else in the group without disclosing personal or sensitive information.
- Continuing from the previous question and remaining in the pair: now reflect together on verse 22. Pray for God’s work in our lives – perhaps for fuller relationship with him, further understanding, more compassion to his words and others and etc.
The Lord Always Rescues Us
Psalm 34: song
Church study
Psalm 11
- Verse 3 speaks about the breaking down of a society. What are recent examples our church has come across?
- Who does the Lord judge?
- How do leaders of our church convey the message of the “coals and sulphur” (v6) to those who are sufferring?
- Continuing from the previous question, what steps have we done, or plan to do, to help our church to grow in faith to love justice and see the face of the Lord (v7)?
Terbanglah Seperti Burung
Flee Like a Bird 像鸟逃离
Psalm 11: anthem
In Indonesian (Malay / Borneon), English, Welsh, Chinese (Mandarin) etc.