Psalms: A Guide To Prayer And Praise - Session 12 - Psalm 139 - God Knows Us

The Church of Divine Guidance Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study Group studying the book Psalms: A Guide to Prayer and Praise by Ron Klug. The Psalms are some of the most widely read and best-loved portions of the Bible. For thousands of years these songs of faith have spoken to the hearts and minds of people around the world. The Psalms are songs–music our spirits sing to the Creator. They are poems–full of vibrant imagery and strong rhythms. And they are prayers–our deepest emotions expressed to the Lord who feels with us. Most importantly, the Psalms are God’s Word to us, revealing the truth about him and our relationship with him. Study along with us by getting a copy of the book by clicking this LINK or the image of the book at the end of the study notes. 

The thought that Almighty God knows who we are individually is staggering, even scary; we cannot hide from him. However, when we come to know his goodness and love, we don’t want to hide from God. Psalm 139 helps us understand the comforting truth of God’s interest in the details of our lives. As we grow to trust God not only as the judge of all the earth but as the one who cares deeply for us, our response is to become still more intimately acquainted. The result: an increased desire for personal purity and integrity.
     
1. How much do you think God is really involved in our lives—none, some, completely? On what do you base your answer?

You have searched me, Lord , and you know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.  Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord , know it completely.  You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.  Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?  If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.  If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,  even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.  If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”  even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.  For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.  Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.  How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!  Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you. - Psalm 139:1-18 NIV

2. In what ways and on what levels does God know us?

He knows us completely. Nothing is hidden from Him. He has always known us and knows everything that we will ever do.

3. How did the psalmist react when he realized how completely God understood him?  How do you react?

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. - Psalm 139:6 NIV

He thought that it was wonderful that God knew and understand him. 

I react with shame sometimes when I realize that God knows what I thinking and when I realize that the thing that I did that I didn't think anyone knew He did.  On the other hand I am very thankful that He does know and understand me yet He still loves and cares for me.

4. David described the all-knowingness (omniscience) of God. What attribute or characteristic of God did he explore in verses 7–12?

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?  If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.  If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,  even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.  If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”  even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. - Psalm 139:7-12 NIV

His omnipresence (the presence of God everywhere at the same time).

5. How do people try to escape from God today? Why do they fail?

By not praying, not being around Christians, not going to church, not reading the Bible.  They fail because God is omniscient and omnipresent.

6. What phases in the development of a child are described in verses 13–16?

Behold the only one greater than you!

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.  Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. - Psalm 139:13-16 NIV

From conception through birth.

7. What does verse 16 suggest about our lives? What was the writer’s reaction in verses 17 and 18?

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. - Psalm 139:16 NIV

Verse 16 suggests that everything is already predestined by God.

How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!  Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you. - Psalm 139:17-18 NIV

The writer reacts with joy that God has already predetermined everything.

As you know there is debate about predestination. While I believe that God knows everything that will ever happen and that His desire for us always good.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

He has given us free will.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord .” - Joshua 24:15 NIV

And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” - Genesis 2:16-17 NIV

Here's the scripture that those who believe in predestination use;

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. - Romans 8:28-30 NIV

What I believe is that what is predestined is what will happen to those who choose to obey and those who choose not to obey.

READ PSALM 139:19–24.

If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!  They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.  Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord , and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?  I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.  Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. - Psalm 139:19-24 NIV

8. Why did the writer ask God to destroy these people? How do you react to this idea?

This surprising change of tone and outlook is regarded by some interpreters as a later addition. However, the intensity of conviction apparent in the earlier verses is seen again here. God, who has such minute knowledge of man, cannot overlook flagrant sinners. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.

9. To what request did the writer’s logic lead him in verses 23 and 24?

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
- Psalm 139:23-24 NIV

The psalmist closes with the personal plea that God will search, try, know, see, and lead him. His goal is the way everlasting, the way of life and peace, as compared with the way of ruin and destruction for the wicked.

10. Contrast verses 19–22 with Jesus’s words: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). How can these two attitudes be reconciled?

If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!  They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.  Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord , and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?  I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. - Psalm 139:19-22 NIV

This certainly does not sound like loving our enemies and praying for them. He is praying that he not have to be around them or be associated with them.

11. Is there a legitimate hatred of evil? Explain.

Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph. - Amos 5:15 NIV

There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:  haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,  a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,  a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. - Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV

Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. - Psalm 97:10 NIV

“Is it all right to be angry at people who hate God? Yes, but we must remember that it is God who will deal with them, not us. If we truly love God, then we will be deeply hurt if someone hates him. David asked God to search his heart and mind and point out any wrong motives that may have been behind his strong words”

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting - Psalm 139:23-24 NIV

12. Summarize everything you learned about God from this psalm. How can this understanding of God affect your life?

Bible Study Audio

Psalms: A Guide To Prayer And Praise - Session 11 - Psalm 73 Does It Pay To Be Good?

The Church of Divine Guidance Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study Group studying the book Psalms: A Guide to Prayer and Praise by Ron Klug. The Psalms are some of the most widely read and best-loved portions of the Bible. For thousands of years these songs of faith have spoken to the hearts and minds of people around the world. The Psalms are songs–music our spirits sing to the Creator. They are poems–full of vibrant imagery and strong rhythms. And they are prayers–our deepest emotions expressed to the Lord who feels with us. Most importantly, the Psalms are God’s Word to us, revealing the truth about him and our relationship with him. Study along with us by getting a copy of the book by clicking this LINK or the image of the book at the end of the study notes. 

This song is written out of the psalmist’s agonizing and bitter search for answers. His question is simple: Why do the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer? If we're honest, most of us have struggled at some point to reconcile God’s sovereignty with what we see happening in the world. But God is bigger than any of our doubts, and we can regain perspective and faith as we draw near to him.
 
 1. Is there any connection between obedience to God’s commands and human success?  Explain.

Today it doesn’t appear that human success has anything to do with obedience to God’s commands.  Human success often depends on knowing the right people, being a child or a family member of a successful family, intelligence, or being in the right place at the right time. Success on this basis can be, although not necessarily, fleeting, because it is based on human beings. It is also limited to this life not eternity. Success based on obedience to God’s commands when achieved is permanent when you achieve what God considers success.

Romans 8:28-30 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Psalm 73:1-28 NIV Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.  But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.  For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.  They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.  They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills.  Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.  From their callous hearts comes iniquity ; their evil imaginations have no limits.  They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.  Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.  Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance.  They say, “How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?”  This is what the wicked are like— always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.  Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence.  All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.  If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children.  When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply  till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.  Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.  How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!  They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.  When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,  I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.  Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.  You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.  Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.  But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

2. What basic conviction about life did the psalmist state in verse 1?

Psalm 73:1 NIV Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

That God is good and blesses those He considers good.  Pure in heart” means being totally committed to God and describes an attitude.

3. What did he observe that caused him to question this conviction (verses 2–5)?

That those who were not committed to God appeared to be being blessed.

Psalm 73:2-5 NIV But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.  For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.  They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.  They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills.

4. List the chief characteristics of the wicked in verses 4–14. How do you feel about such people?

• Proud

Psalms 73:6 ERV So they are proud and hateful. This is as easy to see as the jewels and fancy clothes they wear.

• Arrogant

Psalms 73:8 ERV They make fun of others and say cruel things about them. In their pride they make plans to hurt people.

• Callous
• Evil

Think they know everything.

5. What conclusion did the psalmist draw in verses 13 and 14 when he saw the success and popularity of those who scorned God?

Psalm 73:13-14 NIV Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence.  All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.

 That there was no benefit in him being obedient.  Because even though he was trying something else always happened.

Have you ever felt that way?

6. How did the writer come to terms with the paradox that the wicked seem to be better

off  than the pure in heart?

He couldn't come to terms with it from a mental human perspective because it didn’t seem right. In fact it seemed to go against the law that they were told that if they obeyed they would be blessed and if they didn't they would be cursed.

 Deuteronomy 28:1-2 NIV If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:

Deuteronomy 28:15 NIV However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you:

He only came to terms with it when he began to worship God anyway. He did that because he said if he expressed how he felt he would be a traitor, teaching something that he really didn't believe.

Psalm 73:15 NIV If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children.

 False teachers do that.

When he started worshipping he was able to see more clearly.  When he started worshipping his focus changed from himself to God. 

7. Note the metaphors used to express the precariousness of the wicked person’s life (verses 18–20). What recent examples from our society can you think of that illustrate this?

Psalm 73:18-20 NIV Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.  How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!  They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.

 Slippery ground

In a dream

Fantasies

Psalms 73:18-20 ERV Clearly, you have put them in danger. You make it easy for them to fall and be destroyed.  Trouble can come suddenly, and they will be ruined. Terrible things can happen to them, and they will be finished.  Then they will be like a dream that we forget when we wake up. You will make them disappear like the monsters in our dreams.

Lottery winners

Trust fund kids

One hit wonders

8. As the psalmist looked back on his period of doubt, how did he feel about it?

Psalm 73:21-22 NIV When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,  I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.

He felt stupid like a child having a temper tantrum.

9. How are the blessings of those who are near to God different from the “blessings” or advantages of the wicked (verses 23–28)?

The advantages of the wicked are temporary but those near God are eternal.

Psalm 73:23-28 NIV Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.  You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.  Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.  But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

 10. Verses 27 and 28 summarize the contrast between those who ignore or rebel against God and those who love and obey him. Paraphrase these two verses in your own words.

Even though I acted like a spoiled brat you still care for and guide me and I will be with you forever.  I don't have anyone but you anyway. All these things that I have been complaining about will someday be gone anyway, but you will be with me forever.  All those who have ignored you will lose everything even your presence forever. I’m going to always worship and praise you and testify to you goodness.

11. One commentator has titled this psalm “The Great Nevertheless.” Why is this an appropriate title?

Benson Commentary
Psalm 73:23. Nevertheless — Notwithstanding all my temptations, and my gross folly in yielding to them; I am continually with thee — In thy favour and under thy care. Although I gave thee just cause to cast me off, yet thou didst continue thy gracious presence with me, and kindness to me. Thou hast holden me by thy right hand — Hast upheld me, that my faith might not fail, and I might not be overthrown by this, or any other temptation. “The remainder of the Psalm contains the most dutiful and affectionate expressions of a mind perfectly at ease, and reposing itself with comfortable assurance on the loving-kindness of the Lord, of which it had thus experienced a fresh instance in its support under the late temptation, and complete victory over it.” — Horne.

12. Psalm 73 shows the writer working through his religious doubts and questions. What can you learn from this psalm about how to handle doubt and bitterness?

Bible Study Audio

Psalms: A Guide To Prayer And Praise - Session 10 Light And Salvation

The Church of Divine Guidance Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study Group studying the book Psalms: A Guide to Prayer and Praise by Ron Klug. The Psalms are some of the most widely read and best-loved portions of the Bible. For thousands of years these songs of faith have spoken to the hearts and minds of people around the world. The Psalms are songs–music our spirits sing to the Creator. They are poems–full of vibrant imagery and strong rhythms. And they are prayers–our deepest emotions expressed to the Lord who feels with us. Most importantly, the Psalms are God’s Word to us, revealing the truth about him and our relationship with him. Study along with us by getting a copy of the book by clicking this LINK or the image of the book at the end of the study notes. 

Life is full of changing situations, and for some of us our confidence in the Lord seems to change with our moods. We may feel confident in God’s goodness in the midst of one crisis and yet feel fearful and doubtful as we face another.

1. What problems—physical, emotional, or spiritual—do you fear the most in your life?  Why?

The only problems thaI fear today would physical ones that restrict my mobility and independence.

Psalm 27:1-14 NIV The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?  When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.  Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.  One thing I ask from the Lord , this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.  For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.  Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord .  Hear my voice when I call, Lord ; be merciful to me and answer me.  My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord , I will seek.  Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.  Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.  Teach me your way, Lord ; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.  Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.  I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord ;be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord .

2. What three pictures of the Lord does the psalmist mention in verse 1? What does each metaphor mean to you?

Light - The source of truth and direction - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV, Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. - Psalm 119:105 NIV,  When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12 NIV

Salvation - Justified and reconciled. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans 5:9-11 NIV

Stronghold - A stronghold is a fortress which offer protection.  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. - Psalm 18:2 NIV  He said: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;  my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent people you save me. - 2 Samuel 22:2-3 NIV

3. How did the psalmist respond to the troubling situations in verses 2 and 3? Why?

When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.  Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. Psalm 27:2-3 NIV

He was confident that he will survive and win because of what he said about the Lord in verse one. The Lord is his light, salvation, and stronghold.

4. In verse 4 the writer stated the focus of his life. How does the psalmist’s aim in life compare with your own?

One thing I ask from the Lord , this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4 NIV

His focus is to stay in God’s presence.

We talked about that last week the last verse in Psalm 23 is
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. - Psalm 23:6 NIV

In Session 4 Psalm 42 starts with the psalmist distraught because he can't get to the temple and God’s presence.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?  My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”  These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. Psalm 42:1-4 NIV

5. The metaphors of God’s protection in verse 5 spring from the wilderness setting, which David knew so well. How would you translate these metaphors into today’s culture?

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5 NIV

Going to church today is what we do that matches the metaphor of the sacred tent which is a reference to the Tabernacle in the wilderness, or when it was in The Promised Land afterward.

6. How did the psalmist respond to God for his presence and protection?

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.  Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord . Psalm 27:5-6 NIV

With praise and worship.

7. How is the mood of verses 7–12 different from that in the first six verses?

Hear my voice when I call, Lord ; be merciful to me and answer me.  My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord , I will seek.  Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.  Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.  Teach me your way, Lord ; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.  Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.
Psalm 27:7-12 NIV

The mood changes from confidence to fear.  These words shift the mood entirely from triumph to deep distress as they introduce a new situation and occasion. Even though the psalmist has been forsaken and rejected, his trust does not fail. From the depths of despair, he calls himself back to the patience required in waiting for God to work out his will. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.

8. What does it mean to “seek the face of the Lord”?

To spend time in God’s word, and in talking with Him in prayer.

9. Verse 10 assures us of God’s love and acceptance. How is God a better parent than any human mother or father?

Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. - Psalm 27:10 NIV

Human parents get frustrated sometime and make emotional decisions. We have all heard of parents disowning their children for various reasons. God never does that no matter what we’ve done.

10. To whom is verse 14 addressed? What is involved in “waiting for the Lord”?

Wait for the Lord ; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord . - Psalm 27:14 NIV

Everyone who has asked something of God and has not received an answer yet. 

Here are some suggestions from Rick Warren

1.    Relax your body. When your body relaxes, it relaxes your mind. Then you’re more open and able to hear God better. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (NIV).

2.    Wait quietly. Psalm 62:5 says, “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him” (NLT). Busyness ramps up the RPMs in your mind. It gets it going. Have you ever gotten your mind going so fast you can’t slow it down? Waiting quietly allows your engine to cool down.

3.    Wait patiently. “Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act” (Psalm 37:7). Inner calm creates the intercom to God. In other words, it makes the connection. When you get quiet, you can focus your mind on God and what he wants to say to you.

4.    Wait expectantly. The Bible says in Psalm 130:5, “I wait expectantly, trusting God to help, for he has promised” (TLB). God speaks to people who expect him to speak to them.

11. Do you recall a situation in which you had to wait for God? What was the outcome?

12. Think back to your response to question 1. How can the message of this psalm help you handle your fear better?

Bible Study Audio

Psalms A Guide To Prayer And Praise - Session 9 Psalm 23 -Trusting Our Shepherd

The Church of Divine Guidance Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study Group studying the book Psalms: A Guide to Prayer and Praise by Ron Klug. The Psalms are some of the most widely read and best-loved portions of the Bible. For thousands of years these songs of faith have spoken to the hearts and minds of people around the world. The Psalms are songs–music our spirits sing to the Creator. They are poems–full of vibrant imagery and strong rhythms. And they are prayers–our deepest emotions expressed to the Lord who feels with us. Most importantly, the Psalms are God’s Word to us, revealing the truth about him and our relationship with him. Study along with us by getting a copy of the book by clicking this LINK or the image of the book at the end of the study notes. 

Psalm 23  is one of the most famous and most quoted scriptures in all the Bible.  Countless people have found comfort and strength in the richness of its imagery and meaning.  This timeless passage of scripture promises us that we can trust God to meet all of our needs.  

1. If you could choose a picture or comparison to express God’s care for you, what would it be?

A child in their parent’s lap or wrapped in their arms.

Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV) The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,  he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.  Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

2.  Verse 1 states the theme of the psalm. Why is a shepherd a good picture of God?

This psalm “strikes a positive note. It is not beseeching God to be something orto do something. It is stating positively that he is and does all that is required by man”

2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Philippians 4:19 NIV And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:31-34 NIV So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

3. What do you think are the characteristics of a good shepherd? Why do sheep need a good shepherd?

First, to better understand the purpose of a shepherd during the time that David wrote this Psalm. This is from the site Got Questions?  “It is helpful to realize that sheep are utterly defenseless and totally dependent upon the shepherd. Sheep are always subject to danger and must always be under the watchful eye of the shepherd as they graze. Rushing walls of water down the valleys from sudden, heavy rainfalls may sweep them away, robbers may steal them, and wolves may attack the flock. Driving snow in winter, blinding dust and burning sands in summer, long, lonely hours each day—all these the shepherd patiently endures for the welfare of the flock. In fact, shepherds were frequently subjected to grave danger, sometimes even giving their lives to protect their sheep.”

4. Can you say with confidence, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want”? Why or why not?

5. According to verses 1–3, what does the Lord do for us? Which of these actions means the most to you right now? Why?

Psalm 23:1-3 NIV The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,  he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

He leads me beside quiet waters. Peace means most to me right now.

6. Why does God do all this for us? How would you paraphrase the expression “for his name's sake” (verse 3)?

Because He loves us.

He guides me just like He promised.

7. Why can the sheep feel safe even in the valley of the shadow of death (verse 4)? Does this mean that nothing bad can happen to a Christian?

Psalm 23:4 (NIV) Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Because God is protecting us, no matter what happens.

This verse implies that we will face difficulties, death, and evil. But our hope and comfort lie in God’s unchangeable and steadfast presence with us.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

2 Corinthians 4:8-12 (NIV)  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

1.  Hebrews 13:5-6 (NKJV) 5  Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."6  So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

2.  Psalm 34:17 (NKJV) 17  The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.

3.  Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV)  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

4.  Psalm 46:1-3 (NKJV) 1  To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A song for Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.2  Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;3  Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling.

5.   Romans 4:20-22 (NKJV) 20  He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21  and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 22  And therefore "it was accounted to him for righteousness."

6.   Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)  You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

7.  Lamentations 3:21-23 (NKJV) 21  This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope.22  Through the LORD'S mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.23  They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

8.  James 1:2-5 (NKJV) 2  My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3  knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

9.  Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

10. Psalm 27:14 (NKJV)  Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!

8.  What do God’s rod and staff signify?

Protection and guidance.

The rod and staff were standard equipment for shepherds. The rod was a short club with a heavy knob at the end and was used as a weapon against wild animals or marauders.  The staff, a long stick sometimes curved at the end, was used to guide the sheep and pull them back when they began to stray.

Jesus said the He is our shepherd.

John 10:1-18 (NIV)   “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.  The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.  The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.  But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”  Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.  Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.  All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them.  I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.  They will come in and go out, and find pasture.  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.   “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.  The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.   “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—  just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.  I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.  The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.  No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

9. What do the actions in verse 5 mean to you? Who or what are the enemies in your life? How does God help you feast in their presence?

Psalm 23:5 (NIV) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NIV) The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Ephesians 6:12-18 (NIV) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

10. What confidence did the psalmist express in verse 6? Discuss the meaning of goodness and love.

Psalm 23:6 (NIV) Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

He expresses his trust. The scene changes to show the psalmist as the guest of honor at God's house.  He is under God's protection. His head is anointed with perfumed oil. His every need is completely satisfied. On the basis of this trust, every moment of his life will be filled with God's richest blessings. The greatest blessing will be an intimate fellowship with God through continued worship of Him.

11. What does it mean to you to “dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (verse 6)?

Salvation!!!

12. Read John 10:11–15 below. How did Jesus fulfill the description of the good shepherd described in Psalm 23?
         

See #8

Bible Study Audio

Psalms: A Guide To Prayer And Praise - Session 8 - Give Thanks To The Lord

The Church of Divine Guidance Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study Group studying the book Psalms: A Guide to Prayer and Praise by Ron Klug. The Psalms are some of the most widely read and best-loved portions of the Bible. For thousands of years these songs of faith have spoken to the hearts and minds of people around the world. The Psalms are songs–music our spirits sing to the Creator. They are poems–full of vibrant imagery and strong rhythms. And they are prayers–our deepest emotions expressed to the Lord who feels with us. Most importantly, the Psalms are God’s Word to us, revealing the truth about him and our relationship with him. Study along with us by getting a copy of the book by clicking this LINK or the image of the book at the end of the study notes. 

Some of the psalms are known as pilgrim songs. It is believed that they were sung by groups of pilgrims traveling to the temple in Jerusalem for one of the great religious festivals. This pilgrim song is also a psalm of thanksgiving.

We are all familiar with desperate prayers: God, if you’ll help me now, I promise I’ll … When a disaster or crisis strikes, it’s natural to bargain with God and cry out for help. But when he answers our prayers, we also need to offer a prayer of thanks, asdo the people in this psalm who have been rescued.

1. Have you ever prayed a “foxhole” prayer?

A “foxhole prayer” is a prayer you pray when things are difficult and pressing.  " You know, like a soldier in the middle of war (in a foxhole) who says, "Lord, if you just get me through this, I'll never smoke/drink/swear ever again! I'll go to church every week! Just get me out of here alive!"

 A terminal illness.  The fear of an unwanted pregnancy. A sudden job loss.  Financial pressures.  It's a tricky prayer. 

On the one hand, you're showing God your desperation. We're showing God that we can't do it ourselves. We need him.

On the other hand, you'll then be expected to follow through on whatever it is you promised to God in your hour of need. What if God said;    "OK, I got you out of that, just like you asked—time to pay up. 

What happened that caused you to pray a foxhole prayer?

Did you follow through after He answered?

 PSALM 107

Psalm 107:1-43 (NKJV)¹  Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.²  Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,³  And gathered out of the lands, From the east and from the west, From the north and from the south.⁴  They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; They found no city to dwell in.⁵  Hungry and thirsty, Their soul fainted in them.⁶  Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He delivered them out of their distresses.⁷  And He led them forth by the right way, That they might go to a city for a dwelling place.⁸  Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!⁹  For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.¹⁰  Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, Bound in affliction and irons--¹¹  Because they rebelled against the words of God, And despised the counsel of the Most High,¹²  Therefore He brought down their heart with labor; They fell down, and there was none to help.¹³  Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses.¹⁴  He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And broke their chains in pieces.¹⁵  Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!¹⁶  For He has broken the gates of bronze, And cut the bars of iron in two.¹⁷  Fools, because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted.¹⁸  Their soul abhorred all manner of food, And they drew near to the gates of death.¹⁹  Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses.²⁰  He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.²¹  Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!²²  Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare His works with rejoicing.²³  Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters,²⁴  They see the works of the LORD, And His wonders in the deep.²⁵  For He commands and raises the stormy wind, Which lifts up the waves of the sea.²⁶  They mount up to the heavens, They go down again to the depths; Their soul melts because of trouble.²⁷  They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits' end.²⁸  Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses.²⁹  He calms the storm, So that its waves are still.³⁰  Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven.³¹  Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!³²  Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people, And praise Him in the company of the elders.³³  He turns rivers into a wilderness, And the watersprings into dry ground;³⁴  A fruitful land into barrenness, For the wickedness of those who dwell in it.³⁵  He turns a wilderness into pools of water, And dry land into watersprings.³⁶  There He makes the hungry dwell, That they may establish a city for a dwelling place,³⁷  And sow fields and plant vineyards, That they may yield a fruitful harvest.³⁸  He also blesses them, and they multiply greatly; And He does not let their cattle decrease.³⁹  When they are diminished and brought low Through oppression, affliction and sorrow,⁴⁰  He pours contempt on princes, And causes them to wander in the wilderness where there is no way;⁴¹  Yet He sets the poor on high, far from affliction, And makes their families like a flock.⁴²  The righteous see it and rejoice, And all iniquity stops its mouth.⁴³  Whoever is wise will observe these things, And they will understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.

2. To whom are verses 1–3 addressed? What did the psalmist urge them to do? Why?

¹  Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.²  Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,³  And gathered out of the lands, From the east and from the west, From the north and from the south.

The psalmist addresses the redeemed, and he urges them to praise and thank God because He was good and merciful in bringing them safely together to Jerusalem.

3. Each of the following four sections of the psalm describes a special group of pilgrims who were delivered by God from particular evils. What was the problem of the group spotlighted in verses 4–9?

Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle.  They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away.  Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.  He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle.  Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind,  for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Psalm 107:4-9 NIV

They had no permanent place to live no home.  They were poor and wandering from place to place.  This was not like the 40 years of wandering because then God was providing everything they needed. They were not hungry or thirsty although they complained the whole time.

There are 14 instances of them complaining. 

 What did they do in the face of their difficulty?

They cried out to the Lord. They were not complaining they were desperate.

4. Note where verse 6 is repeated throughout the psalm.

Psalm 107:6 (NKJV)⁶  Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He delivered them out of their distresses.

Verses 6, 13, 19, 28

In each case, what follows the pilgrims’ cry?

They are delivered.

5. Why have the people in verse 10 been imprisoned?

Psalm 107:10 (NKJV)¹⁰  Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, Bound in affliction and irons--

The reference here is evidently to the children of Israel, when in Babylon To "sit in darkness" is significant of great affliction and trouble.  They were in Babylon because of their disobedience of God and idol worship.   Remember the prophets starting with Moses told them that this would happen if they didn't obey.

Deuteronomy 28:1 (NKJV)¹  "Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.

Deuteronomy 28:15 (NKJV)¹⁵  "But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:

Deuteronomy 28:64 (NKJV)⁶⁴  "Then the LORD will scatter you among all peoples, from one end of the earth to the other, and there you shall serve other gods, which neither you nor your fathers have known--wood and stone.

6. Describe bondages other than physical imprisonment. 

Emotional bondage

Spiritual bondage

Financial bondage

 What is God’s goal for all who are bound?

Release or freedom.

Compare with the following passage from Isaiah 58:6

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

The comparison is to God setting the oppressed free.

Psalm 107:13-14 NIV Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.  He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains.

7.  According to verse 17, what connection was there between their “rebellious ways”  and their sickness?

Psalm 107:17 (NKJV)¹⁷  Fools, because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted.

According to this verse their sicknesses were directly caused by their sin.  It goes back to the curses of Deuteronomy 28.

The verb used in Psalm 107:17 for “suffered affliction” is reflexive, possibly suggesting that they brought this affliction on themselves. One present-day example of this interpretation might be a drug addict.

Deuteronomy 28:58-61 NIV If you do not carefully follow all the words of this law, which are written in this book, and do not revere this glorious and awesome name—the Lord your God— the Lord will send fearful plagues on you and your descendants, harsh and prolonged disasters, and severe and lingering illnesses. He will bring on you all the diseases of Egypt that you dreaded, and they will cling to you. The Lord will also bring on you every kind of sickness and disaster not recorded in this Book of the Law, until you are destroyed.

Are sin and sickness always connected? Explain.

No.  Some people reap physical illness as a consequence of their sin and rebellion against God, but certainly not all illness is caused by sin or given as a judgment for sin.

Jesus said the man who was born blind was born that way to bring glory to God, not because he had sinned (see John 9:1–3).

John 9:1-3 NIV As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”   “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

I wrote a blog post some time ago “Is Satan The Cause Of All Sickness?”

Sickness and disease can be a result of a number of things. It is, sometimes, an attack of demons. Sometimes, it is a result of not taking proper care of the body.

8. How did God heal and rescue them (verse 20)?

Psalm 107:20 NIV He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.

His word.

My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.  Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;  for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.
Proverbs 4:20-22 NIV

When, if ever, have you experienced this?

9. What vivid pictures come to your mind of the dangers the merchants faced (verses 23–32)?

Psalm 107:23-32 NIV Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters.  They saw the works of the Lord , his wonderful deeds in the deep.  For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves.  They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away.  They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end.  Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.  He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.  They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.  Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.  Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.

Israel at the Red Sea.

There was a movie several years ago called The Perfect Storm. 

Based on a true story, the film tells of the courageous men and women who risk their lives every working day, pitting their fishing boats and rescue vessels against the capricious forces of nature. Their worst fears are realized at sea on Halloween of 1991, when they are confronted by three raging weather fronts which unexpectedly collide to produce the greatest, fiercest storm in modern history -- "The Perfect Storm."
Release date: June 30, 2000 (USA)

Or the television documentary series The Deadliest Catch.

What did God do for them?

He stilled the storm and delivered them. Like when Jesus stilled the storm..

Matthew 8:23-27 NIV Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”  He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.  The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

10. Read verses 33–43 again

He turned rivers into a desert, flowing springs into thirsty ground,  and fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who lived there.  He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs;  there he brought the hungry to live, and they founded a city where they could settle.  They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest;  he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish.  Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled by oppression, calamity and sorrow;  he who pours contempt on nobles made them wander in a trackless waste.  But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks.  The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths.  Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord .
Psalm 107:33-43 NIV

How does God deal with the wicked?

He causes them to suffer lack. In the example on this Psalm in an agrarian society water is necessary and God caused them to not have it so they had no way to make money or to provide for themselves.

By contrast, what does he do for the upright?

He caused them to prosper by providing what they needed to prosper.

11. What contributes to wisdom according to verse 43?

Psalm 107:43 NIV Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord .

As Pastor likes to say those understand or heed are wise. They understand what happens to the wicked and to the upright. 

12. With which of these groups of pilgrims—wanderers, the imprisoned, the sick, or the storm-tossed—do you most clearly identify? Why?

        

13. In what ways have you experienced God’s deliverance in situations like these?

In what ways do you still need deliverance?
        

 14. How can considering God’s great love encourage us in our faith?

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