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?

Bible Study Audio

Psalms: A Guide To Prayer And Praise - Session 7 - Psalm 103 - Great Is His Love

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. 

Last week our Psalm was Psalm 51 which David wrote after Nathan confronted him about his affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband.  After David realized that he was the man Nathan was talking about he was crushed because he understood that although what he did was with and to other people that his sin was really against God.  When he realized that he was completely broken which is the beginning of our asking forgiveness  of God.   Psalm 51 is a penitential Psalm meaning it is a cry of remorse, seeking forgiveness. 

I read something by Billy Graham this week titled Broken Pieces and the scripture he uses was Psalm 51:17. 

Psalm 51:17 NIV My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

Broken Pieces

I have preached the Gospel for more than seventy years and have always spoken clearly that salvation comes through Christ alone. I cannot save anyone, but I’ve tried to tell everyone who would listen that Jesus died once for the sins of mankind and that salvation is a one-time transaction between an individual and the Lord Jesus Christ. . . .

Many say if they would be given a miraculous sign from God, they would believe. But the most miraculous of God’s work is transforming the sinner’s heart into a blood-bought soul that will love Him wholly. God knows the heart of every person and longs to apply His redeeming blood to that person’s soul, washing away the darkness of sin and the fear of eternal judgment. But he or she must come to Jesus Christ in brokenness, exchanging sin for salvation.

We talk about the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, but we seldom talk about the sacrifice He expects from us. While salvation is purely the work of Jesus on the cross, our acceptance of it is dependent upon our sincerity. The Bible says,


The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,

A broken and a contrite heart—

These, O God, You will not despise.

(Psalm 51:17)

I have extended Christ’s invitation to people around the world saying, “Come just as you are.” But when you come, you must leave your defiance and rebellion behind and come in submission, for in that moment of repentance the Savior of your soul will become the Master of your life.

Psalm 103 Great is His Love

Count your many blessings, name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” These lines from the gospel hymn may be timeworn, but the truth they convey is timeless. No matter what our situation is, we can always find something to be thankful for.

One of Pastor’s favorite statements, and I think it’s becoming one of Mikey’s too is the scripture in

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

They say that no matter what’s happening you can thank God that things aren’t worse because the could be.  I’m paraphrasing but you get the picture.

This is a Psalm of David in which he gives God thanks and praise for all His benefits. 

     
1. At this point in your life, what spiritual benefits or blessings are you most grateful for?

Salvation, peace, joy, Christian friends and family.

READ PSALM 103

Psalm 103:1-22 (NLT)¹ Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.²  Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me.³  He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.⁴  He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.⁵  He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!⁶  The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.⁷  He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.⁸  The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.⁹  He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever.¹⁰  He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.¹¹  For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.¹²  He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.¹³  The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.¹⁴  For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.¹⁵  Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die.¹⁶  The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here.¹⁷  But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children¹⁸  of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!¹⁹  The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything.²⁰  Praise the LORD, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands.²¹  Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will!²²  Praise the LORD, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the LORD.

2. What two things did the writer urge himself to do at the beginning?

Praise God

Why?

So that he would never forget God’s benefits

3. Note the five verbs the psalmist used to enumerate the benefits God had given him.

1. Forgiveness
2. Healing
3. Redemption
4. Crowned him with lovingkindness
5. Satisfaction

 What were the results of these blessings?

Renewal because he is talking about being treated unfairly.

4. The psalm writer (David) seemed to be speaking in these opening verses from personal experience. From your knowledge of David’s life, what personal reasons did he have for thanking God?

●     Lion and bear 1 Samuel 17:37 (NKJV)³⁷  Moreover David said, "The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." And Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you!"

●     Goliath

●     Saul (Starts in 1 Samuel Chapter 18 and continues until Saul commits suicide in Chapter 31)

●     Absalom 2 Samuel 15

●     Adultery ( We talked about that last week when we studied Psalm 51)

●     Census (2 Samuel 24)

●     In Ziklag (1 Samuel 30)

5.  After thanking God for personal blessings, what did the psalmist remember (verses 6–7)?

Psalm 103:6-7 (NLT)⁶  The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.⁷  He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.

He remembered that God cared for the Jews in the wilderness after He orchestrated their release from slavery in Egypt.

How does the history of Israel show that God works righteousness and justice for the oppressed?

He freed and cared for them miraculously in the wilderness.

He does the same today for the oppressed through the church.

 6. What do you learn about the nature of God from verses 8–14?

Psalm 103:8-14 (NLT)⁸  The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.⁹  He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever.¹⁰  He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.¹¹  For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.¹²  He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.¹³  The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.¹⁴  For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.

He is love evidenced by:

●     Mercy (⁸  The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love)

●     Compassion (¹⁰  He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve)

●     Forgiveness (¹²  He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.)

●     Like a father for his children (¹³  The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate)

7. Which of the three comparisons used to demonstrate God’s love and mercy is the most meaningful to you right now (verses 11–14)? Explain.

Psalm 103:11-14 (NLT)¹¹  For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.¹²  He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.¹³  The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.¹⁴  For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.

1. Great as the height of heaven above the earth
2. Removal of sin is as far as east from the west
3. Father for children

Most meaningful is his love is like that of a parent for their child which is unconditional.  It doesn’t matter what the child does they still love him/her.

8. How did the writer contrast God and man (verses 15–18)?

Psalm 103:15-18 (NLT)¹⁵  Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die.¹⁶  The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here.¹⁷  But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children 18  of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!

●     Man is mortal, God is immortal

●     Man’s love is often conditional, God’s love is unconditional

9. According to this psalm, who experiences the love of God?

Those who fear Him and obey His commandments and their children.
        
 How can you keep God’s covenant in your life?

By being obedient

10. After recalling his personal blessings and the wider blessings to Israel, how did the psalmist further enlarge on his theme (verses 19–22)?  Whom did the psalmist invite to share in his thanksgiving and praise?

Psalm 103:19-22 (NLT)¹⁹  The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything.²⁰  Praise the LORD, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands.²¹  Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will!²²  Praise the LORD, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the LORD.

His theme in the Psalm is the greatness of God’s love.  He called on all of creation to praise God including the angels. 

11. Do you really believe that God “rules over all”?

 If so, how will that show in your life?

By not getting overly excited when things are not going the way that I would like them to go.  By continuing to wait on God even when it is very difficult and sometimes frightening.  By making myself pray and praise.  They are both acts of the will so there are times that I have to force myself to do it and the result is peace. 
        
 12. What additional spiritual blessings, beyond those of the psalmist, do we have as believers living after Christ’s redemptive work on the cross?

The Holy Spirit, gifts of the Spirit,

Bible Study Audio