Moody Grad
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Posts posted by Moody Grad
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Q4. (Psalm 46) How does the imagery of the river and streams in verse 4 function in Psalm 46 to speak peace to the harassed and harried person? Verse 10 tells us: "Be still and know that I am God." How does knowledge of who He is affect our peace? How should it affect our words? Why does He command us to "be still" as a result of this knowledge?
The river and streams of verse 4 reminds the overly busy individual that rest and refreshment can be found in Christ. I find that knowing that God is God and I am not brings me great peace. I don't need to try to be in control of my life. My words can be measured. I don't need to let my frustration come out in appropriate language. He commands us to be still so that we can learn to rest in Him.
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Q3. (Psalm 31) What does it mean to say to the Lord, "Into your hands I commit my spirit" (31:5)? How does that statement bring peace to a person? How does the statement, "My times are in your hands" (31:15), bring peace to the troubled soul?
When I say, "Into your hands I commit my spirit" I believe it means that I can trust God to do what is best for me in this situation. It gives me peace, because I don't feel the pressure to force things to happen. Likewise, "my times are in your hands", brings peace that my Father has a perfect plan for me. In addition, placing myself in His hands can protect me from myself just as Jesus sent the disciples away into the storm to keep them from establishing an earthly kingdom with Jesus as the king (Matt. 14:22, 24)
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Q1. According to Psalm 131, just <i>how</i> does David quiet his inner person before the Lord? What are the elements mentioned in this psalm?
He calms himself as a small child is quieted and at peace with his mother. He sets his hope on the Lord. He is not proud or haughty nor does he try to do anything beyond his abilities. Instead, he looks to the Lord for future consolation. "Oh my soul, set your hope in God. I shall find my peace and rest in Him who can do greater things than I could ever imagine."
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Exercise. For one of the psalms in this lesson -- or another psalm with a similar theme -- do one of the suggested exercises to help you experience the Psalms (<a href="http://www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm" target="_blank">www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm</a>). These include such things as praying a psalm, meditating, reading to a shut-in, paraphrasing, writing your own psalm, singing, preparing a liturgy, and memorizing. Then report to the forum what the exercise meant to you personally or share what you've written with others.
I am memorizing Psalm 61. I am enjoying seeing the images in this psalm in a new way. The words are becoming my own as I place them in my heart. I pray that these words will stay with me and strengthen me. May they also be available to me to share with others who are longing for Christ's protection. It is my prayer that I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever and abide in the shadow (shelter) of his wings.
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Q4. Since Christians don't seem immune to accident, persecution, and death, how are we to understand these psalms of protection? Why don't some believers seem to be protected? Does God really protect us? How?
We are not immune to accident, persecution, and death because we live in a fallen world where bad things happen. While God does not protect us from these things, he does protect us from the enemy who seeks to destroy our innermost beings. Also, as Psalm 61, God desires to be the refuge that we can run into when we are in the midst of difficult times. He will always be there to protect us from further harm. In His presence, we find safety and peace. I don't know why some believers don't seem to be protected unless God wants to use others to come alongside to bring His protection, love, and peace to those people. I do know that when I have been attacked I have run into His loving arms again and experienced His protection and peace like never before.
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Q3. (Psalm 121). What reassurance is it to you that God keeps you and watches over you? How does Psalm 121 make you feel?
I am comforted to know that He never forgets me and always cares for me. He protects me as if I were the only person on Earth. How awesome it is to know that God will "keep me from all harm." Psalm 121 makes me feel like the most important person, which is true of each of us in God's eyes. He is vigilant to protect us and look upon us with favor.
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Q2. (Psalm 91) What does this psalm teach us about God's protection when in danger? What does it teach about our authority to vanquish our enemies? What promises does Psalm 91 contain? How does this psalm make you feel?
There is no fear and we are completely safe and secure in God when we face danger. He gives us authority to conquer our enemies. God promises to rescue and protect His children. He will deliver them and give them long life. I feel safe and loved by God because of this psalm.
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Q1. (Psalm 61:1-4) What images does the psalmist evoke to communicate his trust in God's protection? How do the first four verses of this psalm make you feel?
He refers to God as His rock, refuge, strong tower, tent, and the shelter of His wings. When I think of all these images, it makes me feel like God will protect me and care for me at all times. When I place myself in Him, I am safe and secure. Nothing can harm me when I run to my Savior.
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Exercise. For one of the psalms in this lesson -- or another psalm with a similar theme -- do one of the suggested exercises to help you experience the Psalms (<a href="http://www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm" target="_blank">www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm</a>). These include such things as praying a psalm, meditating, reading to a shut-in, paraphrasing, writing your own psalm, singing, preparing a liturgy, and memorizing. Then report to the forum what the exercise meant to you personally or share what you've written with others.
I am choosing to do my own psalm of lament. "Oh, Lord, hear my cry. For I have been humbled and brought down. I have been forced to change directions. Save me and rescue me from the troubles that have come upon me. Yet you are my hope and I will praise You. I will lift up my eyes to You, my Redeemer. Renew your joy in me. You have been faithful at all times. I trust in You, my Savior and my God. I will pursue You, Lord, at all times, even in the depths of despair and dryness."
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Q5. (Psalm 80) If you were to formulate a personal prayer for revival for your own life or for your congregation, how would you word it? What elements should be present in a prayer for personal or congregational revival? What would this prayer have in common with 2 Chronicles 7:14? How does this kind of prayer pave the way for revival and restoration to take place?
My prayer would be this: Oh, Lord, we cry out to you. We need you to save us from ourselves for we have sinned against you. Restore us. Renew us. Then we will call on your name and not forget you. You are our God. Remember us so that we may shine again in this land.
Humility, repentance, persistence, and hope are all parts of a prayer for revival. As in 2 Chr. 7:14, those who cry out to God on a regular basis in humility and repent of their sins will find salvation and healing for themselves and/or their land. This kind of prayer works because it recognizes that only God can revive and restore. Man must surrender Himself to Christ to be changed and saved from himself.
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Q4. (Psalm 40:17) In this verse David combines both humility and faith in his prayer to God. Why are both humility and faith necessary? What happens when one of these qualities is missing?
We need humility and faith both because there are many things we cannot do on our own. We must remember the many "wonders" He has done for us as stated early in the psalm. Speaking of myself, without humility I can become proud and not see my need of a Savior to help me. Without faith, I have no hope and I wallow in despair and low self-esteem. But when faith and humility "join hands," I can see the hope that I have in a Savior who raises me out of the pit into new places of joy that I could not find on my own. I know this is true when I think of some recent circumstances in my life.
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Q3. (Psalm 40:5b) When you realize that God's thoughts and plans are focused on you in particular, how does that make you respond?
I want to praise Him and thank Him for all He has done. Who am I that He would consider me so important? I will bless the Lord for all the wonderful things He has done. He has reached out to me in my despair and lifted me up and blessed me in new, exciting ways.
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Exercise. For one of the psalms in this lesson -- or another psalm with a similar theme -- do one of the suggested exercises to help you experience the Psalms (<a href="http://www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm" target="_blank">www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm</a>). These include such things as praying a psalm, meditating, reading to a shut-in, paraphrasing, writing your own psalm, singing, preparing a liturgy, and memorizing. Then report to the forum what the exercise meant to you personally or share what you've written with others.
I sang an old chorus based on Psalm 95:1,2. The song says: Come, let us sing before the Lord. Let us make a joyful noise to our God. For He is our Rock and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. Chorus: It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord. And to sing praises unto Thy name, O most high. I love that song because it reminds me to joyfully praise the God who cares for me and to thank Him at all times. Also, old choruses are just as meaningful as new ones. Praise the Lord!
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Q3. (Psalm 98) What are the reasons given for praise in Psalm 98? Why do you think praise is so exuberant in this psalm? How exuberant is praise in your congregation, in your life? Why or why not is it exuberant?
We should praise because God has saved His people from harm. He has showed His love and faithfulness. I think praise is so exuberant because the Israelites likely had just secured a major victory in battle. My congregation can be pretty exuberant in praise but I struggle with that sometimes in my life. I think I lose some of the exuberance because I forget what He has done for me and begin to focus too much on my immediate situation.
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Q2. (Psalm 95) In Psalm 95 we are commanded to worship the Lord. What are the reasons why we should worship contained in this psalm? Why do you think the warning in verses 8-11 is included in this psalm? How does this fit with the earlier elements of the psalm?
We commanded to worship our "great God," "the Rock of our salvation," "the King above all gods," "our Maker," and our Shepherd. We should worship because He made us, he cares for us, and he is our Lord. The warning is included to show that worshiping God is not optional. He is a jealous God who will not accept anyone who does not worship Him. The psalm previously exhorts the reader to worship the Lord for the wondrous things He has done. The Israelites saw God's wondrous works but still refused to bow down and worship Him.
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Q1. (Psalm 150) What does this psalm teach us about praise? Where should praise occur? With what should praise be conducted? Who should praise? What does this psalm make you feel like after reading it out loud?
We should praise God because He is powerful, great, and mighty. We should praise Him both "in his sanctuary" and "in His mighty heavens", meaning everywhere. Everyone and everything should praise the Lord and do it with great joy with musical instruments. After reading this psalm, I want to go praise God with music and joy.
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Exercise. For one of the psalms in this lesson -- or another psalm with a similar theme -- do one of the suggested exercises to help you experience the Psalms (<a href="http://www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm" target="_blank">www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm</a>). These include such things as praying a psalm, meditating, reading to a shut-in, paraphrasing, writing your own psalm, singing, preparing a liturgy, and memorizing. Then report to the forum what the exercise meant to you personally or share what you've written with others.
1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Great is the reward for anyone who avoids agreement with pagans, sharing in their sins, or joining in their rebellion. The man of God, however, finds great pleasure in the word of God which is his continual food for thought. Like a tree planted by the brook, he bears fruit at the right time but never withers. He succeeds in everything he does. On the contrary, evil men are like chaff that disappears into the wind. These evil men will not share in the judgment or find a place among God's people. The Lord will protect His people, but those who persist in evil will be doomed. (My paraphrase)
I enjoyed paraphrasing this psalm. It helped me see it in a new way and opened my eyes to see more clearly the sharp contrast between the wicked and the righteous.
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Q3. (Psalm 133) What about this short psalm seems to attract you? Why is "dwelling together in unity" so difficult? What kinds of commitments does unity require of us? How do the principles of unity and purity seem to conflict with each other? Why are reconciliation and unity such high values in Jesus' teaching, do you think?
I am attracted by the beauty of unity described in this psalm through the oil dripping down over Aaron and consuming him. We can be completely covered in blessing when we live in unity. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to "dwell in unity" because we hold so many different beliefs. We must choose to disagree about lesser things so we can commit to unity on the key issues of the Christian faith. Unity and purity seem to conflict because unity requires compromise while purity must not be compromised. However, I believe it is possible to be unified without compromising in the areas of purity. I believe reconciliation and unity were so highly valued by Jesus because without reconciliation it is difficult to experience the beauty and joy of unity in the body of Christ. Oh God, may I be a man who promotes unity among your people that many people would see Jesus and desire Him because of the message of Christ alone.
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Q2. (Psalm 15) The Wisdom Psalms are meant to instruct us. How would you use this psalm in your family to instruct your children? What topics of right living does it cover?
I would use this psalm to teach them how to do what is right and how treat others right. It talks about living above reproach, always telling the truth, not degrading or harming others, hating what is evil, keeping your promises, lending fairly, and refusing bribes for gain. It reminds me a little of Psalm 101.
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Q3. (Psalm 63) Why is recognition that God loves you the basis of all faith? What does this realization bring about in your life?
In God's love, we find peace and protection. I know that because He loves me everything will turn out for good for His glory.
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Q2. (Psalms 42-43). What is the psalmist feeling during this spiritual struggle? How does he combat his spiritual depression? Have you ever felt this way? How did you reach out to God at this time?
He feels "downcast" and "disturbed." He combats this by choosing to hope in God and continue to praise Him. I felt this very keenly the last few days but I thank God that I clung to my faith and allowed others to encourage me and help me continue to praise my God and King. These verses are so valuable to me today as I commit myself more fully to God.
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Q1. (Psalm 27) What does it mean that David desires to "dwell in the house of the Lord"? What does it mean to "seek his face"? How does David provide hope at the end of this Psalm?
One who "dwells in the house of the Lord" seeks to be connected to what God wants at all times. When I "seek his face", I desire to know and do His will at all times and to cry out to Him for strength. In the end, David remains us to be confident and we will see "the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living," everything good that God has in store for us.
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Exercise. For one of the psalms in this lesson -- or another psalm with a similar theme -- do one of the suggested exercises to help you experience the Psalms (<a href="http://www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm" target="_blank">www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm</a>). These include such things as praying a psalm, meditating, reading to a shut-in, paraphrasing, writing your own psalm, singing, preparing a liturgy, and memorizing. Then report to the forum what the exercise meant to you personally or share what you've written with others.
I meditated on Psalm 139 and noted how God is all-consuming and knows me so intimately. I can do nothing but join with the psalmist in praising my Creator.
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Q3. (Psalm 139). In what way does the wonder of creation in the psalm seem to affect the psalmist? In his concluding prayer in verses 23-24, what does he ask God to do?
The psalmist praises God and treasures the thoughts of him as he thinks on the wonders of creation. In the concluding prayer, he asks God to search him, reveal his anxiety and any offensive way so that he may walk in the ways of the Lord forever. This is my prayer today especially in these very hectic times when it can be easy to doubt that God will make me a success as I serve Him.
Q5. Resting in the Lord
in 7. Psalms: Resting in God's Care
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I think "resting" in God means allowing God to refresh you and renew your spirit through His word and meditation. Just now, I sought God's peace by reminding myself to "be still" and remember all the good things He has done for me. I can be at peace when I allow myself time to let His Spirit refresh and renew and remember that He has many great plans in store for me yet.