Popular Psalms

The book of Psalms is a book of songs, poems and prayers. In this series, we'll walk through five popular psalms that will grow you in your walk with God.

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Have you ever been on a roadtrip and suddenly realized that google maps is telling you to turn off onto another road but you’re not sure which one? You have that moment of panic where you have to make a decision.

That’s what our spiritual life can feel like. We’re heading down a path and we’re not sure where it’s leading. The writer of Psalm 1 paints a picture of two paths- one toward God that leads to a satisfying life and one away from God that leads to death. 

Psalm 1:1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.

Psalm 1:4-5 ​​But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly.

The first option- sin captures your attention and cultural values influence your priorities. 

The psalmist describes how sin works its way into our lives. First, we walk toward sin dipping our toe in to see what happens. We follow the advice of our TV shows and social media influencers that point us away from what honors God and toward what satisfies our appetites. Then, we end up standing up for those worldly things and mock anyone who tells us that what we’re doing is wrong. Before long, we’re so far down the road of sin that we don’t even realize how far we’ve gone from God’s protection.

The second option- you pledge your allegiance to God’s way leading to a life of obedience to biblical principles.

Psalm 1:2 But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.

Psalm 1:3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

To delight means to have joy and satisfaction. We can delight in God’s word and the promises it offers. Why? Because the more we read the Bible, the more we understand the heart of God and it’s a seed planted in our hearts that bears good fruit. 

Think of it like how you are with your best friend. Your friendship grew because you spent a lot of time together learning to trust each other’s character and learned what makes each of you tick. There is a closeness and familiarity that creates safety. You probably end up liking the same things and even finishing each other’s sentences!

That’s how it works with God. The more we spend time with Him, the more we trust and understand Him. The more we’re with Him, the more we want to act like Him! Our values and choices begin to reflect His heart.

Preaching the Word Commentary says, “The goldy woman produces thanksgiving in seasons of plenty, faith in season of doubt, patience in suffering, peace in turmoil, mercy when wronged, gentleness when falsely accused, strength in temptation, humility in leadership and prayer in all seasons” 

Psalm 1:6 For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

Which path will you choose? The one that leads to destruction or the one where God is watching over and protecting?

Talking Points:
  • The first option- sin captures your attention and cultural values influence your priorities.
  • The second option- you pledge your allegiance to God’s way leading to a life of obedience to biblical principles.
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the video lesson (see video above)?
  2. Share a time you got lost on a roadtrip. Where did you end up?
  3. Read Psalm 1. What jumps out to you as you read it?
  4. Read Psalm 1:1. Why do you think the psalmist describes sin in an incremental way? How have you seen your past sinful choices lead you far away from God?
  5. Read Psalm 1:4-5. What picture is painted for a sinful life style? How have you seen people pursue worldly pleasures and end up in a miserable place?
  6. Read Psalm 1:2-3. What does it look like to delight in God’s Word? What is a realistic picture for a woman who meditates on God’s word regularly?
  7. How has your life changed since you’ve chosen to go God’s way?
  8. Read Psalm 1:6 and Psalm 119:105. Why should we trust what the Bible says over our own thoughts and feelings?

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Think about all the things we do to protect ourselves from danger or financial calamity. We wear seatbelts, buy homeowner’s and health insurance, we have Ring doorbells and pepper spray. We do these things to protect ourselves from danger or the unexpected events that can bring destruction. 

But none of those things really protect us from danger. They may minimize the effects of a bad situation but they don’t stop bad things from happening. Our only real protection comes from the God of the universe. 

In Psalm 23, David talks about God’s protection. He uses an analogy that made sense to him. David was a shepherd and he understood that his job was to keep his flock safe from danger. David offers us many insights in this psalm and it starts with understanding the nature of sheep.

Sheep aren’t smart or resourceful. They are easily led astray failing to realize the danger ahead.

Psalm 23:1-3 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Sheep are not very smart animals. They aren’t self reliant and they don’t anticipate danger until they’re already in it. They are also followers so they can be easily led astray.

A shepherd’s role is to protect their flock from danger and provide for the sheep’s every need. 

Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

As a shepherd, David experienced that with his flock. He had to constantly corral the flock because he knew what his sheep needed- a place to rest, food, water, and protection from predators who lie in wait. The shepherd knows what the sheep don’t. They are totally dependent on the shepherd. 

This is true for us, too. There is a reason that the Bible refers to the sheep/shepherd analogy over 100 times! We are sheep. God is our Shepherd. Even though we think we’re smart, resourceful and independent, we don’t know what we don’t know. We easily wander into danger when we listen to what our culture is selling and when we let our feelings decide what’s true for us. We think we’re in charge but we’re not. 

We need a shepherd – the Great Shepherd. We need to listen to God’s voice and follow where He leads. That’s what leads to a life of peace and contentment. It’s realizing that we are utterly dependent upon God for our every need.

So, are you a sheep that is wandering off into danger or a sheep that’s following The Shepherd to safer pastures?

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will show you which path to take.

Talking Points:
  • Sheep aren’t smart or resourceful. They are easily led astray failing to realize the danger ahead.
  • A shepherd’s role is to protect their flock from danger and provide for the sheep’s every need. 
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the video lesson (see video above)?
  2. What are some of the things you do to feel safe at home or when you’re out and about?
  3. Read Psalm 23. What jumps out to you as you read it?
  4. Read Psalm 23:1-3. How are we like sheep ourselves? How has God provided for you in the past, especially in times when you’ve wandered into danger?
  5. Read Psalm 23:4. Why does God sometimes have to use the rod with us? How has God nudged you back into safer pastures in the past?
  6. Read Proverbs 3:5-6. Why is God worthy of our trust? What does it look like to seek His will, not our own?

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Repentance is a fancy word that simply means to turn and go the opposite direction. It’s more than just being sorry, it’s showing in your actions that you’re going a different way. David wrote an entire psalm revealing his heart of repentance.

David had quite the story. He was the youngest of seven brothers. He was easily overlooked but God called him to be the king of Israel. He even slayed a giant with five stones and a slingshot! David loved God but he let temptation and sin get in the way of his destiny. He ended up having an affair with Bathsheba. In order to cover up that sin he had her husband killed. David really messed up! He wrote Psalm 51 as his prayer of repentance to God. His prayer shows us what a heart of repentance looks like.

Start with seeking mercy – withholding the just punishment that’s deserved.

Psalm 51:1-2 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.

The starting point for David was that he was unworthy of a loving response but God chose to be merciful and withheld the punishment he deserved. 

We all battle sin in our lives. Our culture will tell us not to feel bad or even call our actions sinful. We’re just living our truth, right? But the Bible is clear that sin is all about going our own way, elevating our own feelings and opinions over God’s. So, when we recognize that we’ve fallen into a sin trap, we need to start with humble recognition that we deserve judgement and punishment but we serve a merciful God. 

Acknowledge the sin, repent and go the opposite direction.

Psalm 51:3-4 For I recognize my rebellion;  it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.

He was broken-hearted over how his sinful actions hurt others and so fundamentally dishonored God. Even though David didn’t name his specific sins in the psalm, we can assume he did in his prayer time with God. There is power in naming our sins before God. If we’re truly repentant, then we need to be able to identify the sinful act so we can be on guard against it in the future. 

Walk in newness of life and restore your loyalty to God’s way.

Psalm 51:10,16-17 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

In the Old Testament system, the people would bring an offering to God to pay for their sins. But David understood that God didn’t need another offering. What he wants is a broken, contrite heart. 

Jesus came to be the perfect sacrifice that satisfies the debt we owe for our sins. When we repent, our sins are forgiven and we are washed clean-white as snow. Instead of being slaves to sin, we are new in Christ. 

So, when you find yourself caught up in sin, have the heart of David. Don’t trample on the grace of God by living however you want and saying sorry later. That’s what Paul calls worldly sorrow. Instead, have a heart like David. Come before God broken and humble, name your sin, and commit to turning and going the other way. Live in the newness of life offered to you through Jesus. 

Ephesians 4:22-23 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

Are you living in rebellion or walking in freedom? Choose freedom!

Talking Points:
  • Start with seeking mercy – withholding the just punishment that’s deserved.
  • Acknowledge the sin, repent and go the opposite direction.
  • Walk in newness of life and restore your loyalty to God’s way.
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the video lesson (see video above)?
  2. Why do you think David made such bad decisions after all God had done for him? How do you relate to David’s journey?
  3. Read Psalm 51. What jumps out to you as you read it?
  4. Read Psalm 51:1-2 and 1 John 1:9. What does David appeal to when praying to God? What does it mean to be purified from our sin?
  5. Read Psalm 51:3-4. Why is there power in naming our sins? Describe David’s attitude in these verses? How does David’s attitude towards God and his sin challenge you?
  6. Read Psalm 51:10,16-17. What does a broken and contrite heart look like? Why are actions a part of true repentance?
  7. Read Ephesians 4:22-23. What are some things you need to throw off? What do you need to do to live according to your new heart?

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Worship is declaring the greatness of something or someone. It’s showing reverence and respect. The book of Psalms is a compilation of prayers and songs written by many authors over many years but they all had the same focus – God. Whether songs of praise or lament, the people understood that God was the only one powerful enough to save them and therefore the only one worthy of their worship. 

Psalm 103 was written by David and it reveals what he revered about God and is insightful for us. Let’s start with a definition for what it means to worship.  

Worship is surrendering your whole heart to the God who is worthy of our praise.

Why is God worthy of our praise? Psalm 103 outlines three reasons why.

Praise His Character – compassionate, merciful, and forgiving.

Psalm 103:8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful,  slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

Praise His Purposes – forgives, heals, and renews.

Psalm 103:3-5 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.He fills my life with good things.  My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

Psalm 103:6, 9-10 The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever.He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.

Praise His Plan for all of humanity and you!

Psalm 103:19,21-22 The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything… Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the Lord.

How would you describe your relationship with God? Are you pursuing God with your whole heart or just part? As Jesus says in Matthew 22:37, love God with every facet of your being. 

Talking Points:
  • Worship is surrendering your whole heart to the God who is worthy of your praise.
  • Praise His character – compassionate, merciful, and forgiving.
  • Praise His purposes – forgives, heals, renews.
  • Praise His plan for all of humanity and for you specifically!
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the video lesson (see video above)?
  2. How would you define what it means to worship something? Based on those definitions, what are some things our culture worships?
  3. Read Psalm 103. What jumps out to you as you read it?
  4. Read Psalm 103:8. How has God shown mercy and compassion to you? How have you experienced God’s unfailing love? How can you show a heart of thankfulness to Him for those things?
  5. Read Psalm 103:3-6,9-10. Identify all that God does for us from this passage. Which ones stand out most to you and why?
  6. Read Psalm 103:19. God rules over everything. What do you need to surrender to Him today?
  7. Read Matthew 22:37. God wants your whole heart. What will you do moving forward to grow in whole-life worship?

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There is a yearning in all of us to answer the question, “Who am I?” We long to find our value and purpose. Unfortunately, many seek after the wrong things in their quest for self worth-physical traits, accomplishments, pedigree, etc.

The Bible has a lot to say about our value as image bearers of God and even about our purpose and mission in life. There is no greater place to start than in Psalm 139. It creates a picture of a loving God who was having a great day when He thought up the idea of us- creating each of us as an original work of art!

First, we need to know that we have value. God created every part of you

Psalm 139:13-15 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,  as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born.

It’s an overwhelming thought but an important one to start with on our journey of understanding our value. The God of the universe created each of us uniquely with our own gifts and abilities! We are a custom order not a mass-production event!

Second, we have purpose. God has written your story.

Psalm 139:16 Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

Not only are we a unique creation of God, He also wrote a story for our lives- a destiny to fulfill that He designed just for us!

Third, we have security

You have security. God knows everything about you and still loves you.

Psalm 139:17, 23-24 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! Search me, O God, and know my heart;  test me and know my anxious thoughts.Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

We all long to be loved unconditionally and that’s what God offers us. He knows it all-the good and the bad-and he still loves us. We can be secure in His love. When He corrects us, we can be sure it’s for our good. This security allows us to grow and develop into the person God created us to be!

So, how will you view your value and worth moving forward? Will you be tricked into what the world says matters or will you embrace what God says about you!

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Talking Points:
  • You have value. God created you – every part of you.
  • You have purpose. God has written your story.
  • You have security. God knows everything about you and still loves you.
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the video lesson (see video above)?
  2. Who or what has had the greatest influence on how you view your self-worth? How have you been sucked into caring too much about how culture wants you to be defined?
  3. Read Psalm 139. What jumps out to you as you read it?
  4. Read Psalm 139:13-15. Identify one or two of your unique traits. What has kept you from feeling like God’s special creation?
  5. Read Psalm 139:16 and Jeremiah 29:11. Do you believe that God has a plan for your life? Explain. How have you seen God open up and close doors in your life revealing His plan?
  6. Read Psalm 139:23-24. How do you need to stop hiding from God? How has God pointed out offenses to you in the past? In what areas do you still need to grow?

 

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