For further reflection:
1. Read Psalm 63:1: "My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water." Now read Psalm 63:7-8: "And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You."
How would you describe the difference between desiring God when he feels absent (Ps 63:1) and desiring God when he feels present (PS 63:7-8)?
2. Read 1 Peter 2:9: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
In Psalm 63, we learned that the Psalmist gets confidence in his God-given calling when he sets his desire on God. According to this verse, what calling can Christians be confident in?
3. Whether you are in a season of feeling distant from or close to God, reflect on how God is good. How does focusing on God’s goodness change your perspective in life?
Desiring God
Psalms: Episode 10
Psalm 63
Trusting God
Psalm 1
For further reflection: 1. Read Psalm 1:1-2: "Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, And on His Law he meditates day and night." What characteristics define the person who is "blessed"? 2. Read Psalm 1:3-4: "He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers." This verse describes the existence of someone who trusts in God. Interpreting the metaphor of the tree, how would you describe this person's reality? 3. Choose from one of the three situations and reflect on where you’ve been trusting in yourself rather than God. Ask God to help you trust him in this area. -Something unknown in the future you’re anxious about -A decision you’re having to make -Something that’s causing pain or suffering in your life
Weakness
Psalm 8
For further reflection: 1. Read Psalm 8:2: "From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength." Why do you think God chooses to work through weak people to put his strength on display? 2. Read John 15:5: “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” This verse tells us that abiding in Christ is what give us strength. What do you think it looks like practically to "abide" in Jesus? 3. Think about an area of weakness being exposed in your life right now. What are three ways in which you could praise God for his strength in this area?