Psalm 25:1-22
A Psalm of David.

To Thee, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
[2] O my God, in Thee I trust,
Do not let me be ashamed;
Do not let my enemies exult over me.
[3] Indeed, none of those who wait for Thee will be ashamed;
Those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed.

[4] Make me know Thy ways, O Lord;
Teach me Thy paths.
[5] Lead me in Thy truth and teach me,
For Thou art the God of my salvation;
For Thee I wait all the day.
[6] Remember, O Lord, Thy compassion and Thy lovingkindnesses,
For they have been from of old.
[7] Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
According to Thy lovingkindness remember Thou me,
For Thy goodness' sake, O Lord.

[8] Good and upright is the Lord;
Therefore He instructs sinners in the way.
[9] He leads the humble in justice,
And He teaches the humble His way.
[10] All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth
To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.
[11] For Thy name's sake, O Lord,
Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

[12] Who is the man who fears the Lord?
He will instruct him in the way he should choose.
[13] His soul will abide in prosperity,
And his descendants will inherit the land.
[14] The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him,
And He will make them know His covenant.
[15] My eyes are continually toward the Lord,
For He will pluck my feet out of the net.

[16] Turn to me and be gracious to me,
For I am lonely and afflicted.
[17] The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
Bring me out of my distresses.
[18] Look upon my affliction and my trouble,
And forgive all my sins.
[19] Look upon my enemies, for they are many;
And they hate me with violent hatred.
[20] Guard my soul and deliver me;
Do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in Thee.
[21] Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
For I wait for Thee.
[22] Redeem Israel, O God,
Out of all his troubles.


Psalm 25:1-22

Open It

1. When have you felt that you were treated unfairly?
2. How would you complete the sentence: “It’s not fair that . . .”?
* 3. What troubles go with your station in life (parenting, singleness, student, overworking, empty-nester, etc.)?

Explore It

4. What prayer request opens this psalm? (25:1-3)
5. What is the central focus of this psalm? (25:1-22)
6. Whom did David want God to “put to shame”? (25:3)
7. How did David feel about the hostility of his enemies? (25:3)
8. What did David ask the Lord to reveal to him and why? (25:4-5)
* 9. What requests did David present to the Lord? (25:4-7, 16-22)
10. What did David want God to remember, and what did he want God to forget? (25:6-7)
11. How did David want to be remembered by the Lord? (25:7)
12. What does God do for sinners? (25:8)
13. How does this psalm describe the Lord and the kind of relationship He wants to have with us? (25:8-10)
14. Where did David place his confidence and why? (25:8-15)
15. What attitude did David have about himself and God? (25:11)
* 16. Why was David praying? (25:16-19)
* 17. What did David desire? (25:21-22)
18. What prayer concludes this psalm? (25:22)
19. What did David ask God to do? (25:22)

Get It

20. How can good come from being unfairly treated?
21. How do you think Christians should respond to unfair treatment?
22. How can we follow David’s example of trusting God?
* 23. What trouble and “enemies” do you face?
* 24. In light of this psalm, how should we deal with the pressures and problems in our lives?
25. In light of this psalm, how can you deal with the pressures and problems in your life?
26. What does this passage tell you about the relationship God wants to have with you?
27. How do you think you could strengthen your relationship with the Lord?
28. What motivates you to put your confidence in God?
29. How has God proven His reliability to you?
30. How does this passage change your perception of yourself? of God?

Apply It

31. What requests would you like to present before the Lord today?
32. In what specific ways can you put your hope and trust in the Lord?
* 33. In what way might you be able to demonstrate your trust in God in a troublesome circumstance this week?

AFFIRMATIONS

TODAY I AM ...

Lifting up my soul unto the LORD
Not ashamed before my enemies
Shown by God his ways, taught by him his paths
Led by God in his truth, waiting on him
Having all my sins forgiven and forgotten
Blessed with seed inheriting the earth
Fearing the LORD, and being taught his covenant
Delivered of all my distresses With my eyes ever toward God, my feet plucked from

Psalm 24:1-10
A Psalm of David.

The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains,
The world, and those who dwell in it.
[2] For He has founded it upon the seas,
And established it upon the rivers.
[3] Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
And who may stand in His holy place?
[4] He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood,
And has not sworn deceitfully.
[5] He shall receive a blessing from the Lord
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
[6] This is the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Thy face-- even Jacob.
Selah.

[7] Lift up your heads, O gates,
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in!
[8] Who is the King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
[9] Lift up your heads, O gates,
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in!
[10] Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory.
Selah.

Psalm 24:1-10

Open It

1. Where do people turn for ultimate answers and solutions today?
* 2. What are some of the good things in our world that can distract us from serving God?

Explore It

3. What does the beginning of this psalm reveal about God’s character? (24:1-2)
* 4. Why is God worthy of worship and praise? (24:1-2)
5. What is the purpose of this psalm? (24:1-10)
6. What does this psalm celebrate? (24:1-10)
7. Who may enter God’s presence? (24:3-4)
* 8. What should a person do who wants to enter God’s presence? (24:3-6)
9. What specific character traits do we need in order to enjoy God’s presence? (24:4-6)
10. What do the righteous receive from the Lord? (24:5)
11. How does this psalm use gates and doors to tell us about the Lord? (24:7, 9)
* 12. How does the psalm writer welcome the victorious King into His sanctuary? (24:7-10)
13. How is the “King of glory” described? (24:8, 10)

Get It

14. What difference does it make that the earth and everything in it belongs to God?
15. In light of this psalm, what view should we have of ourselves? of the world? of God?
16. What does it mean to have clean hands and a pure heart?
17. What does this passage tell us about God’s character?
18. In your mind, why is God worthy of worship and praise?
19. What is an idol?
20. What’s wrong with worshiping things, people, or ourselves instead of God?
21. What offerings of praise can you give to the Lord?
22. How does this psalm affect your attitude toward church?
23. How do we need to prepare for entering God’s house each week?
* 24. Why is it good to go to church?
* 25. What changes do you need to make in your schedule or activities to make worship a top priority?
26. How can we guard against the temptation to serve things, other people, or ourselves instead of the Lord?

Apply It

* 27. What is one thing you can do this week to prepare yourself for the next time you go to church?
28. What do you have that you want to “give back” to God?

AFFIRMATIONS
TODAY I AM ...

Standing in the LORD’s holy place with clean hands and a pure heart.
Receiving the blessing from the LORD, and His righteousness.
Blessed with a strong and mighty LORD, the King of glory.

Psalm 23:1-6
A Psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
[2] He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
[3] He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.

[4] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil; for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.
[5] Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
Thou hast anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
[6] Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.


Psalm 23:1-6

Open It

1. What sometimes threatens your peace of mind or sense of security?
2. What do people usually take for granted?
* 3. When do you most want peace and quiet?

Explore It

4. How did David describe the Lord? (23:1)
5. What is God like? (23:1)
6. What mental picture did David use to describe his role in relationship with the Lord? (23:1-3)
* 7. What comforted David? (23:1)
8. How does the Lord provide for His people? (23:1-3)
9. How did God help David? (23:1-3)
10. What motivates God to guide His people? (23:3)
11. What gave David the confidence to face death? (23:4)
12. How was David comforted in difficult times? (23:4)
13. What were David’s fears? (23:4-5)
* 14. How far does the guidance and protection of the Lord extend for His people? (23:4-5)
15. How does God provide for His children, even in the face of death? (23:4-5)
16. How does God honor those He loves? (23:5-6)
* 17. What did the Lord give to David? (23:5-6)
18. How did David feel about his future? (23:6)

Get It

19. How has the Lord guided you through difficult times?
20. What do you think David meant when he said that his cup overflowed?
21. David spoke of a shepherd and sheep—how would you picture your relationship with the Lord?
22. In what ways does God “restore our souls”?
23. What are some of your fears?
* 24. How can you follow David’s example in dealing with your fears?
25. How has God provided for your needs in the past?
26. How have you experienced God’s comfort?
27. In what way has God made your “cup overflow”?
28. What good things in life do you find it easy to take for granted?
29. How can we thank the Lord for the many blessings He has given us?
* 30. How does this passage encourage you to face the future?
31. How has this psalm changed your perspective of the challenges you are facing?

Apply It

* 32. What can you do to celebrate God’s goodness and provision?
33. How could you comfort or encourage a friend who is struggling with fear or grief?
34. What good things, experiences, and people do you want to thank God for now?

AFFIRMATIONS

TODAY I AM ...

Blessed with a Shepherd who takes care of my needs
Being made to lie down in green pastures
Being led beside still waters
Being restored in my soul
Being led in the paths of righteousness
Not afraid
Comforted by God’s presence, rod and staff
With God who prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies
Having God anoint my head with an abundance of oil
Blessed with goodness and mercy: they shall follow me all the days of my life
Assured that I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever

Psalm 22:1-31
For the choir director; upon Aijeleth Hashshahar.
A Psalm of David.

My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?
Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning.
[2] O my God, I cry by day, but Thou dost not answer;
And by night, but I have no rest.
[3] Yet Thou art holy,
O Thou who art enthroned upon the praises of Israel.
[4] In Thee our fathers trusted;
They trusted, and Thou didst deliver them.
[5] To Thee they cried out, and were delivered;
In Thee they trusted, and were not disappointed.

[6] But I am a worm, and not a man,
A reproach of men, and despised by the people.
[7] All who see me sneer at me;
They separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying,
[8] "Commit yourself to the Lord; let Him deliver him;
Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him."

[9] Yet Thou art He who didst bring me forth from the womb;
Thou didst make me trust when upon my mother's breasts.
[10] Upon Thee I was cast from birth;
Thou hast been my God from my mother's womb.

[11] Be not far from me, for trouble is near;
For there is none to help.
[12] Many bulls have surrounded me;
Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.
[13] They open wide their mouth at me,
As a ravening and a roaring lion.
[14] I am poured out like water,
And all my bones are out of joint;
My heart is like wax;
It is melted within me.
[15] My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
And my tongue cleaves to my jaws;
And Thou dost lay me in the dust of death.
[16] For dogs have surrounded me;
A band of evildoers has encompassed me;
They pierced my hands and my feet.
[17] I can count all my bones.
They look, they stare at me;
[18] They divide my garments among them,
And for my clothing they cast lots.

[19] But Thou, O Lord, be not far off;
O Thou my help, hasten to my assistance.
[20] Deliver my soul from the sword,
My only life from the power of the dog.
[21] Save me from the lion's mouth;
And from the horns of the wild oxen Thou dost answer me.

[22] I will tell of Thy name to my brethren;
In the midst of the assembly I will praise Thee.
[23] You who fear the Lord, praise Him;
All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him,
And stand in awe of Him, all you descendants of Israel.
[24] For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;
Neither has He hidden His face from him;
But when he cried to Him for help, He heard.

[25] From Thee comes my praise in the great assembly;
I shall pay my vows before those who fear Him.
[26] The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied;
Those who seek Him will praise the Lord.
Let your heart live forever!
[27] All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord,
And all the families of the nations will worship before Thee.
[28] For the kingdom is the Lord's,
And He rules over the nations.
[29] All the prosperous of the earth will eat and worship,
All those who go down to the dust will bow before Him,
Even he who cannot keep his soul alive.
[30] Posterity will serve Him;
It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation.
[31] They will come and will declare His righteousness
To a people who will be born, that He has performed it.

Psalm 22 - Psalm 22:1-31

Open It

* 1. When was a time that you felt God was unreachable or silent?

2. Why does it hurt when a friend rejects you or turns a cold shoulder?
3. What can make a person feel distant from God?

Explore It

* 4. How did the psalm writer feel about his relationship with God? (22:1-3)
5. What was the focus of David’s prayer? (22:1-31)
6. What did the psalm writer say about what God had been to Israel in the past? (22:3-5)
7. Why did people mock David and how did their insults make him feel? (22:6-7)
8. What did David say about what God had been for him? (22:9-10)
9. How did David describe his enemies? (22:12-13, 16)
10. What four figures did the psalm writer use to describe the attacks of his enemies? (22:12-13, 16-18)
11. How did the psalm writer feel under the attacks of his adversaries? (22:14-15)
12. How did the psalm writer recall the four figures he used to describe his enemies later in the psalm? (22:20-21)
* 13. What changed David’s attitude? (22:22-24)
* 14. What vows did David make to the Lord? (22:22-31)
15. What will motivate other people to turn from their idols and praise the true God? (22:25-31)
16. Who will join the psalm writer in praise to the Lord? (22:26-31)

Get It

17. Why do you think portions of this psalm are quoted or alluded to so often in the New Testament in reference to Christ’s crucifixion?
18. What should we do whenever we feel we have been forsaken by God?
* 19. What should we do when God seems far away?
20. Why do you think people often feel distant from God?
* 21. How can we follow the psalm writer’s example when we want to draw closer to God?
22. What are the benefits of remembering what God has done for us in the past?
23. How has this psalm motivated you to praise the Lord?
24. For what reasons are you inspired to praise God?
25. How can we be involved in telling future generations about the Lord?
26. How can you share with others what God has revealed about Himself to you?

Apply It

27. What is one step you can take to draw closer to God this next week?
* 28. Whom can you encourage who feels distant from God?
29. With whom could you share what God has done for you?

AFFIRMATIONS

TODAY I AM:

Trusting in the Lord and being delivered.

Crying out and I am being delivered.

Trusting in the Lord and not being disappointed.

Being rescued because I delight in the Lord.

Psalm 21:1-13
For the choir director.
A Psalm of David.

O Lord, in Thy strength the king will be glad,
And in Thy salvation how greatly he will rejoice!
[2] Thou hast given him his heart's desire,
And Thou hast not withheld the request of his lips.
Selah.
[3] For Thou dost meet him with the blessings of good things;
Thou dost set a crown of fine gold on his head.
[4] He asked life of Thee,
Thou didst give it to him,
Length of days forever and ever.
[5] His glory is great through Thy salvation,
Splendor and majesty Thou dost place upon him.
[6] For Thou dost make him most blessed forever;
Thou dost make him joyful with gladness in Thy presence.

[7] For the king trusts in the Lord,
And through the lovingkindness of the Most High he will not be shaken.
[8] Your hand will find out all your enemies;
Your right hand will find out those who hate you.
[9] You will make them as a fiery oven in the time of your anger;
The Lord will swallow them up in His wrath,
And fire will devour them.
[10] Their offspring Thou wilt destroy from the earth,
And their descendants from among the sons of men.
[11] Though they intended evil against Thee,
And devised a plot,
They will not succeed.
[12] For Thou wilt make them turn their back;
Thou wilt aim with Thy bowstrings at their faces.
[13] Be Thou exalted, O Lord, in Thy strength;
We will sing and praise Thy power.

Psalm 21 - Psalm 21:1-13

Open It

1. How do people usually respond when their team wins?
2. What emotions do people feel when they experience defeat?
* 3. Why is it so hard to lose?

Explore It

* 4. How did the king respond to the victory that God granted him? (21:1-6)
5. From whose perspective was this psalm written? (21:1-13)
6. How is the theme of this psalm introduced, developed, and summarized? (21:2, 3-5, 6)
7. What specific blessings did the Lord give the king? (21:2-6)
* 8. What was the king’s main request and how did God answer it? (21:4-5)
9. What extra blessing did God give to the king? (21:5-6)
10. How does this psalm explain the king’s security? (21:7)
11. What characteristic of the Lord protects the king? (21:7)
* 12. What kind of future did the king have to look forward to? (21:8-12)
13. How will the king be rescued? (21:9)
14. What will happen to the king’s enemies? (21:10)
15. How is the last verse of the poem a fitting conclusion? (21:13)

Get It

16. What benefits did the king see as a result of his trust in the Lord?
* 17. How should Christians respond uniquely to defeat and victory?
18. How do you think the king felt about himself and his relationship with God?
19. In what specific ways has the Lord been good to you?
20. How have you reacted to the victories God has granted you in the past?
21. How have you reacted to your past successes and failures?
* 22. In what ways would you like your response to God’s work in your life to be different in the future?
23. What has God been teaching you through your prayers lately?
24. What is one of your recent, significant prayer requests and how has God answered it?
25. Why do you think God sometimes delays in answering our prayers, and other times we see God’s answers immediately?
26. What is one request that you would like to commit to praying about for the next month?

Apply It

27. Who can help you remember to pray consistently about your needs and concerns?
* 28. What steps can you take to remember to credit God with the next success that you experience?
29. How can you praise the Lord for the answers to prayer He has already given you?

AFFIRMATIONS

TODAY I AM :

Rejoicing in His salvation.

Having my heart’s desire given to me.

Having the requests on my lips.

Being met with the blessings of good things.

Having a crown of gold set on my head.

Having life given to me and length of days forever.

Having splendor and majesty place on me.

Being made joyful with gladness in His presence.

Not being shaken through the lovingkindness of the Most High.

Finding out all of my enemies and finding out those who hate me.

Trusting in the Lord.

Having all my enemies taken care of.

Having the plots of evil people thwarted.

Psalm 20:1-9
For the choir director.
A Psalm of David

May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high!
[2] May He send you help from the sanctuary,
And support you from Zion!
[3] May He remember all your meal offerings,
And find your burnt offering acceptable!
Selah.

[4] May He grant you your heart's desire,
And fulfill all your counsel!
[5] We will sing for joy over your victory,
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners.
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

[6] Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed;
He will answer him from His holy heaven,
With the saving strength of His right hand.
[7] Some boast in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.
[8] They have bowed down and fallen;
But we have risen and stood upright.
[9] Save, O Lord;
May the King answer us in the day we call.

Psalm 20 - Psalm 20:1-9

Open It

* 1. How do you feel before an important test or interview?
2. How do you usually prepare for challenges?
3. How do people often celebrate success?

Explore It

4. What action did the psalm writer ask the Lord to take? (20:1-4)
* 5. What challenges did the king face? (20:1-9)
6. From where did the psalm writer expect help and support? (20:2)
7. How did the king prepare for the challenges he faced? (20:3)
8. What general blessing did this prayer offer the king before he went to battle? (20:4)
* 9. How did the people promise they would respond to the king’s success? (20:5)
10. Whom did the people credit for the king’s military success? (20:5)
11. On what elements of God’s character does this psalm focus? (20:6)
* 12. How was the people’s confession of trust in the Lord unique? (20:7)
13. In whom did the people put their trust and why? (20:7-8)
14. What will happen to those who trust in God, as compared to those who trust in their own abilities? (20:7-8)
15. What final request concludes this psalm? (20:9)

Get It

16. In what do people often put their trust these days?
17. How is your faith in God viewed by your non-Christian friends?
18. In what ways do you think your faith in God could be strengthened?
19. How should Christians respond to success?
20. What promise in this psalm encourages you to continue trusting God?
* 21. What challenges are you facing?
22. What specific advice from this psalm can you apply to the challenges you are now facing?
* 23. How can you prepare yourself, both physically and emotionally, for the challenges you face?
24. Where can you expect to receive the help and support you need?

Apply It

25. What is one way you can share your confidence in God with another person this week?
26. Besides the Lord, who is one person you could go to for the help and support you need?
* 27. When can you pray to prepare yourself to handle the challenges of each day?

AFFIRMATIONS

TODAY I AM:

Expecting my answer in the day of trouble from the Lord.

Being set securely on high by the Lord.

Having help send to me from the sanctuary and support from Zion!

I am being remembered in all my meal offerings and finding my burnt offering acceptable.

Having my heart’s desire and all my counsel fulfilled.

Having the Lord fulfill all my petitions.

Being saved, having the Lord answer me from His holy heaven with the strength of His right hand.
Boasting in the name of the Lord my God.

Being raised and stood upright.

The King answers me in the day I call.

Psalm 19:1-14
For the choir director.
A Psalm of David.

The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
[2] Day to day pours forth speech,
And night to night reveals knowledge.
[3] There is no speech, nor are there words;
Their voice is not heard.
[4] Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their utterances to the end of the world.
In them He has placed a tent for the sun,
[5] Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber;
It rejoices as a strong man to run his course.
[6] Its rising is from one end of the heavens,
And its circuit to the other end of them;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

[7] The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
[8] The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
[9] The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
[10] They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
[11] Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.
[12] Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.
[13] Also keep back Thy servant from presumptuous sins;
Let them not rule over me;
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.
[14] Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Thy sight,
O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19 - Psalm 19:1-14

Open It

1. What is your favorite outdoor scene?
* 2. What do you think of when you hear the word law?
3. In what ways does nature impact your everyday life?

Explore It

4. What do the heavens and skies have to say to us? (19:1)
5. On what two themes did David focus in this psalm? (19:1-14)
6. In what way do the heavens “display knowledge”? (19:2)
7. How far does the voice of the heavens extend? (19:3-4)
8. How does the sun affect the earth? (19:4-6)
9. How did David describe the sun and its role? (19:4-6)
10. What role did God’s law play in David’s life? (19:7-14)
* 11. What words did David use to describe God’s law? (19:7-14)
* 12. What power does God’s law have in the lives of His people? (19:7-14)
13. How did the psalm writer describe the worthiness of God’s law? (19:10)
14. What results from keeping God’s laws? (19:11)
15. What did David say about our faults? (19:12)
* 16. What two types of sins or faults do we need God’s help with? (19:12-13)
17. What was David’s desire and prayer? (19:13-14)
18. What did David want? (19:13-14)

Get It

19. What can we learn about God from nature?
20. How can people who have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ still learn about God?
21. What has nature taught you about God?
* 22. What attitude did David have toward God’s law?
23. What role does God’s Word play in your everyday life?
24. What steps could you take to be more open to God’s Word?
25. In what ways can we show respect and appreciation for God’s Word?
26. For what “hidden fault” or “willful sin” do you need forgiveness?
27. What action can we take to protect ourselves from a rebellious spirit and willful sinning?
* 28. What changes do you think you need to make to ensure that your thoughts and words are pleasing to the Lord?

Apply It

29. What step could you take this week to show a commitment to God’s Word?
* 30. What can you change in your thoughts or habits this next week to make them more pleasing to the Lord?

Psalm 19

AFFIRMATIONS

TODAY I AM ...

Meditating on and observing God’s glory and handiwork in the heavens and on earth.
Blessed with the LORD’s perfect law.
Blessed with the LORD’s sure testimony.
Blessed with the LORD’s right statues.
Blessed with the LORD’s pure commandment
Blessed with the LORD’s true and righteous judgments.

Psalm 18:1-50
For the choir director. A Psalm of David the servant of the Lord, who spoke to the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. And he said,

"I love Thee, O Lord, my strength."
[2] The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
[3] I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
And I am saved from my enemies.

[4] The cords of death encompassed me,
And the torrents of ungodliness terrified me.
[5] The cords of Sheol surrounded me;
The snares of death confronted me.
[6] In my distress I called upon the Lord,
And cried to my God for help;
He heard my voice out of His temple,
And my cry for help before Him came into His ears.

[7] Then the earth shook and quaked;
And the foundations of the mountains were trembling
And were shaken, because He was angry.
[8] Smoke went up out of His nostrils,
And fire from His mouth devoured;
Coals were kindled by it.
[9] He bowed the heavens also, and came down
With thick darkness under His feet.
[10] And He rode upon a cherub and flew;
And He sped upon the wings of the wind.
[11] He made darkness His hiding place, His canopy around Him,
Darkness of waters, thick clouds of the skies.
[12] From the brightness before Him passed His thick clouds,
Hailstones and coals of fire.
[13] The Lord also thundered in the heavens,
And the Most High uttered His voice,
Hailstones and coals of fire.
[14] And He sent out His arrows, and scattered them,
And lightning flashes in abundance, and routed them.
[15] Then the channels of water appeared,
And the foundations of the world were laid bare
At Thy rebuke, O Lord,
At the blast of the breath of Thy nostrils.

[16] He sent from on high, He took me;
He drew me out of many waters.
[17] He delivered me from my strong enemy,
And from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.
[18] They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
But the Lord was my stay.
[19] He brought me forth also into a broad place;
He rescued me, because He delighted in me.

[20] The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness;
According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me.
[21] For I have kept the ways of the Lord,
And have not wickedly departed from my God.
[22] For all His ordinances were before me,
And I did not put away His statutes from me.
[23] I was also blameless with Him,
And I kept myself from my iniquity.
[24] Therefore the Lord has recompensed me according to my righteousness,
According to the cleanness of my hands in His eyes.

[25] With the kind Thou dost show Thyself kind;
With the blameless Thou dost show Thyself blameless;
[26] With the pure Thou dost show Thyself pure;
And with the crooked Thou dost show Thyself astute.
[27] For Thou dost save an afflicted people;
But haughty eyes Thou dost abase.
[28] For Thou dost light my lamp;
The Lord my God illumines my darkness.
[29] For by Thee I can run upon a troop;
And by my God I can leap over a wall.

[30] As for God, His way is blameless;
The word of the Lord is tried;
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
[31] For who is God, but the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God,
[32] The God who girds me with strength,
And makes my way blameless?
[33] He makes my feet like hinds' feet,
And sets me upon my high places.
[34] He trains my hands for battle,
So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
[35] Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation,
And Thy right hand upholds me;
And Thy gentleness makes me great.
[36] Thou dost enlarge my steps under me,
And my feet have not slipped.

[37] I pursued my enemies and overtook them,
And I did not turn back until they were consumed.
[38] I shattered them, so that they were not able to rise;
They fell under my feet.
[39] For Thou hast girded me with strength for battle;
Thou hast subdued under me those who rose up against me.
[40] Thou hast also made my enemies turn their backs to me,
And I destroyed those who hated me.
[41] They cried for help, but there was none to save,
Even to the Lord, but He did not answer them.
[42] Then I beat them fine as the dust before the wind;
I emptied them out as the mire of the streets.

[43] Thou hast delivered me from the contentions of the people;
Thou hast placed me as head of the nations;
A people whom I have not known serve me.
[44] As soon as they hear, they obey me;
Foreigners submit to me.
[45] Foreigners fade away,
And come trembling out of their fortresses.

[46] The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock;
And exalted be the God of my salvation,
[47] The God who executes vengeance for me,
And subdues peoples under me.
[48] He delivers me from my enemies;
Surely Thou dost lift me above those who rise up against me;
Thou dost rescue me from the violent man.
[49] Therefore I will give thanks to Thee among the nations, O Lord,
And I will sing praises to Thy name.
[50] He gives great deliverance to His king,
And shows lovingkindness to His anointed,
To David and his descendants forever.

Psalm 18 - Psalm 18:1-50

Open It

* 1. What struggles or challenges do you think politicians face?
2. Who has helped you over the years?
3. What are the benefits and dangers of being a Christian leader?

Explore It

* 4. What did David reveal about his relationship with God? (18:1-3, 6, 18-19, 20-24, 28-29, 32-36, 47-48)
5. What motivated David to write this song of praise to the Lord? (18:1-6)
6. What images or mental pictures did David use to describe the Lord? (18:2, 14, 30)
* 7. What are the three major themes of this poem? (18:4-19, 20-29, 30-45)
8. How did God help David? (18:4-19)
9. From what did the Lord deliver David? (18:4-19)
10. In David’s mind, why did the Lord save him from his enemies? (18:20-29)
11. How does God show Himself to us? (18:25-27)
12. What resulted from David’s righteousness and pure character? (18:20-24)
13. Where did David get his confidence and courage? (18:29, 32-45)
* 14. In what specific ways did God enable David? (18:32-45)
15. Why was David motivated to praise the Lord? (18:46-50)
16. What vow did David make? (18:49)
17. How did David view himself and his relationship with God? (18:50)

Get It

18. What does this psalm teach us about the way God relates to people?
19. In what ways would you like your relationship with the Lord to be like David’s?
* 20. What new perspective does this passage offer you about yourself or about God?
21. What motivates you to praise God?
22. What has the Lord done for you recently?
23. How God’s actions influenced your relationship with Him?
* 24. In what ways has God enabled you to do things that were beyond your normal capabilities?
25. How should we follow David’s example in responding to God’s help?
26. What challenging responsibilities has God given you?

Apply It

27. What step could you take this week to strengthen your relationship with the Lord?
* 28. What do you want to remember the next time you doubt your ability to do what God has given you to do?
29. For what can you give praise to God today?

Psalm 18
AFFIRMATIONS
TODAY I AM ...

Loving and trusting in the LORD who is my strength
Blessed with the LORD as my rock, fortress, deliver, buckler, horn of salvation, high tower.
Calling upon and crying unto the LORD who hears my cries.
Saved from my enemies, delivered from my strong enemy.
Taken by the LORD, drawn from many waters.
Brought forth, delivered, delighted in of the LORD.
Rewarded and recompensed according to my righteousness.
Keeping the ways and statues of the LORD.
Merciful, upright and pure.
With a lit candle, running through a troop, leaping over a wall.
Girdeth with strength unto battle, my enemies subdued.
Blessing, exalting and thanking a living LORD.
Delivered from the violent man.

Psalm 17:1-15
A Prayer of David.

Hear a just cause, O Lord, give heed to my cry;
Give ear to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips.
[2] Let my judgment come forth from Thy presence;
Let Thine eyes look with equity.
[3] Thou hast tried my heart;
Thou hast visited me by night;
Thou hast tested me and dost find nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
[4] As for the deeds of men, by the word of Thy lips
I have kept from the paths of the violent.
[5] My steps have held fast to Thy paths.
My feet have not slipped.

[6] I have called upon Thee, for Thou wilt answer me, O God;
Incline Thine ear to me, hear my speech.
[7] Wondrously show Thy lovingkindness,
O Savior of those who take refuge at Thy right hand
From those who rise up against them.
[8] Keep me as the apple of the eye;
Hide me in the shadow of Thy wings,
[9] From the wicked who despoil me,
My deadly enemies, who surround me.
[10] They have closed their unfeeling heart;
With their mouth they speak proudly.
[11] They have now surrounded us in our steps;
They set their eyes to cast us down to the ground.
[12] He is like a lion that is eager to tear,
And as a young lion lurking in hiding places.

[13] Arise, O Lord, confront him, bring him low;
Deliver my soul from the wicked with Thy sword,
[14] From men with Thy hand, O Lord,
From men of the world, whose portion is in this life;
And whose belly Thou dost fill with Thy treasure;
They are satisfied with children,
And leave their abundance to their babes.
[15] As for me, I shall behold Thy face in righteousness;
I will be satisfied with Thy likeness when I awake.

Psalm 17 - Psalm 17:1-15

Open It

1. What resolutions do people often make at the beginning of a new year?
2. What resolutions have you successfully kept?
* 3. What do you think prevents people from keeping New Years resolutions?

Explore

4. To which of the Lord’s roles did the psalm writer appeal? (17:1-3)
* 5. How did David want to be treated by the Lord? (17:1-3)
6. What claims did David make about his own character? (17:1-5)
7. What resolution did David make about his behavior? (17:3)
* 8. To what standard did David hold himself accountable? (17:4-5)
9. What motivated David to trust in the Lord? (17:6)
10. What request did David present before the Lord in this prayer? (17:6-9)
11. How does God show His great love toward His people? (17:7)
12. What mental pictures did David use to describe God’s protection over him? (17:8)
13. What accusations did David make against his adversaries? (17:10-12)
14. What image did David use to describe his enemies? (17:12)
* 15. What specific action did David ask the Lord to take on his behalf? (17:13-14)
16. How were the motivations and goals of David’s enemies different from his own? (17:14)
17. How does God provide for those He loves? (17:14-15)
18. With what sentiments did David conclude his prayer? (17:14-15)

Get It

19. What does this psalm teach us about prayer?
20. What action has the Lord taken in your behalf?
21. What picture or image would you use to describe what the Lord has done for you?
22. How did David keep himself pure despite pressure from those around him?
23. What steps can Christians take to withstand the temptations of the world?
24. What temptations do you think present the strongest challenge to Christians today?
* 25. What is one adversary or conflict that you face?
* 26. What resolutions would you like to make about your own attitudes and actions?
27. How do you need to handle the challenges in your life?
28. How does David’s conclusion of this psalm encourage you?

Apply It

29. What step could you take today to guard against the temptations that threaten your purity?
* 30. What step can you take this week to trust the Lord with one conflict or problem?
31. How could you remind yourself that one day you will be completely satisfied in God’s presence?

Psalm 17
AFFIRMATIONS
TODAY I AM ...

Having my heart tried.

Receiving a visitation by night.

Tested and nothing is found.

Purposing that my mouth will not transgress.

Being kept from the paths of the violent.

Having my steps held fast to Thy paths and my feet from slipping.

Calling up the Lord and He will answer me.

Being shown His lovingkindness.

Being kept as the apple of His eye.

Being hid in the shadow of His wings.

Am beholding Your face in righteousness.

Am being satisfied with His likeness when I awake.

Psalm 16:1-11
A Mikhtam of David.

Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in Thee.
[2] I said to the Lord, "Thou art my Lord;
I have no good besides Thee."
[3] As for the saints who are in the earth,
They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.
[4] The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied;
I shall not pour out their libations of blood,
Nor shall I take their names upon my lips.

[5] The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
Thou dost support my lot.
[6] The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.

[7] I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;
Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.
[8] I have set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
[9] Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will dwell securely.
[10] For Thou wilt not abandon my soul to Sheol;
Neither wilt Thou allow Thy Holy One to undergo decay.
[11] Thou wilt make known to me the path of life;
In Thy presence is fulness of joy;
In Thy right hand there are pleasures forever.

Psalm 16 - Psalm 16:1-11

Open It

* 1. To whom do you usually go for advice and why?
2. How have you experienced God’s guidance in your life?
Explore It
3. With what request did David open this psalm? (16:1)
4. What unifying prayer is the focus of this psalm? (16:1-11)
5. How did David demonstrate his dependence on the Lord? (16:2)
6. In what way did David benefit from the Lord? (16:2)
7. How did David feel about the “saints who are in the land”? (16:3)
8. What happens to people who “run after other gods”? (16:4)
9. What did David refuse to do, despite the example of those around him? (16:4)
10. From where did David gain his sense of security? (16:5, 8)
11. In what specific ways did God provide for David? (16:5-8)
12. What did God do for David? (16:5-8)
13. What attitude did David have toward what God had given him? (16:5-8)
14. How did David describe his inheritance? (16:6)
15. How did David react to the Lord’s blessings? (16:7-8)
* 16. In what specific ways did David experience the Lord’s guidance? (16:7-8)
* 17. What reasons did David give to explain his sense of security? (16:9-11)
18. How far did David’s confidence in the Lord extend? (16:10)
19. Who is the “Holy One”? (16:10)
* 20. What did David expect of his future? (16:11)

Get It

21. How can remembering God’s guidance in the past encourage you about the present or future?
22. How was this psalm fulfilled not only in the life of David, but also in the life of Jesus Christ?
* 23. In what areas of life do we often need wisdom beyond what we have?
* 24. In what ways can we turn to God to guide us?
25. In what ways do people run after other gods?
26. What activities, possessions, or people sometimes influence you more than God does?
27. How can we guard against putting activities, possessions, or people before the true God?
28. What action can you take to “set the Lord always before” you?
29. What inheritance has the Lord given you?
30. What attitude should you have toward the blessings God has given you?
31. How does your hope in the Lord extend beyond your earthly life?

Apply It

32. What is one way you can remind yourself of God’s supreme place in your life this week?
33. How can you say thank You to God for the good things you enjoy?
* 34. For what problem or need can you ask God to guide you this week?

AFFIRMATIONS
TODAY I AM:

Putting my trust in God
Blessed with a goodly heritage
Blessing the LORD for His counsel

Psalm 15:1-5
A Psalm of David.

O Lord, who may abide in Thy tent?
Who may dwell on Thy holy hill?
[2] He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness,
And speaks truth in his heart.
[3] He does not slander with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
Nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
[4] In whose eyes a reprobate is despised,
But who honors those who fear the Lord;
He swears to his own hurt, and does not change;
[5] He does not put out his money at interest,
Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things will never be shaken.

Psalm 15 - Psalm 15:1-5

Open It

* 1. What’s your definition of customer service?
2. Under what circumstances (if any) do you think it is good to go back on your word?
3. What is one promise you made that you found difficult to keep?

Explore It

4. What question opens this poem? (15:1)
5. To whom is this psalm directed? (15:1)
* 6. How does a blameless person treat others? (15:2-5)
7. How did the psalm writer answer his own question? (15:2-5)
8. According to the psalm writer, what gives a person access to God? (15:2-5)
* 9. What can prevent a person from dwelling in God’s presence? (15:2-5)
10. How did David describe the person who dwells with God? (15:2-5)
11. What is a person like who dwells with God? (15:2-5)
12. What characteristics did David ascribe to the person who has access to God? (15:2-5)
13. What actions and attitudes did David recommend? (15:2-5)
14. According to David, how should we treat others? (15:3-4)
15. Who should righteous people honor and who should they despise? (15:4)
16. Under what circumstances should a person keep his or her oaths? (15:4)
17. What advice did the psalm writer give regarding money? (15:5)
18. What promise is given to the person who fits the description in this psalm? (15:5)
* 19. What reward is there in speaking the truth, respecting people, and being charitable with money? (15:5)

Get It

20. What does it mean to be blameless?
* 21. In what ways should Christians be different from others?
22. What is an attitude or action mentioned in this psalm that you would like to see more evident in your own life?
* 23. In light of this psalm, what changes do you need to make in the way you treat others?
24. What have you learned from this passage about handling money?
25. How do you need to change the way you use money?
26. What does this psalm teach about keeping one’s word?
27. What’s easy about making promises?
28. What’s difficult about keeping promises?
29. What guarantees our access to God?

Apply It

30. What is one way you can be more generous with money?
31. What steps could you begin to take in the next few days to treat others with greater respect?
* 32. What can you do for a friend, coworker, neighbor, or relative to treat him or her in a more respectful way?

AFFIRMATIONS
TODAY I AM:

Walking uprightly and working righteousness
Speaking truth in my heart
Treating my neighbor fairly, without duplicity
Honoring those who fear the LORD
Never being moved

Psalm 14:1-7
For the choir director.
A Psalm of David.

The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God."
They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds;
There is no one who does good.
[2] The Lord has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men,
To see if there are any who understand,
Who seek after God.
[3] They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;
There is no one who does good, not even one.

[4] Do all the workers of wickedness not know,
Who eat up my people as they eat bread,
And do not call upon the Lord?
[5] There they are in great dread,
For God is with the righteous generation.
[6] You would put to shame the counsel of the afflicted,
But the Lord is his refuge.

[7] Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion!
When the Lord restores His captive people,
Jacob will rejoice, Israel will be glad.

Psalm 14 - Psalm 14:1-7

Open It

* 1. In what ways have you seen peer pressure influence people?
2. Under what circumstances can peer pressure be a positive influence?
3. What role has the influence of other believers played in your own Christian walk?

Explore It

4. According to the psalm writer, what do foolish people fail to recognize? (14:1)
5. What characterization does this poem give of the wicked? (14:1-4)
* 6. What does this psalm teach about the wicked? (14:1-7)
7. What does God look for? (14:2)
8. What conclusion can be drawn about all humanity? (14:3)
9. What two mistakes of the wicked did David point out in this psalm? (14:4)
10. How do evildoers treat the poor? (14:4, 6)
11. What are wicked people unable to learn? (14:4-5)
12. Why are wicked people “overwhelmed with dread”? (14:5)
* 13. Who protects the poor from the evil plans of the wicked? (14:6)
14. What did the psalm writer want for Israel? (14:7)
15. When will Israel’s deliverance come? (14:7)
* 16. What should people do when the Lord restores His people? (14:7)

Get It

17. What does this passage teach us about God’s view of the poor?
18. How do you think you should change your attitude toward the poor?
19. When have you seen God’s presence “in the company of the righteous”?
20. How should we respond when God helps us?
21. How did you respond the last time you experienced God’s help?
22. What is one of the most serious sins of the wicked, as described in this psalm?
* 23. How can we guard against our own self-reliance drawing us away from the Lord?
24. What does it mean to seek God?
* 25. In what ways can you seek God?
26. What can we do to encourage others to seek the Lord for themselves?

Apply It

27. In what way can you depend more on the Lord and less on yourself?
* 28. What is one new, creative way you can pray, think about Scripture, or develop your faith this week?
29. How could you have a positive influence in someone else’s life this week?

AFFIRMATIONS
TODAY I AM:

Blessed with God in my generation.

Blessed with God as my refuge.

Psalm 13:1-6

For the choir director.
A Psalm of David.

How long, O Lord? Wilt Thou forget me forever?
How long wilt Thou hide Thy face from me?
[2] How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?

[3] Consider and answer me, O Lord, my God;
Enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
[4] Lest my enemy say, "I have overcome him,"
Lest my adversaries rejoice when I am shaken.

[5] But I have trusted in Thy lovingkindness;
My heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation.
[6] I will sing to the Lord,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me.


Psalm 13 - Psalm 13:1-6

Open It

1. What emotions do you feel when you are sick at home?
2. What techniques do you use to combat discouragement when you are sick?
* 3. In what ways have your friends or family helped you through a time of illness or discouragement?

Explore It

* 4. What questions went through David’s mind as he waited for the Lord’s answer to his prayer? (13:1-2)
5. Why did David cry out to the Lord? (13:1-6)
6. Why did David question the Lord in this prayer? (13:1-6)
* 7. What emotions did David reveal in this psalm? (13:1-6)
8. What did David ask God to do? (13:3)
9. For what reason did David want the Lord to save him? (13:4)
10. What impact did David think his death would have on his enemies? (13:4)
11. What two character traits of the Lord’s encouraged David in his despair? (13:5)
12. How did David’s illness affect his relationship with God? (13:5-6)
13. How did David’s emotions change when he reminded himself of God’s character? (13:5-6)
14. What expression of confidence concludes this poem? (13:5-6)
* 15. How did David’s memory of the past change his perspective on the present? (13:6)

Get It

16. When have you ever questioned the Lord?
17. What role should honesty play in our prayers to the Lord?
18. What negative emotions do you struggle with when you find yourself in a difficult situation?
19. How do your emotions change when you remind yourself of God’s character and what He has done for you in the past?
20. How does your memory of the past change your perspective on the present and future?
* 21. In what specific ways do you think we should follow David’s example of questioning God about difficult circumstances?
22. How do difficult circumstances in your life usually affect your relationship with the Lord?
* 23. How should life’s challenges impact our Christian walk?

Apply It

24. What is one step you can take this week to protect yourself from doubt and discouragement?
* 25. What past acts of God’s goodness to you can you write down as reminders to trust Him today?

AFFIRMATIONS
TODAY I AM

Trusting in God’s mercy.
Rejoicing in God’s salvation.
Singing unto the LORD for He has dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 12:1-8

For the choir director; upon an eight-stringed lyre.
A Psalm of David.

Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases to be,
For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men.
[2] They speak falsehood to one another;
With flattering lips and with a double heart they speak.
[3] May the Lord cut off all flattering lips,
The tongue that speaks great things;
[4] Who have said, "With our tongue we will prevail;
Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?"
[5] "Because of the devastation of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the needy,
Now I will arise," says the Lord; "I will set him in the safety for which he longs."
[6] The words of the Lord are pure words;
As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.
[7] Thou, O Lord, wilt keep them;
Thou wilt preserve him from this generation forever.
[8] The wicked strut about on every side,
When vileness is exalted among the sons of men.


Psalm 12 - Psalm 12:1-8

Open It

* 1. What character traits do your friends and co-workers value most?
2. Why do people lie?
3. In what ways do you think Christians should be different from non-Christians?

Explore It

* 4. What was on David’s mind? (12:1-2)
5. How did David describe the problem that concerned him? (12:1-2)
6. What spiritual problem unifies this poem? (12:1-8)
7. What evidence did David give to prove that the “faithful have vanished”? (12:2)
8. What attitude do the wicked have toward themselves and God? (12:3-4)
9. Of what sins were the wicked guilty? (12:3-4)
* 10. What attitudes and behavior did David ask the Lord to put a stop to? (12:3-4)
11. What motivates the Lord to take action on behalf of His people? (12:5)
* 12. What reassuring word from the Lord follows David’s plea for help? (12:5-6)
13. How did God reassure David? (12:5-6)
14. How did David describe the word of the Lord? (12:6)
15. What are God’s words like? (12:6)
16. How did David demonstrate his trust in the Lord? (12:7)
17. How did David show his belief and confidence in God? (12:7)
18. In what way was David’s expression of confidence in God an act of faith? (12:8)
19. Why did David need faith? (12:8)

Get It

20. What does the image David uses to describe the Lord’s words reveal about David’s view of God?
21. When have you ever had to step out in faith to trust in the Lord?
22. Why do you think God leaves us in difficult circumstances instead of rescuing us from our problems immediately?
23. What circumstances or people has God used in your life to stretch your faith?
24. In light of what you have learned from this passage, what new perspective should you have about the challenges you face?
25. When are you most tempted to lie?
26. In what ways do people twist the truth to manipulate others?
* 27. According to this passage, what attitudes and behaviors do we need to guard against?
* 28. How can we show respect for the truth?

Apply It

29. What action can you take this week to demonstrate your respect and appreciation for God’s words?
* 30. What specific steps could you take to guard against lying?
31. How can you encourage a friend who is going through a difficult time?

AFFIRMATIONS
TODAY I AM

Not being duplicitous.
Not speaking vanity to my fellow man.
Speaking like the LORD, pure words.

Speaking words of silver tried by furnace, purified seven times

Psalm 11:1-7

For the choir director.
A Psalm of David.

In the Lord I take refuge;
How can you say to my soul, "Flee as a bird to your mountain;
[2] For, behold, the wicked bend the bow,
They make ready their arrow upon the string,
To shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.
[3] If the foundations are destroyed,
What can the righteous do?"

[4] The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven;
His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men.
[5] The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked,
And the one who loves violence His soul hates.
[6] Upon the wicked He will rain snares;
Fire and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup.
[7] For the Lord is righteous; He loves righteousness;
The upright will behold His face.

Psalm 11 - Psalm 11:1-7

Open It

1. When have you ever felt like giving up on something you thought was important?
* 2. What failures, obstacles, or situations often cause us to feel like giving up?
3. How do you feel when you accomplish something that was difficult to do?

Explore It

4. What theme holds this poem together? (11:1-7)
* 5. Why did the people around David want to flee to a mountain refuge? (11:1-3)
6. What attitude did David have toward the fears of those around him? (11:1-3)
7. On whom do wicked people focus their attacks? (11:2)
8. How did the threats of wicked people influence the righteous? (11:2-3)
9. Why did the people around David feel so hopeless? (11:3)
* 10. What actions does the Lord take on behalf of His people? (11:4-6)
* 11. How does the Lord treat the wicked and the righteous differently? (11:4-6)
12. What reply did David give to the fearful? (11:4-7)
13. In what specific ways did David encourage the fearful to trust in God? (11:4-7)
14. Why does God treat wicked and righteous people differently? (11:7)
15. What characteristics did David ascribe to the Lord? (11:7)
16. What is God like? (11:7)
17. What does God love? (11:7)
18. What special hope encouraged David to seek the Lord? (11:7)

Get It

19. When have you felt like there was no solution to a problem you faced?
20. What gives you hope when your problems seem overwhelming?
21. When has the Lord saved you from a hopeless situation?
22. How does remembering God’s faithfulness in the past encourage you about the future?
* 23. What challenges are you facing at this point in your life?
* 24. How does this psalm encourage you to handle the challenges you are facing?
25. What people or actions help you entrust your fears and problems to the Lord?
26. In what way does the last line of this psalm influence your perspective on life?
27. What have you learned from this psalm about God’s character?
28. How can what you have learned about God’s character change your attitude toward your circumstances?

Apply It

29. How can you demonstrate your thankfulness to God for His faithfulness to you?
* 30. What challenges in your life can you entrust to God?

AFFIRMATIONS
TODAY I AM

Putting my trust in the Lord.

I am upright and beholding the face of the Lord.

Psalm 10:1-18

Why dost Thou stand afar off, O Lord?
Why dost Thou hide Thyself in times of trouble?

[2] In pride the wicked hotly pursue the afflicted;
Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised.

[3] For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire,
And the greedy man curses and spurns the Lord.

[4] The wicked, in the haughtiness of his countenance, does not seek Him.
All his thoughts are, "There is no God."

[5] His ways prosper at all times;
Thy judgments are on high, out of his sight;
As for all his adversaries, he snorts at them.

[6] He says to himself, "I shall not be moved;
Throughout all generations I shall not be in adversity."

[7] His mouth is full of curses and deceit and oppression;
Under his tongue is mischief and wickedness.

[8] He sits in the lurking places of the villages;
In the hiding places he kills the innocent;
His eyes stealthily watch for the unfortunate.

[9] He lurks in a hiding place as a lion in his lair;
He lurks to catch the afflicted;
He catches the afflicted when he draws him into his net.

[10] He crouches, he bows down,
And the unfortunate fall by his mighty ones.

[11] He says to himself, "God has forgotten;
He has hidden His face; He will never see it."

[12] Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up Thy hand.
Do not forget the afflicted.

[13] Why has the wicked spurned God?
He has said to himself, "Thou wilt not require it."

[14] Thou hast seen it, for Thou hast beheld mischief and vexation to take it into Thy hand.
The unfortunate commits himself to Thee;
Thou hast been the helper of the orphan.

[15] Break the arm of the wicked and the evildoer,
Seek out his wickedness until Thou dost find none.

[16] The Lord is King forever and ever;
Nations have perished from His land.

[17] O Lord, Thou hast heard the desire of the humble;
Thou wilt strengthen their heart, Thou wilt incline Thine ear

[18] To vindicate the orphan and the oppressed,
That man who is of the earth may cause terror no more.

Psalm 10 - Psalm 10:1-18

Open It

1. When has your mouth gotten you in trouble?
*2. What unfair or wrong actions do people often seem to get away with?
3. What's one thing you remember your mother saying to you?

Explore It

4. How did the psalm writer feel about his circumstances before he put his confidence in the Lord's deliverance? (10:1)
5. From what did the psalm writer need to be rescued? (10:1-18)
6. How are innocent people affected by the actions of wicked people? (10:2, 8-10)
7. Where do wicked people get their confidence? (10:2-10)
*8. How are wicked people described in this psalm? (10:2-11)
9. What are the sins of the wicked? (10:2-11)
10. What accusations did the psalm writer make against the wicked? (10:2-11)
11. What attitudes do wicked people have toward God? (10:3-11)
12. What three weapons of the tongue do wicked people employ? (10:7)
*13. What action did the psalm writer want the Lord to take on his behalf? (10:12, 15)
14. In what way did the psalm writer want God to prove the wicked wrong? (10:13-14)
15. To what character trait of the Lord did the psalm writer appeal? (10:14)
*16. Where did the psalm writer place his confidence and why? (10:16-18)

Get It

17. Why do you think the words that we say have such power?
18. What are some ways words can be used for good?
19. What does the psalm writer's boldness in this prayer reveal about his relationship with the Lord?
20. How would you like your prayer habits to change, in light of the psalm writer's example?
21. How do you sometimes feel about your problems before you trust the Lord with them?
22. In what ways do you feel different about your problems after you have committed them to the Lord in prayer?
23. How does praying about our problems help us?
24. Who is one person you have a hard time tolerating?
*25. How does this passage encourage you to handle your problems?
26. How should we handle our frustration with unfairness or wrongdoing that goes unpunished?
27. What action would you like the Lord to take on your behalf?
28. To what character traits of the Lord can you appeal?
29. What reasons do you have to place your confidence in the Lord?
30. What are the sins of the wicked today?
31. How can we guard against committing the sins described in this psalm?
32. What action can we take to control our tongues?
*33. What injustice do you need to commit to the Lord?

Apply It

34. In what situation can you demonstrate trust the Lord's justice?
*35. Concerning what "wicked" person or situation do you need to pray Psalm 10?

AFFIRMATIONS
TODAY I AM

A child of the LORD who is King for ever and ever.

A child having the ear of my heavenly Father.

Psalm 9:1-20

For the choir director; on Muth-labben.
A Psalm of David.

I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart;
I will tell of all Thy wonders.

[2] I will be glad and exult in Thee;
I will sing praise to Thy name, O Most High.

[3] When my enemies turn back,
They stumble and perish before Thee.

[4] For Thou hast maintained my just cause;
Thou dost sit on the throne judging righteously.

[5] Thou hast rebuked the nations; Thou hast destroyed the wicked;
Thou hast blotted out their name forever and ever.

[6] The enemy has come to an end in perpetual ruins,
And Thou hast uprooted the cities;
The very memory of them has perished.

[7] But the Lord abides forever;
He has established His throne for judgment,

[8] And He will judge the world in righteousness;
He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity.

[9] The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed,
A stronghold in times of trouble,

[10] And those who know Thy name will put their trust in Thee;
For Thou, O Lord, hast not forsaken those who seek Thee.

[11] Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion;
Declare among the peoples His deeds.

[12] For He who requires blood remembers them;
He does not forget the cry of the afflicted.

[13] Be gracious to me, O Lord;
Behold my affliction from those who hate me,
Thou who dost lift me up from the gates of death;

[14] That I may tell of all Thy praises,
That in the gates of the daughter of Zion
I may rejoice in Thy salvation.

[15] The nations have sunk down in the pit which they have made;
In the net which they hid, their own foot has been caught.

[16] The Lord has made Himself known;
He has executed judgment.

In the work of his own hands the wicked is snared.

Higgaion Selah.

[17] The wicked will return to Sheol,
Even all the nations who forget God.

[18] For the needy will not always be forgotten,
Nor the hope of the afflicted perish forever.

[19] Arise, O Lord, do not let man prevail;
Let the nations be judged before Thee.

[20] Put them in fear, O Lord;
Let the nations know that they are but men.

Selah.

Psalm 9 - Psalm 9:1-20

Open It

1. What misconceptions do you think many people have about God?
*2. When was a time you doubted God's presence or willingness to help?
3. What is one cause for which you have fought?

Explore It

*4. What prompted David to offer this poem of praise to the Lord? (9:1-18)
5. What theme unifies this poem? (9:1-20)
6. What did God accomplish in destroying Israel's enemies? (9:3-6)
7. To what extent were David's enemies defeated? (9:3-6)
8. How did David describe God's rule? (9:4, 7-8)
9. How does the Lord meet the needs of people who are oppressed? (9:9-10)
*10. What lesson did David learn about God's character? (9:10)
*11. Why did David call people to praise the Lord? (9:11-12)
12. For what reason did David ask the Lord to rescue him from his enemies? (9:13-14)
13. What will eventually become of the wicked under God's just rule? (9:15-18)
14. What reputation does the God of Israel have? (9:16)
15. How does God defeat the plans of wicked people? (9:16)
16. What will happen to the needy and afflicted, regardless of their place in society? (9:18)
17. What prayer concludes the psalm? (9:19-20)

Get It

18. How do the actions of Christians influence people's perception of God?
*19. What does this psalm call you to do?
*20. How should we pray when we are concerned about a wicked or unjust practice?
21. What challenge or problem do you face in your life?
22. How does God want you to handle your fears and anxieties?
23. How does this psalm encourage you about your present situation?
24. How should we follow David's example in this psalm?
25. When has the Lord been a stronghold for you in times of trouble?
26. How can you demonstrate to the Lord your praise for His help and deliverance?
27. How do the actions and attitudes of Christians influence what others think about God?
28. What do you think unbelievers could learn about God from your actions?

Apply It

29. What steps could you take to give your fears or concerns over to God?
*30. What is one way you can contribute to a righteous cause or movement?


AFFIRMATIONS
TODAY I AM

Praising and giving thanks to the LORD with all of my heart and being
Telling others about God, his attributes and his deeds
Judged rightly and fairly by God
Remembered
Having the LORD as my stronghold in times of trouble Accepting that the LORD has made himself known to me.

Psalm 8:1-9

For the choir director; on the Gittith.
A Psalm of David.

O Lord, our Lord,
How majestic is Thy name in all the earth,
Who hast displayed Thy splendor above the heavens!

[2] From the mouth of infants and nursing babes Thou hast established strength,
Because of Thine adversaries,
To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.

[3] When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers,
The moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained;

[4] What is man, that Thou dost take thought of him?
And the son of man, that Thou dost care for him?

[5] Yet Thou hast made him a little lower than God,
And dost crown him with glory and majesty!

[6] Thou dost make him to rule over the works of Thy hands;
Thou hast put all things under his feet,

[7] All sheep and oxen,
And also the beasts of the field,

[8] The birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.

[9] O Lord, our Lord,
How majestic is Thy name in all the earth!


Psalm 8 - Psalm 8:1-9

Open It

*1. What do you like most about the outdoors?
2. What lessons about life have you learned from nature?

Explore It

3. What theme or themes hold this psalm together? (8:1)
4. How does the first verse introduce the focus of the poem? (8:1)
5. How did David describe the Lord? (8:1-9)
6. Why do children praise God? (8:2)
7. How does the Lord silence His enemies? (8:2)
8. What motivated David to write this psalm? (8:3)
*9. What did David find most amazing about God's creation? (8:3-4)
*10. How do people get all of their power and responsibility? (8:3-6)
11. What attitude did David have about himself and all people? (8:4)
12. With what value did God create people? (8:5)
13. How do people fit into the heavenly realm of beings? (8:5)
14. What has God done for us? (8:5-8)
*15. What are some responsibilities that all of us have? (8:5-8)
16. How does the last verse unify the poem? (8:9)

Get It

17. Why do you think God chose to surround us with creation?
18. What prompts you to praise the Lord?
19. What do you find most amazing about God's creation?
20. What does creation reveal to us about God's nature?
*21. What does this psalm tell us about self-esteem and responsibility?
22. What can we learn from David about the attitude we should have about ourselves?
23. Over what (in today's world) has God given us responsibilities?
24. How should we treat nature? animals?
25. How does our attitude toward creation reflect our perspective of God?
*26. What responsibility do you have in caring for nature?
27. How has this psalm changed your attitude toward nature and God?

Apply It

*28. When could you spend a few minutes in the next few days enjoying God's creation?
29. What small step could you take this week to help care for God's creation?


AFFIRMATIONS
TODAY I AM

Marveling at the majesty of the LORD
Pondering God's creation
Created in God's image and crowned with glory and majesty Recognizing that I have dominion over God's creation, and am entrusted with it.

Psalm 7:1-17

A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning Cush, a Benjamite.

O Lord my God, in Thee I have taken refuge;
Save me from all those who pursue me, and deliver me,

[2] Lest he tear my soul like a lion,
Dragging me away, while there is none to deliver.

[3] O Lord my God, if I have done this,
If there is injustice in my hands,

[4] If I have rewarded evil to my friend,
Or have plundered him who without cause was my adversary,

[5] Let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it;
And let him trample my life down to the ground,
And lay my glory in the dust.

Selah.

[6] Arise, O Lord, in Thine anger;
Lift up Thyself against the rage of my adversaries,
And arouse Thyself for me; Thou hast appointed judgment.

[7] And let the assembly of the peoples encompass Thee;
And over them return Thou on high.

[8] The Lord judges the peoples;
Vindicate me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and my integrity that is in me.

[9] O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous;
For the righteous God tries the hearts and minds.

[10] My shield is with God,
Who saves the upright in heart.

[11] God is a righteous judge,
And a God who has indignation every day.

[12] If a man does not repent, He will sharpen His sword;
He has bent His bow and made it ready.

[13] He has also prepared for Himself deadly weapons;
He makes His arrows fiery shafts.
[14] Behold, he travails with wickedness,
And he conceives mischief, and brings forth falsehood.

[15] He has dug a pit and hollowed it out,
And has fallen into the hole which he made.

[16] His mischief will return upon his own head,
And his violence will descend upon his own pate.

[17] I will give thanks to the Lord according to His righteousness,
And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.


Psalm 7 - Psalm 7:1-17

Open It

1. When was a time you saw justice served?
* 2. What fears have you heard people express?
3. When have you seen our justice system fail?

Explore It

* 4. What fears inspired David to write this psalm? (7:1-2)
5. What familiar image did David, as a former shepherd, use to describe his fears? (7:1-2)
6. What qualified David to plead with God for deliverance? (7:3-5)
7. Under what conditions was David willing to forgo God’s protection? (7:3-5)
8. To what character traits of God did David appeal? (7:6-11)
9. How did David want to be judged by God? (7:8)
10. According to the psalm writer, how does God demonstrate His righteousness? (7:9-11)
* 11. How did David demonstrate his confidence in God? (7:10-13)
12. What image did David use to describe how God will express His wrath against the wicked? (7:11-13)
13. What general principle of life did David use to comfort himself? (7:14-16)
14. What are the consequences of evil? (7:14-16)
* 15. What motivated David to praise God? (7:17)

Get It

16. What is unique about God’s character that enables Him to be a perfect judge?
17. What are some of your fears?
18. How do you usually deal with your fears?
* 19. In what ways is David a good example for us in handling fear?
20. What does this passage teach you about the character of God?
* 21. How does God’s character encourage you to face the fears and problems in your life?
22. How can you demonstrate your confidence in God’s deliverance?
23. What do you think are some of the consequences of disobedience to God?
24. What motivates you to offer praise to the Lord?

Apply It

* 25. What specific steps could you take in the next few days to trust God with your fears?
26. What could you do to remind yourself of God’s righteousness this week?
27. Who is another person you could encourage with what you have learned in this lesson?

AFFIRMATIONS

TODAY I AM

With God as my defender
Vindicated according to my righteousness and integrity
Singing praises and thanking God according to his righteousness

Psalm 6:1-10

For the choir director; with stringed instruments, upon an eight-stringed lyre.
A Psalm of David.

O Lord, do not rebuke me in Thine anger,
Nor chasten me in Thy wrath.

[2] Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am pining away;
Heal me, O Lord, for my bones are dismayed.

[3] And my soul is greatly dismayed;
But Thou, O Lord-- how long?

[4] Return, O Lord, rescue my soul;
Save me because of Thy lovingkindness.

[5] For there is no mention of Thee in death;
In Sheol who will give Thee thanks?

[6] I am weary with my sighing;
Every night I make my bed swim,
I dissolve my couch with my tears.

[7] My eye has wasted away with grief;
It has become old because of all my adversaries.

[8] Depart from me, all you who do iniquity,
For the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping.

[9] The Lord has heard my supplication,
The Lord receives my prayer.

[10] All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly dismayed;
They shall turn back, they shall suddenly be ashamed.

Psalm 6 - Psalm 6:1-10

Open It

1. What emotions do you feel when you are sick with the flu?
* 2. How do most people deal with sickness?
3. When have you felt the Lord’s presence during a time of illness or sorrow?

Explore It

4. What request opens this psalm? (6:1)
5. What did the psalm writer think was the reason for his illness? (6:1)
6. How does the psalm writer’s response to his crisis unify this poem? (6:1-10)
* 7. What feelings did the psalm writer have? (6:1-10)
8. Why did the psalm writer believe that the Lord would be willing to save him? (6:4)
* 9. What motivated the psalm writer to ask the Lord for mercy? (6:5)
10. What did the psalm writer believe would happen to him if the Lord did not show him mercy? (6:5)
11. According to the psalm writer, what would God forfeit if He were not merciful? (6:5)
12. How depressed was the psalm writer? (6:6-7)
13. What encouraged the psalm writer? (6:8-9)
14. How is the psalm writer protected from his enemies? (6:8)
15. What expression of confidence concludes this prayer? (6:8-10)
* 16. What is the Lord’s response to the psalm writer’s cries for mercy? (6:9)
17. How would the psalm writer’s enemies react to his restoration? (6:10)

Get It

18. When have you ever felt like the writer of this psalm?
19. How do you usually deal with feelings of fear, sadness, or depression?
20. What motivates you to cry out to the Lord?
* 21. How do you think the Lord wants you to deal with life’s difficulties?
22. In what specific ways should we follow the psalm writer’s example?
23. What does this poem reveal about the psalm writer’s relationship with the Lord?
24. How would you like your relationship with God to be similar to the psalm writer’s?
25. How would you describe the psalm writer’s prayer in this passage?
* 26. What does this psalm teach us about prayer?
27. What does this psalm teach us about dealing with depression?
28. How has the Lord shown His love for you?
29. What gift of praise can you offer the Lord?

Apply It

30. What feelings or problems do you want to trust the Lord with today?
* 31. What steps could you take to spend more time telling God your honest thoughts or feelings?
32. How can you demonstrate your thankfulness to the Lord for His love for you?

AFFIRMATIONS

TODAY I AM

Healed by the LORD
Saved because of God’s lovingkindness
Thanking God publicly
With enemies that are dismayed

Psalm 5:1-12

For the choir director; for flute accompaniment.
A Psalm of David.

Give ear to my words, O Lord,
Consider my groaning.

[2] Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God,
For to Thee do I pray.

[3] In the morning, O Lord, Thou wilt hear my voice;
In the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch.

[4] For Thou art not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness;
No evil dwells with Thee.

[5] The boastful shall not stand before Thine eyes;
Thou dost hate all who do iniquity.

[6] Thou dost destroy those who speak falsehood;
The Lord abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.

[7] But as for me, by Thine abundant lovingkindness I will enter Thy house,
At Thy holy temple I will bow in reverence for Thee.

[8] O Lord, lead me in Thy righteousness because of my foes;
Make Thy way straight before me.

[9] There is nothing reliable in what they say;
Their inward part is destruction itself;
Their throat is an open grave;
They flatter with their tongue.

[10] Hold them guilty, O God;
By their own devices let them fall!
In the multitude of their transgressions thrust them out,
For they are rebellious against Thee.

[11] But let all who take refuge in Thee be glad,
Let them ever sing for joy;
And mayest Thou shelter them,
That those who love Thy name may exult in Thee.

[12] For it is Thou who dost bless the righteous man, O Lord,
Thou dost surround him with favor as with a shield.

Psalm 5 - Psalm 5:1-12

Open It

* 1. Why do you think personal crises motivate people to pray more?
2. When has an emergency or personal problem caused you to pray?

Explore It

3. What were the psalm writer’s main requests? (5:1-12)
4. How is the psalm writer’s main request repeated throughout the poem? (5:1-12)
5. When and how did David pray? (5:2-3)
6. How are wicked people limited? (5:4-5)
7. To what characteristics of God did the psalm writer appeal? (5:4-12)
8. How did David describe wicked people? (5:5)
* 9. What attitude did David have in presenting his request to the Lord? (5:7)
10. How did David describe his enemies? (5:9-10)
11. How did David trust God to judge the wicked, rather than seeking revenge himself? (5:10)
* 12. How did David deal with the offenses against him? (5:9-10)
13. What did David ask God to do? (5:10-12)
14. Whom did David include in his prayer? (5:11)
15. Whom does the Lord protect and bless? (5:11-12)
* 16. What attitude should believers have and why? (5:11-12)
17. How did David use the image of a shield to describe what God does for the righteous? (5:12)
18. What does God do for the righteous? (5:12)

Get It

19. What many reasons do people have for praying?
20. What usually motivates people to pray?
21. In light of this passage, what attitude should we have when we pray?
22. How do you need to change your attitude toward prayer?
* 23. How are faith and prayer connected?
24. When has your faith been challenged or stretched?
25. What distracts you from praying?
* 26. What steps can you take to keep up a consistent habit of prayer?
27. What does this passage teach us about arrogance?
28. How can we guard against the sin of arrogance?
29. What have you learned about the character of God from this psalm?

Apply It

* 30. What is one step you can take in the next week to improve your prayer habits?
31. How could you publicly praise God for His protection over you?

AFFIRMATIONS

TODAY I AM:

Praying to the lord and watching for His answers.
Not sinning
Loved by the LORD
Preserved by God because of speaking the truth
Having a straight path before me
Glad in the LORD
Singing for joy
Surrounded with God’s favor as a shield