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.