July 28, 2010
Becoming Immoveable
1. Biblical writers often used apocalyptic pictures to describe a national crisis. What might be happening to Israel here (vv.2,3,6)?
2. Could verses 2-3 and 5-6 portray any crisis in your life?
3. What difference does it make to you to know Jesus is Lord over all those chaotic events?
July 27, 2010
The Fairest Lord Jesus and His Marriage
Psalm 45
- What was the most extravagant wedding you ever attended or witnessed?
- How does the New Testament make sense out of verses 6-7 (see Heb 1:8-9)?
- What is being said about Jesus and the Church (see Eph 5:25-27)?
- Taking verses 2-7 as applying to Jesus, which royal qualities about him mean the most to you now? Why?
July 26, 2010
The Maskil
Psalm 44
1. What does it take to rouse you from sleep: (a) Noisy termite: (b) Noisy neighbors? (c) A train going through your living room?
2. This might be the prayer of a Judean king. What about God does he recall in verses 1-8?
3. What problem is the king facing (vv.9-16)?
4. Beyond the physical pain, the social stigma and the emotional turmoil lies the real problem bothering the psalmist (vv.17-22): What is it?
5. What is one “bad thing” that has happened to you recently that you didn’t deserve?
6. This king felt like God was sleeping on the job, as did Jesus’ disciples (see Mk 4:35-38). Have you felt like this? What did you do to rouse God?
July 24 & 25, 2010
Overcoming Despair & Overcoming the Fear of Rejection
Psalm 42-43
1. From 2Kings 14:11-14, we see hostages being taken captive from Judah: How might such a situation give birth to these psalms (42:1-3)?
2. From the descriptive words and phrases, what diagnosis best fits this psalmist’s condition? (a) Thirsty? (b) Depressed? (c) Exiled? (d) Homesick? (e) Hopeful? (f) Plaqued by spiritual doubts?
3. What prescription does the psalmist recommend (vv.5, 11)? Is this a realistic way to handle grief?
4. What causes God to seem far away at times? Who moved, God or you? How might theses two psalms help you in times when you wonder where God is?
5. In dealing with his depression, this man freely cried (42:3), talked to himself (42:5, 11; 43:5), reminded himself of God’s nature (42:6,8) and prayed honestly (42:9; 43:2). By comparison, how do you deal with depression?