Week 1 – Psalm 1-14

Here we go ladies!

Don’t you love being at the beginning of an adventure?  The anticipation of what you will see and experience is so great.  It is with that same anticipation that we introduce Week One of our Summer in the Psalms!

Psalm 1-14

Quick Background:  The first two psalms serve as an introduction to the entire book.  Psalm 1 introduces the Lord’s instruction in wisdom, while Psalm 2 introduces God’s ultimate rule over the world.  As we will see through the next few weeks, there is prophecy in its pages, and Jesus quoted from the Psalms several times.  Psalms is divided into 5 “books”.  Chapters 1-41 make up the first book and are mostly written by David.

As we take a look at these first 14 chapters, there is so much that jumps out to me.  Here are two verses in particular…

Psalm 3:3 – “But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.”

This to me is one of the sweetest descriptions of how God connects to me.  As a mother of four little ones, I will often have one of them come to me with a hurt in their heart.  Sometimes their heads are down so low, so I will gently place my hand underneath their little chin and lift their sweet face towards me.  And in that moment I will look in their eyes, reassure them of my love and tell them that everything is going to be alright.  “…the One who lifts my head.”  This verse says that the God of the universe does the very same for me.  When my heart is heavy or full of hurt, He is my shield, He is my glory and He lifts my head to His to assure me of His never ending love.  I can rest in this Truth.

Psalm 5:3 – “In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.”

Another version says I will “wait expectantly”.  This verse says 3 things:

• God wants to hear your voice, first thing in the morning.
• God wants to hear your heart, first thing in the morning.
• God wants you to watch for Him, all day long.  What would it look like if our lives were filled with an eager anticipation of how God was going to move?

Weekly Questions based on Chapters 1-14:

1.  List some ways you see how God personally connects to you through these chapters.

2.  What do these chapters say about personal holiness and righteousness?

3.  What verses speak to how amazing our God is?

Reflection

Psalm 1 contrasts the righteous and the wicked.  Personal righteousness is found only in God’s Spirit working through us.  Take time this week to reflect on ways you can allow His Spirit to work in and through you.

Challenge

Begin a Praise Journal.  As you journey through the Psalms this summer,  bring your praise to the Lord.  Psalm 9:1-2, “I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders.  I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.”  When you have thankful heart, see an amazing sunset, or experience an answer to prayer, write down your personal praise to Him!

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