We’re halfway through This Is the Old Testament, our thematic overview of the Old Testament. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll finish our look at the books of Wisdom Literature and begin the last sections of the Old Testament, the Major and Minor Prophets.
What Is Psalms? The book of Psalms is a collection of 150 musical poems and prayers written by David and others that represent the full range of human emotion in worshiping God.
How Psalms Fits Into the Story: The Psalms are deeply relational and give us a window into who God is, how He acts, and how His people can respond. The struggle to understand how God’s attributes—particularly His sovereignty and goodness—relate to life experiences is a major theme throughout the Psalms. These words, often in the form of prayers, were written by people who had not lost their faith in God as they navigated the mountaintops and valleys of life. Like us, they wrestled with how God was dealing with them both personally and as a community.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you find it easier to pray or worship God in certain moods or seasons? How do the emotions conveyed in Psalm 116 influence your understanding of what you can bring to God?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
I find it of course easy to come to God in the hard times. Ask Him for help, guidance, etc. I am learning to come to him in the good times too! It’s when we praise him for his grace and mercy! For the beauty of this life he gives us every day. And for Jesus’ redeeming love.
@ Shianne Hayden – according to the Moody Commentary “precious” implies value and threfore worth protection. The verse is supposed to indicate that the Lord loves and cares for those who place their trust in Him. He preserves their life for His service and welcomes them into His presence after death.
Thank you!
♥️
I am Stuck on v15….the death of his faithful ones is valuable in the Lord’s sight……what does this mean??
What I love about the Psalms is you can find a Psalm for any occasion or any life event. The writers of the Psalms had great skill in writing.
Have a great week sisters.
I love that we can be authentic to God. We don’t have to hold anything back. I love that!❤️
God is good. Best night my boyfriend has had in ICU yet—no bleeding. They are taking him off breathing tube and sedation to see if respiratory and blood are strong enough for surgery without meds or breathing tube. Please pray for strength there and no further bleeding. God has been so faithful in my steadfast prayer to him. Today’s verses just remind me of how great and all powerful our God truly is and how merciful he is to wipe the tears of his children even though we are yet sinners and invite us into his kingdom through his son for we were made new by his blood. I am in just such awe of how God watches over and cares for those who love him.
I find it easier to pray to God during my tough times. I want to be faithful during good times as well.
@Traci Gendron I recommend Anne Voskamps’s 1000 Gifts…it definitely has helped me to practice gratitude and come to God more in good times not just the bad ❤️