Psalm 19

Psalm 19

1.  What are the heavens telling us? vs. 1 - Name 2 things - 1 the glory of God
2)the firmament

2.  What pours forth from the heavens day to day? vs. 2 speech

3.  What is revealed from the heavens night to night? vs. 2 knowledge

4.  There are no 'words' heard, but how far does their line extend? vs. 3,4 -their words to the end of the world

5.  How far are the utterances from the heavens heard? vs. 4 their words to the end of the world

6.  In the heavens, God has placed a tent for the sun. (vs.4) ... What is the sun compared to when it comes out of the tent? vs. 5 - Name 2 things - 1)bridegroom coming out of his chamber
2) -strong man to run a race.

7.  The sun's rising is from one end of the heavens and its circuit to the other end.  What is hidden from the sun's heat? vs. 6 is nothing

8.  The Lord's law is perfect!  What does it do for our soul? vs. 7 -  converting the soul

9.  The testimonies of the Lord are sure!  What do they do for the simple? vs. 7 - the testimony of the Lord is sure

10.  The precepts of the Lord are right!  What do they do for our heart? vs. 8 - rejoicing 

11.  The commandment of the Lord is pure!  What does it do for our eyes? vs. 8 -

12.  The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever.  The judgments of the Lord are true!  What are they altogether? vs. 9 -

13.  What are the Lord's words more desirable than? vs. 10

14.  What are His words sweeter than? vs. 10

15.  We are warned through the Lord's words.  What do we receive for keeping His word? vs. 11

16.  Sometimes it is hard to discern our own errors. (vs.12) ... What did the Psalmist ask the Lord to acquit him of? vs. 12

17.  What did he ask the Lord to keep him back from? vs. 13

18.  What did he ask the Lord not to let rule over him? vs. 13

19.  If so, he would be blameless and acquitted of great transgression. (vs.13) ... What did the Psalmist want his words and the meditations of his heart to be? vs. 14

20.  What did the Psalmist call the Lord in the last line of this Psalm?  vs. 14 - Name 2 things - 1)2)

                              Applications:

1.   David spoke of how God speaks to mankind to the ends of the earth from the heavens through the things He has created.  The heavens tell of the glory of God and the work of His hands.  Comment on the following verses that refer to the same thing:

• Genesis 1:14,15 -
• Deuteronomy 4:19 -
• Psalm 8:3,4 -
• Psalm 19:1-6 -
• Psalm 74:16,17 -
• Psalm 104:19,20 -
• Psalm 136:7-9 -
• Psalm 148:3,4 -
• Isaiah 40:26 -
• Jeremiah 31:35 -
• Joel 2:30,31 -
• Amos 5:8 -
• Matthew 24:29 -
• Acts 14:15-17 -
• Romans 1:19,20 -
• Revelation 12:1-9 -
• Revelation 14:6,7 -

2.  In creation, we see the works of God.  Through His Word, we experience His presence and power!  In this Psalm, the Word is said to be perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, and true.  The work it accomplishes in us is restoration, wisdom, joy, enlightment, reverence (godly fear), and righteousness.  Comment on the following Scriptures that amplify this truth!

• Psalm 119:25,89,130 -
• Isaiah 55:11 -
• Jeremiah 23:29 -
• John 8:31,32 -
• John 17:7,8,17 -
• Romans 10:17 -
• Ephesians 5:25,26 -
• Ephesians 6:17 -
• 1 Thessalonians 2:13 -
• 2 Timothy 3:16,17 -
• Hebrews 4:12 -
• 1 Peter 1:23 -
• 1 Peter 2:2 -
• 2 Peter 1:3-10 -
• 2 Peter 1:19-21 -

3.  His Word should have more value to us than gold!  It should be sweeter to us than honey!  How are we to value the Word of God in our lives?

• Jeremiah 15:16 -
• Psalm 119:72,127 -
• Proverbs 2:4 -
• Proverbs 3:14,15 -
• Matthew 6:19-21 -
• Luke 12:15 -
• John 6:63 -
• Ephesians 2:7 -
• Ephesians 3:8 -

4.  Keeping God's Word comes with great reward.  God rewards our faith!   Because we don't want to lose out on any reward God desires to give us, we are encouraged to confess our sins, to be cleansed, renewed, and to walk in a manner worthy.  David asked the Lord to reveal hidden faults he might have; and to not allow sin to rule over him.  How do the following Scriptures encourage us in similar ways?

• Genesis 4:6,7 -
• Psalm 19:12 -
• Psalm 90:8 -
• Psalm 119:133 -
• Psalm 139:23,24 -
• Proverbs 28:13 -
• Isaiah 40:10 -
• Jeremiah 17:10 -
• Matthew 6:33 -
• Romans 6:4,18-22 -
• Romans 8:31,32 -
• Romans 13:12 -
• 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 -
• 1 Corinthians 6:12 -
• 2 Corinthians 5:10 -
• Galatians 6:9 -
• Ephesians 1:3,18 -
• Ephesians 2:6,7 -
• Ephesians 6:8 -
• Colossians 3:23,24 -
• 1 Timothy 6:17-19 -
• Hebrews 10:35 -
• Hebrews 11:6 -
• 1 Peter 1:4,5 -
• 1 Peter 2:1,2 -
• Revelation 22:12 -

5.  Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like.

         

Psalms 31

Faith and prayer must go together. He that believes, let his pray—I believe, therefore I have spoken: and he that prays, let him believe, for the prayer of faith is the prevailing prayer. We have both here.

I. David, in distress, is very earnest with God in prayer for succour and relief. This eases a burdened spirit, fetches in promised mercies, and wonderfully supports and comforts the soul in the expectation of them. He prays, 1. That God would deliver him (Ps. 31:1), that his life might be preserved from the malice of his enemies, and that an end might be put to their persecutions of him, that God, not only in his mercy, but in righteousness, would deliver him, as a righteous Judge betwixt him and his unrighteous persecutors, that he would bow down his ear to his petitions, to his appeals, and deliver him.

  Psalm 31:2

Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.

   It is condescension in God to take cognizance of the case of the greatest and best of men; he humbles himself to do it. The psalmist prays also that he would deliver him speedily, lest, if the deliverance were long deferred, his faith should fail. 2. That if he did not immediately deliver him out of his troubles, yet he would protect and shelter him in his troubles; “Be thou my strong rock, immovable, impregnable, as a fastness framed by nature, and myhouse of defence, a fortress framed by art, and all to save me.” Thus we may pray that God’s providence would secure to us our lives and comforts, and that by his grace we may be enabled to think ourselves safe in him.

  Proverbs 18:10

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

    That his enemies being very crafty, as well as very spiteful, God would frustrate and baffle their designs against him (Ps. 31:4): “Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me, and keep me from the sin, the trouble, the death, they aim to entrap me in.

   In this prayer he gives glory to God by a repeated profession of his confidence in him and dependence on him. This encouraged his prayers and qualified him for the mercies he prayed for (Ps. 31:1): “In thee, O Lord! do I put my trust, and not in myself, or any sufficiency of my own, or in any creature; let me never be ashamed, let me not be disappointed of any of that good which thou hast promised me and which therefore I have promised myself in thee.” 1. He had chosen God for his protector, and God had, by his promise, undertaken to be so (Ps. 31:3): “Thou art my rock and my fortress, by thy covenant with me and my believing consent to that covenant; therefore be my strong rock,” Ps. 31:2. Those that have in sincerity avouched the Lord for theirs may expect the benefit of his being so; for God’s relations to us carry with them both name and thing. Thou art my strength, Ps. 31:4. If God be our strength, we may hope that he will both put his strength in us and put forth his strength for us. 2. He gave up his soul in a special manner to him (Ps. 31:5): Into thy hands I commit my spirit.

His great care is about his soul, his spirit, his better part. Note, Our outward afflictions should increase our concern for our souls. Many think that while they are perplexed about their worldly affairs, and Providence multiplies their cares about them, they may be excused if they neglect their souls; whereas the greater hazard our lives and secular interests lie at the more we are concerned to look to our souls, that, though the outward man perish, the inward man may suffer no damage (2 Cor. 4:16), and that we may keep possession of our souls when we can keep possession of nothing else.

       In the Ps. 31:1-8 David had appealed to God’s righteousness, and pleaded his relation to him and dependence on him; here he appeals to his mercy, and pleads the greatness of his own misery, which made his case the proper object of that mercy. 

  

Verses 9-18

     The complaint he makes of his trouble and distress (Ps. 31:9): “Have mercy upon me, O Lord! for I am in trouble, and need thy mercy.” The remembrance he makes of his condition is not much unlike some even of Job’s complaints. 1. His troubles had fixed a very deep impression upon his mind and made him a man of sorrows. So great was his grief that his very soul was consumed with it, and his life spent with it, and he was continually sighing,Ps. 31:9, 10. Herein he was a type of Christ,—who was intimately acquainted with grief and often in tears. 

    His body was afflicted with the sorrows of his mind (Ps. 31:10): My strength fails, my bones are consumed, and all because of my iniquity. As to Saul, and the quarrel he had with him, he could confidently insist upon his righteousness; but, as it was an affliction God laid upon him, he owns he had deserved it, and freely confesses his iniquity to have been the procuring cause of all his trouble; and the sense of sin touched him to the quick and wasted him more than all his calamities. 

   He was forgotten by them, as a dead man out of mind (Ps. 31:12), and looked upon with contempt as a broken vessel. Those that showed him all possible respect when he was in honor at court, now that he had fallen into disgrace, though unjustly, were strange to him. Such swallow-friends the world is full of, that are gone in winter. Let those that fall on the losing side not think it strange if they be thus deserted, but make sure a friend in heaven, that will not fail them, and make use of him. 

  “Thou art my God; I have chosen thee for mine, and thou hast promised to be mine;” and, if he be ours and we can by faith call him so, it is enough, when we can call nothing else ours. “Thou art my God; and therefore to whom shall I go for relief but to thee?” Those need not be straitened in their prayers who can plead this; for, if God undertake to be our God, he will do that for us which will answer the compass and vast extent of the engagement. 

  My times are in thy hand. Join this with the former and it makes the comfort complete. If God have our times in his hand, he can help us; and, if he be our God, he will help us; and then what can discourage us? It is a great support to those who have God for their God that their times are in his hand and he will be sure to order and dispose of them for the best, to all those who commit their spirits also into his hand, to suit them to their times, as David here.

  . He prays that God would deliver him out of the hand of his enemies (Ps. 31:15), and save him (Ps. 31:16), and this for his mercies’ sake, and not for any merit of his own. Our opportunities are in God’s hand (so some read it), and therefore he knows how to choose the best and fittest time for our deliverance, and we must be willing to wait that time. When David had Saul at his mercy in the cave those about him said, “This is the time in which God will deliver thee,” 1 Sam. 24:4. “No,” says David, “the time has not come for my deliverance till it can be wrought without sin; and I will wait for that time; for it is God’s time, and that is the best time.” 2. That God would give him the comfort of his favour in the mean time (Ps. 31:16): “Make they face to shine upon thy servant; let me have the comfortable tokens and evidences of thy favor

 to me, and that shall put gladness in my heart in the midst of all my griefs.”

Verses 19-24

God is good to all, but he is, in a special manner, good to Israel. His goodness to them is wonderful, and will be, to eternity, matter of admiration: O how great is thy goodness! How profound are the counsels of it! how rich are the treasures of it! how free and extensive are the communications of it! Those very persons whom men load with slanders God loads with benefits and honours. Those who are interested in this goodness are described to be such as fear God and trust in him, as stand in awe of his greatness and rely on his grace. This goodness is said to be laid up for them and wrought for them. 

  God preserves man and beast; but he is, in a special manner, the protector of his own people (Ps. 31:20): Thou shalt hide them. As his goodness is hid and reserved for them, so they are hid and preserved for it. The saints are God’s hidden ones. See here, (1.) The danger they are in, which arises from the pride of man and from the strife of tongues; proud men insult over them and would trample on them and tread them down; contentious men pick quarrels with them; and, when tongues are at strife, good people often go by the worst. The pride of men endangers their liberty; the strife of tongues in perverse disputings 

    The thankful returns which David makes for God’s goodness to him in particular, Ps. 31:21, 22. Having admired God’s goodness to all the saints, he here owns how good he had found him. 1. Without were fightings; but God had wonderfully preserved his life: “He has shown me his marvellous loving-kindness, he has given me an instance of his care for me and favour to me, beyond what I could have expected.” God’s loving-kindness to his people, all things considered, is wonderful; but some instances of it, even in this world, are in a special manner marvelous in their eyes; as this here, when God preserved David from the sword of Saul, in caves and woods, as safe as if he had been in a strong city. In Keilah, that strong city, God showed him great mercy, both in making him an instrument to rescue the inhabitants out of the hands of the Philistines and then in rescuing him from the same men who would have ungratefully delivered him up into the hand of Saul.

      The exhortation and encouragement which he hereupon gives to all the saints, Ps. 31:23, 24. 1. He would have them set their love on God (Ps. 31:23): O love the Lord! all you his saints. Those that have their own hearts full of love to God cannot but desire that others also may be in love with him; for in his favour there is no need to fear a rival. It is the character of the saints that they do love God; and yet they must still be called upon to love him, to love him more and love him better, and give proofs of their love. We must love him, not only for his goodness, becausehe preserves the faithful, but for his justice, because he plentifully rewards the proud doer (who would ruin those whom he preserves), according to their pride. Some take it in a good sense; he plentifully rewards the magnificent (or excellent) doer, that is daringly good, whose heart, like Jehoshaphat’s, is lifted up in the ways of the Lord. He rewards him that does well, but plentifully rewards him that does excellently well. 2. He would have them set their hope in God (Ps. 31:24): “Be of good courage; have a good heart on it; whatever difficulties or dangers you may meet with, the God you trust in shall by that trust strengthen your heart.” Those that hope in God have reason to be of good courage, and let their hearts be strong, for, as nothing truly evil can befal them, so nothing truly good for them shall be wanting to them.

In singing this we should animate ourselves and one another to proceed and persevere in our Christian course, whatever threatens us, and whoever frowns upon us.

Psalm 6

Psalm 6

1.  What did David not want to experience from the Lord for the things he had done wrong? vs. 1 - Name 2 things - 1)2)

2.  How did David ask the Lord to deal with him in his time of need? vs. 2

3.  David had been praying for awhile and he was asking the Lord 'how long' before he rescued him. (vs.3) .. Why did he believe the Lord would save him? vs. 4 - 

4.  David was not ready to die (vs.5) ... How did he describe the amount of crying he had already done? vs.6,7 - 

5.  What was the reason for his crying? vs. 7

6.  Why did David feel he could ask those around him who did iniquity to depart from him? vs. 8,9 -

7.   What did David know would happen now that God had heard and received his prayer to Him? vs. 10 

Applications:

1.  David prayed that God would not chasten him in His anger or wrath.  How do we know that God's discipline comes from His love for us and not His anger?  Comment on the following Scriptures:

• Deuteronomy 8:5 -
• Psalm 94:12-14 -
• Psalm 119:71 -
• Proverbs 3:11,12 -
• Proverbs 6:23 -
• Romans 5:8-10 -
• Romans 8:31-39 -
• Ephesians 2:1-10 -
• 1 Thessalonians 5:9 -
• Hebrews 12:5-11 -
• 1 John 4:18 -
• Revelation 3:19 -

2.  David prayed for God to be gracious to him and to heal him.  How can we experience the grace of God and His healing touch when we pray?

• Exodus 15:26 -
• Psalm 30:2 -
• Psalm 41:1-4 -
• Psalm 103:1-5 -
• Psalm 107:17-22 - 
• Proverbs 4:20-22 -
• Proverbs 16:24 -
• Isaiah 53:4,5 -
• Jeremiah 17:14 -
• Matthew 4:23 -
• Matthew 14:14 -
• Mark 5:34 -
• John 1:16 -
• Acts 10:38 -
• Romans 5:17 -
• Romans 15:13 -
• 2 Corinthians 9:8,9 -
• Ephesians 2:8,9 -
• Ephesians 2:13-17 -
• 2 Timothy 1:9 -
• Hebrews 4:15,16 -
• James 5:14-16 -
• 1 Peter 2:24,25 -

3.  David had been waiting for God to answer his prayer.  He said "How long, O God?" ... He needed God to rescue him.  He expressed how he was weary with sighing because of his adversaries.  Have you been praying for something a long time?  Are you weary and sighing because of the spiritual warfare in your life?  How do the following Scriptures give you encouragement?

• Psalm 27:13,14 -
• Proverbs 20:22 -
• Isaiah 30:18 -
• Isaiah 40:31 -
• Jeremiah 29:11 -
• Matthew 6:34 -
• Matthew 11:28-30 -
• Romans 5:3-5 -
• Romans 8:18 -
• Galatians 6:9 -
• Philippians 1:6 -
• James 5:11 -
• Hebrews 12:1-3 -
• 1 Peter 2:23 -

4.  David knew when his prayer broke through; he had that sense of knowing that God had heard his prayer and that he had victory over his enemies.  We can continue to pray and we can know when God has answered us.  Comment on the following Scriptures:

• Romans 8:31 -
• 2 Corinthians 5:7 -
• 2 Corinthians 12:9,10 -
• Hebrews 4:15,16 -
• 1 Peter 5:8-11 -
• 1 John 4:4 -

5.  Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like.  

Psalm 5

Psalm 5

1.  David needed the Lord to hear his prayer.  What ways did he let the Lord know how much he needed His help?  vs.1,2 - Name 2 ways - 1)2)

2.  What time of day was David offering this prayer? vs. 3 -

3.  Once David prayed, what action did he take? vs. 3 -

4.  What did David know that God did not take pleasure in? vs. 4

5.  What does not dwell with God? vs. 4

6.  Who is not able to stand before God? vs. 5

7.  What happens to those who speak falsehood? vs. 6

8.  How does the Lord feel about men of bloodshed and deceit? vs. 6

9.  Where would David enter by God's abundant lovingkindness to him? vs. 7

10.  What would he do once he entered? vs. 7

11.  Because of David's foes (enemies), how did he pray the Lord would lead him? vs. 8 -

12.  David needed God's way made straight for him. (vs.8)  What did he say about the foes that surrounded him? vs.9,10 - Name 8 things - 1)2)3)4)5)6)7)8.)

13.  What kind of attitude would those have who took refuge in the Lord? vs. 11

14.  What would those who love God's Name do for Him? vs. 11

15.  The Lord blesses the righteous man.  What is his favor around him like? vs. 12

                    Applications:

1.  In Psalm 4, the evening was depicted as a good time for reflection. Here in Psalm 5, the morning is shown as a good time for prayer. Indeed, it is good to seek the Lord early. To do so sets the mood for the day; it establishes who is sovereign over the day. Our thoughts should naturally turn to our Lord first thing in the morning.  Comment on the following Scriptures:

• Psalm 30:5 -
• Psalm 59:16 -
• Psalm 90:12,14 -
• Psalm 118:24 -
• Psalm 119:147 -
• Psalm 130:5,6 -
• Psalm 143:8 - 
• Lamentations 3:23 -
• Mark 1:35 - 

2.   David not only made his requests made known to God, but he eagerly watched for God's answers to come.  Faith is not only coming to God, but believing He will answer!  Comment on the following Scriptures:

• Matthew 7:7 -
• Matthew 21:22 -
• Mark 9:23,24 -
• John 11:40 -
• John 14:12-14 -
• John 15:7 -
• John 16:24 -
• Hebrews 11:6 -
• 1 John 5:14,15 -

3.  David prayed with words, but also with groaning, and with tears.  Sometimes in prayer, we need to be very specific with our words in listing our needs to God; sometimes the pain is deep and we can only groan; this is when the Holy Spirit takes over and intercedes for us without any words.  We also include our emotions and "cry out" with tears to God as we see Jesus did before going to the cross.  Comment on the following Scriptures concerning these patterns of prayer:

• Philippians 4:6,7 -
• Romans 8:26 -
• Hebrews 5:7 -

4.  David knew that God did not take pleasure in wickedness and that no evil dwelt with Him.  He spoke about how the godless were boastful and deceitful.  How are we as His children instructed to come into His presence?

• Psalm 24:3-5 -
• Psalm 51:10 -
• Matthew 5:8 -
• Matthew 23:12 -
• Acts 15:8,9 -
• 2 Timothy 2:21,22 -
• James 4:6-10 -
• James 5:16 -
• 1 Peter 5:5-7 -
• 1 John 1:9 -

5.  David knew he could enter the presence of God by God's lovingkindness or favor.  How had God's favor helped us enter into His presence?

• Romans 5:15-17 -
• Hebrews 9:11-12 -
• Hebrews 10:19-22 -
• Titus 3:4-7 -

6.  The philosophy of mankind cannot be trusted.  Like David said, there is nothing reliable in what they say.  That flatter with their tongue, but they are rebellious against God.  There are so many self-help books today, but man is looking to himself or others for their acceptance.  What does the Bible tell us?

• Jeremiah 17:5-10 -
• Colossians 2:8,9 -

7.  Those who take refuge in the Lord have gladness and joy.  The Lord gives them shelter and favor as a shield around them.  What does the Bible say about the "joy of the Lord" in our lives?

• Nehemiah 8:10 -
• Psalm 16:11 -
• Psalm 126:2,3 -
• John 15:10-12 -
• John 16:24 -
• Romans 14:17 -
• Romans 15:13 -
• Philippians 4:4 -
• 1 Peter 1:8,9 -

8.  Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like.

Psalm 5: Relying on God

Feeling betrayed, persecuted or fearful are common human experiences. Christians are not immune from such emotions. Indeed, because of the opposition of the fallen world to Christ, we will inevitably face them. How do we pray in these circumstances? Instead of allowing our fear or anger to dominate our thinking, we need to focus on God. Psalm 5 is one example of a prayer written in the face of opposition.

Warming Up to God

What happens to your relationship with God (especially your prayer life) when you find yourself facing opposition or persecution? IHe  give  me  the peasce  to know  that  he is there and  will get me  though it.

Read Psalm 5

Discovering the Word

• List the characteristics of the wicked and the righteous from David's descriptions in the passage.
• When we are opposed or persecuted by others, it is easy to want to take revenge or become aggressive toward them. What is David's strategy for dealing with opposition?
• David appears confident of God hearing his prayer and shielding him. What grounds are there in the passage for such confidence?
• What does the passage show us about David's relationship with God?
• David is clearly accustomed to beginning his day with prayer (v. 3). What are the benefits of this model?

Applying the Word

• The psalm gives us a clear picture of how God opposes the wicked and deals with them. How does this help in coping with opposition or persecution on a day-to-day basis?
• Both Christians and non-Christians often blame God for the pain, suffering or persecution that they encounter. How does Psalm 5 help us to understand the pain, suffering and persecution from God's perspective?
• What aspects of David's prayer in this passage are a helpful model for you?

Responding in Prayer

Think of any situations that represent a threat or pressure for you. Spend some time praying about those situations, trying to focus particularly on God's power and supremacy over the situation (while being realistic about the difficulties!).

Psalm 4

Psalm 4

1.  David is praying in the evening declaring his trust in God.  This is one of 7 Psalms that was told to us it was played on "stringed instruments". (Others are: 6, 54, 55, 61, 67, 76) ... David calls upon the God of His righteousness.  One of God's Names is Jehovah Tsidkenu  (*the T is silent) and it means "The Lord Our Righteousness".  We are only able to stand right before God because Jesus took our sin and robed us in His righteous standing before God.  How wonderful that David had this confidence in the Lord of His righteousness! ... What had God relieved him from through past prayers? vs. 1 His distress

2.  David has a question for the people.  He wonderedhow long his honor as a king would be a reproach to them. (vs.2)  What else did he wonder about concerning them? vs. 2

3.  What did David know about the godly man? vs. 3  - Name 2 things - 1) set  him apart

2) God  hears him  when  he prays

4.  David seems to command himself to do certain things in this evening prayer to God.  What does he tell himself? vs. 4,5 - Name 6 things - 1) do not  sin

2)search  our hearts

3)Offer right sacrifices

4)trust in the LORD

5) be silent

6)

5.  What were many people saying to David? vs. 6 who  could  show  thm anything good.

6.  What did David rely on God to do for them? vs. 6 " Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD

7.  What had God put into David's heart and what did he say it was better than? vs. 7  my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound

8.  Why could David lie down and sleep in peace at night? vs. 8 O LORD, make me dwell in safety

                           Applications:

1.  David calls upon the God of His righteousness. One of God's Names is Jehovah Tsidkenu (*the T is silent) and it means "The Lord Our Righteousness". We are only able to stand right before God because Jesus took our sin and robed us in His righteous standing before God. Comment on the following Scriptures:

• Jeremiah 23:6 - It  looked as  if  the  house  of David  would  be ruined  but God  was  there in the time  of need to protected it.
• Isaiah 61:10 - God  is our salvation and will  be with us to  the end.
• Romans 3:22 - we  have  to  have faith  in Jesus there is not diffrents in Him and  the Father.
• Romans 4:22-25 -
• Romans 5:17 -
• 1 Corinthians 1:30 -
• 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 -
• Galatians 3:26,27 -
• Philippians 3:8,9 -

2.  God delivers us from distress.  What does that mean?  What does the Bible teach us?  Comment on the following Scriptures. 

• 2 Samuel 22:1 -
• Psalm 34:4 -
• Psalm 40;2 -
• Psalm 50:15 -
• Psalm 107:6,20 -
• Psalm 138:7 -
• Isaiah 43:1-5 -
• Romans 10:13 -
• 1 Corinthians 10:13 -
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 -
• 2 Corinthians 4:7-11 -
• 2 Peter 2:9 -

3.  David said the people "loved what was worthless" and they aimed at "deception".  How can this happen to us and those we care about?  Comment on the following Scriptures:

• Psalm 39:6; 119:37; 127:2 -
• Proverbs 28:19; 31:30 -
• Ecclesiastes 2:21,26; 4:4,8; 5:10; 11:10 -
• Matthew 16:26 -
• Luke 16:13 -
• Romans 12:2 -
• Colossians 3:5 -
• Hebrews 13:5 -
• 1 Timothy 6:10 -
• Titus 3:9 -
• 1 John 2:16; 5:21 -

4.  David knew the Lord had "set apart" the godly man for Himself.  We too have been 'set apart" which means we are "sanctified" which is where we get the word "saint" from.  Comment on the following Scriptures showing how this is true:

• John 15:19 -
• Romans 1:1,17 -
• 1 Corinthians 1:30 -
• 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 -
• Philippians 1:6 -
• 1 Peter 1:16; 2:1-25 -
• 1 Thessalonians 4:3 -
• 2 Timothy 2:21 -

5.  David was sure that the Lord would hear his prayer and he could sleep on it.  Every Christian should have the same assurance that the Lord hears and will answer our prayers.  If we have prayed for something for awhile and wonder why we don't know the answer yet, we can do inventory to see if something may be hindering our prayers.  Comment on the following Scriptures regarding this:

• John 15:7 -
• Matthew 17:20,21 -
• 1 Peter 3:7 -
• James 5:16 -
• Psalm 17:1 -
• Proverbs 28:9 -
• Matthew 6:7 -

6.  David had been asked who would show them "any good".  He knew where goodness came from and asked that God lift up the light of His countenance upon them.  When God puts gladness in our hearts, it is better than anything the world could ever offer us!  Amen?  Comment on the following Scriptures:

• Numbers 6:24-26 -
• 1 Chronicles 16:27 -
• Nehemiah 8:10 -
• Nehemiah 12:27 -
• Psalm 5:11; 16:9,11 -
• Psalm 30:11; 32:11; 37:4 -
• Psalm 40:8,9; 45:7;
• Psalm 63:3; 97:11
• Psalm 100:2; 105:43; 118:24; 126:3 -
• Isaiah 12:3; 35:10; 51:11 -
• Jeremiah 33:11 -
• John 15:11 -
• Acts 2:26,46; 14:17 -
• Romans 15:13 -
• Philippians 4:4 -
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16 -
• Hebrews 1:9 -
• James 1:7 -

7.  David told himself to meditate on his bed; to be still; and to trust in the Lord.  Before we go to bed each night, we should make sure there is no anger in our hearts or anything that would hinder our fellowship with the Lord.  Comment on the following Scriptures:

• Ephesians 4:26-31

8.  David can sleep well at night, even in distressing times and surrounded by the ungodly. He sleeps well because his safety is from the Lord, not from circumstances or even feeling.

• Psalm 3:5 -
• Psalm 4:8 -
• Psalm 127:2 -
• Proverbs 3:24 -
• Philippians 4:6,7 -

9.  Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like:

                         

Warming Up to God

How do you generally respond when you are angry? (For example, do you talk about it or do you keep it to yourself?)I keep it to myself.

Read Psalm 4

Discovering the Word

• What is David angry about (v. 2)?DThat  God's  people were worshipping false gods.
• How does David deal with his anger (vv. 1, 3)?He prayed to God and knew  that God would  hear him. David had  the faith that we  need  today when  we pray.  We need to belive in our hearts that God  will answer our prayers.
• In verse 4 David suggests that we can be angry and not sin. How do you think that could be possible?keep silent and search our hearts.
• What do you think David means by the phrase "search your hearts and be silent" (v. 4)? To think  on  it  hard and why we  are angrey.

Applying the Word

• How can reflecting on angry feelings be a healthy way of dealing with anger?By doing this we  will not say or do  something  that would hurt others  thet  we don't mean to hurt.
• How can knowing the joy of the Lord (vv. 6-7) help you deal with anger?By asking  God  to  heop us  and to bless tho  one that  may  have  made us angrey.

Responding in Prayer

Talk to God about any anger you are dealing with right now. Ask him to help you express it directly and not hold it in.