Month 3

What characteristics does the psalmist say about those who fear the Lord?
Some of the verses, especially vv2-3, do not agree with all people we know who fear God. How should we apply these verses to what God hopes about those who fear him?
The psalm further says such people will be generous and have a good influence. While we might not be such a successful or outgoing person, we can be generous, have a positive influence, and make other positive contributions to those close to us. Think of those who feel uneasy about relationships or the social environment (or it could be us): how might we help them be generous and have a positive influence?
At some point, we will become fearful about what might happen to us, and increasingly self-conscious. How does this psalm help us to hold on to God? See v.7 for a start.
The author of this question finds v.4 regarding the “light” very encouraging. What is the most encouraging verse for you?

What characteristics does the psalmist say about those who fear the Lord?
Some of the verses, especially vv2-3, do not agree with all people we know who fear God. How should we apply these verses to what God hopes about those who fear him?
The psalm further says such people will be generous and have a good influence. While we might not be such a successful or outgoing person, we can be generous, have a positive influence, and make other positive contributions to those close to us. Think of those who feel uneasy about relationships or the social environment (or it could be us): how might we help them be generous and have a positive influence?
At some point, we will become fearful about what might happen to us, and increasingly self-conscious. How does this psalm help us to hold on to God? See v.7 for a start.
The author of this question finds v.4 regarding the “light” very encouraging. What is the most encouraging verse for you?

What does the psalm say about who God is and what bad state the world is in?
In verses 1 to 6, thinking of our needs at the moment, what is the most important thing the psalmist asks God for?
The psalmist asks God not to remember him in certain ways. Instead, he asks God to remember in what ways?
Reflect on the time when we were not eating well, heart rate is consistently faster than usual, or our skin turns cold for a slightest hint of problem. Focus on one example before going to the next question.
From the previous question: we might find that verses 8-10 are helpful that we can approach God with what’s happening to us, and God promises us that he will help. Take turn in the group and explain briefly to each other which verse is the most useful to each of us.
After we read through the whole psalms, identify the different ways we might be attacked by others. What might be some similarities and differences compared to what the psalmist experienced in psalm?
This psalm is full of God’s promises. Think of some loved ones who might need assurance of God’s promises, and what we might do or say to them in the coming week.

What is the tone of this psalm? Is it a feeling of being dejected, being betrayed, or a great sense of aimlessness?
As a church, recall an occasion when God seemed very far away and we had to deal with a massive problem in the fellowship.
Think also of the individuals in our church and beyond, whose property was snatched away when it is not their own fault. How best can we help them waiting for resolution?
The psalm was written at the time of the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem, and began the long period of exile. A point of difference compared to today’s churches is that we are not looted or exiled. We might say the wider society of the church is “exile” from the church. With dwindling numbers attending church, we are losing some of our traditions with not enough people to sustain them. Do you agree? What might be other points?
When everything is lost, the psalmist calls on God to do or be something, is this restoration of traditions, temple/church, or human rights?
This psalm might be drawing our church’s attention to who God is according to verse 17: he is not only a creator, but creative for us to enjoy the seasons. Reflect on this as a church and identify the different ways God is blessing us.