Psalms by Scott Risley (2014)

An overview of Hebrew poetry (tools for understanding and interpreting), types of Psalms (wisdom, praise/thanksgiving, and lament/anger), and an explanation of what we can learn from the Psalms including: how to express our feelings to God; and reconciling our feelings/life experiences with truth found in scripture. Psalm 1 is a wisdom psalm that lays out two life-paths (wicked vs. righteous), and the importance of delighting in and meditating on the Word. Ultimately, this psalm calls us to entrust our lives to God and learn to listen to His Word.

A psalm of repentance to God, written after David slept with Bathsheba, who was the wife of another man. David recognizes the severity of his sin, and takes full responsibility for what he has done. At the same time, David throws himself on God's mercy, His unfailing love, His ability to forgive and redeem. Identifies six signs of true repentance: 1. have a vertical perspective, 2. take responsibility, 3. accept consequences, 4. deeply understand the problem, 5. express joy and gratitude, and 6. desire to serve God and to tell others about Him.

David the psalmist compares God to a shepherd, who sacrifices His own life to care for and meet all the needs of His flock of sheep (us). In times of prosperity and in times of adversity, God desires to bless our lives with all we need and more. In order to experience His blessings, we must choose to be led by Him.

God speaks to humanity, declaring His existence, through His creation. Science agrees with what the Bible tells us about the origins and organization of the universe. A video and red-dime analogy are included that explain the fine tuning of the universe and ultimately reveal the need for a higher power who guided the creation process. Nature and science can abolish our doubts about the existence of a God. However, there is only so much we can learn about God through science, so God also speaks to us through His Word, and His servants. God is speaking to you--will you hear His voice?

David calls on us to put our trust in God in the midst of fear/times of trouble or uncertainty. David's remedy for overcoming anxiety in our lives is to turn our focus away from ourselves and our problems, and fix our hearts on God. As we draw near to God and meditate on His perfect character, we will learn to be still before Him, and to trust in His timing. God is our fortress, He will never forsake us, therefore we have no reason to be afraid. \r\n\r\nWill you listen to your fears or will you have the courage to wait on Yahweh?

Perhaps the greatest of all the praise psalms. Our delight in the Lord is incomplete until it is expressed, therefore, praise completes our enjoyment of God. On the other hand, when we don't spend time talking about God's character, we forget about His goodness. While neglecting to praise God leads to depression, expression of God's grace fills us with a joy that is practically inexhaustible. By proclaiming why God deserves to be worshiped, as well as the benefit we receive when we praise Him, David invites us to partake in praising Yahweh. \r\n