Several of this week’s Psalms talk about fully relying on God. Although this is our ultimate purpose, no one ever said it was easy. Especially in today’s overstimulated, always-striving-for-bigger-and-better world. But maybe these past five months have nudged us (possibly involuntarily) in that direction. When our lives (or the whole world) are in turmoil, humans tend to look to God more. The goal is to learn to look to Him in the good times too!
Monday August 17th, Psalm 127
Today’s Takeaways:
- This Psalm was written by King Solomon, David’s son.
- Anything we do without God’s blessing is done in vain.
- God’s sovereignty manifests itself in both our work (school) life and our family life.
Today’s Talking Topic:
- This Psalm seems to say that God’s goal for a productive life is that you get plenty of sleep. (See verse 2 – it’s vanity to rise early and stay up late for work – get some sleep instead!) Why do you think people still want to get up early or go to bed late?
Tuesday August 18th, Psalm 128
Today’s Takeaways:
- We can never be truly happy, unless we are fully devoted to God.
- Four blessings are mentioned in this psalm: provisions, prosperity, growing large family, generations of offspring.
Today’s Talking Topic:
- What keeps you from fully relying on God? It could be scary to take that leap, but what can you do to take a step forward?
Wednesday August 19th, Psalm 129
Today’s Takeaways:
- The people of Israel were first enslaved in Egypt and later again in Babylon. This Psalm is a celebration of gaining one’s freedom.
- The second part is asking for the punishment of the oppressors with quite a beautiful metaphor. Grass cannot grow on roofs, if there’s no earth, even if it grows it won’t last long and it certainly won’t bear any fruit.
Today’s Talking Topic:
- What does verse 3 make you think of, that you later read about in the New Testament?
Thursday August 20th, Psalm 130
Today’s Takeaways:
- Read verse 1 and 5 again. These two verses stand out to me personally:
- “Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord” and “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope”
- These verses are so emotional! Giving everything over to God and knowing that only He can truly make us whole again and “fix” what needs fixing in our lives.
Today’s Talking Topic:
- What concrete action can you take today/this week to serve the Lord?
Friday August 21st, Psalm 131
Today’s Takeaways:
- Just because psalm is only 3 verses it doesn’t mean it lacks deep meaning. I wish I could as boldly and confidently present my testimony as David is doing here.
- David is showing his humility and complete trust in God in this Psalm. But it is something that he trained himself to do. Just like a baby trusts his mother for all things, so David trusts God. But living this kind of trust doesn’t come naturally.
Today’s Talking Topic:
- What steps can you take today to learn to trust God like baby trusts its mother?
Saturday August 22nd, Psalm 132
Today’s Takeaways:
- We’re not sure who the author of this psalm is.
- This psalm references the ark of the Lord. Do you remember what that is? For extra points do you remember what was in it? (For answer look up Hebrews 9:4.)
- It talks about David and the ark and how it was later found near Jaar and ended up in God’s chosen place in Zion.
Today’s Talking Topic:
- Verses 11-18 are a list of God’s promises. Can you find them all?
Sunday August 23rd, Psalm 133
Today’s Takeaways:
- This psalm is all about unity and the peace that can be found in it.
- David sees unity of believers as being like anointing a priest in oil or like dew on Mount Zion. Why do you think David thinks unity is like being touched by water?
Today’s Talking Topic:
- What is the greatest blessing God gives us?
Munger Kids 