-87; Proverbs 8-14:

June 8: Psalm 42-44, 46-47; Proverbs 8 1. How does the psalmist respond to a downcast soul in Psalm 42:5-6, 11, and Psalm 43? What is our natural reaction to discouragement? What is a biblical response?

2. Why are ’s people being attacked in Psalm 44? How does Romans 8:36 employ Psalm 44:22? What does this teach about persecution?

3. How is God described in Psalm 47? How should we worship such a God?

June 9: Psalm 48-50, 53, 58; Proverbs 9 1. Psalm 49 addresses the folly of trusting riches. What are riches unable to do according to vv. 6-8? What does Paul say about wealth in I Timothy 6:17-19 (and 6:6-11)? Why do we tend to seek security in money?

2. In 50:18-21, how does God describe the wicked? What sins are listed out? Which of these do you tend to most readily tolerate? What is the root of all these sins, according to 50:21? In what ways do people tend to define God in their own image?

3. Psalm 53 and 58 graphically describe the total depravity of man. Sin touches every aspect of man’s nature (mind, will, emotions, behavior, desires) and reveals itself from birth (58:3). Take a look at Romans 3:10-20 and see how Paul employs these verses. What does he conclude in 3:20? Take some time right to preach the gospel to yourself again and thank God for what He has done in saving you.

June 10: Psalm 60, 64-67; Proverbs 10 1. What’s the response in 64:9-10 to God’s deliverance? What two groups are addressed here? In what ways can you respond to your deliverance from sin?

2. How does David describe the “blessed man” in 65:4? Who gets the glory for his being blessed? How do we typically understand “blessings?” How is it different than the ’s portrayal of blessing? What blessings does Paul praise God for in Ephesians 1:3-14?

3. Who is ultimately behind the suffering of God’s people in 66:11-12? What does I Peter 1:6-7 teach us about the purposes of suffering? What about James 1:2-4?

June 11: Psalm 68-71; Proverbs 11 1. 69-70 both call for God’s deliverance from enemies. How does 69:8 find fulfillment in Christ in John 1:10-12? What about 69:9 in John 2:17 and Romans 15:3? How about 69:21 in Matthew 21:27? How does 69:22-28 contrast with Jesus’ prayer for His enemies? 2. Psalm 71 is written by a man facing old age. What does the psalmist look to to sustain faith in vv. 5-6? What does he resolve to do in his old age in 71:18? How can you use your retirement years to do just this?

June 12: -77; Proverbs 12 1. In Psalm 73:1, Asaph declares God’s goodness, before delving into the difficulty of the prosperity of the wicked. In what way does Asaph experience God’s goodness because of this apparent inequity, according to 73:28? How did God grow Asaph through his struggle?

2. In Psalm 76:10, we’re told that even man’s selfish wrath results in God’s glory. Does God’s sovereign control over sin make it less sinful? Why or why not? What does this verse show about God’s sovereignty?

3. Psalm 77 is a profoundly honest Psalm in which Asaph confesses his grief, trouble, and doubts. What is his solution to spiritual depression in vv. 11-15?

June 13: Psalm 78-82; Proverbs 13 1. What is the aim of Psalm 78, according to verses 6-8? How does the Psalm help accomplish that goal? What are you doing to accomplish that goal? If you have children what should you do? If your children are grown, what could you do?

2. What is the main call of Psalm 81 (vv. 8, 11, 13)? What does God long to do for His people (vv. 10, 16)?

3. tells us that God expects justice from His people (vv. 2-5) and God executes justice for His people (vv. 1, 6-8). What marginalized people are we commanded to defend in vv. 3-4? How should we go about doing that in our culture today?

June 14: Psalm 83-87; Proverbs 14 1. Psalm 83 is a prayer in the face of persecution. What is the Psalmist’s aim in praying for God’s judgment on the persecutors in 83:16 and 18?

2. describes a spiritually vibrant individual. He is marked by passion for God’s presence (84:1-4), brings spiritual blessing to those around him (84:5-7), and counts time in God’s house as a privilege (84:10). How well do these characteristics describe you?

3. Psalm 85 is a prayer for revival. There is an appeal to God’s past forgiveness (1-3), and plea for God’s present help (4-7), and a longing for His future grace (8-12). Would you pray this Psalm today for yourself, your family, and your church? In what areas do you need to be turned to God?