Saturday, June 28, 2014

Widows Bible Study: Psalm 77:16-20

Dear Reader,
If today is your first time here this week, let me welcome you and invite you to scroll down to Tuesday's post for a look at the Bible study we've been doing. Today is our last day in Psalm 77, but please know that you don't need to cram for a test or try to catch up. And, if you'd like, add comment or send me an email to let me know if you'd like to see more of these.
Have a blessed and restful weekend,

ferree

The Resulting Revelation, part 2: how the writer's perspective changed
Psalm 77
16 The waters saw _____, O God, the waters saw _____ and writhed; the very depths were convulsed.
17 The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder; ______ arrows flashed back and forth.
18 ______ thunder was heard in the whirlwind, ______ lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.
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19 ______ path led through the sea, ______ way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were _____ seen.
20 _____ led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
  • Compare the first word verses 18, 19, and 20 with the "I"s in verses 1-6.
  • How has the focus of the author changed? How can that apply to our own focus?
  • Although God's footprints were not seen, was God still in control?
  • Is God still in control for a widow today? Can you trust Him? This is a tough question because God doesn't always behave like we want Him to. Should we have a problem with God's behavior?
  • What specific action can you take away from this Psalm? By that I mean what change will you make in your thoughts, words and/or behavior today? Is there anything to repent and ask forgiveness for?
Here are other simple suggestions as your look back on this entire Psalm:
  • Copy verses 11 and 12 on a 3 x 5 card and put it somewhere you'll see it often, like on your bathroom mirror, over the kitchen sink, or on the dashboard of your car. Whenever you remember "the deeds of the Lord" or "miracles of long ago" in your own life, jot them down on the card and offer a sacrifice of praise to God for them. (Yes, it might be difficult to thank God for good things which haved passed, that's why it's a 'sacrifice' of praise and thanks).
  • Ponder and personalize verses 13 and 14. Copy them as well if you'd like to meditate on them in  the days to come. They'll help turn your focus to God as you begin to understand how His ways are holy. Seek to learn what holiness means, and the other attributes of God.
  • Put a bookmark in your Bible or fold the page over so that when sleepless nights, crying jags and grief attacks come (as they do, but they'll taper off in time), you can open up to this Psalm. Read it out loud and even change words as you go along to turn it into a prayer. God loves you deeply and hears your cries and deepest longings. This won't last forever.  
Psalm 77:16-20 (NIV)
16 The waters saw you, God,
the waters saw you and writhed;
the very depths were convulsed.
17 The clouds poured down water,
the heavens resounded with thunder;
your arrows flashed back and forth.
18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,
your lightning lit up the world;
the earth trembled and quaked.
19 Your path led through the sea,
your way through the mighty waters,
though your footprints were not seen.
20 You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron. 



3 comments:

  1. Thank you for bringing to light about "the sacrifice of praise" I had often wondered why it was called a sacrifice of praise. Now I understand that we give Him thanks for our past blessings.

    This Psalm writer also reflected back and remembered how the great Shepherd led his people like a flock. How he brought them through the wilderness.
    Widowhood is truly a wilderness - but as the Psalm writer so joyfully reflects on the guidance of Moses and Aaron . . . we can trust that he will be with us - leading us, guiding us and deliver us in his own way and time.

    The psalm writer was always giving thanks, even in the valleys he would say......."surely, his goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life"

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  2. Great Bible Study Ferree! I am so blessed. I just went through the entire study now. I was also enlightened by the 'sacrifice of Praise' and verse 19 that says even though they did not see God's footprints God led the Israelites through the sea and mighty water. Wow! What a great God I am so encouraged because frankly I more often than not don't see His foot prints but I am reminded that He is walking ahead and leading me.

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  3. Thank you for these comments, it's so good to know that this Bible study has been a good help and encouragement. God's Word is full of rich insights and comfort. Halima, I'm especially praying for your safety there in Nigeria, and I hope that anyone else reading this comment wil pray too. The bombings and terrorism are way too close.

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