Psalms—God’s Wisdom on the Human Heart

Q: “How should I interact with God?”

Background on Psalms:

• Biggest book in the Bible.
• Most quoted book in New Testament.
• At the “center” of the Bible.
• Generally categorized into five main groups:
  Psalms of : These express grief, pain, or a sense of abandonment.
  Psalms of : These focus on gratitude and praise for blessings received.
  Psalms of : These affirm faith and confidence in God’s protection and guidance.
  Psalms of : These offer insights into righteous living and the ways of God.
  Psalms: These celebrate the kingship of God or the earthly king of Israel.
• 150 chapters (almost 1/2 written by David).
• Demonstrates David’s emotional roller coaster journey.
• Exposes the heart of man, while revealing the heart of God.

Psalms 34:1-10 NLT
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let allwho are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him forhelp will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.

Additional questions you may have asked before:

• “I’m a sinful person, why would God notice me or want to talk to me?”
• “I don’t even know myself, so how could I possibly know God?”
• “I’ve tried many times, but don’t know how to hear from God, why bother trying?”

Five Things Psalms teaches us about God—

1. God created you for      

Psalm 139:14 NLT
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

Psalm 139:14 NIV
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

“WHAT you are, and HOW you are, were predetermined by WHY you are.” —Myles Munroe

2. God you than you know . 

Psalm 139:1-6 NLT
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sitdown or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I traveland when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!

GOD you… and God you

3. God wants a connection with the  you.     

Psalm 51:17 NLT
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

God desires our more than what we can for Him.
Likewise, He wants us to His more than what He can do for us!

Psalm 19:14 NLT
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 73:26 NLT
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

Psalm 119:11 NLT
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

4 – God isn’t afraid of your , or .

Your mistakes/failures frustrate God – them will! 

Psalm 51:10-12 NLT
Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.

5. God is quick to and .   

 Psalm 103:1-5 NKJV
Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

A: How to interact with God:

Psalm 100:1-5 NLT
Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him ,singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praisehis name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

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Psalm 23:1-6 NLT
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”

Bonus Material

The Psalms reveal—

God’s Sovereignty: Psalms affirm God’s ultimate authority and control over all things.

God’s Omniscience: They highlight God’s perfect knowledge and understanding of all situations.

God’s Faithfulness: Psalms reveal God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and providing guidance.

God’s Guidance: They demonstrate God’s wisdom in leading His people and offering counsel.

God’s Justice: Psalms portray God as a just ruler who brings righteousness and judgment.

God’s Mercy & love: They show God’s compassion and forgiveness, even in the face of human failings or failures.

God’s Creativity: Psalms celebrate God’s wisdom displayed in the beauty and order of creation.

The Psalms teach—

Psalms teaches us that we can be real & raw with God!

Psalms teaches us to ask for Godly wisdom & input.

Psalms teaches us to be thankful in all circumstances.

Psalms teaches us where to go when we’re afraid or in trouble.

Psalms teaches us how to find strength when we’re weak

Psalms teaches us to never forget who God is, and what He’s done.

Psalms teaches us how to fight our battles.

Answer Key: Lament, Thanksgiving, Trust, Wisdom, Royal, on purpose, a purpose,, knows, better, yourself, REAL, hearts, do, desire, heart, mess, mistakes, disfunction, won’t, hiding, forgive, restore, reverence, humility, boldness, sincerity, gratitude