Read: Psalms 46
The Zion Psalms are written to praise God for establishing his people and his kingdom. They are a mix of history, culture, tradition and loyalty. They are dedicated to extolling the city of God. No other place on earth warrants this praise, according to the poets.
The Zion Psalms speak highly of Jerusalem because it was the home of the temple, Yahweh’s dwelling place. Since the presence of the Lord was in Jerusalem, it seemed fitting to write songs of adulation and to pray for its peace and its safety.
Psalm 46 teaches us something about control of our life. Moment by moment, we have to decide who we are going to let be in control of our thoughts, decisions and actions – God or ourselves.
The choice can be stressful. It seems simple and often times appropriate to control that which is at the forefront of our lives. So how do we do it? How do we give our cares and concerns over to a God so much bigger than everything?
Control is an illusion.
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
We can’t predict what we’re going to face this week. Something we know for sure is that God wants us leg to and know that He is in control. The harder things get around us, the more we try to control. This conflict we have with God is because we’re trying to control things only He can.
To help yourself give up control of your life, turn to Psalm 84 and sit in the peace of God’s presence, while seeking Him continually.
Then, read Psalm 122. Let the scripture reveal to you the unexplainable power of security and safety we have when we abide in God at a place of surrender of control over our lives.
Discussion Questions
- How are you asking the Lord to open your heart this summer? Is there something you’re holding onto that he is asking you to give up?
- Where do you find yourself fighting God for control of your life?
- What makes us God’s people? How can your Missional Community remind you of that truth? How can you remind them?
Pray the Psalms
Read and pray through the Psalms this week. As you pray, reflect on the refrain for each Psalm written below. Conclude each Psalm with “Glory to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.”
- Psalm 46 – The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold
- Psalm 63 – My soul is athirst for god, even for the living God.
- Psalm 103 – The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
- Psalm 84 – Blessed are they who dwell in your house, Lord.
- Psalm 8 – O Lord, how glorious your name is in all the world!
- Psalm 51 – The sacrifice of god is a broken spirit.
- Psalm 139 – Search me out, O God, and know my heart.