Stand-alone Study #2

Psalms 42-43

Psalms 42-43

This Stand-alone study will focus on Psalms 42-43. We will treat the chapters as one continuous portion of Scripture and apply our questions to the whole, rather than addressing them chapter by chapter.

*For a refresher or introduction to the method, see:

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Day 1:

▲ Make a general summary statement/paraphrase of what you think this portion of Scripture is about. (You may want to include any background/context information you come across in cross-referencing or deeper study.)

Day 2:

↑ What does this teach me about God?

Day 3:

↓ What does this teach me about man/humanity?

Day 4:

† What does this teach me about Christ (or how does this point me to Christ?

Day 5:

✓How can I apply this to my life?

Questions to consider for application:

(¹)

Psalm 42:

• How might the Psalmist's approach to sorrow and despair provide a framework for coping with our own feelings of emotional suffering?

• How can the Psalmist's use of nature imagery deepen our understanding of his spiritual longing and emotional suffering?

• How does the Psalmist's honest confrontation with his feelings encourage us to be honest with ours, especially when it comes to our faith journey?

Psalm 43:

• How does the psalmist handle feelings of rejection and despair? How can we apply this approach in our lives?

• How can we find hope in God when we feel abandoned or in despair?

• What actionable steps can you take to seek God's light and truth in your life, as the psalmist does in this passage?

Day 6/7:

Use the extra day to check cross-references, look up any word definitions you may want to understand better, and check study notes and commentaries to see how your interpretation compares to what others have said.

*Do this only after you have answered the above questions and attempted to interpret with the help of the Holy Spirit. If we rely on study notes and commentaries, we will never learn to deeply engage with the text and “rightly divide” it ourselves.

→ Memorization Challenge:

*We will not be reciting as a group for the stand-alone sessions, but here’s a short challenge to keep hiding God’s Word in our hearts:

• Psalm 43:5

  Why are you cast down, O my soul,
  and why are you in turmoil within me?
  Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
  my salvation and my God. (ESV)

Accountability Questions to Consider:

• How have I been using my time? Am I honoring the Lord, or fulfilling my own desires?

• Have I shared the good news of Jesus with anyone lately? Am I praying for opportunities to do so?

Options to Go Deeper:

• Devotional—Psalm 42-43: Why Are You Downcast, O My Soul? (with an option to watch or read)

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you that you are our Rock, a sure foundation and deep comfort no matter what trials and storms we may endure. Help us to remember you, no matter what painful circumstances may arise in our lives. May our hope always be in you alone and may praise flow regardless of any feelings of despair and grief. You are our peace. You are our greatest joy. May our lives continually testify to these truths.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Blessings 🤍

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