The Daily Devotional Series
Psalm, Volume 1
By
Kristi Burchfiel
© 2012 Kristi Burchfiel
Smashwords Edition
Scripture quotations are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
Introduction
What is The Daily Devotional Series?
The Daily Devotional Series was born from my own personal devotions. As part of my daily time with God, I wanted to be able to read and study a whole book of the Bible at a time. However, I also wanted to be able to focus on one specific thought or idea that I could hold on to for the whole day.
Ultimately, I decided to take one book of the Bible at a time, read through one chapter a day, and then focus on a truth from one verse in that chapter. This allows me to balance the consistency of going through a whole book at a time with the specific focus I need for that particular day.
How do I use The Daily Devotional Series?
I encourage you to take the time to read through the entire chapter for each day so you can get the full story and background information. However, realize that is not necessary to be able to follow and learn from the devotionals. Each devotional focuses on one verse, the truth in that verse, and a response to pray back to God.
May you be blessed as you study God’s word and apply it to your life daily.
Background – Psalm
For centuries, people have used songs as a way to share their feelings and emotions. Ideas that were difficult to express in words alone could be brought to life and given deeper meaning when put to music.
The book of Psalm is, in essence, the hymnbook of the Bible. The songs here are written by multiple authors over a span of almost 1000 years. These were later compiled into five “books” which make up Psalm. The songs address historical issues, personal struggles, emotional triumphs, betrayals, and so many more issues. Through them all, God’s glory is evident and praised. These songs give examples from people who are feeling some of life’s rawest and deepest emotions, and they still continue to trust in God.
The Psalms are a wonderful book to read and meditate on. They offer encouragement, hope, and peace. Several of the songs are prophetic in nature and directly refer to the coming redeemer, Jesus Christ. Many of the words from the psalms are quoted throughout the New Testament by several authors, including Jesus Christ himself. For example, Psalm 22 is an almost direct representation of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, with Jesus quoting directly from the psalm while hanging on the cross.
For The Daily Devotional Series e-books, Psalm has been split into three volumes. Volume one contains Psalm “book” 1, which is made up of the first 41 chapters. Volume two consists of “books” 2, 3, and 4 and consists of chapters 42 through 106. Volume three finishes off the Psalms with “book” 5 and contains chapters 107 through 150.
Regardless of what issue you are facing, what circumstance you find yourself in, or what emotion you are experiencing, chances are very good that there is a psalm which will address it. Allow yourself to feel the emotions of the various authors and learn from their faith as they rejoice in the Creator of all during both the highs and lows of life.
*****
Book 1
Chapter 1
Psalm 1:1--How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
Truth:
Where
do we find our counsel? Who do we look to for advice and guidance? We
are to plant ourselves firmly in Christ and receive our guidance only
from Him and others who follow Him. We need to be constantly aware of
who we are around and how they influence us. Do they influence us to
me more like Christ?
Response:
Lord,
I want to walk only in Your counsel, stand in Your path, and sit by
Your throne.
*****
Chapter 2
Psalm 2:11--Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling.
Truth:
The
Lord is worthy of all our worship and praise. He is amazing, and His
power and might are worthy of our respect. Do we not only praise the
Lord, but praise Him in a way that is honoring and respectful of the
power He possesses?
Response:
Father,
You are so many things, including powerful and just. I praise You for
Your righteousness and holiness!
*****
Chapter 3
Psalm 3:2-3--Many are saying of my soul, “There is no deliverance for him in God.” Selah. But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.
Truth:
People
and going to try and tell us that God won't be there for us or that
He will fail and disappoint us. However, the Lord is the One who
shields us, gives us glory, and lifts up our head. Will we listen to
others or follow the truth of who God is?
Response:
Lord,
many people have tried to pull me away from trusting You. Keep me
steadfast. Help me to live in the truth of who You are and what You
do for me.
*****
Chapter 4
Psalm 4:8--In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.
Truth:
Some
many things promise but often fail to provide. Our security and
protection is found only in Christ. Only by trusting Him completely
can we find peace. Are we lacking peace in an area of our life? Then
we need to place our trust in God for that area and rest in His
peace.
Response:
Lord,
You know every area of my life. I place them all in Your hand and
dwell in Your peace and safety.