Summer in the Psalms – Week 2

In the Middle of My Mess 

Psalm 34:1–8 

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.2  

I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 
5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.6  

In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. 
7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psalm 34:1–8 

BIG IDEA – When life falls apart, we don’t have to. We can choose praise, pursue God, and personally experience His goodness even in the middle of our mess. 

 

The Story Behind Psalms 34  

In the middle of my mess, I can…  

1. Praise God   

I will praise the Lord at all times.I will constantly speak his praises.2  

I will boast only in the Lord;let all who are helpless take heart.3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;let us exalt his name together.Psalm 34:1-3 

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Five Specific Fears We Face Today: 

  1. “What if I can’t provide for my family?” 
  2. “What if the diagnosis comes back positive?” 
  3. “What if my kids walk away from God?” 
  4. “What if everyone finds out I’m not okay?” 
  5. “What if I never feel whole again after this loss?” 

 

2. Pursue God 

4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 
5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;no shadow of shame will darken their faces.6  

In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. Psalm 34:1-3 
 

What We Reach for When Life Feels Out of Control: 

  • Comfort food 
  • Busyness 
  • Social media 
  • Numbing habits 

But God invites us to reach for: 

  • Praise 
  • Prayer 
  • Scripture 
  • Community 
  • Stillness 

3. Experience God 

Taste and see that the Lord is good.Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psalm 34:1–8 

Tangible Ways to Experience God This Week: 

  1. Start with worship, not your phone. 
  2. Pray out loud in the car. 
  3. Read a Psalm & journal one thought. 
  4. Be still for 5 minutes. 
  5. Do one kind act in Jesus’ name. 
  6. Share your story with someone. 

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Why Experiencing God Is Better Than Experiencing Religion: 

  1. Religion gives rules// God gives relationship. 
  2. Religion says do more// God says be with Me. 
  3. Religion feels dry // God fills with joy. 
  4. Religion points to truth// Jesus is truth. 
  5. Religion stays distant // Jesus comes close. 

 Next Steps: Living Psalm 34 This Week 

  1. Start Every Day with Praise Before Problems
  2. Name and Surrender One Fear to God in Prayer
  3. Taste and See; invite God into One Real-Life Moment

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