Because a couple have asked:
If you find, after doing straight inductive Bible studies for a bit of time, that a study which takes a "fill in the blank" approach doesn't set well; remember the tools you learned in our Bible study workshop. These tools can be used on your own with any study you do in the future.
Beth is labeling her approach "say it, work it, pray it" - these coincide loosely with "observation, interpretation and application". Many of the comments and questions in our current study are worded such that they are more commentary than "study"....so do your personal work with the Psalm first. I believe this is what Beth means you to do in the "Say it" phase, though she doesn't give a lot of direction. After you've studied the Psalm consider Beth's lessons (including the fill in the blanks) to be commentary; read it, evaluate it, be blessed by it, and respond to it on the basis of what the Holy Spirit has shown you in your personal study.
Here are some things you could do to "dig deeper," if you feel the need:
Mark God and Lord. GOD is the central focus of the Psalms (not man). You can learn much about God through the Psalms. Observe his names, titles, attributes and how man is to respond to Him.
Note contrasts.
Note conditional promises.
Note key words or phrases - these will give you the theme of the Psalm.
If the Psalm mentions a person discussed in a historical book of the Bible you could go back and mark the places say in II Samuel where the incident is discussed.
Are there lists? Note them.
Ask the 5 W's and an H questions.
Do word studies (these are NOT only for over-achievers ::snort::). Check the online tools in the sidebar if you don't own study tools.
Check out other references in the Bible on the same topic as the Psalm.
Did you start a list on the character of God in past studies? If so add to the list. If not, keeping a list and noting all that you see in the Word about God (with the reference) can be an amazing tool to learn about the nature and character of your God. You'll find much to add in Psalms.
Begin a list of HOW a righteous man will be blessed.
The introductory DVD set the context for these 15 Psalms....but do some further study on the context if that interests you.
Jesus said in Luke 24:44 ...."all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." Do you see anything in these 15 Psalms specifically written about Jesus?
In conclusion, if you find that Beth's approach bothers you terribly, I'm going to say to you what I said to those who disliked marking and charts, skip them. The marking and charts are tools. Beth's insights are a tool. The PRIORITY is to be in an attitude of surrendered worship while you study the Word. Study the Psalms themselves using some or all of the suggestions above.
If you decide not to do the manual, you may still want to take a look at the Principal Questions (those are the ones we'll discuss in our session). Pray for the Holy Spirit to show you areas of application. Let the Psalms lead you into a deeper awe, reverence, level of intimacy and worship to God. Then, join us for discussion and a DVD session. This is only a 6 week study, glean all you can from it.
Yes, I have found things that I have minor disagreements with in the study (I'm on week 4) BUT I've also found many gems that have led me closer to the face of the One I long to know better each day.
BTW, I have not received your comments as complaints. I'm excited that some love the study. I'm excited that some feel the need to dig deeper! God is good, let's commit to spending the next 6 weeks together responding to His character as observed in these 15 Psalms; regardless of which tools we decide to use for our personal study.
Choosing Joy! De'Etta
