Study Guide for

Tunes for the Road

I Didn’t Know You Felt that Way Psalm 8

July 26, 2009

Open Up

Have you ever misunderstood how someone felt? For example, you thought someone didn’t like you because that person didn’t talk or smile around you, but actually the person was acting that way for a different reason. TRANSITION: Some people believe in a divine power that created the universe, but that powerful being is not interested in individual lives.  Today’s study balances acknowledging both the Creator awe-inspiring majesty and His love for us.

Dig In

10 Read Psalm 8 and Genesis 1:1-8 and Genesis 1:26-31. Are you someone who is more impressed and inspired by the beauty or the complexity of creation? What connection do these Bible verses make between nature and the Creator? OPTIONAL Science and Christianity are not enemies, though some people in each portray them as diametrically opposed.  Science gives us tools to see that complexity and vastness of creation.

2) Read Psalm 90:1-17. This Psalm also talks about God’s greatness, but it highlights the contrast between God’s power and humanity’s imperfections.  Sometimes we need the encouragement of Psalm 8 “God prizes us,” and sometimes we need the humility from Psalm 90.  Is this a Psalm 8 or a Psalm 90 week for you? OPTIONAL Share with your group your personal “pick me up” verses.

3) Earlier in David’s life, his best friend was Jonathan, son of King Saul; even though Saul eventually came to hate David because Saul knew that David would some day replace him. Jonathan and Saul died defending Israel from invaders, and David eventually became king. Read 2 Samuel 9:1-13. How did Mephibosheth feel when he approached David?  Describe a time when you felt similarly about coming to God. BACKGROUND: Read 2 Samuel 4:4 for Mephibosheth’s back story. In many cultures, victorious conquerors slaughtered their opponents' families, which explains Mephibosheth’s reaction to coming before David.

Work On

1) Christians believe that nature shows the awesomeness of the Creator. What do skeptics say about nature and the universe?

2) What are some personal, practical ways for Christians to be good caretakers of our God-given responsibility for nature?

Lift Up

Focus your prayer on praising the Great King for specific parts of creation, and thanking Him for His invitation to be His child.

Another Step – Advanced Study

Read Psalm 67:1-5. What do these verses say about people from every race and ethnic group? How should we treat people who don’t like us on the outside if we remember that the same Lord created us?