January 15: Praise God the Provider (Psalm 65)

To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:

Read Psalm 65:1-7 and discuss the following questions with your group.

1. What examples of God’s provision does the psalmist mention in these verses?
2. Specifically, how does God demonstrate that he is Savior? How does he demonstrate that he is Creator?
3. What would it mean to “come near to live in God’s courts” (v. 4)?

Read Psalm 65:8-13 and discuss the following questions with your group.

4. What examples of God’s provision does the psalmist mention in these verses?
5. If the first half of the psalm exalts God as Savior and Creator, how does this half of the psalm lift him up as Sustainer?
6. How does the psalmist personify creation—i.e., present nature with human attributes? What effect does (or should) that have on us?
7. How did Jesus, in his teaching, confirm that God is our Provider?

To encourage personal application:

Lead your class in a discussion of the following questions.

1. How easy is it for you to take God’s provision for granted?
2. Do those who have little—or a lot—tend to fall into that mindset? Why?

Consider breaking into small groups or pairs for this concluding activity.

1. In what area of your life do you need God’s provision?
2. Read Psalm 65 again silently. How does it speak to that need?

Pray for each other’s situation. Then close with prayers of thanksgiving for God’s provision in the past and for his promise to be faithful in the future.