Bible Study Notes 3/18/2025

WORD ALIVE! BIBLE STUDY ©2025

Journey in the Psalms: Prayer, Praise and Promise

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton – Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Quiet Time: Tracy M. Summer, Psalms: An All-In-One Study on God’s Song BookLesson 6 - Part 1

Tues., 18 March 2025

Lesson 6, Part 1 “Confident Victory in God.” – A “confident faith” is  one of the most important and essential aspects of maturity for a Christian. The “hope” we possess as followers of Jesus Christ is a “confident belief” in the assurance of God’s power, protection, and presence in our lives. This is why the Scriptures boldly states, “We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we have this hope, we don’t have to [look ] for it.” (Romans 8:24, NLT).  In Psalm 20, comprised of verses 1-9, we hear the words of a godly king. It appears the king is preparing to face his enemies in battle. Although the king, thought to be David, admits trouble looms before  him, a strong confession of confidence in God is given. David extols the Lord who “hears” the cries of His people, and “answers” their petitions. The psalmist is “confident” in the knowledge that the help needed will come from a holy place. Some translations describe this place as Mt. Zion, the holy mount where the great Temple would later be constructed and completed during Solomon’s reign as King of Israel. David is confident that the gifts we offer to God brings delight to Him. In times of our needs, the Lord remembers the sincerity of our gifts, and how we have been obedient in honoring Him. David observes while others put their confidence in tangible instruments of power, confidence and obedience to God only, will bring victory. The opposition will fail and fall because of their prideful boasting; the righteous will “rise,” God is given shouts of victory because  of His righteousness and goodness!

Verses &  Observation for Psalm 20:1-9

Observe         Interpret     Apply

(1-2) – The Lord’s Help in times of trouble.

(3)    – The Lord receives our honest sacrifices

(4)   – God fulfills our desires and purposes.

(5)    – The Lord answers our prayers; fulfills needs.  

(6)    – God will save all who trust Him.

(7)    – We can have confidence in the name of the Lord.

(8)    – Trusting in ourselves and our plans alone is futile.

(9)    – We can depend on God for victory over opposition.

Key Idea:

What We Believe!

1. “Your word is a lamp to my feet  and a light to my path!”  - Psalm 119:105

Key Verses:

Psalm 20:1-2, NLT 1 “In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.. May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm. 2 May He send you help from His sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem.

Psalm 20:3, NLT

3 May He remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings. Interlude

Psalm 20:4, NLT

4 May He grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed.

Psalm 20:5, NLT

 5 May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of God. May the Lord answer all your prayers.

Psalm 20:6, NLT

 6 Now I know that the Lord rescues His anointed king. He will answer Him from His holy heaven and rescue Him by His great power.

Psalm 20:7, NLT

7 Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.

Psalm 20:8, NLT

8 Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise and stand.

Psalm 20:9, NLT

9 Give victory to our king, O Lord! Answer our cry for help.

Helpful Word Meanings:

Trouble – The Hebrew word used often is Tsarah (sar-raw), which describes a situation of distress or adversity. It is something a person needs to be released from; out; or, beyond. 

Psalm 143:11 – David prays, “For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of my trouble.” (NIV

Sanctuary – The Hebrew word used often is Mikdash (me kash), which describes a sacred place. It means “to be in a holy place.” It is to be surrounded by God’s presence and protection.

Psalm 27:5-6 –“For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in His sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord.” (NLT)