Some people seem to exhibit resilience and joy no matter what they are facing. Others appear to be regularly trapped in the swamp of situations that are out of their control. How can you experience more of your Christian life in the first category and shepherd yourself and others from a place of burden to the experience of blessing? The Psalms are an amazing source of insight and comfort, but they also reveal deep patterns that are repeated in their various genres. How can we spot these overarching patterns and use them to bring spiritual health and flourishing?
1. The Path From Burden to Blessing
Psalm 1 forms the introduction to the book of Psalms and outlines a particular destination God wants to lead you to—a place of blessing. Does blessing mean that all of your problems are solved? If not, what
exactly is the experience of blessing, and how can you reclaim it when it seems to be lost? We will explore how the ancient songs can pattern your mind and your soul.
2. The Path of Lament
Over a third of the psalms in Scripture are Psalms of lament, yet this practice is sadly missing in much of modern Western Christianity. Is it possible to honestly complain in a way that leads you to peace and trust? We will explore Psalm 13 as a classic song of lament and examine the four moves that take you from burden to blessing.
3. The Path of Sovereignty
We know that God is king of the universe and in absolute control. Yet how do you take this truth and make it real when you are facing difficulty and confusion? Psalm 46 shows us the path to bring the sovereignty of God into your current experience in a way that leads to peace and rest.
4. The Path of Repentance
In the first of the 95 Theses Luther nailed to the Wittenburg door, he said this: “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said ‘Repent,’ he willed the entire life of believers should be one of repentance.” What is the difference between repentance and remorse or regret? How can repentance be a part of the daily life of a believer, and what fruit does it bring? Psalm 51 will bring us some clear answers.
5. The Paths of Wisdom and Praise
When you are facing significant challenges, there is a need for comfort and assurance, but also for clear instructions as to what to do next. Wisdom psalms, such as Psalm 73, show how you can gain God’s perspective and clear insight into how to put truth into action. In every situation, your spirit is lifted when you engage in the discipline of praise. Psalm 66 shows us the path to this blessing.
Speaker Biography:
Dave Patty has been involved in training youth leaders and leading national and international youth movements in Europe for over 30 years. He serves as the president of Josiah Venture. He is also a founding member of Global Youth Initiative, which mobilizes and equips youth ministry trainers in over 60 countries of the world. Dave is an ordained pastor with a BA in theology and a MA in education. He has also done graduate work in leadership development at Harvard University. For the past 27 years he has lived in the Czech Republic, and he spent the 10 years before that in Germany. Dave is married to Connie and has three grown children, Tyler, Caleb, and Claire.
