The “Jesus Focus” in the Psalms

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Psalms

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Psalms

Theme of Psalms

Psalm 1:6

“Lament and Praise”

God the Great King provides the words of lament and praise that are appropriate responses to Him.

 “for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”

Christ-Focus in Psalms

Implications from Psalms

Hooks from Psalms

Christ is the embodiment and means for our appropriate response to the Great King.

 “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church.

 He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

 – Colossians 1:15-18

We can talk to God about everything as we grow in the unbreakable relationship with the Father that Jesus secured for us.

 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

– Philippians 4:6-7

Is your faith strong enough for you to be honest with God? Are you trying to hide things from him? Do you share only the joyful and happy parts of your life with God, or also the darker parts of doubt, fear, and sadness?

 Is there room in your faith community for you to express these feelings? How would you rate the communication in your faith community’s relationship with God?

 What is your motivation for prayer? Do you primarily want God to give you things or do things for you, like some great cosmic concierge? Or do you want to open up your life to God as you get to know him better? Have you spent some time lately thanking God for your relationship with Him, which cost Him so much to bring about?