This Isn't Your Average Bible Study
Explore God's Word on a deeper level and engage with his truth in fresh ways! This study on select psalms of hope invites you beneath the surface to discover the incredible design and purpose of this inspired Hebrew poetry.
Perfect for group discussion or personal reflection, Discovering Hope in the Psalms offers valuable teachings, motivating devotions, and a multitude of creative options for interacting with the ten psalms covered—including beautiful artwork to color. These psalms will show you how to...
- recall the Lord's care when you find you're in need
- rejoice in God's mercy when sin knocks you down
- rest in God's goodness when life seems unfair
- request help with hope when dark troubles abound
- respond with thanksgiving for all answered prayers
Unique Features
This book shines in the multitude of ways it offers for you to interact with the Psalms. Why? Because the more ways we interact with Scripture, the better we remember and apply its message. We want you to remember the hope that God's Word offers you!
Here's what you'll find in each of the eight chapters:
- In-depth Bible Study. Five 20-minute lessons dive deep into what the psalms teach about hope and show how to interpret Hebrew poetry.
- The Little Details. Sidebars supply extra details that enthuse those who have studied God's Word for years (and those who love having all the pieces in place).
- Hope Alive. Popular and prolific author Pam Farrel inspires with a delightful devotion on setting hope alive in your heart.
- My Psalm. Step-by-step instructions walk you through writing a personal prayer psalm.
- Worshiping with Psalms. A closing devotional guides you in praying psalms in a way that buttresses hope in God and draws you near him.
- Creative Connection. Artist Karla Dornacher explains practical and easy ways to meditate on verses using art.
- Creative Options: Suggestions abound for interacting creatively with psalms so that you're not only experiencing the psalms' hope, but discovering ways to share hope with others. Start simply by coloring Karla's charming illustrations or experiment freely with visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, and culinary arts.
More Endorsements!
Discovering Hope in the Psalms is a wonderful guide for learning to understand and live the rich truths of Psalms. Jones not only unpacks the historical and theological meaning of the Psalms, but provides practical exercises to personally experience these truths in your daily life. The chapters are short and easy to digest, and yet filled with meaning and depth. As this book helps you to worship God through the Psalms, you will be encouraged and blessed.The authors spoke directly to me through their commentary. You will discover hope as you are drawn to the beauty of this study. Thank you, ladies, for illuminating the truth of the Word and doing it in such a creative way.Discovering Hope in the Psalms is a fresh new way to dive into Scripture. Each page is an invitation to embrace real hope found only in God’s Word, while also providing fun ways to express truth with creativity.The creative team hit Refresh on the Psalms with this remarkable gem. The majesty and history of the psalms shine with new clarity and application with tools for every learning style. A stunning, rich, and deep resource.Discovering Hope in the Psalms is a gift to all who open its pages. It leads readers into a deeper understanding of God’s Word, shows them how to apply it, and then encourages them to worship Him through creative arts. These three women have produced a masterpiece!Discovering Hope in the Psalms is a cool drink for the parched soul. It engages all the senses to experience God in a new and fresh way. Awaken the inner artist and allow hope in the Creator to fill your empty spaces and weary places.For years, every morning I’ve found peace, inspiration, and solace in the Psalms. This book takes my experience to a new level—hope—beyond the beauty of the words into the deep meaning and benefit of the verses.Let these psalms come alive afresh within your soul! The authors have masterfully crafted each study to plumb the depths of the biblical text. This guide is unsurpassed by its multitude of creative ways to make these spiritual truths sing within your own spirit passionately and personally.Even More Endorsements!
You had me at “Culinary Arts Options.” I'm almost at a loss for words to describe the breadth and depth and wonder of this unlike-any-other Bible study. The authors and artist have created a fully immersive experience that can't help but draw participants into the psalms and the refreshment of their hope-giving lessons. Every exquisite detail points to the Author and Artisan of Hope.As a women’s ministry leader, pastor’s wife and author, I’ve done countless Bible studies, most written by big name authors. This study on Psalms by Pam Farrel, Jean E. Jones, and Karla Dornacher is one of the best. Jean E. has a way of taking biblical knowledge and leading readers into personal depth. Filled with insight, this study will leave you a deeper worshiper, more in love with God. For any believer who longs for more, this study is for you.This book is like a gift filled with hope. It’s one of the prettiest, more creative Bible studies I’ve found. Love it!This book is filled with hope, encouragement, and joyful expectation. In days that seem darker and darker for true followers of Christ in this country and around the globe, we are all looking for a strong message of hope. The authors bring the text alive and ask the right questions to drive the message of the psalmist deep inside—where the Word of God can do its transformative work. This is a “must do” series for those who want to let a lot of light in the room during these darkening times.A beautiful book that will fill your mind with solid teaching, stimulate your heart to creative expression, and lighten your soul with hope.Never before have I seen a Bible study quite like this one! It invites readers to engage with their Creator with Bible wide open and colored pencils splayed all around! It is perfect for the seasoned Christian as well as those new to the faith, whether an “artist” or simply a woman who likes to doodle in the margins. All are welcome in the pages of this book and will find great hope as they interact with God’s living Word.I am thrilled with Discovering Hope in the Psalms because of its multi-faceted approach to studying hope in the Bible. Not only do we dig into God’s Word, but we learn how to practice it daily. We even have beautiful coloring pages to embrace all our senses. A must-read for anyone wanting to grow deeper with God.The Bible study is spiritually deep and theologically sound. It will encourage the reader to find hope in God through the Psalms, a hope we all need.Still More Endorsements!
Discovering Hope in the Psalms is a delightful, life-changing book. I have just finished 22 months of battling 4 different cancers with 4 surgeries and months of chemotherapy. I know what it means to need hope. And I know of no better place to go for hope than the Psalms. The authors provide a careful, practical treatment of selected psalms that offer hope. I highly recommend this book and am thankful to God for its release.I believe women are going to get the maximum benefit from Discovering Hope in the Psalms because of the study’s interactive nature and the opportunity to color and draw as we study God’s Word.Pam, Jean, and Karla have created a fresh and exciting tool for mining the majesty of the Psalms that enthralls me! Discovering Hope in the Psalms not only delivers an excitingly fresh Bible study, but also invites us into a Bible “QUEST” that overflows with newfound treasures and joy. This book swells our hearts, delights our creativity, and engages our spirit for a full on adventure of faith though timeless treasures of hope, restoration, and peace found only in God's Word. I passionately recommend this study!The format of this study hooked me from day one! I felt like I was devoting and going deep with God as well as seeing things for the first time thanks to the helps and insights offered by Pam, Jean, and Karla. It is a treasure chest of connection with God on multiple levels.A Bible study that is innovative, creative, and bursting with hope! As you intentionally dig deeper into the Psalms, creatively process what you discover, and prayerfully consider how to apply the truths taught, your life will change.Jean E. Jones is one of the most trustworthy companions for Bible study that I know. This study makes the Bible applicable to real life and easy to understand. In a world that is drowning in watered down Bible studies, Discovering Hope in the Psalms is a welcome and refreshing resource. I highly recommend it.This study is rich, rich, rich with hope-giving encouragement and inspiration. The authors have really nailed it with this one. Stunningly beautiful, with all kinds of creative responses and applications included, so that any woman can find an opportunity for a heart full of heaven-sent hope. Love this book!As a women’s ministry director, I am always in search of a Bible study that will truly make a difference in women’s everyday lives. This study does just that, as the authors lead you in an experiential approach to Discovering Hope in the Psalms. You will not just learn about the God of hope, but your heart will be changed. I highly recommend this study for groups or individuals, for all who need a life changing, fresh dose of hope.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Introduction: Do You Want Hope?
Psalm 1: The Hope of God's Blessing
Psalm 2: The Hope of Messiah's Reign
Psalm 51: The Hope of Mercy
Psalm 23: The Hope of the Lord's Good Care
Psalm 73: Hope When Life Seems Unfair
Psalms 42-43: Finding Hope When Downcast
Psalm 71: Continual Hope
Psalms 30 and 146: Hope Fulfilled
Tips for Committing Scripture to Heart
Notes
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Group Options
Discovering Hope in the Psalms is designed for both group and individual study. We had volunteers Angie Wright and Jean Strand time the daily lessons for us, and they average 20 minutes without optional creative projects. Knowing what your participants are used to spending in devotionals will help you decide whether the nine- or seventeen-week option is better for you. If they're new to spending regular time in Bible study, we recommend the seventeen-week option. Here are ways to use the book in group study.
Begin with an introductory meeting where you hand out discovery books, go over what to expect, and provide time for everyone to introduce themselves (see the book's introduction for icebreakers). Each time you meet, carve out time to worship with psalms in song or spoken-word poetry. Consider providing demonstrations of ways to creatively interact with psalms.
For the final meeting, consider having a potluck so participants can bring gifts of food to share as they read one of the thanksgiving prayers they wrote. Set aside time for participants to share creative projects they've finished, but not yet shared.
Nine-Week Option
One way to go through the lessons is to cover one chapter a week. The first week, begin with an introductory meeting. During each of the following eight weeks, discuss the personal questions and a few key questions from all five daily lessons of one chapter. Encourage participants to share their psalms and the creative endeavors they've begun.
Seventeen-Week Option
To extend your group's time of exploration, you could cover one chapter every two weeks. Begin with the introductory meeting and end with a potluck at the last meeting. For each chapter, participants could complete three daily lessons and begin a creative project the first week, and the second week complete the final two lessons and their psalm, and continue with their creative project. The first discussion centers on the three lessons and the project begun, while the second discussion finishes the chapter and gives everyone time to share their prayer psalm and progress on a creative project. Those who want to can explore other psalms of the same genre (usually listed in a Day 1 sidebar).
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