God of the Real WorldSample

This week, we’ve looked at who God is: He’s the only true God, powerful and holy. He’s also a loving, merciful, relational God; he reveals himself to us personally. He rescues us from the darkness of sin and calls us into the light, where we can know him and grow into the people he made us to be!

How should we respond to such amazing truths? We might be filled with awe as we think about God’s power and holiness. And as we consider his forgiveness and mercy, we might feel grateful and humbled. Maybe you can’t find the words–and that’s ok. Scripture gives us a template for how we can respond to God in prayer: the Psalms. As you read the psalm below, make the words your own. Instead of reading verse 1 as, “Sing a new song to the Lord,” personalize it like this: “God, I’m singing a new song to you.” Go through the whole Psalm that way, expressing your praise to God for who he is and all he has done.

Read: Psalm 96

Reflection Questions:

1. What verses in this psalm stand out to you the most? Take some time to journal those verses and think deeply about their meaning. Do they reveal something about God that you haven’t thought about before? Do they reveal some action you need to take in light of who God is and what he’s done for you? Write your answers and reflect on them throughout this week.
2. Throughout the psalm, the writer talks about telling others about God’s glory and truth. Think about where you are right now: your school, sports, friends, and home. Who in your life needs to know about God’s greatness? Write down the names of people you can be praying for. Ask God to show you how you can reflect his love to them.