Use these for group work, or to assist your personal reflection.

1. In what ways does this psalm help illuminate your faith or help you understand the nature of God?
2. What does the term ‘faithful love’ mean to you, and why is it important that God does not change His love for people?
3. Why does it feel as if God is not always as reliable as we would like?  What is really happening when we think God has failed us?

In a world where there are so many beautiful things for us to appreciate, help us, Lord God, to appreciate the love which lies behind it all.  And, in Your wisdom and glory, help us see beyond the present to the time when You will recreate all things perfectly, and all creation will be one with You again.  Glory be to You, Lord God!

Use the programme which can be found on the link ‘discipleship challenges’. The ‘worksheet’ will help you follow through anything you feel is right to take up.  The following notes are for your interest and consideration.

Personal comment:

Psalm 117 is something of an enigma.  Some students of Biblical matters have suggested that the psalm lies like a chapter at the very centre of the Bible (if psalms are counted as chapters) and therefore has some special significance as a summary of God’s character and God’s work.  The psalm does indeed present us with such a summary, but I am hesitant to give it such weight, as if God used secret codes to embed within scripture the secrets of His wisdom!  No, the truthfulness of God means that His revelation is always open and accessible, as it is in Jesus Christ, the man who is God.

Ideas for discipleship programme

• Learn this psalm off by heart, and use it daily for a period of time.  See what effect it has on your life as you allow its truth to affect you.
• Pray for all those who cannot come to terms with the idea that God is faithful and true, and therefore cannot be loved.  This is a place of true desolation, where people can have little hope.  Do what you can to bless and help those who are in despair.