With a Heart Like David: Pursuit of a King Through the Heart of a Shepherd

By Lori Grunau

For many, the book of Psalms has simply been a book of poetry to turn to in crisis. It’s a quick fix for strength and encouragement, an offered scripture to loved ones in times of need. These beautiful, poetic songs have always been there waiting for our return, however, what if there is more? What if this glorious book has a far deeper meaning than we have given it credit? What if there is more for us than the occasional reference in a Sunday morning sermon or a scripted close to a sympathy card when a loved one passes?

In With a Heart Like David, author Lori Grunau offers a Bible study of the book of Psalms, providing an opportunity to draw closer to God as you see him from a fresh perspective. Calling for an introspective examination of your life, this guide ensures you will spend time with God reflecting on his scripture in a new and objective way.

Your prayer life will change as you learn from the prayers of others, and your appreciation for his creation will bring a new joy to your life as you learn more about his immutable attributes and divine love for you. With a Heart Like David offers a study of Psalms that will enrich your life with hope as you realize the blessings God has for you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jul 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664232112

Lori Grunau

Lori Grunau, mother of three adult children, earned a masters degree in geology and uses and applies her knowledge to God’s natural world.  She has studied scripture and has attended Bible Studies for the last fifteen years and currently co-leads and writes bible study programs for her church.  Lori lives on a farm with her husband and three dogs where they enjoy the peace and presence of God

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Copyright © 2021 Lori Grunau.

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Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright

© 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TM. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,

Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by

The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org

ISBN: 978-1-6642-3210-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-3212-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-3211-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021908290

WestBow Press rev. date: 6/29/2021

To my beloved children, Ben, Will and Sarah, and my

husband and best friend George. Like David, keep

pursuing God’s own heart! I love you all very much.

Contents

Why Study the Psalms

How to Use This Study

Introduction to the Book of Psalms

Lesson 1:     The Life of David

Day 1:     Rest Granted from the One Who Doesn’t Sleep

Day 2:     An Ever-Present Help in Times of Trouble

Day 3:     A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Day 4:     The Weight of Conviction

Day 5:     From the Prison of a Cave

Lesson 2:     The Life of Moses

Day 1:     Moses Flees Midian

Day 2:     Moses and a Burning Bush

Day 3:     The Gift of the Law

Day 4:     Moses and Aaron and Water from a Rock

Day 5:     Hope from the Everlasting

Lesson 3:     The Brevity of Life

Day 1:     The Dwelling Place

Day 2:     A Thousand Years Is a Day

Day 3:     To Number Our Days

Day 4:     The Mortal Return

Day 5:     Much to Do and Little Time to Do It

Lesson 4:     The Heart of God

Day 1:     Our Omniscient God

Day 2:     Our Omnipotent God

Day 3:     Our Omnipresent God

Day 4:     Our Perfect God

Day 5:     Our Loving God

Lesson 5:     Prayer in the Psalms

Day 1:     Praise to the Father

Day 2:     Petition to the Lord

Day 3:     Forgiveness from the Lord

Day 4:     Laments

Day 5:     Jesus in the Psalms

Lesson 6:     Protection of God

Day 1:     Whom Shall I fear?

Day 2:     Rock of Refuge

Day 3:     A Mighty Witness for the Lord

Day 4:     The Refuge of the Lord

Day 5:     The Lord, the Shade at Your Right Hand

Lesson 7:     The Gospel in Psalms

Day 1:     The Creation

Day 2:     Sin/Forgiveness

Day 3:     Redemption

Day 4:     Salvation

Day 5:     The Testimony of His People

Where to Go in Psalms

A Note to Leaders

Notes

Why Study the Psalms

The Holy Bible, that teaching manuscript of God, is packed with life instructions, encouragement, and wisdom from our Creator. It reveals the love of God and the forgiveness of sins when we place our trust in Him. We are given a guideline for treating others and reminded of the hope that comes from knowing our Lord. We find encouragement, peace, motivation, and tremendous blessings when we read God’s Word. But how can we benefit from reading a set of poetic prayers placed to music and written thousands of years ago? Sure, their comfort and peace are handy tools during some of our most important times in life. However, upon closer inspection, we will learn that this treasure trove of ancient hymns is so much more than their outward appearance. When we dig deeper into the life experiences of the writers, we gain a more thorough understanding of what inspired these poetic verses. It somehow connects us as humans to the hurts and brokenness of those who tried to make this same life trek that we are on today. It prompts us to look for God in all His creation and shows us how we are linked by that same sinful human nature that humankind has struggled with since the beginning of time. It is a wonderful reminder that no sin is too big for the forgiveness of God and no prayer too small for His ears. And even beyond these jewels of life application, it unravels the mystery of the Son of God. The psalms predict with astonishing accuracy the birth,