SUMMER 2024: A PLAYLIST FOR THE ROADTRIP OF LIFE
series preview
introduction
Scott Bullock
Embarking on the roadtrip of life is much like assembling a playlist for a cross-country journey, and for centuries, the Psalms have been the musical companion to countless travelers. From collective sing-alongs of praise to individual cries for mercy, the Psalter serves as a rest and oasis for souls navigating the challenging paths of life. Described as an anatomy of the soul, the Psalms offer a perfect sanctuary for those desperately seeking to make sense of their journey. This summer’s preaching series, ‘The Book of Psalms: A Playlist for the Roadtrip of Life,’ serves as a roadmap through the greatest hits of praise, lament, thanks, and trust, providing a meaningful guide for those on the journey of self-discovery.
Designed thematically for the summer season, over the course of 12 weeks, the series warmly invites you and your community to join in singing the timeless songs of this book. Athanasius remarked that the Psalms contain ‘the whole human life’ within their words. By singing the songs of those who have traveled before us, we will undoubtedly find ourselves securely in their company.
All Weeks Include: AIM commentary, call to worship, prayer of confession, assurance of pardon, benediction, key quote, key illustration, more quotes, more illustrations, and discussion questions.
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summary of each week
Introducing the Psalms
Week 1 | Psalm 1 | God’s Law
There are two ways to walk in life. We can delight in God’s law or not. One way leads to growth and one to stagnation.
Psalms of Praise
Week 2 | Psalm 8 | God’s Majesty
God crowns human beings with glory and honor. Made in his image, we are given the sobering responsiblity to tend to his majestic creation.
Week 3 | Psalm 19 | Creation Reflects God
The daily rhythm of heaven and earth remind us of God. The natural world surrounding us sounds forth his goodness.
Week 4 | Psalm 133 | Unity
The good and pleasant life is one lived in harmony with others. Among other things, it is described as the dew which renews the earth.
Psalms of Lament
Week 5 | Psalm 22 | Feeling Forsaken by God
On the cross, in his feeling abandoned by God, Jesus cries the forlorn and forsaken words of Psalm 22. Both give those who suffer permission to express such sentiment.
Week 6 | Psalm 51 | Awareness of Sin
The chasm between the sin in our lives and God’s righteousness is unbridgeable apart from the merciful and cleansing work of God.
Week 7 | Psalm 91 | God as a Dwelling Place against External Dangers
It is easy to feel naked and exposed by the terrors of the world around us, but God is a dwelling place, a battlement against such danger.
Psalms of Thanks
Week 8 | Psalm 30 | Gratitude for Rescue and Healing
Life brings personal experiences that feel like hell on earth: tragedy, illness, and conflict. Only God can rescue us from the abyss and turn our mourning into dancing.
Week 9 | Psalm 107 | Gratitude for God’s Steadfast Love and Redemption
Our choices often lead us into morally destitue wastelands far from God. But, God’s steadfast love pursues us down our wayward path and restores us to life.
Psalms of Trust
Week 10 | Psalm 46 | God as Refuge
When nature breaks apart around us and nations rage, the city of God’s refuge stills the disquietude of our souls.
Week 11 | Psalm 121 | God as Our Help and Keeper
Powerful forces in the world promise to keep us, but they break down and fail to help. Only God is awake and able to deliver.
Week 12 | Psalm 130 | God as Refuge
In the best of times, waiting is difficult, but in the worst of times it can be downright painful. Waiting for God forces us to reflect upon and rest in the trustworthiness of his character.
Scott Bullock
Scott Bullock is a Board Member and Contributor with The Pastors Workshop. He is an ordained Presbyterian minister who has served churches in Illinois, New Jersey, and California. He holds an MA in New Testament Studies from Wheaton College, an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a ThM in New Testament from Princeton Theological Seminary. Scott is married with three teen-aged children.
FAQ:
What is AIM Commentary?
AIM stands for Ancient context, the text through the lens of Jesus (Ἰησοῦς), and our Modern application.
Understanding the Ancient or original context of the passage is necessary to inform and guide our interpretation. We also believe along with the Reformers that the interpretation of the Ancient context of the Hebrew scripture for the church necessarily flows through its Lord, Jesus Christ. Furthermore, we affirm that the role of the preacher to bring the congregation from the Ancient context through Christ and to the Modern context, making the message real in our hearts and lives.