Sometimes scripture language can be difficult to understand, especially when you're studying with children. These chapter summaries are designed to help make this week's scriptures easier to understand while staying true to what the text teaches. Each chapter includes simple summaries, Christ-centered thoughts, helpful background when needed, and Words to Know for difficult scripture language. Use them alongside the weekly Come, Follow Me lesson, or print them out and write your own thoughts and impressions as you study and look for Jesus Christ in the scriptures together.
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PSALMS CHAPTER SUMMARIES
August 24–30: “I Will Declare What He Hath Done for My Soul”
Psalms 49–51; 61–66; 69–72; 77–78; 85–86
Psalm 49
Earthly wealth, honor, and success cannot save us from death. God alone can redeem us from the grave. Jesus Christ offers something that no amount of money or earthly power can provide: redemption and victory over death.
1-4 Wisdom for Everyone
The psalmist calls everyone—rich and poor, important and unimportant—to listen as he shares wisdom and understanding.
Words to Know:
Dark saying: A difficult or puzzling saying
5-9 Wealth Cannot Redeem a Soul
The psalmist asks why he should fear those who trust and boast in their wealth. No amount of riches can redeem another person or pay God the price required to save a soul from death.
Christ-Centered Thought: These verses point to our complete dependence on Jesus Christ. Wealth cannot pay the price of our redemption. Only the Savior could give what was necessary to redeem us. This fits especially well with the Come, Follow Me truth for this chapter: “Redemption comes only through Jesus Christ.”
10-14 Riches and Honor Do Not Last
Everyone eventually dies, whether wise or foolish, and leaves their wealth behind. People may expect their homes, lands, and names to continue, but earthly honor does not prevent death. Those who follow this way of thinking will also go to the grave.
Words to Know:
Brutish: Without understanding or good judgment
Posterity: Descendants; people who come after them
Selah: A word used in the Psalms whose exact meaning is uncertain; it may indicate a pause in the song or poem
15 God Will Redeem My Soul
In contrast to those who trust in wealth, the psalmist declares that God will redeem his soul from the power of the grave and receive him.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ has power over the grave. Because of His Resurrection, death does not have the final victory. The footnotes for this verse also connect its promise of redemption with Christ's power to redeem and give eternal life.
16-20 Riches Cannot Follow Us After Death
The psalmist says not to fear when someone becomes rich or gains greater glory. When that person dies, none of his wealth or glory will go with him. A person who has honor but lacks understanding will eventually perish.
Christ-Centered Thought: Earthly riches and honor cannot last beyond death, but Jesus Christ offers blessings that do. Through Him, we can seek eternal life rather than placing our trust in things we cannot take with us.
Psalm 50
God calls His covenant people to remember that true worship is more than outward offerings. He wants His people to be thankful, keep their covenants, call upon Him, and live according to His words. Through Jesus Christ, we can call upon God for deliverance and receive His salvation.
1-6 God Is the Righteous Judge
God calls to the whole earth and comes with power. He gathers His covenant people and calls heaven and earth to witness as He judges them. The heavens declare that God Himself is the righteous judge.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ will come again in power and glory. He is the righteous Judge, and those who have made covenants with Him will be gathered to Him.
Words to Know:
Tempestuous: Stormy or violent
Selah: A word used in the Psalms whose exact meaning is uncertain; it may indicate a pause in the song or poem
7-13 Everything Belongs to God
God speaks to Israel about their sacrifices. He does not rebuke them for failing to offer sacrifices, but teaches that He does not need their animals because every creature and everything in the world already belong to Him.
Background: Animal sacrifices were part of the law of Moses. These verses teach that God was not dependent upon the animals His people offered Him.
14-15 Call Upon God in Trouble
God tells His people to offer thanksgiving, fulfill their promises to Him, and call upon Him in times of trouble. He asks them to glorify Him and promises to deliver them.
Christ-Centered Thought: God invites us to be grateful, honor our promises to Him, and turn to Him when we need help. Jesus Christ is our Deliverer, and as we experience His help and saving power, we can respond by giving glory and thanks to God.
16-21 God Rebukes Those Who Reject His Words
God rebukes those who speak of His laws and covenant but hate His instruction and reject His words. They join with those who do wrong and use their words for evil, deceit, and speaking against others. Although God has been silent, He has seen their actions and will correct them.
Words to Know:
Consentest: Agree with or approve of
Adulterers: People who are unfaithful to their husband or wife
Slanderest: Speak falsely or harmfully about someone
22-23 Remember God and Honor Him
God warns those who forget Him to consider His words. He says that those who offer praise honor Him, and He will show His salvation to those who live according to His ways.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ makes God's salvation possible. As we remember God and seek to follow His ways, we can look to Christ for salvation.
Psalm 51
When we recognize our sins and turn to God with a broken and contrite heart, He can cleanse and change us. Through Jesus Christ, we can receive mercy, forgiveness, and the spiritual renewal that comes through sincere repentance.
1-4 David Pleads for Mercy
David asks God to have mercy on him, blot out his sins, and make him clean. He acknowledges that he has sinned and recognizes that God is right in His judgment.
Christ-Centered Thought: Because of Jesus Christ, we can turn to God for mercy and forgiveness when we sin. Repentance begins as we acknowledge our sins and ask Him to make us clean.
Words to Know:
Lovingkindness: Mercy, kindness, and faithful love
Transgressions: Sins; acts of breaking God's commandments
Iniquity: Sin or wickedness
5-9 Make Me Clean
David recognizes sin and asks God to teach him truth and wisdom. He asks to be made clean, to experience joy again, and to have his sins blotted out.
Words to Know:
Hyssop: A plant used in purification ceremonies under the law of Moses
Purge: Cleanse or purify
10-12 Create in Me a Clean Heart
David asks God to create a clean heart in him, renew a right spirit within him, allow him to remain in God's presence,have the influence of his holy spirit, and restore to him the joy of God's salvation.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ does more than offer forgiveness—through Him, our hearts can be changed. As we repent and turn to Him, He can help us become clean and spiritually renewed.
13-17 A Broken and Contrite Heart
David says that he will teach others God's ways and praise God for His righteousness. He recognizes that God desires more than an outward sacrifice; the sacrifices God accepts are a broken spirit and a broken and contrite heart.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ asks us to come to Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Instead of offering animal sacrifices, we offer Him humble and repentant hearts. The footnote to verse 17 connects this directly with the Savior's teaching in 3 Nephi 9:20.
Words to Know:
Contrite: Humble, repentant, and sorry for sin
18-19 A Prayer for Zion
David asks God to do good to Zion and build the walls of Jerusalem. He says that righteous sacrifices and burnt offerings will then be pleasing to God.
Psalm 61
When our hearts feel overwhelmed, we can cry out to God and trust Him as our refuge and strength. Jesus Christ is a sure and steady place of safety, and as we trust Him, we can remain faithful to our covenants and praise Him for His mercy and help.
1-4 Lead Me to the Rock
David cries to God in prayer when his heart is overwhelmed. He asks God to lead him to a rock higher than himself because God has been his shelter and strong tower. David desires to remain in God's presence and trust in His protection.
Christ-Centered Thought: When we feel overwhelmed or unable to face something on our own, we can turn to Jesus Christ. He offers strength and safety beyond what we can provide for ourselves.
Words to Know:
Covert: A shelter or protected place
Selah: A word used in the Psalms whose exact meaning is uncertain; it may indicate a pause in the song or poem
5-7 God Hears and Preserves
David says that God has heard his vows and given him the inheritance of those who fear His name. He asks God to prolong the king's life and for mercy and truth to preserve him.
Words to Know:
Heritage: An inheritance or something received
Preserve: Protect or keep safe
8 Praise God and Keep My Vows
David promises to continually praise God's name and faithfully keep his vows each day.
Christ-Centered Thought: Our trust in Jesus Christ can be reflected in the way we live each day. We can praise Him and show our devotion to Him by faithfully keeping the promises we have made to God.
Psalm 62
God alone is a dependable source of salvation, hope, and strength. People, wealth, and earthly power are uncertain, but we can trust God completely. Through Jesus Christ, we can find a sure foundation and confidently turn to God with everything in our hearts.
1-2 God Is My Sure Foundation
David trusts in God as the source of his salvation and security. Because of that trust, he can remain steady.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ is a sure foundation for our lives. When we rely on Him for salvation and strength, He can help us remain steady even when life around us feels uncertain.
3-4 David Faces Dishonest Enemies
David describes people who are trying to bring him down and who cannot be trusted.
Christ-Centered Thought: People may disappoint, deceive, or turn against us, but Jesus Christ is always trustworthy. We can rely on Him even when we cannot rely on others.
5-8 Trust God at All Times
David teaches that God is a dependable source of hope, strength, and safety. He invites everyone to trust God and openly share their hearts with Him.
Christ-Centered Thought: We can bring everything in our hearts to Jesus Christ. He knows us completely, and we can trust Him to be a safe and steady source of help.
9-10 Do Not Put Your Trust in Earthly Things
People, position, and wealth cannot provide lasting security, so we should not place our hearts or trust in them.
Christ-Centered Thought: The things of this world can change or disappear, but Jesus Christ does not. Building our lives around Him gives us something lasting to trust in.
11-12 Power and Mercy Belong to God
True power belongs to God, who is also merciful and judges each person according to their actions.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ perfectly combines power with mercy. Because of His Atonement, we can receive mercy while also trusting in God's perfect justice.
Psalm 63
David deeply desires to be close to God and finds greater satisfaction in His love than in anything else. As we seek Jesus Christ, remember Him, and stay close to Him, He can fill our souls with joy and help us feel secure in His care.
1-2 My Soul Thirsts for God
David earnestly seeks God and describes his desire for Him as thirst in a dry land. He longs to be in God's presence and experience His power and glory.
Christ-Centered Thought: Our souls need Jesus Christ just as our bodies need water. As we sincerely seek Him, He can satisfy spiritual needs that nothing else can fill.
3-5 God's Love Satisfies My Soul
David treasures God's lovingkindness more than life itself. Remembering God's goodness fills him with praise and satisfies his soul.
Christ-Centered Thought: The love and goodness we receive through Jesus Christ can bring deep and lasting satisfaction. As we recognize what He has done for us, our gratitude can naturally lead us to praise Him.
Words to Know:
Lovingkindness: God's mercy, kindness, and faithful love
Marrow and fatness: An image of rich, satisfying food
6-8 I Remember God and Stay Close to Him
David thinks about God during the night and remembers the help He has given him. Because God has cared for him, David rejoices and chooses to stay close to Him.
Christ-Centered Thought: Remembering the ways Jesus Christ has helped us can strengthen our trust in Him. We can choose to stay close to the Savior and rely on His strength and care.
Words to Know:
Followeth hard after: Clings closely to or earnestly follows
9-11 God Will Deal with David's Enemies
David trusts that those seeking to destroy him will not ultimately succeed, while the king and those who trust in God will rejoice.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ has ultimate power over evil. We can trust Him even when we face opposition, knowing that wickedness will not have the final victory.
Psalm 64
When others secretly plan evil against us, we can turn to God for protection instead of being overcome by fear. God sees what is hidden and will ultimately act against wickedness. Through Jesus Christ, we can trust God's justice, find refuge in Him, and rejoice in His goodness.
1-2 Protect Me from My Enemies
David asks God to hear his prayer and protect him from the fear and secret plans of those who seek to harm him.
Christ-Centered Thought: When we are afraid of what others might do, we can bring those fears to Jesus Christ. He hears our prayers and can be our source of safety and courage.
Words to Know:
Insurrection: A rebellion or uprising against authority
3-6 Evil Is Planned in Secret
David describes people who use hurtful words and secretly plan to harm others. They believe their actions are hidden and will not be discovered.
Christ-Centered Thought: Nothing is hidden from Jesus Christ. He knows both our actions and our hearts, which can give us confidence that He understands situations that others may not see.
Words to Know:
Whet: Sharpen
Iniquities: Sins or wicked actions
7-8 God Will Act Against Wickedness
Although David's enemies believe they can act without consequences, he trusts that God will act against them and their own words will contribute to their downfall.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ has power over evil, and we can trust His perfect justice rather than believing that wickedness will always succeed.
9-10 Trust and Rejoice in God
God’s actions will cause people to recognize His power and consider what He has done. Those who trust in the Lord can rejoice in Him and praise Him.
Christ-Centered Thought: As we recognize the power and works of Jesus Christ, our trust in Him can grow and give us reason to rejoice and praise Him.
Psalm 65
God hears prayers, forgives sin, and blesses His people with His goodness. His power is seen throughout creation, and His care provides abundantly for the earth. Through Jesus Christ, we can draw near to God, receive forgiveness, and recognize His goodness all around us.
1-4 God Hears and Forgives
David praises God because He hears prayers, forgives sin, and allows His people to come near to Him and enjoy His goodness.
Christ-Centered Thought: Because of Jesus Christ, our sins can be forgiven and we can draw near to God. The Savior makes it possible for us to return to God's presence and receive His abundant goodness.
Words to Know:
Iniquities: Sins or wickedness
Purge: Cleanse or remove
5-8 God's Power Is Seen Throughout the Earth
God shows His great power throughout the earth. He established the mountains, calms the seas and the turmoil of people, and causes those in faraway places to recognize signs of His power.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ has power over all the earth. The greatness of His creations can remind us of His power and help us trust Him.
Words to Know:
Tokens: Signs or evidence of God's power
9-13 God Provides for the Earth
God provides the water and conditions needed for the earth to produce abundantly. He cares for the fields, crops, pastures, and flocks, providing what they need to flourish.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ created the earth and continues to provide the blessings that sustain life. The abundance of the earth can remind us to recognize and thank Him for His generous care.
Words to Know:
Furrows: Long, narrow rows made in soil for planting
Pastures: Land where animals feed
Psalm 66
All people are invited to praise God for His great works and power. God may allow His people to pass through difficult experiences, but He brings them through and blesses them. He hears the prayers of those who turn to Him, giving us reason to praise Him for His mercy.
1-4 All the Earth Should Praise God
The psalmist invites everyone on earth to joyfully praise God and recognize His great power.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ is worthy of praise throughout all the earth. As we recognize His power and works, we have reason to worship and honor Him.
Words to Know:
Terrible: Awesome, mighty, or causing reverent fear
5-7 Come and See What God Has Done
The psalmist invites people to remember the powerful things God has done for His people, including bringing Israel safely through the waters.
Christ-Centered Thought: Remembering what the Lord has done in the past can strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ and His power to help and deliver us today.
8-12 God Brings His People Through Trials
The psalmist praises God for preserving His people even as He allows them to be tested and experience hardship. After their difficulties, God brings them to a place of abundance.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ can sustain us through difficult experiences. Trials may test us, but we can trust Him to remain with us and bring us through them.
Words to Know:
Proved: Tested
Affliction: Trouble, suffering, or hardship
13-15 I Will Keep My Promises to God
The psalmist promises to worship God and fulfill the vows he made when he was in trouble.
Christ-Centered Thought: Remembering the Lord's help can lead us to greater devotion to Him. We can honor Jesus Christ by faithfully keeping the promises and covenants we have made.
16-20 God Has Heard My Prayer
The psalmist tells others what God has done for him. He called upon God and praised Him, and God heard and answered his prayer. He ends by praising God for continuing to show him mercy.
Christ-Centered Thought: Because of Jesus Christ, we can confidently turn to God in prayer. He knows our hearts, hears our sincere prayers, and extends His mercy to us.
Words to Know:
Extolled: Praised highly or honored greatly
Regard: Give attention to
Iniquity: Sin or wickedness
Psalm 69
David writes a messianic psalm that points forward to Jesus Christ. His words describe suffering, rejection, devotion to God, and persecution, with several details specifically fulfilled in the Savior's life and Crucifixion. The psalm ultimately looks toward God's salvation and the saving of Zion.
1-4 Overwhelmed by Suffering
David describes deep, overwhelming suffering. He is exhausted from waiting for God and is hated and opposed without cause.
Christ-Centered Thought: As part of this messianic psalm, David's description of undeserved hatred can help us think of Jesus Christ, who experienced rejection and opposition despite His perfect innocence. However, the footnote to verse 4 itself is TG Hate and does not specifically identify the verse as a prophecy of Christ.
Words to Know:
Mire: Deep, wet mud
5-8 David's Sins and Reproach
David acknowledges that God knows his sins. He also describes the shame and rejection he experiences because of his devotion to God.
Christ-Centered Thought: Verse 5 reminds us that not every statement in this messianic psalm describes Jesus Christ directly; Jesus was without sin. However, David's experiences of reproach and rejection help introduce themes that later point more directly toward the Savior.
Words to Know:
Reproach: Shame, criticism, or disgrace
Confounded: Confused, ashamed, or discouraged
9-12 Zeal for God's House
David's devotion to God brings ridicule and opposition from others.
Christ-Centered Thought: Verse 9 specifically points forward to Jesus Christ. When Jesus cleansed the temple, His disciples remembered the words, “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.” See John 2:14–17. The Psalm 69 footnote also identifies this verse with Jesus Christ, Prophecies about.
Words to Know:
Zeal: Strong devotion or dedication
Sackcloth: Rough cloth sometimes worn as a sign of mourning or humility
13-18 A Prayer for Deliverance
David turns to God in his suffering and asks Him for mercy, help, and deliverance.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ understands suffering perfectly and offers redemption and deliverance. These verses also teach us that when we are overwhelmed, we can turn to God and trust in His mercy.
Words to Know:
Lovingkindness: God's mercy, kindness, and faithful love
Draw nigh: Come near
19-21 Suffering That Points to Christ
David describes intense shame, sorrow, loneliness, and cruel treatment—words that also prophetically point toward the suffering of Jesus Christ.
Christ-Centered Thought: These verses contain some of the clearest prophecies of Christ in the psalm. Verse 20's description of deep sorrow is connected in the footnotes with Mark 14:32–41, when Christ suffered in Gethsemane. Verse 21's gall and vinegar are connected with what Jesus was offered during His Crucifixion. See Matthew 27:34; Mark 15:36; Luke 23:36; John 19:28–29. Both verses are identified in the footnotes with Jesus Christ, Prophecies about.
Words to Know:
Heaviness: Deep sorrow or distress
Gall: Something bitter
22-28 Judgment on Those Who Persecute
David asks God to bring judgment upon those who continue in wickedness and persecute those who are suffering.
Christ-Centered Thought: The Messiah would be persecuted, but those who opposed Him could not stop God's work. Jesus Christ ultimately has authority to judge with perfect righteousness.
29-33 God Hears Those Who Seek Him
In his sorrow, David looks to God for salvation and chooses to praise Him. He teaches that God hears those in need and gives hope to those who seek Him.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ makes salvation possible and gives us reason for hope even in sorrow. Through Him, we can seek God with confidence that He hears us.
34-36 God Will Save Zion
The psalm ends with praise and confidence that God will save Zion and provide an inheritance for those who love His name.
Christ-Centered Thought: The messianic psalm ends with hope rather than suffering. Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah, and through Him God's work of salvation will ultimately triumph.
Psalm 70
When we need help, we can turn to God with confidence and ask Him to come quickly to our aid. David trusts God as his help and deliverer and desires that everyone who seeks the Lord will rejoice in Him and continually praise His greatness.
1-3 David Asks God for Help
David urgently asks God to rescue him from those who want to harm him and to stop their efforts against him.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ is our Deliverer. When we are in trouble or need help, we can turn to Him and trust in His power to help us.
4 Rejoice in the Lord
Those who seek God are encouraged to rejoice in Him and praise Him.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ brings joy and salvation to those who seek Him.
5 God Is My Help and Deliverer
David recognizes his great need for God and asks Him to come quickly because God is the One he depends on for help and deliverance.
Christ-Centered Thought: We do not have to rely only on our own strength. Jesus Christ can be our help and Deliverer, and we can depend on Him when we recognize that we cannot do everything on our own.
Psalm 71
David looks back on a lifetime of trusting God and continues to rely on Him for help and protection as he grows older. He desires to spend his life praising God and telling future generations about His power and faithfulness. Jesus Christ is a dependable source of hope and strength throughout every stage of life.
1-4 God Is My Refuge
David trusts God for protection and asks Him to rescue him from those who seek to harm him.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ is a safe and dependable refuge. We can turn to Him for help and trust in His power to deliver us.
5-8 I Have Trusted God Throughout My Life
David looks back on a lifetime of trusting and depending on God and desires to continually praise Him.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ can be our hope throughout our entire lives. Remembering His past care can strengthen our trust in Him now.
Words to Know:
Wonder: Something that causes others to be amazed or astonished
9-13 Do Not Leave Me as I Grow Old
As David grows older and feels vulnerable, he asks God to remain near and help him against his enemies.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ does not stop caring for us as we grow older or our circumstances change. We can continue to depend on His help and strength throughout our lives.
14-16 I Will Continually Praise God
David chooses to continue hoping in God and praising Him for His righteousness and salvation.
Christ-Centered Thought: Our hope in Jesus Christ gives us continual reason to praise Him. His saving power is greater than we can fully understand or express.
17-18 Tell the Next Generation About God
David remembers being taught by God from his youth and desires to tell the next generation about God's strength and power.
Christ-Centered Thought: We can share what we know about Jesus Christ with the generations that come after us, helping them learn to recognize and trust in His power.
19-21 God Will Restore and Comfort
David remembers the many troubles he has experienced and trusts that God will restore, strengthen, and comfort him.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ gives us hope during times of trouble. Through His power, we can trust Him to strengthen and comfort us.
Words to Know:
Quicken: To revive or give life
22-24 I Will Praise God's Faithfulness
David promises to praise God and speak about His righteousness because of His faithfulness and deliverance.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ is faithful and righteous. Recognizing His goodness and His work in our lives gives us reason to praise Him and speak about Him to others.
Psalm 72
David speaks of Solomon as a type of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. The psalm describes a righteous King who brings justice and peace, cares for the poor and needy, rules over all the earth, and redeems His people. His name will endure forever, and the whole earth will be filled with God's glory.
1-4 A Righteous King
David describes a king who rules with righteousness and justice and protects those who are poor and needy.
Christ-Centered Thought: Solomon is presented as a type of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the perfectly righteous King and Judge who cares for those in need. The footnote to verse 2 specifically connects this judgment with Jesus Christ.
5-7 A Reign of Peace
The king's righteous reign is described as lasting and refreshing, bringing peace and allowing righteousness to flourish.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ is the true Prince of Peace. His righteous rule will bring the lasting peace pictured in these verses.
Words to Know:
Mown grass: Grass that has been cut
8-11 His Kingdom Will Reach the Whole Earth
The king's rule will extend throughout the earth, and kings and nations will honor and serve him.
Christ-Centered Thought: These verses point beyond Solomon to Jesus Christ, whose kingdom will ultimately extend throughout the earth and before whom all will bow. Verse 8 is cross-referenced with Zechariah 9:10, another prophecy describing the King's worldwide dominion.
Words to Know:
Dominion: Authority or rule
12-15 He Delivers and Redeems the Needy
The king cares deeply for people who are poor, needy, or without help. He delivers them from oppression and values their lives.
Christ-Centered Thought: These verses beautifully point toward Jesus Christ as our Deliverer and Redeemer. He sees and values each person, including those who may feel helpless or overlooked.
Words to Know:
Redeem: To rescue or deliver
16-17 His Blessings Will Continue
The king's reign is associated with abundance and lasting blessings, and his name will continue through future generations.
Christ-Centered Thought: These promises ultimately find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. His name endures forever, and people of every nation can be blessed through Him.
18-20 The Earth Will Be Filled with God's Glory
David ends by praising God for His wonderful works and expressing his desire for God's glory to fill the whole earth.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ will ultimately reign over the earth, and God's glory will fill it. The psalm that began by describing a righteous king ends by giving all praise and glory to God.
Psalm 77
Asaph cries to God during a time of deep trouble and struggles with questions about whether God's mercy and promises have ended. He turns from his fears to remembering God's works and His past deliverance of Israel. Remembering what God has done helps us recognize His power and trust in His ability to lead and redeem His people.
1-3 I Cried unto God
Asaph seeks God in his trouble, but his heart remains overwhelmed even as he remembers Him.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ understands us when our hearts are overwhelmed. We can cry to Him in our distress and continue seeking Him even when comfort does not come immediately.
Words to Know:
Selah: A word used in the Psalms whose exact meaning is uncertain; it may indicate a pause in the song or poem.
4-9 Has God Forgotten Me?
Asaph is so troubled that he cannot sleep or speak. As he thinks about the past, he begins to wonder whether God's mercy, promises, and kindness toward him have ended.
Christ-Centered Thought: Times of trouble can leave us wondering where God is, but our questions do not change who Jesus Christ is. His mercy and faithfulness can give us hope when we struggle to see His hand.
10-12 I Will Remember God's Works
Instead of continuing to focus on his fears, Asaph chooses to remember and think deeply about the wonderful things God has done in the past.
Christ-Centered Thought: Remembering what Jesus Christ has already done can strengthen our faith when our present circumstances are difficult. His past goodness gives us reason to continue trusting Him.
Words to Know:
Infirmity: Weakness or difficulty
Meditate: Think deeply and carefully about something
13-15 God Redeemed His People
Asaph remembers God's holiness, greatness, power, and the way He redeemed His people.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. Just as God showed His power in redeeming Israel, Christ has power to redeem us from sin and death.
16-20 God Led Israel Through the Sea
Asaph remembers God's powerful deliverance of Israel through the sea and how He led His people through Moses and Aaron.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ can lead us even when we cannot see the path ahead. God's deliverance of Israel reminds us that His power is greater than the obstacles His people face.
Psalm 78
Asaph reviews Israel’s history to teach future generations to remember God’s works, trust Him, and keep His commandments. Although Israel repeatedly forgot God and rebelled against Him, God continued to show compassion, provide for His people, and deliver them. The chapter reminds us of our need to remember the Lord and trust in His redeeming power.
1-8 Teach the Next Generation
Asaph teaches that God’s works and commandments should be passed from one generation to the next so that children will learn to trust God, remember what He has done, and obey Him.
Christ-Centered Thought: Teaching children about Jesus Christ and what He has done helps them know where to place their hope and trust. Each generation has the opportunity to help the next generation remember Him.
Words to Know:
Dark sayings: Teachings or truths that require thought to understand
Steadfast: Firm, faithful, and dependable
9-16 Israel Forgets God’s Works
The children of Ephraim failed to keep God’s covenant and forgot the miracles He had performed for Israel, including leading and providing for them in the wilderness.
Christ-Centered Thought: Remembering what Jesus Christ has done for us can strengthen our desire to trust and follow Him. Forgetting His goodness can make it easier for our faith to weaken.
Words to Know:
Clave: Split open
17-22 Israel Refuses to Trust God
Even after experiencing God’s miracles, the Israelites continued to rebel and question whether He could provide for them. Their deeper problem was that they did not believe or trust in Him.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ invites us to trust His power and His ability to save. Remembering His past goodness can help us have faith in Him when we do not know how our needs will be met.
23-31 God Provides Food in the Wilderness
God miraculously provided manna and meat for Israel, but the people continued to be ruled by their selfish desires and experienced the consequences of their rebellion.
Christ-Centered Thought: God’s provision of manna can point us toward Jesus Christ, who taught that He is the Bread of Life. He offers something greater than physical nourishment—eternal life through Him. See John 6:31–35.
Words to Know:
Corn: Grain
Fowls: Birds
32-39 God Shows Compassion
Israel repeatedly turned to God only when they were in trouble, and their hearts were not truly faithful to Him. Even so, God showed compassion and repeatedly withheld the full consequences of His anger.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ is full of compassion and mercy. Even when we have sinned, we can sincerely turn to Him and receive the forgiveness made possible through His Atonement.
Words to Know:
Vanity: Emptiness or something without lasting value
40-51 Israel Forgets God’s Deliverance from Egypt
The Israelites repeatedly rebelled because they forgot how powerfully God had delivered them from Egypt. Asaph recalls the plagues as evidence of God’s power over Israel’s enemies.
Christ-Centered Thought: Remembering God’s acts of deliverance can strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ as our Redeemer. Through Him, we can be delivered from sin and death.
52-55 God Leads His People to Safety
God led Israel safely out of Egypt, guided them through the wilderness, and brought them into the land He had prepared for them.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ is our Shepherd and Deliverer. Just as God guided Israel like a flock, the Savior can guide us and lead us toward safety.
56-64 Israel Turns Away Again
After everything God had done for them, Israel again rebelled and turned to idolatry. Their unfaithfulness brought serious consequences upon them.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ asks for our faithful devotion. Remembering Him and what He has done for us can help us resist turning our hearts toward things that draw us away from Him.
Words to Know:
Graven images: Idols or images made to be worshipped
65-72 God Chooses Judah and David
God overcame Israel’s enemies, chose Judah and Mount Zion, and chose David to shepherd and lead His people.
Christ-Centered Thought: David’s role as shepherd and king can point us toward Jesus Christ, who came through the lineage of David. Jesus is the perfect Shepherd and King who leads His people with righteousness.
Psalm 85
The sons of Korah remember the Lord’s past forgiveness and ask Him to restore His people again. They trust that God offers mercy, salvation, peace, and goodness to those who turn to Him. Through Jesus Christ, we can receive forgiveness and salvation and be led in His ways.
1-3 God Has Forgiven His People
The writers remember how God had shown favor to His people by restoring them, forgiving their sins, and turning away His anger.
Christ-Centered Thought: Forgiveness is possible because of Jesus Christ. Through His Atonement, our sins can be covered and we can be reconciled to God.
Words to Know:
Iniquity: Sin or wickedness
Selah: A word used in the Psalms whose exact meaning is uncertain; it may indicate a pause in the song or poem.
4-7 Show Us Your Mercy
The writers ask God to turn away His anger, show His people mercy, and give them His salvation.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ makes it possible for us to receive God's mercy and salvation. When we have sinned, we can turn to Him and seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
8-9 God Offers Peace and Salvation
God will speak peace to His faithful people and warns them not to return to foolishness. His salvation is near to those who fear Him.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ offers peace and salvation. As we follow Him and remain faithful, we can receive the peace He offers.
10-13 Mercy, Truth, Righteousness, and Peace
The psalm describes a time when God’s mercy, truth, righteousness, peace, and goodness will come together and bless His people.
Christ-Centered Thought: These qualities are perfectly found in Jesus Christ. Through Him, God extends mercy without abandoning truth or righteousness, and He makes peace with God possible.
Words to Know:
Increase: The produce or crops that the land yields
Psalm 86
David turns to God for mercy, help, forgiveness, and strength because he trusts in God’s goodness. He desires to learn God’s ways and follow Him with his whole heart. Jesus Christ is merciful and ready to forgive, and we can confidently call upon Him in times of trouble.
1-7 God Is Merciful and Ready to Forgive
David asks God for help and mercy, trusting that He is good, forgiving, and willing to answer those who call upon Him.
Christ-Centered Thought: Because of Jesus Christ, we can turn to God for forgiveness and mercy. We can call upon Him in our troubles with faith that He hears our prayers.
Words to Know:
Supplications: Earnest or humble prayers for help
8-10 There Is None Like God
David praises God as greater than all others and declares that people from every nation will come to worship and glorify Him.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ is Lord over all the earth. People of every nation are invited to come unto Him, worship Him, and recognize His greatness.
11-13 Teach Me Thy Way
David asks God to teach him how to live so that he can faithfully follow His truth and worship Him with his whole heart. He praises God for His great mercy and deliverance.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ shows us the way to live. As we learn from Him and follow His truth, our hearts can become more completely devoted to Him.
Words to Know:
Unite my heart: To make the heart undivided or fully devoted to God
14-17 God Gives Mercy and Strength
David is surrounded by people who want to harm him, but he turns to God for mercy, strength, help, and comfort.
Christ-Centered Thought: Jesus Christ is compassionate, patient, and full of mercy. When we face difficulty or opposition, we can depend on His strength and comfort.
Words to Know:
Longsuffering: Patient, especially when facing wrongdoing or difficulty
Token for good: A sign of God’s favor or help
Holpen: Helped
A note about my process: I use AI as a tool to help me organize, draft, and edit these study resources. I personally study the scriptures and review each summary for accuracy before sharing it.
This independent study resource is not an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is designed to be used alongside the official Come, Follow Me manual.
