Read the Bible in a Year: Week 19 – Faith and Struggles in Psalms and 1 Samuel

This week, we will finish the second section of the book of Psalms, and then will dive into the book of 1 Samuel.

David’s Emotional Psalms: Betrayal, Prayer, and Praise

As we read Psalms 55-72, we will encounter a mixture of expressions, including moments of thanksgiving and praise, but predominantly, these psalms will grapple with profound themes of betrayal, oppression, persecution, and injustice. Many of these heartfelt compositions were written by King David, a complex figure in history. While he was a great king, his life was also marked by some very dark moments, some of which were self-inflicted, while others were brought on by external sources. In these psalms, we will witness David wrestling with some very intense emotions and he will plead with God for protection, deliverance, rescue, and victory over enemies.

These psalms serve as a poignant reminder that during times of tribulation, we too can pour out our sorrows before God. After all, God already knows our thoughts! By following David’s example we can unburden ourselves, all while keeping God’s promises and faithfulness in mind. We can take solace in the assurance that God stands by our side, attentively listening, even when his responses may appear delayed.

Read: More Blog Posts from the Psalms

Hannah’s Prayer and Samuel’s Prophetic Journey

The book of 1 Samuel will begin with the story of Hannah, a woman grappling with infertility. In her anguish, she pours out her grief to God, who is moved by compassion and opens her womb. In heartfelt gratitude, she dedicates her firstborn child, Samuel, to the service of the Lord. This is no trivial pledge as it involves entrusting him to the temple’s care, under the guardianship of the priest, Eli. In any case, Samuel’s upbringing is steeped in the knowledge of God, and as time unfolds, he eventually begins to hear God’s audible voice and steps into the role of a prophet. In these first few chapters, we will see Samuel deal with conflicts with the Philistines as well as reluctantly appoint Israel’s first King, Saul.

Next week, we will continue the book of 1 Samuel and be introduced to David!

Read: More Blog Posts from 1 Samuel

Flexible Plan: Reading for Week 19

If you are following the flexible plan for reading the Bible in a year, here is your reading assignment. You can break up the reading however you like throughout the week!