In week 38 of reading the Bible in a year, we will read Psalms 104-106 and then dive into the first half of 1 Chronicles. This week promises a diverse exploration of praise, reflection, and a history of some of ancient Israel’s foundations!

Psalms 104-106

Psalms 104-106 conclude Book 4 of the Psalms. These poetic verses will offer a mix of praise, reflection, and stories from the past. Psalm 104 paints a vivid picture of God’s incredible power in creating and sustaining the world around us. As we move to Psalms 105 and 106, we will step into the history of Israel, learning about moments of divine help and times when faith wavered. These Psalms provide a chance to appreciate, think about our own lives, and discover the enduring grace that weaves through these ancient words.

After reading these chapters, consider the following reflection questions:

  1. How does Psalm 104’s portrayal of God’s power in creation impact your understanding of the natural world?
  2. In what ways can you integrate a sense of awe and appreciation for God’s sustaining power into your daily life?
  3. Reflect on moments in your own life where you’ve experienced divine help or times when your faith has been tested. How did these experiences shape your spiritual journey?
  4. Consider the themes of enduring grace found in Psalms 105 and 106. How might recognizing and embracing God’s enduring grace influence your perspective on challenges and uncertainties?

1 Chronicles 1-17

Next, we will read a little more than half of 1 Chronicles, chapters 1-17, and will get a glimpse into the historical and spiritual foundations of ancient Israel. The first 9 chapters will give detailed genealogies of Israel’s tribes, tracing the ancestry leading up to the reign of King David. Don’t despair, there will be a few interesting nuggets mixed into the lists of names!

Chapters 10-17 will begin the unfolding saga of King David’s reign. Starting with King Saul’s consequences of disobedience, we will transition to the anointment of David as king and witness David’s triumphs in battle, the formation of his loyal and mighty companions, the relocation of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, and God’s instructions to David. As we delve into this portion of 1 Chronicles, we should anticipate not only the historical chronicles, but also the profound spiritual insights that underpin the events. As you read these chapters, consider extracting lessons that can be applied to your own life!

After reading these chapters, consider the following reflection questions:

  1. Genealogies can seem detailed and challenging to engage with. Amidst the lists of names in the first 9 chapters, did you discover any interesting nuggets or connections that stood out to you?
  2. How might understanding the ancestral heritage of Israel’s tribes contribute to a deeper appreciation of the historical and spiritual foundations of the nation?
  3. Explore the consequences of King Saul’s disobedience and the anointment of David as king. In what ways do these events resonate with the consequences and rewards of obedience in your own life?
  4. What lessons can be drawn from the formation of David’s loyal companions and the triumphs in battle? How might these lessons inspire commitment and courage in your own life?
  5. Consider the relocation of the Ark of the Covenant. How does the reverence and importance attached to this sacred object influence your understanding of worship and God’s presence?
  6. Reflect on David’s prayer of thanksgiving. In what ways can cultivating a heart of gratitude enhance your spiritual journey?
  7. As you read about the establishment of God’s covenant with David, consider the significance of divine promises in your own relationship with God. How do these promises provide reassurance and hope in challenging times?

Flexible Plan: Reading for Week 38

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!

Printable Resource: Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Weekly Assignments

7-Day Reading Assignment: Week 38

For those who prefer a more organized approach, the weekly assignment can be broken into seven sections:

Printable Resource: Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Daily Assignments

5-Day Reading Assignment: Week 38

Or if you know that you are likely to miss a day or two of reading, the weekly assignment can be broken into five sections:

Respond

As you read these passages, were there any Bible verses or themes that made an impact? If so, add a comment at the end of this post!

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Related Resources

Visit the Joyful Moments in Christ homepage for all posts, or scroll through other blog posts related to reading the Bible in a year: