Bible Book Club - Susan Merrill & Heather Rubio

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Psalms 137-150: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the Lord Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

How do you go from being broken to praising God with everything you have? These final Psalms take us there.

Psalm 137 begins in the devastation of exile with God’s people weeping beside the rivers of Babylon, unable to sing. But by Psalm 150, the entire creation is commanded to praise the Lord.

In between is a journey through being fully known by God, crying out in desperation, learning to trust Him, and remembering who God is. As we reach the end of Psalms, we discover why praise can rise even before our circumstances change, and why knowing the God who knows us completely can transform the way we face everything else.

In our Psalms 137-150 Bible study, we cover:

[4:02] The Final Lament: Why Psalm 137 is the ache that makes the coming praise all the more precious.
[9:35] Holy Cravings: Why we are created to crave what Psalm 139 offers and what our life might look like if we believe we are seen, pursued, loved, and known by God.
[22:05] Praying Through Suffering: Why the returning exiles are handed Psalms 140-145, David's own prayers through suffering, to pray on their way back home.
[23:35] The Final Hallel: Why Psalms 146-150 is the final Hallelujah and why that is not a passive statement.
[32:37] Praise with Every Breath: How the word used for breath in Psalm 150 relates to the word for soul in Genesis and why every breath we take can be a Hallelujah praising God.

Psalms Show Notes

Group Discussion Questions for Psalms 137-150

[10:01] There is no need to perform for God. You are seen, pursued, and loved. Why do you think performance can become part of our relationship with God, even when we intellectually understand we don’t have to earn His love? How do you think your service to God might change if you began each day intentionally dwelling on the fact that you are completely known and loved without the need to perform?
[21:44] Psalms 140 to 145 tell the story of David's progression from danger and desperation to victory and praise. The returning exiles use these prayers to rebuild their trust in God. When you experience your darkest moments, does it help to remember God brought you, or someone else, through similar hard times? Like the returning exiles, have you ever borrowed the words of others when you're at a loss for how to pray?
[32:43] Every breath we take is meant to be a Hallelujah. Not just saying the word, but realizing our breath itself is a gift meant to praise the Giver. In the beginning, God gave us breath, or our soul, and in the end we will give it back to Him in praise. What’s one way you could praise God more throughout your day?

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This episode is part of our ongoing Bible Book Club series, starting with Genesis and journeying all the way through the Bible. Thanks for listening!

Psalm 120-136: I Lift Up My Eyes to the Mountains Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

How do you prepare your heart for worship? Start before you reach the church doors!

Israelite pilgrims sang the Songs of Ascents, also called the Pilgrim Psalms, on the road to Jerusalem because it helped them leave daily stress behind and prepare their hearts for worship.

In this episode of the Bible Book Club, we explore how preparation for worship is both physical (ascending) and spiritual (singing), and why the design of your church building might be part of the plan.

In our Psalms 120-136 Bible study, we cover:

[3:11] The Ancient Road-Trip Playlist: What it was like to travel for days with family and neighbors, singing your way up to the Temple.
[5:39] Visual Metaphors: How church architecture that draws our eyes upward mirrors the ascent of ancient pilgrims to Mount Zion.
[9:22] The Triad Pattern: Why the grouping of Psalms 120-134 into five triads echoes the story of the Exodus (trouble, protection, and safe arrival).
[19:06] Solomon's Arrows: What Psalm 127 reveals about the value of children and why it matters today.
[28:29] The Great Hallel: What the word hallel means and why "His love endures forever" repeats 26 times in Psalm 136 alone.

Psalms Show Notes

Group Discussion Questions for Psalms 120-136

[3:16] The Israelite pilgrims sang on their way up to Jerusalem. What can you do to prepare your heart for Sunday worship?
[9:35] Each triad follows the same pattern: trouble, protection, and safe arrival. Can you spot a time in your life when you’ve seen this pattern play out?
[19:29] In Psalm 127, Solomon points out the importance of future generations. How does this psalm challenge or affirm the way you think about the next generation?

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Psalm 119: Your Word Is a Lamp for My Feet Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

When you feel lost, where's the best place to turn in the Psalms?

This deeply personal psalm shows us practical ways to stay on the right path, why it’s totally normal to feel like a lost sheep at times, and how cultivating a willing heart allows God to meet you right where you are.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the entire Bible, wonderfully organized as an alphabetical acrostic. The author uses eight different names for the Word of God in this one psalm.

In our Psalm 119 Bible study, we cover:

[1:05] Psalm Structure: How all 176 verses of Psalm 119 are organized into 22 stanzas that match the Hebrew alphabet.
[2:59] The Deuteronomy Connection: Why this psalm mirrors Moses' final speech.
[7:28] Being Blessed: Why Jesus said we are blessed if we hear the Word of God and obey it.
[22:27] A Lamp for Your Feet: How Scripture can serve as a practical guide when you can only see one step ahead of you.
[26:51] The Lost Sheep Confession: Why even the most passionate believers need rescuing, and how admitting we need a Shepherd brings us right back home.

Psalms Show Notes

Group Discussion Questions for Psalm 119

[16:01] The psalmist begs God to give him understanding in six specific areas. What is one mystery of God that you wish you understood better? What do you think might happen if you begged God for understanding the way our psalmist did?
[22:27] The psalmist prays, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Is there a specific passage in the Bible you turn to when you need Scripture to guide you through a season of uncertainty or loss?
[27:08] Psalm 119 ends with the humble confession, "I have strayed like a lost sheep." Have you ever felt like a lost sheep who wanted to come home but didn't know the way? Does the psalmist's prayer, "Seek your servant," resonate with you?

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Psalms 107-118: His Love Endures Forever Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

Where is God when you feel completely lost, trapped by past mistakes, or overwhelmed by life's heavy storms?
Welcome to Book 5 of the Psalms! We’re moving out of the wilderness and standing on the edge of the Promised Land as we trace the incredible thread of God’s unfailing love through every season of life.
If you’ve ever felt trapped by your own choices, faced down a bitter enemy, or needed a reminder that your defender is standing right beside you, this Psalms Bible study is for you. Psalms 107-118 reach straight into our real-life struggles and remind us that no matter how low we feel or how far we’ve wandered, God’s mercy is ready to step in. His love endures forever!
In our Psalms 107–118 Bible study, we cover:

[7:10] Psalm 107: How God delivers those who are lost, imprisoned, foolish, or caught in life's heaviest storms.
[14:33] Psalms 108-109: Why ancient legal settings put the accuser at your exposed right hand, and how God steps in to displace them as your protector.
[17:37] Psalm 110: Jesus in the Psalms and how He uses Psalm 110 to show the Pharisees that He is both David’s Lord and a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.
[29:04] Psalms 111-112: What it actually means to fear the Lord (Psalms 111 and 112) and how revering God removes the fear of bad news.
[43:24] Psalms 113-118: The rich tradition of Psalms 113–118 and how Jesus likely sang these exact praise songs with His disciples the night before the cross.

Psalms Show Notes

Group Discussion Questions for Psalms 107–118

[7:10] Psalm 107 reminds us that God delivers us in four ways: when we lose our way, are slaves due to rebellion against God, are foolish and become afflicted, and when we lose hope. Do you think this pattern still exists today? If so, does that surprise you?
[29:27] Psalms 111 and 112 tell us it’s good to fear the Lord. What does that phrase “fear the Lord” mean to you? Has that understanding changed at all throughout your life?
[43:24] Jesus likely sang the Hallel psalms (Psalms 113–118) with His disciples the night before the cross. Does that make you feel closer to Him? Is there anything else in this world, perhaps physical or historical, that helps you feel closer to Jesus?

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Psalm 100-106: As Far As the East Is from the West Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

Have you ever struggled to transition from the noise and distraction of daily life into a quiet, sacred space with God?
With Psalms 100-106, discover how stepping through symbolic gates with praise can shift your focus away from life's anxieties and straight into God's heart. It’s a powerful reminder that God’s eternal throne gives us a steady place to anchor our hearts.
As we wrap up Book 4 of Psalms, we get practical leadership lessons from David’s early reign and explore what it looks like to live with undivided integrity, our souls anchored in God’s enduring love when life feels completely overwhelming.
In our Psalm 100-106 Bible study, we cover:

[3:02] Entering the Gates: How shifting our focus to gratitude and praise moves us out of everyday noise and into God's presence.
[6:27] Leading with Integrity: What King David’s means by a “blameless heart” and how we can pursue it.
[10:05] Suffering and Faith: How Psalm 102 transforms deep personal affliction into unshakable trust in an eternal God.
[12:38] Understanding Diptychs: Why Psalms 103/104 and 105/106 are paired together like matching pieces of art.
[23:26] As Far as the East is from the West: Why Jesus fulfilling the law transforms a conditional covenant into unconditional forgiveness.
[26:05] The Creation Light: How Psalm 104 serves as a bridge connecting the light of Genesis 1 to the light of Christ in John 1.
[37:16] Two Sides of History: How Psalms 105 and 106 tell the exact same story through two completely different lenses: God's ultimate faithfulness and Israel's failure.

Psalms Show Notes

Group Discussion Questions for Psalms 100-106

[3:02] In Psalm 100, we learn about entering God’s gates with thanksgiving as a way to transition out of the noise and distractions of daily life. What is one distraction that consistently pulls your focus away from God, and what is one small routine that helps you reset your heart and enter God’s presence with reverence and thanksgiving?
[10:23] Psalm 102 shows how an afflicted person turns their distress toward God's eternal promises. When you are going through a heavy or uncertain season, do you tend to pull away from God or draw closer to Him? What helps you hold onto faith during those times?
[38:31] Psalms 105 and 106 remind us that remembering God's past goodness helps build present faith. Looking back on your life journey, what is one specific story or moment where God proved His faithfulness to you in a way you'll never forget?

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Psalms 90-99 Teach Us to Number Our Days Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

What does “teach us to number our days” really mean?
In today’s Psalms Bible study, we have left the dark valley of Psalms Book 3 behind with its ruined sanctuary and promises that feel broken. In Book 4, Psalms 90-99 take us down the wilderness road, reminding us that God has always been our true home, long before any building existed.
In this episode, we explore what it actually means to count our limited time on earth so we can live with real intention. As we trace the oldest song in the Bible back to Moses, we see how God holds us even when our entire world feels displaced.
In our Psalms 90-99 Bible study, we cover:

[8:36] Numbering Our Days: Why Moses asks God to teach us to weigh the worth of our fleeting moments so we can gain true wisdom.
[13:29] The Noonday Demon: How ancient desert monks fought midday spiritual apathy (acedia) and why modern screen time leaves us vulnerable to the exact same attack.
[15:28] Twisted Scripture: Why Satan intentionally omitted "in all your ways" when quoting Psalm 91 to Jesus, and how Jesus shut down the distortion.
[24:38] The Lord Reigns: How the "enthronement psalms" pull our attention from failed human kings to an unshakable God who rules over all creation.
[32:00] Joy to the World: Why Isaac Watts originally wrote his famous song "Joy to the World" about the Second Coming.

Psalms Show Notes

Group Discussion Questions for Psalms 90-99

[9:21] Moses prayed, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." If you counted today as one of a limited number of days, what would you do differently?
[14:23] In our modern times, the “noonday demon” comes at us not through desert heat but through electronics that pull us away from rest, leaving us tired and vulnerable to spiritual attack. What's one way you can fight the mindless scroll to protect yourself from the dangers of spiritual apathy?
[16:04] Satan twisted God's promise of protection in Psalm 91 into an excuse to recklessly test God. In your own life, what is something good that Satan has tried to twist to tempt you?

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Psalms 81–89: Better is 1 Day in Your Courts than a 1000 Elsewhere Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

Has your faith ever felt like it was holding on by a thread?
In this final stretch of Book 3 of the Psalms, we unpack what it means to wrestle with unanswered questions, national devastation, and personal heartbreak.
Walk with us through the raw, unfiltered prayers of lament and praise in Psalms 81–89. They're a gentle reminder that worship isn't just for the good days. God invites us to bring our honest grief, fear, and "how long, Lord?" directly to Him, especially when our life no longer matches the promises of God.
In our Psalms 81–89 Bible study, we cover:

[4:57] Psalm 81: How the warning to listen and obey God mirrors Paul's message in Romans about the danger of ignoring what God has made plain.
[14:11] Psalm 84: Why the descendants of Korah, whose family history is marked by tragedy and rebellion, would rather stand at the door of God's house than live anywhere else.
[23:11] Psalm 87: How the prophecy in Psalm 87 that Israel's fiercest enemies will be welcomed as citizens of Zion sets the stage for Paul’s teachings in Ephesians.
[29:15] Psalm 88: Why the only psalm that ends in total darkness with no resolution teaches us about expressing raw, unresolved pain to God.
[37:14] Psalm 89: How Psalm 89 boldly confronts the apparent collapse of the Davidic covenant while still holding space for praise in the dark.

Psalms Show Notes

Group Discussion Questions for Psalms 81-89

[15:22] The descendants of Korah were content just serving as doorkeepers, literally holding the door, because being near God was all that mattered to them. What is one small, everyday way you could humbly serve God and celebrate His nearness?
[16:54] Psalm 84 mentions passing through the "Valley of Baca" (the valley of weeping) and how God can turn those painful places into springs of spiritual growth. Looking back on a hard season in your life, can you see any ways God used that "valley" to bring growth or comfort later on?
[38:14] Book 3 of the Psalms ends on a cliffhanger without a happy resolution, reminding us that sometimes we have to worship even when God’s promises and our current reality don't match. Have you ever longed for answers you might only get when you reach heaven? What gives you comfort in those moments?

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Psalms 73-80: The Strength of My Heart and My Portion Forever Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

Ever feel like you do the right thing but get nowhere, meanwhile everyone else gets ahead?
As we dive into Book 3 of our Psalms journey, we enter what many call the "valley" of the psalms. This section of psalms mirrors the book of Leviticus with a focus on worship and the sanctuary, but with a dramatic twist. The sanctuary lies in complete ruin, enemies are inside the gates, and God’s people are left asking how true worship is even possible when everything around them has crumbled.
In Psalms 73-80, we walk through the honest struggles of Asaph, and his worship-leading descendants, who function almost like an ancient record label passing down songs through generations. We’ll watch Asaph’s entire mindset flip from bitter jealousy to total peace the second he steps into God's sanctuary. This collection of ancient songs offers us a real and sacred playlist for our hardest days, from wrestling with deep loss to passing on faith to our kids.
In our Psalms 73-80 Bible study, we cover:

[3:34] Psalms Book 3: The Ultimate Record Label – Who Asaph and the "Sons of Asaph" actually are and how their music guild led worship across generations.
[7:31] Psalm 73: Perspective Shift – why Asaph knows just how you feel when you scroll through social media and a wave of envy washes over you, and how he got past those feelings in a way that could still help us today.
[12:17] Psalm 74: Grief and Healing – Why acknowledging what was lost in Psalm 74 is the essential first step before moving toward hope and rebuilding.
[16:07] Psalms 75-76: God’s Fair Judgement – How to praise God whenever you feel the wicked are winning, because you know He will be a fair judge.
[27:51] Psalms 77-78: Passing the Torch – Why telling the next generation about God’s miracles is a vital mandate for keeping faith alive today.
[35:30] Psalms 79-80: An Allegory of Hope – Why Psalm 80 describes Israel as a vine and how we can pray for restoration in our own life.

Psalms Show Notes:

Group Discussion Questions for Psalms 73-80

[8:07] Asaph says his feet almost slipped when he envied the wicked. What "successful" people or images tempt you to compare your life unfavorably to theirs, and what would it look like to bring that comparison to God in prayer in His sanctuary, His church?
[28:16] Psalm 78 describes a command to tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord. This week, who is one person “in the next generation” you could tell about something you’ve learned from Psalms?
[35:48] As with the vine of Israel in Psalm 80, what is one place in your life where you feel a deep need for God to restore you physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually? How could you invite God into that space, begging for the mercy and healing you need?

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Psalms 68-72: When You Are Drowning & Searching for Hope Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

Have you ever felt lonely and longed for the comfort of a friend or family?
Join our Psalms 68-72 Bible study as we explore the tender ways God “sets the lonely in families.” We’ll uncover why the heavy lament of Psalm 69 prophesies Jesus' own suffering and how God gives us confidence to trust Him through every stage of life.
If you’ve ever felt worn down by non-stop trials, or life has felt lonely or overwhelming, you’re in the right place. Grab a warm drink and join us for this Psalms 68-72 Bible study, as we wrap up Book 2 of 3 in Psalms.
In our Psalms 68-72 Bible study, we cover:

[3:13] Psalm 68: A Father to the Fatherless - How God tenderly cares for the lonely and vulnerable and why the church could be the answer to the loneliness epidemic.
[14:12] Psalm 69: Prophecies of the Cross - How this intense lament predicts the rejection of Jesus, the Temple cleansing, Jesus bearing insults, and the crucifixion.
[26:15] Psalm 70 & 71: Rescue for the Worn Out - How to find deep confidence and ongoing hope when you're exhausted by life's recurring trials.
[31:48] Psalm 72: The Promise of the True King - How the coronation of Solomon points forward to Jesus as the ideal, eternal King who defends the needy.

Psalms Show Notes:

Group Discussion Questions for Psalms 68-72

[3:06] Psalm 68:6 says God sets the lonely in families. When in your life have you witnessed God place “the lonely” in a family, whether by blood, adoption, or church community?
[14:50] Psalm 69 is fulfilled when people reject Jesus. Jesus warned us the world would hate us because it first hated Him. Have you ever shared your faith and watched someone’s reaction turn cold? Or stayed quiet to avoid that awkwardness? How would it build your confidence if you truly believed their reaction wasn't personal but a reflection of their response to Jesus?
[26:26] Psalm 71 is the prayer of someone worn out by years of trials who still trusts God to rescue him. Why? Because God has always rescued him in the past. In your own life, what is an example of a time when God has gotten you through a difficult situation, and does that build your trust He will get you through again?

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Psalms 59-67: Do you thirst for God? Aug 03, 2026

Show notes

Have you ever felt threatened and vulnerable, desperate to feel safe?
In our Psalms 59-67 Bible study, we open with a Psalm David wrote while men were literally waiting outside his house to kill him. As we travel through the other psalms, David moves from total exhaustion, fear, and desert dry spells into an unquenchable thirst for God’s presence.
If you’ve ever felt trapped, targeted by cruel words, or completely isolated at the "ends of the earth," David’s prayers will hit you right where you are. But this nine-psalm journey doesn’t end in survival mode. As the danger passes, the tone shifts to wild praise, staggering abundance, and a blessing meant to ripple across time and space.
In our Psalms 59-67 Bible study, we cover:

[4:01] Psalm 59: Escaping the Hitmen – How David survives being trapped in his own home while Saul’s men wait outside to kill him, and why his immediate reaction is to run to God as his fortress.
[9:34] Psalm 60-61: Reaching the "Ends of the Earth" – What it really means for David to cry out from the edge of exhaustion and exile, and how we can find personal refuge when God feels miles away.
[13:00] Psalm 62: The Power of Akh (God Alone) – Why David repeatedly uses one specific word to remind himself that true safety and salvation rest in Christ alone, not in human effort.
[16:41] Psalm 63: Thirsting in the Desert – How David’s physical thirst in the dry wilderness unlocked a deeper spiritual longing and how Jesus quenches that same soul-dryness with living water.
[20:19] Psalm 64: Surviving Cruel Words – How to handle modern-day "tongues like swords" and malicious public attacks when people try to bring you down.
[28:06] Psalms 65-67: Shining God’s Light, Not Ours – The Aaronic blessing gets flipped on its head, reminding us we pray for God’s favor, not for our own comfort, so the entire world can see His goodness.

Psalms Show Notes:

Group Discussion Questions for Psalms 59-67

[5:24] In Psalm 59, David can’t do anything but run and rely on God to be his fortress. Where in your life do you find yourself on the run, unfairly attacked, or trapped? How could you lean more on God to be your fortress and protector?
[16:47] David thirsts for God, and his whole being longs to know God, see God, and be in the presence of God. Have you ever felt such a deep longing for God? What prayer could you offer asking God to help you thirst for Him the way David did?
[28:44] Psalm 67 asks God to make His face shine on us so that all nations will know His ways and salvation. This is still the purpose of God’s favor in our lives today. In all we do, whether in suffering or in prosperity, we should reflect God’s glory so others can see the hope of Christ in us. Who in your life reflects God’s glory, and what has that meant to you?

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