There are 6 words that are crucial for Bible study.  They are Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.  Asking questions about the Bible with these words is the key to understanding its message, meaning, and its applicaiton to you. For example, you might ask the following questions about this psalm:

Who wrote it?
When did he write it?
Where did he write it?
What does he say?
Why does he say it?
How can I do it?

Pay attention to how many times these words show up in the following devotional guide. You may want to underline them.

---

How does Asaph begin this psalm? ________________________________________________

Why is he giving thanks to God? ___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

In the Bible, God's "name" reveals His character.  Therefore, His name comes to stand for Him.  What does it mean that God's name is "near"? _______________________________________
Compare Psa. 145:18 with this verse.  What does Psa 145:18 say? ___________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

How does the fact that God is near you or present with you right now affect you?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

The last phrase of v. 1 says, "men tell of your wonderful deeds."  A better translation would be, "your name is near, your wonderful works declare it."  Write down one or two of the wonderful deeds God has done in your life that declare that God is near to you.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Who holds the pillars of the earth firm during earthquakes according to verse 2?
___________________________________________________________________________

What does this teach you about God's ability to hold you firm?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

According to v. 7 God is the judge.  What is he does as the judge according to v. 7b?
___________________________________________________________________________

Here God is telling arrogant men not to boast ("do not lift up your horns" because He is the one who exalts men and puts them down.

This is a very important principle about promotion.  God is in control of promotions.  He is the one who puts up and puts down.  Therefore, we need to look to him and make sure we are pleasing in His sight.

Summarize in your own words what this psalm teaches you about God:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Turn these truths into a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for who He is and what He does.