Psalm

5-Day

CHALLENGE
with Gwen Smith
In the morning, Oh L ord,
You hear my voice;
in the morning I lay
my requests before you
and wait in expectation."

Psalm 5:3
Hello, friend!
Welcome to the 5 Day Psalm Challenge. I’m so excited for you! Prepare yourself to connect with
God in powerful and personal ways over the next few days.

It seems you’re a woman who understands the value of spending time with the Lord and read-
ing the Bible. So with you, girl. So with you! As we prioritize studying the Bible, we grow closer to
God, hear Him more clearly, learn more about Him and experience deep peace and strength.

The pages of this challenge have been designed as a personal study journal for your 5-day
journey. They are divided into 5 days of individual study (one per day for a week) that will take
you through various chapters of the Psalms.

The study activities for each chapter include four components. You will: READ, RECORD,
REFLECT and RESPOND. These sections can also be topics for discussion if you do this study
with a friend or a group of friends. Every day as you approach the Word for this particular study,
you're going to:

READ the assigned Scripture first.

RECORD what you’ve read. Take time to observe and make note of what's going on in the text:
who wrote it, general themes, emotions, circumstances, relationships, who, what, why, when,
and where. All of that stuff. (A "trigger questions" page is provided to assist with this section!)

REFLECT How does the content in the chapter apply to you? How is it, can it, or should it be
personal? What are some application points or appropriate responses that you can take and
apply in light of what you read and observed? Finally, you will

RESPOND through written prayer and responsive worship. It's a personal time to take in on a
heart level what you've soaked in from reading.

I’m honored that you’ve joined me for this study. As we go deeper into the heart of God and dive
into the Psalms we’ll see more of God’s plan for our lives and more of who He is.

I’m praying that as you approach His Word each day, you’ll think big thoughts about God, and
let each verse and chapter inspire you to live fully in the grace and truth of Jesus. Commit right
now to this 5-Day Challenge and ask the Lord to lead your heart in personal ways as you seek to
know and trust Him more.

Warmly in Grace,

G wen
PS. Let's stay connected during the study on INSTAGRAM, I'm @GwenSmithMusic
 Inductive Study Trigger Q uestions

These questions are intended to help you in the RECORD section of your daily study to help
you observe and take note of what's going on in the text.

1. What kind of emotions is the author experiencing? (Depressed…)

2. What is the mood of the author/passage? (Feels alone, joyful…)

3. Who are the characters in the chapter?

4. What action takes place?

5. What events take place?

6. Is there a turning point in this chapter? (Sadness to joy? Worry to worship?)

7. What names of God are used? (Fortress, Shield, Deliverer…)

8. What character traits of God are mentioned? (Strong…)

9. What does the passage teach you about God’s character?

10. What attributes of God are mentioned? (Faithful, loving…)

11. What keywords pop out at you?

12. What phrases are repeated?

13. What images or symbols do you see?

14. What main theme rises as you read? (Despair, hope…)

15. What relationships are mentioned? (Friend, enemy…)

16. What’s happening with the relationships?

17. What is the literary form? (Poetry, lament, thanksgiving, praise…)

18. Do you notice a moral teaching or implication?

19. What are your major impressions of the chapter?

20. How does the theme of this chapter apply to you personally?
 Challenge Verse
PSALM 16:8

“I will keep my eyes always on the Lord; with Him at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.”
(Psalm 16:8)

DAY ONE
Read through and reflect on our verse of the week.

“I will keep my eyes always on the Lord; with Him at my right hand, I will not be
shaken.” (Psalm 16:8)

DAY TWO
Read the verse of the week again, then fill in the blanks and begin to commit this
to memory and prayer.

“I will keep my ___________ always on the _____________; with Him at my

________________ hand, I will not _______ shaken.” (Psalm 16:8)

DAY THREE
“I will __________ my ___________ always on the _____________; with Him at my
________________ hand, I will not _______ ______________.” (Psalm 16:__)

DAY FOUR
“I will __________ my ___________ _________________ on the _____________; with
_________ at my ________________ hand, I ________ not _______ ______________.”
(Psalm ______:__)

DAY FIVE
Write out the verse of the week from memory.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
 DAY 1

READ Psalm 19

RECORD
Write any observations, emotions, keywords, who, what, why, when, where, or how.

REFLECT
Contemplate the text. How can this chapter inform your behaving and believing?

I will apply this Psalm to my life by

Key Verse(s)

One Sentence Summary

RESPOND
Write a prayer in response to Psalm 19
READ Psalm 20

RECORD
Write any observations, emotions, keywords, who, what, why, when, where, or how.

REFLECT
Contemplate the text. How can this chapter inform your behaving and believing?

I will apply this Psalm to my life by

Key Verse(s)

One Sentence Summary

RESPOND
Write a prayer in response to Psalm 20
 DAY 1

Thoughts for Transformation

Creator God speaks to us day and night through the universe. Stars shine and shimmer
like diamonds. The moon dances with golden rays from the sun. Gravity lassos celestial
structure, maintaining order. Each facet echoing and singing God’s glory.

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day
to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.” (Psalm 19:1-2) The Lord
speaks through nature and through His Word so we can know of His awesome, loving
plan for our salvation. So, we can know personal restoration and healing. So, we can
know Him. Lift your head to soak in the wonder of His creation today. Worship respon-
sively. Relish God’s unsearchable greatness.

Psalm 20 is a prayer for the king. The Bible calls us to pray for... to intercede and give
thanks for our leaders and those in authority. Whether we voted for them or not. Whether
we respect them or not. Considering the tension of politics and the ungodly behaviors of
many in authority, this is not the easiest or most popular of all Biblical directives, but one
that matters to God. "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name
of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:7) Some trust in the agenda of the Republican Party.
Some trust in the agenda of the Democratic Party. Some trust in the agenda of the
Libertarian, Green or Tea Parties. But those who place their faith in Jesus are called to
trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Chariots and horses were weapons of war in David’s time. They represented power,
government, strength, and success. I read this and recognize that I need to look beyond
my perceived securities, things like bank accounts, government, relationships, jobs and
clean health charts. Feeling the grind on this one? I am. Thankfully, we have grace... and
a God who is trustworthy.

Dear Lord,
Please forgive my hidden faults. Remove the blinders from the eyes of my heart so that I
might recognize any behaviors of mine that do not please You or bring You glory. Help me to
love like You love. Purify my soul. Lead me in Your righteousness. Thank you for declaring
your glory through creation. Polish me to shine bright like the stars. I've been known to trust
in some chariots and horses. Please forgive me. You are sovereign and trustworthy. Please
give wisdom and discernment to my husband, my boss, my pastors, my local city, state and
national leaders. Bring revival to our land. Start with me. Mold me and shape me into Your
image. Mesh my plans and desires with Yours.
In Jesus' name, amen.
 DAY 2

READ Psalm 56

RECORD
Write any observations, emotions, keywords, who, what, why, when, where, or how.

REFLECT
Contemplate the text. How can this chapter inform your behaving and believing?

I will apply this Psalm to my life by

Key Verse(s)

One Sentence Summary

RESPOND
Write a prayer in response to Psalm 56
READ Psalm 57

RECORD
Write any observations, emotions, keywords, who, what, why, when, where, or how.

REFLECT
Contemplate the text. How can this chapter inform your behaving and believing?

I will apply this Psalm to my life by

Key Verse(s)

One Sentence Summary

RESPOND
Write a prayer in response to Psalm 57
 DAY 2

Thoughts for Transformation

I often try to quiet fear by pretending it doesn’t exist. Clever... I know. But alas, it does exist
and that’s not always a bad thing. To the contrary, it can actually keep us safe in proper
context. When my house was struck by lightning and lit with fire, fear sounded an emo-
tional alarm, insisting that I escape - and fast. In this instance, fear was good. It kept me
safe.

In many instances, however, fear is not good. I’ve found that while it’s natural to be afraid
at times - human, even - it’s best to not allow feelings of fear to consume and control
large spaces of real estate in my heart. In Psalm 56, David handles the intersection of his
fear and faith nicely.

In Psalm 56, captured by the Philistines in Gath, and in Psalm 57, hiding in a cave to
escape the pursuit of Saul, David sifted through honest feelings of vulnerability and
desperation. I imagine his reality was one of shaky hands, pulse raging wild and brows
soaked in sweat. Yet fear was silenced as he made the powerful decision to redirect his
emotions toward a more productive, more faith-filled response when David chose to
trust God.

By choosing to trust God in the hiding and in the chains, David’s fear shifted to faith.

Faith shuts the mouth of fear.

“When I am afraid, I will trust you.” (Psalm 56:3, CSB)

This wasn’t just a flippant statement or memorized verse. This was a sturdy declaration. A
deliberate choice made by a deeply determined worshiper. The kind of choice that
changes and calms a frantic heart. The kind of choice that speaks peace to anxiousness.
The kind of choice we can make when we’re afraid. The kind of choice we can make
when fear screams loud within.

Bring it. Fear is a liar. I will choose faith. Decision made.

Dear Lord,
Sometimes the anxiousness and fear in my heart can overwhelm me. But You promise to be
faithful at all times and are deliberate to catch every tear in a bottle. This is true no matter
what has me hiding or running. Please lead my heart to Your freedom, grace, strength and
peace today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
 DAY 3

READ Psalm 84

RECORD
Write any observations, emotions, keywords, who, what, why, when, where, or how.

REFLECT
Contemplate the text. How can this chapter inform your behaving and believing?

I will apply this Psalm to my life by

Key Verse(s)

One Sentence Summary

RESPOND
Write a prayer in response to Psalm 84
 DAY 3

Thoughts for Transformation

The bedrooms of my children hold more memories than a library full of books. The
doorframes have been gateways to relationship. Access points of intimacy. Invitations to
community.

Over the years the space beyond each threshold has fostered fun, friendships, frazzled
feelings and family. It’s been a meeting place of life and love. An incubator for growth,
depth, conversations and dreams.

The floors have held dance parties, dirty clothes, discipline, and daily drama. The air has
held honest whispers and lingering lullabies, screams and songs... prayers, promises and
plans.

That space is a place of misunderstanding and tantrums, of teaching and reaching, of

decorations and celebrations. A beautiful dwelling place of knowing and being known.

Psalm 84 echoes this type of warmth, joy and depth of connection in the sacred space of
our Savior. Blessing and strength abound in His presence. Trust is built. Burdens are
shared. Barriers crumble. Tears are caught. Hope, favor and good things are found.

The holy dwelling place of God is incomprehensibly eternal, yet simply accessible with
just the whisper of His name. Almighty Lord... Gracious Father... Loving King...

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield. He grants favor and honor (CSB) ... He gives us
grace and glory. (NLT) No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly
(ESV) ... from those who live with integrity (CSB) ... from those who do what is right (NLT).”
(Psalm 84:11)

By grace you and I are invited to dance at His feet, walk streets of gold, and join in the
worship that rises continually before His throne. God desires an intimate, personal rela-
tionship. So do I. So do I. So do I. One day in His courts, in the beauty of His presence, is
surely better than a thousand elsewhere.

Holy Lord,
You are glorious and good. Gracious and kind. Worthy of all praise and honor. Your pres-
ence is a treasure of strength, protection and abundance. My deepest joy comes from
knowing You and being fully known. Help me to live with integrity and to trust You more
each day. Remind me run to You with everything, especially my love.
In Jesus’ name, amen
 DAY 4

READ Psalm 103

RECORD
Write any observations, emotions, keywords, who, what, why, when, where, or how.

REFLECT
Contemplate the text. How can this chapter inform your behaving and believing?

I will apply this Psalm to my life by

Key Verse(s)

One Sentence Summary

RESPOND
Write a prayer in response to Psalm 103
 DAY 4

Thoughts for Transformation

Llamas are a thing lately. It’s hard to go anywhere without seeing a llama on a book, card
or wall art. And I’m good with that. This mama loves llamas! Llamas are like sunshine on a
cloudy day.

With my llama-love in mind, you can imagine the effervescent excitement going down in
my heart when Julie told me there was a llama on the grounds of the conference center
where I was speaking.

“We can go see him right now if you want,” she offered from behind the wheel.

Ummm... YES, PLEASE!

And off we went to see the llama!

It had rained for several days before my arrival, so the path to the pasture was pretty icky
with mud. Undeterred, Julie jumped out of her mini-van, scooped up her young daugh-
ter in her arms, and ran straight through the thick, brown sludge toward the llama... and
straight out of her shoes, which had been super cute. EEEW.

We laughed until we almost cried. She was up to her ankles in grossness... and trust me
when I say this: there was no simple sanitary solution to her sludgy situation. The plot
thickened in our llama drama as Julie carefully fished her shoes out from the muck and
navigated her way back to the van.

We settled for waving to the llama from across the field and prayed that Oxy Clean
would be powerful enough to resurrect her downtrodden flats by removing the stains
and renewing their vibrancy.

Sometimes we get stuck in the mud and lose our shoes.

And sometimes stains and pains are so thick and deep that renewal and healing seem
impossible.

In Psalm 103, David celebrates the incredible love of God that renews and heals. A
pit-lifting love that forgives, redeems and wipes away the grime and grit of our failures,
fears and flounderings.

But God doesn’t just leave us at redemption.

He takes love and mercy to another level by throwing in a tiara.

Can you believe it?

He cleans up sinful sludgy situations and gives us each a sparkly crown! (v4) One brilliant
with love and compassion (NIV), full of lovingkindness and tender mercy (AMP). A crown-
ing love that is faithful (CSB) and steadfast (ESV).

I still think fondly of my adventurous llama visit from time to time, grateful that Julie’s
shoes came out clean from the washer. And I think about the times I’ve gotten stuck in
my own mud and have lost shoes in the mires of my making. And I think about the grace
of Jesus, because though every one of us has been there, we don’t remain there.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Remember. Remember. Remember.

Let’s vow to forget not these things. We are forgiven (v3), healed (v3), redeemed (v4) and
crowned (v4) with a love that makes our lives effervescently exciting and new.

Bless the Lord, O my soul! All my inmost being, bless His holy name!

Loving Lord,
Thank You for lifting me from pits that I didn’t deserve rescue from. You love me in spite of
my brokenness, and You wipe away every stain. You satisfy my desires with good things and
are worthy of all of my praise.
In Jesus’ name, amen
 DAY 5

READ Psalm 144

RECORD
Write any observations, emotions, keywords, who, what, why, when, where, or how.

REFLECT
Contemplate the text. How can this chapter inform your behaving and believing?

I will apply this Psalm to my life by

Key Verse(s)

One Sentence Summary

RESPOND
Write a prayer in response to Psalm 144
 DAY 5

Thoughts for Transformation

It’s common for us to doubt our value and significance. Yet, in Psalm 144 David is struck by the
mind-blowing reality that the God of all creation, the One who bids billions of stars to shine in the
heavens and commands the powerful waves of the oceans to stop at waters’ edge, cares for
wee-little humans like you and me.

The very thought of it leaves me breathing deep, shaking my head in wonder with the psalmist.
“O Lord, what is a human that you care for him, a son of man that you would think of him?”
(Psalm 144:3, CSB)

Jesus had a lot to say about this topic. When it comes to knowing the value God places on us,
the way He cares for us, let’s turn to Jesus’s comments about sparrows. Do you know much
about these little birds? They’re a dime a dozen. Highly common. Highly overlookable. The way
many of us women might feel on any given day. Look at what Jesus had to say in reference to
both ordinary little sparrows (and you):

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the
very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many spar-
rows.” (Luke 12:6–7)

For context, Luke 12:1 tells us that Jesus was addressing “a crowd of many thousands” when He
spoke of the value God sees in each person. Many thousands. The rich. The poor. The average.
The misfits. The bland. The spicy. The employed. The unemployed. The talented. The crippled.
The lonely. The well. The sick. The married. The widowed. The single. The stressed-out. The
curious. The masses! This wasn’t just a pat on the back to encourage His besties! He was talking
to the gamut of humanity. This is important because it makes the words He spoke that much
more amazing.

Think about what He said! “You know those sparrows that are sold in the marketplace for next to
nothing? Those overpopulated little flyers? My Father doesn’t forget even one of them! He
remembers them all.”

You know what this means, don’t you? He remembers and sees you too.

You. Have. Value.

You are not forgotten by God. God sees everything about you—even your screw-ups, failings,
fears and doubts—and He finds value. I don’t love my children any more or less because of the
way they dress or because of how well they can sing, throw a football, play chess, or pray pub-
licly. God doesn’t love you and me any more or less because of what we can or cannot do, or
because of how good or bad we are either. He loves us because we are His. Made in His image.
Fashioned by His heart.

Believe it. Even if your life wasn’t planned in the heart of your parents, it was planned in the heart
of God. You are His, and He remembers you. By name. You, me, and the stars. He knows us all by
name: “He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names” (Ps. 147:4
ESV).

God cares for and knows all about you. He knows how you like your coffee or tea. He knows your
weaknesses and insecurities. He knows all of the things that make you unique, even if you’re an
identical twin! He knows the things that make you tick, the quirky things, the things that cause
you to beat yourself up, and the things that put a fire in your belly. And He knows how many
hairs are on your head. Incredible!

And Jesus didn’t stop there. He looked those people eyeball to eyeball and told them, You ... and
you ... and you ... and you ... and you ... and you ... are worth more than a whole mess of sparrows!

God really is that into you. Because you are His. Handcrafted with divine devotion.

I can’t help but notice that before Jesus told the people how valuable they were to God, He said,
“Don’t be afraid” (Luke 12:7). Don’t be afraid? Why would Jesus say that?
I wonder if it was because He knows that many of us are afraid that our lives don’t matter. We
fear insignificance. We worry that our contributions are dumb, weak, and worthless. I wonder if it
was because He sees beyond the prodigal to the potential, and He wants us to stop listening to
those other voices and let Him—our Creator—tell us our value.

And I wonder if some of us might be afraid of God’s love. Afraid to be defined by His grace.
Afraid to be refined by His holiness ... to be set free, because those old chains that bind and
hinder are our normal. Jesus made it clear: In God’s eyes, you are of great value. You are loved,
cherished, seen, and adored.

Precious Lord,
Thank You for always remembering me and for loving me for who I am, where I am. Thank You for
caring for me. Please help me accept this truth when I doubt my value.
In Jesus’ name, amen
 PSALM CHALLENGE RECAP

Take a moment to review your notes from the past few days. Which verse(s) encouraged,
comforted and inspired your heart this week? (Write them out.)

Which verse(s) challenged or convicted you?

What did God teach you over these five days of study?
Study Sister,
You did it! So proud of you!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this 5-day journey, and that the Lord has shown you new and exciting
glimpses of His awesomeness along the way. I’m confident that you’ve been stretched to move
forward in His strength, challenged to experience deep levels of mercy and restoration, and
blessed beyond what you imagined as we approached these chapters just a short five days
ago.

Keep seeking God’s heart, friend. His grace and compassions know no end when it comes to
His children, and He really wants your attention, affections and actions to honor Him.

Keep leaning in to hear His whispers. He speaks through His Word and through His Spirit within
you… continue passionately pursuing His heart and savoring His presence.

Practice moments of quiet each day. Ask Him to speak to you. Trust that He will. Breathe and be
still before Him so your eyes can see more clearly, and your ears can discern with confidence.

Take note of what you learn. Journal the journey. If not on paper, then at least in your heart so
your reflections and responses to the Lord become a natural cadence of conversation, worship
and love back to Him.

With love and blessings,

G wen

PS. Since we’re besties now, let’s be sure to stay connected! Find me on Instagram or
Facebook. I’m @GwenSmithMusic on all social media channels.

PSS. Let's do another study together! Find the next one at GwenSmith.net/BibleStudy.
 O ther Studies by G wen
PSALM ADVENTURE 1-5

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BROKEN INTO BEAUTIFUL (book)

God delights to transform lives… including your own. If you’re like most women, you
have things in your past you’d like to forget. The result? Guilt. Pain. Shame. You feel
unworthy to move on, to serve God, to be free, and to know peace. While the
enemy loves to shackle you with accusations, the Lord loves to extend grace and
forgiveness.

In Broken into Beautiful, Gwen Smith invites you to hear the stories of women with shattered
dreams, shameful secrets, and damaged souls…and of the loving heavenly Father who makes
them beautiful again. He can restore your brokenness too. Experience how the unconditional
love of Jesus can change your life and then stand back and watch the wonder of grace at work.
He is willing to eternally forgive and forget and to transform your life into something beautiful.

BROKEN INTO BEAUTIFUL Bible Study Companion Guide (downloadable product)

This is a downloadable companion study designed to coordinate with the chapters
and content of Gwen’s book, Broken Into Beautiful. It will help you connect the
lessons of Broken into Beautiful with your life by taking you straight to the Word of
God, then encouraging you in times of prayer, reading, and reflection. Perfect for
individual or group study.

I WANT IT ALL (book)

YOU AND I WERE BORN FOR GREATNESS! “I WANT IT ALL” SHOWS YOU HOW.
The Bible tells us that God is able to do above and beyond what we can ask for or
imagine. So why do we rarely dream big dreams, think big thoughts, or expect
God to do great things through us? Gwen Smith, author of I Want It All, urges her
readers to want more. “You and I were born for greatness,” Smith writes. “Not for
the world’s greatness, but for eternal greatness: to know God and showcase God.”
This book comes complete with questions for personal reflection and a Bible Study that coor-
dinates with each chapter.

Learn more at GwenSmith.net/BibleStudy

 About G wen Smith
Gwen Smith is a conference speaker, author, worship leader, podcaster and
volleyball enthusiast who lives in sunny North Carolina and has been married to
her hunky college honey, Brad, for 25+ years. They are tired parents to three tall
young adults who keep them on their toes and on their knees. Her online friends
meet at GwenSmith.net where she helps women know and trust God more. Her
popular podcast, GRACEOLOGIE with Gwen Smith, has fun, faith-focused,
grace-filled interview-style conversations with practical tips and honest discus-
sions to encourage women in meaningful ways to live out and lean on the grace
of Jesus in the midst of cluttered, messy days. Gwen speaks, leads worship, and
eats potato chips at women’s events everywhere, and she is a co-founder of the
conference and devotional ministry Girlfriends in God. Visit her at GwenSmith.net
and join her online community to stay connected!

Connect with Gwen on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter where she

hangs out as @GwenSmithMusic.