This is our last week of Come, Follow Me study of the book of Psalms. The traditional Jewish name for this book is Tehillim, a Hebrew word that means praises. And that word is related to our modern exclamation of praise, “hallelujah” which means praise Jehovah or praise the Lord. Remembering that expression seems like a good way to round out this book full of songs and praise.
Segment 1
Scriptures:
Helaman 3:27 (God is merciful)
Psalm 116:6 (Preserving the simple)
Psalm 19:7 (Making wise the simple)
Psalm 130:5-7 (Wait for the Lord)
Words of the General Authorities:
This beautiful gospel is so simple a child can grasp it, yet so profound and complex that it will take a lifetime—even an eternity—of study and discovery to fully understand it. But sometimes we take the beautiful lily of God’s truth and gild it with layer upon layer of man-made good ideas, programs, and expectations. (Dieter F. Uctdorf, “It Works Wonderfully!”, October 2015 General Conference)
Segment 2
Scriptures:
Psalm 146:1 (Praise the Lord)
Psalm 150 (How do you praise?)
Words of the General Authorities:
I think the Latter-day Saints have a great obligation pressing in upon them to rejoice in the Lord, to praise him for his goodness and grace, to ponder his eternal truths in their hearts, and to set their hearts on righteousness. (Bruce R. McConkie, “Think on These Things”, October 1973 General Conference)
Translations:
Psalm - tehillim = Praises, related to hallelujah or praising Jehovah (Hebrew)
Quotes:
Praise ye the Lord. Praise Him for his love. Praise Him for his compassion. Praise Him for his kindness and mercy. Praise ye the Lord.
Praise ye the Lord. Praise Him for blessings given. Praise Him for his perfect and unfailing gospel. Praise Him for restoration in these latter days. Praise ye the Lord.
Praise ye the Lord. Praise Him for his forgiveness. Praise Him for his never-ending patience. Praise Him for his constant and faithful promises. Praise ye the Lord.
Praise ye the Lord. Praise Him for miracles past and present. Praise Him for prayers unanswered that become blessings later. Praise Him for reminding us we are not alone. Praise ye the Lord.
Praise ye the Lord. Praise Him for his example. Praise Him for his watchful care. Praise Him for his atoning sacrifice. Praise ye the Lord.
Praise ye the Lord. Praise Him for experiences that sanctify. Praise Him for tears that bring us closer to him. Praise Him for the purpose-filled refiner's fire that He stands in with us. Praise ye the Lord.
Praise ye the Lord. Praise Him for his plan of happiness. Praise Him for his grander vision. Praise Him for eternal blessings yet to come. Praise ye the Lord.
For all these things I praise Him. For all these things I thank Him. For all these things I give my heart and life to Him. Praise ye the Lord.
(Tiffany Turley Bowcutt, "2026 Psalm of Praise")
Segment 3
Scriptures:
Psalm 136 (His mercy endureth)
Words of the General Authorities:
There is, however, a remedy — one that may seem surprising — because it flies in the face of our natural intuitions. Nevertheless, its effects have been validated by scientists as well as men and women of faith.
I am referring to the healing power of gratitude.
The book of Psalms is filled with admonitions to express gratitude. Here are just three of them:
“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.” (Psalm 92:1)
“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good.” (Psalm 136:1)
“Come before his presence with thanksgiving.” (Psalm 95:2)
Dantzel and I were blessed with nine daughters and one son. Tragically, I have lost two of those daughters to cancer. No parent is prepared to lose a child. And yet, despite these and other difficult experiences, I am incredibly grateful, eternally, for so very many things. (Russell M. Nelson, “the Healing Power of Gratitude”, YouTube message premiered on November 20, 2020, recorded by Church News)
Segment 4
Scriptures:
Psalm 147:3-6 (The Lord lifts the meek)
Psalm 150 (Joyful praising)
Segment 5
Scriptures:
Psalm 102:1-11 (A song of the afflicted)
Philippians 4:7 (Peace passing all understanding)
Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace
(“Where Can I Turn for Peace?”, Hymns #129)
Music:
Where Can I Turn For Peace arranged by Gérald Caussé and Nicolas Giusti
History of Hymns Podcast ep. 18 Where Can I Turn For Peace?
My life is but a weaving
Between my God and me.
I cannot choose the colors
He weaveth steadily.
Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I the underside.
Not ‘til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the canvas
And reveal the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful
In the weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned
He knows, He loves, He cares;
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice to Him.
(Grant Colfax Tullar, “The Weaver”)
Segment 6
Scriptures:
Psalm 119:105 (A light to my path)
Psalm 119:30 (The way of truth)
Words of the General Authorities:
I have thought about this moment a lot, and I think I know what I will do. First, I will thank my Savior and fall at His feet and bathe them with my tears. But the next thing I will do is point backward and say, “That was hard. That was hard.” And He will say, “I know,” because He does. (Tamara W. Runia, “Let His Radiance Shine through You!”, 2026 BYU Women’s Conference)
Read the transcript here.