How would you summarize the main theme of this psalm? What is the psalmist seeking to communicate about God?

The psalmist says that “it is better to take refuge in the Lord rather than to trust in man” (118:8-9). Are you ever tempted to trust in yourself, or someone else, rather than God? Why or why not?

Twice the psalmist says that God has become his salvation (118:14, 21). What does this mean? Why is it significant that, in Christianity, salvation comes from God, instead of from ourselves? How does this differ from other religions and belief systems?

In 118:22, the psalmist says that “the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”. How does this verse describe the person and work of Jesus? (Acts 4:8-12, 1 Peter 2:4-8)

The structure of this psalm begins with a declaration of what God has done (118:1-14), which then gives way to a response of worship, exaltation, and prayer (118:15-29). How does this serve as a pattern for the Christian life? What does it look like for us to live our lives in response to who God is, and what He has done for us?

How does this psalm push back against prosperity theology (using God as a means to an end of material blessing, physical health, etc.)? How does it encourage us to put our hope in God, rather than created things?

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