Curious Psalms

Dr. Libby Backfish is back for a new experiment in Curious Psalms - having an extended conversation in two parts. In this, Part 1, of her conversation with Matt about Psalm 78, they discuss the movements between faithfulness and unfaithfulness, the relationship between knowing and obeying God, some details about the timing of the end of the Psalm and much more. Enjoy Part 1, and look for Part 2 of this conversation coming out in a couple of weeks!

Jana Dykhuis is back on the podcast to talk with Matt about Psalm 77. They explore the inner dialogue of this Psalm, the ways it invites us to lean on a larger perspective of God and his actions in times of distress as well as how we might think about resolution as a goal (or not) of prayer. Enjoy this conversation!

Olivia Giles joins Matt again to talk about Psalm 76 and its reflections on God’s wrath. They discuss the ways that this Psalm calls us to trust God and his goodness, how a proper fear of God goes hand in hand with gratitude and the gift of naming and recognizing God’s anger. Enjoy this conversation!

Amy Langle returns for a fascinating conversation about praising God for his judgment as she and Matt explore Psalm 75. They talk about the ways judgment is portrayed positively in this Psalm and what it means to trust in God’s timing and his sense of equity. And of course, there are some laughs along the way - enjoy!

Grant Sork is back to wrestle with Psalm 74 together with Matt. In this conversation they talk about the way it develops some of the themes of Psalm 73, the absence of God in this Psalm and its invitation to us to call God to keep his promises. It’s a fascinating conversation exploring a challenging Psalm, we hope you enjoy it.

The Reverend Dr. Kevin Adams returns to explore Psalm 73 with Matt. They discuss the ways this personal Psalm provides space for our doubts reminding us that God invites us to explore those doubts within covenant with him and his people. We hope this is a helpful conversation exploring what it means to pay attention to our world and bring what we see to God. Plus, hear the new theme for Book 3 (thanks to Aaron Antoon for composing it).

Jana Dykhuis joins the podcast for the first time to discuss Psalm 72 with Matt. In this conversation, they talk about the ways this psalm fires our holy imagination, giving us hope and images for God’s Kingdom. As we conclude Book 2 of the Psalms, they also discuss the ways God in Jesus uniquely fulfills these hopes for a King.

Matt is joined once again by Dr. Libby Backfish to talk about Psalm 71. In this episode, they discuss the way age plays a role in this Psalm, the many metaphors that undergird the Psalmist’s trust in God and unpack a couple of fascinating phrases. We hope this episode encourages some of your own introspection and reflection on the faithfulness of God!

In this episode, Matt is joined by Nathan Giles to discuss all five verses of Psalm 70. In such a short Psalm they still have plenty to talk about as they explore the urgency of the Psalm, the formative power of prayer and how this Psalm can help us pray for ourselves as well as others. Enjoy this conversation.

In a special return appearance, Reverend Kyu Hahn joins Matt for a conversation about Psalm 69. Together, they explore the differences between David’s response to persecution and Jesus’s, what it means for God to be attentive in the midst of silence and the invitation to give our prayers space to breathe and develop. Plus a lot more! Enjoy this conversation.