JULY 2026
PSALMS 1 - 75
Psalms 1–75 comprises the first major section of the Book of Psalms (often referred to as Book I and Book II). Together, these songs, prayers, and hymns explore profound human experiences, the majesty of God, and the contrast between the righteous and the wicked.
These chapters span several foundational themes and historical periods within biblical poetry:
1. The Righteous and the Wicked (Psalm 1)Psalm 1 serves as the prologue to the entire Book of Psalms. It is a wisdom psalm that contrasts the path of the godly with the path of the wicked.
The Blessed Life: Those who delight in and meditate on the law of the Lord are described as "a tree planted by streams of water," which prospers and yields fruit.
The Ungodly: Conversely, the wicked are "like chaff that the wind blows away," ultimately leading to destruction.
2. Major Themes in Psalms 1–75
Royal & Messianic Psalms: Many psalms in this collection—such as Psalm 2—focus on God's anointed king. These were historically tied to the Davidic covenant and later interpreted by Christians as prophetic references to the Messiah.
Laments & Cries for Help: A large portion of these psalms (e.g., Psalms 3–7) involves the psalmist crying out to God during times of intense persecution, sickness, or distress. They are raw, honest prayers that transition from despair to praise and trust in God's deliverance.
Thanksgiving & Praise: Psalms like Psalm 75 celebrate God's righteous judgment and deliverance. They are characterized by gratitude for God's "wonderful deeds" and acknowledgment that God is the ultimate judge.
Nature & The Word: Several psalms extol the beauty of creation (e.g., Psalm 19) or the perfection of God's law.
Be faithful to your daily reading. Also, be faithful to apply to your life what you have read!
These chapters span several foundational themes and historical periods within biblical poetry:
1. The Righteous and the Wicked (Psalm 1)Psalm 1 serves as the prologue to the entire Book of Psalms. It is a wisdom psalm that contrasts the path of the godly with the path of the wicked.
The Blessed Life: Those who delight in and meditate on the law of the Lord are described as "a tree planted by streams of water," which prospers and yields fruit.
The Ungodly: Conversely, the wicked are "like chaff that the wind blows away," ultimately leading to destruction.
2. Major Themes in Psalms 1–75
Royal & Messianic Psalms: Many psalms in this collection—such as Psalm 2—focus on God's anointed king. These were historically tied to the Davidic covenant and later interpreted by Christians as prophetic references to the Messiah.
Laments & Cries for Help: A large portion of these psalms (e.g., Psalms 3–7) involves the psalmist crying out to God during times of intense persecution, sickness, or distress. They are raw, honest prayers that transition from despair to praise and trust in God's deliverance.
Thanksgiving & Praise: Psalms like Psalm 75 celebrate God's righteous judgment and deliverance. They are characterized by gratitude for God's "wonderful deeds" and acknowledgment that God is the ultimate judge.
Nature & The Word: Several psalms extol the beauty of creation (e.g., Psalm 19) or the perfection of God's law.
Be faithful to your daily reading. Also, be faithful to apply to your life what you have read!
You can pick up your copy of the OnTrack Devotional at the Welcome Center, or download a copy using the link below.
MORE INFO ABOUT ONTRACK DEVOTIONALS
GROW SELF-FEEDERS.
Rather than presenting preset conclusions, the inductive study method of OTD walks the user through a process of discovery, unlocking the Word by training them through repetition and modeling, how to ask good questions. Users are set free from dependence on media and other inputs that externally define for them what life is about and who God is. The Word becomes a real conversation with God.
IT'S A TOOL.
OTD is a daily devotional tool available in monthly booklet format designed to build the skill and discipline of effective daily Bible study, and is authored by Dwight Peterson. Each month includes both prayer list and commitment pages designed to add context to personal Bible study and to facilitate small group accountability.
RELEVANT AND FLEXIBLE.
OnTrack focuses on skill development, engaging 4 Levels of user skill in one tool. It’s relevant because it helps the user connect the Word to their own daily life and circumstances in a powerful way. It’s flexible because the content and commentary are voiced effectively for student and adult ministries alike. Can you say inter-generational?
WHO USES ON-TRACK?
With thousands of monthly users, you name it. Current ministry uses span a wide range of age groups and levels of implementation, including:
- Entire churches, from junior high through adults
- Small groups (student ministries, Adult Bible Fellowships, independent Bible studies, college RA teams, ministry leadership teams)
- Bible classes use it as a curriculum piece (churches, Christian high schools, college classes)
- Families, both within the household and those with students in remote locations (college, summer ministry, etc…)
- Individual students and adults
Rather than presenting preset conclusions, the inductive study method of OTD walks the user through a process of discovery, unlocking the Word by training them through repetition and modeling, how to ask good questions. Users are set free from dependence on media and other inputs that externally define for them what life is about and who God is. The Word becomes a real conversation with God.
IT'S A TOOL.
OTD is a daily devotional tool available in monthly booklet format designed to build the skill and discipline of effective daily Bible study, and is authored by Dwight Peterson. Each month includes both prayer list and commitment pages designed to add context to personal Bible study and to facilitate small group accountability.
RELEVANT AND FLEXIBLE.
OnTrack focuses on skill development, engaging 4 Levels of user skill in one tool. It’s relevant because it helps the user connect the Word to their own daily life and circumstances in a powerful way. It’s flexible because the content and commentary are voiced effectively for student and adult ministries alike. Can you say inter-generational?
WHO USES ON-TRACK?
With thousands of monthly users, you name it. Current ministry uses span a wide range of age groups and levels of implementation, including:
- Entire churches, from junior high through adults
- Small groups (student ministries, Adult Bible Fellowships, independent Bible studies, college RA teams, ministry leadership teams)
- Bible classes use it as a curriculum piece (churches, Christian high schools, college classes)
- Families, both within the household and those with students in remote locations (college, summer ministry, etc…)
- Individual students and adults

