“I Will Declare What He Hath Done for My Soul”
Come, Follow Me Study Guide | August 24–30
Reading: Psalms 49–51; 61–66; 69–72; 77–78; 85–86
The psalmists did not hide fear, remorse, desperation, or even the painful feeling that God had grown distant. Their words show us disciples who wrestled with sin and sorrow while still turning toward the Lord for redemption, forgiveness, and help.
This week’s psalms invite us to remember what God has done, trust what He still promises to do, and speak openly about His work in our souls.
Click here for a helpful activity packet the whole family can enjoy!
Setting the Stage for Your Come, Follow Me Study
This section of the study guide aims to provide a deeper understanding of the circumstances surrounding the revelation or scripture being studied. By exploring the events, challenges, and background of the time, this section helps readers appreciate the significance of the teachings and how they apply to our lives today.
The sons of Korah, whose ancestors once rebelled against Moses and Aaron, later served faithfully as priestly musicians in Israel’s temple worship. Their history gives Psalm 49 an unusual backdrop: descendants of a rebellious family eventually helped Israel worship the Lord through sacred song.
Asaph, another Levite musician, served as King David’s chief musician and established a guild that continued long after his lifetime. Psalm 50 comes from this musical tradition and calls the Lord’s covenant people “saints,” translating a Hebrew word closely related to hesed, the covenant love and mercy God extends to those who bind themselves to Him.
Psalm 51 carries the weight of a specific crisis in David’s life after Nathan confronted him about Bathsheba and Uriah. David asked God to “blot out” his transgressions, using language that meant wiping or washing them away, and he described the offering God desired as “a broken and a contrite heart” rather than outward sacrifice alone.
Psalm 69 carries a less certain origin because some scholars place its composition after Jewish exiles returned from Babylon despite its traditional attribution to David. In that setting, the writer’s consuming zeal for the Lord’s house could reflect grief over the destroyed Jerusalem temple and longing for its restoration, while later Gospel writers connected the psalm’s language with events in Jesus Christ’s life.
Psalm 72 begins with an earthly royal setting as David prays concerning his son Solomon, yet its language stretches far beyond one Israelite king. Its descriptions of righteous judgment, worldwide dominion, and blessing turn Solomon into a type of Jesus Christ, the promised King whose reign fulfills those ideals completely.
Find more helpful background and other information here.
Come, Follow Me Study Resources
This section provides additional talks and insights to deepen your study and strengthen your understanding of gospel principles. Explore these messages to gain fresh perspectives and apply what you learn in your daily life.
“A Broken Heart, Contrite Spirit, and Godly Sorrow” | ChurchofJesusChrist.org
- “We Can Do Better and Be Better,” by Russell M. Nelson
- “He Could Heal Me!” by Peter F. Meurs
Come, Follow Me Podcasts
These podcasts provide valuable insights, personal stories, and thoughtful perspectives that align with this week’s Come, Follow Me study guide. Tune in to explore new ideas and deepen your understanding of the principles being taught.
- Grounded – Psalms 49–51; 61–66; 69–72; 77–78; 85–86 | Barbara Morgan Gardner & Jenae Nelson | August 24-30
- Thumb Follow Me – Who stole the Ark? | Bible Stories for Kids | Come Follow Me
- Unshaken – Can You Come Back from Adultery? David’s Plea for Forgiveness
Questions for Personal Reflection
These thoughtful prompts are designed to help you connect the scriptures and their principles to your own life, encouraging personal insights and spiritual growth. Take time to reflect, journal, or discuss these questions as part of your study.
- What do you trust for security or rescue that sometimes competes with your trust in Jesus Christ?
- When you seek forgiveness, what do Psalms 51 and 86 teach you about the Savior’s willingness to cleanse and change you?
- What has the Lord done for your soul that you want others to know?
Living the Principle: “The Lord Is My Shepherd”
These suggestions are designed to inspire action and help you live the teachings in meaningful, personal ways. By embracing these ideas, you can deepen your discipleship and bring the light of the gospel into your home, relationships, and community.
- Choose one verse from this week’s psalms and write how it directs you toward Jesus Christ rather than another source of security.
- Name one sin or habit that needs repentance, then pray specifically for the Savior’s mercy and take one concrete step toward change today.
- Tell someone you trust about one specific way the Lord has helped, forgiven, strengthened, or guided you.
Shareable Quote for Come, Follow Me Inspiration
This section of the study guide features an uplifting quote from Church leaders, scriptures, or this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson—perfect for sharing with family and friends, or on social media. These messages are designed to spark meaningful conversations and keep the truths you learn at the forefront of your week.
How has this week’s study guide inspired or strengthened you? Your reflections could uplift someone else and spark a meaningful conversation in our community. Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s learn and grow together!
Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.
