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The Source
Opening Prayer
Dear Lord, we forget to live in accordance with your plan for our souls whenever we choose to rely on other things. Teach us to rely fully on you. Amen.
Recap
How did you apply last issue's lesson to your life?
Chat Point #1
• Have you ever seen a small child trip and fall, get hurt, starts crying and desperately searches for his parents?
• What did the loving parent do?
• Why did the loving parent do that?
• When you were a young child,to whom did you run to whenever you got hurt?
• Why did you run to that person?
Whenever we find ourselves in tough and difficult situations – the kind that makes us want to escape from the world - we tend to gravitate toward some kind of comfort in the attempt to bring balance to the harshness of the situation. We go to the source of whatever we think may help us. It’s there where we seek out peace, strength, momentary forgetfulness, comfort, etc. Some find comfort in the company of others. Some find momentary forgetfulness in escaping to the movies. Some go to the gym. Some go for “retail therapy” (shopping). Some turn to substance abuse. And the list goes on. The point is, each person has a source they turn to in times of desperation.
Chat Point #2
Choose at least one of the following words that best describe how you feel, in your life, right now:
Discouraged |
Helpless |
Confused |
Frustrated |
Rejected |
Weak |
Tired |
Scared |
Angry |
Disturbed |
Afraid |
Broken |
Unforgiving |
Hopeless |
Hatred |
Nervous |
Irritated |
Hurt |
Unsure |
Insecure |
Struggle |
Overwhelmed |
Shame |
Regret |
Worried |
Anxious |
Depressed |
Lost |
Stressed |
Exhausted |
• Why did you choose that?
• Be real: How do you REALLY handle this?
• Where do you go or what do you do to counter your tough times?
“Everyone has noticed how hard it is to turn our thoughts to God when everything is going well with us... While what we call 'our own life' remains agreeable, we will not surrender it to Him. What, then, can God do in our interests but make 'our own life' less agreeable to us, and take away the plausible sources of false happiness?” – C.S. Lewis
READ: Psalm 14
Psalm 23
Psalm 55
KEY FOCUS:
Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
1. What stood out for you?
2. What thoughts did you have whilst reading this?
3. How does this make you feel?
4. What does this tell you about God?
5. What does this tell you about humanity?
6. What does this tell you about yourself?
7. The Bible reveals to us, as well as the personal experience of billions of God fearing people, that God is THE SOURCE of all help in our darkest hour. Why is that?
8. Is God REALLY your source?
9. How does C.S.Lewis’ quote relate to this chat?
10. Compare your earthly source of “balance” to the help God promises...
10.1. Which one is more reliable and worthwhile?
10.2. Why?
11. Why does God want to be your source in all things?
12. In what ways can we turn to the Lord, our true Source of hope and help, whenever the world starts getting the better of us?
13. How can we remain true to the Lord, our Source, as a group?
Personal Reflection
Reflect on the Psalm readings and write your own Psalm declaring that God is The Source of your life.
• If you are comfortable to do so, share your psalm with the group next time you meet.
Closing Prayer
Forever Lord, you are the author and sustainer of life. In you, we find everything we need to gain eternal life through your Son Jesus Christ. Remind us to drink from your source of grace each day. Amen