October 29, 2023 • Matt Kleinhans • Psalm 42
Life in our fast-paced world keeps us constantly moving and doing things, with our minds usually focused on ourselves. But when we slow down and humble ourselves before our Good Shepherd, we discover a depth of purpose, peace, and pleasure, both now and on into eternity. Application Questions: 1. Do you struggle seeing yourself as a sheep in need of a shepherd? Why or why not? 2. How does the shepherding heart of God change the way you live your life and eternity? 3. How can you rest more in His leading, protection, and provision this week?
How do you respond when suffering hits? You may be familiar with the call to trust God in the midst of difficulty, but how are we supposed to do that? When it seems like God is against us, not for us, how do we respond in trust? In Psalm 56 David shows us the path forward in suffering and crisis.
David writes Psalm 51 after blowing up his life, and yet he sees a way forward from guilt to joy: repentance. The psalm teaches us to follow his lead, recognizing the reality of our guilt, the depth of our sin, and the size of God’s grace. Application Questions: 1. How do you handle guilt in your life? 2. David sees himself as a sinner from birth. Do you think that is true of you as well? 3. We often run from repentance. How can the size of God’s grace help us to run to repentance instead?
