For further reflection:
1. Read Psalm 100:1-2: "Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing."
Why do you think praising God, even if we don't feel joyful at the moment, cultivates joy?
2. In 2 Corinthians 6:10, Paul says he is "sorrowful yet always rejoicing." What does it look like to possess joy in tough circumstances when we are still struggling with other hard feelings?
3. Which one of the 5 truths mentioned in the passage sticks out to you the most? Reflect on how this truth applies to a current situation.
-God is God. He is in control.
-God made me. He can empathize with me.
-God is my shepherd. He is watching over my life.
-God is good. I can trust him.
-God’s faithfulness lasts forever. He will never abandon me.
Finding Joy
Psalms: Episode 12
Psalm 100
Trusting God
Psalm 1
For further reflection: 1. Read Psalm 1:1-2: "Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, And on His Law he meditates day and night." What characteristics define the person who is "blessed"? 2. Read Psalm 1:3-4: "He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers." This verse describes the existence of someone who trusts in God. Interpreting the metaphor of the tree, how would you describe this person's reality? 3. Choose from one of the three situations and reflect on where you’ve been trusting in yourself rather than God. Ask God to help you trust him in this area. -Something unknown in the future you’re anxious about -A decision you’re having to make -Something that’s causing pain or suffering in your life
Weakness
Psalm 8
For further reflection: 1. Read Psalm 8:2: "From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength." Why do you think God chooses to work through weak people to put his strength on display? 2. Read John 15:5: “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” This verse tells us that abiding in Christ is what give us strength. What do you think it looks like practically to "abide" in Jesus? 3. Think about an area of weakness being exposed in your life right now. What are three ways in which you could praise God for his strength in this area?