For further reflection:
1. Read Psalm 56:8: “You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?"
What aspect of God's character do we see in this verse? How is that aspect comforting to us in our fear?
2. Read Psalm 56:1-3: "Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled upon me; Fighting all day long he oppresses me. My foes have trampled upon me all day long, For they are many who fight proudly against me. When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You."
In these verses, we see the Psalmist telling God about his situation. Why is it important that we acknowledge our fears to God?
3. Confront the struggle in your life. How does it make you feel? What are you afraid of happening? Bring this all to God, remembering that he empathizes with you.
Facing Fear
Psalm: Episode 9
Psalm 56
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?