For further reflection:
1. Read Psalm 51:11-12: "Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit."
When David repents, what does he ask God for, and how is his request different from the approach of behavior modification?
2. Read Luke 17:15-16: "Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him."
What do we see the man in this verse doing after he has been healed? If we apply this verse to our own lives, what should follow our restoration?
3. Reflect on your pattern of repentance. Do you tend to focus on changing your behavior or drawing nearer to God?
Restoration
Psalms: Episode 8
Psalm 51:10–19
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?