Scripture and Questions for Study and Reflection:

Read Psalm 119: 49-64.

1. What are the three causes of suffering Chandler gives in the video?

2. When you hear the phrase “promises of God,” what comes to mind? What are some Biblical promises that stand out to you? Why?

3. Have you ever experienced suffering as a result of your faith in Jesus? If so, can you explain?

4. How have you found God’s presence to be a sufficient “portion” in difficult times?

5. Read 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10. Based on this, what should change about our view of suffering as recipients of God’s grace?

6. How should the truth about God’s constant availability encourage us in times of darkness?

7. Have you ever found the companionship of other believers to be a comfort to you in difficult periods of life?

8. Do you have this kind of companionship / community today? Why or why not?

Prayer for the Week:
Almighty God, we know that suffering is part of life in this fallen and broken world. Thank you for being with us in the midst of our suffering. Thank you for the promise of your comfort and grace as we go through the ups and downs of life. Your grace truly is sufficient for us. Help us to carry each other’s burdens as we do life together in your holy community we call the Church. May our love and care for one another in the Church look more and more like the perfect community of the Holy Trinity every day. Help us, as your church, to reveal and reflect your love to the world around us, so that others may come to know you, follow you and serve you as we do. We pray all of this in the strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.