Sermon: "Run the Race"
Scripture: Psalm 119:17-32
Speaker: Pastor Diane Mendelson

Scripture and Questions for Study and Reflection:
As we continue our sermon series on Psalm 119, today we are focusing on Psalm 119: 17-32. Take a moment and read this passage.

1. In verse 17, David asks God to deal bountifully with his servant. What kind of relationship do you think David and God had? What does David desire from God? Take a moment and ponder not only what your relationship with God is...but also, what do you truly desire of God?

2. What does it mean to “open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from your law”? Why is this important to acknowledge? Is this something you can do on your own or do you need God’s assistance?

3. Read Hebrews 11: 13-14. How does this passage relate to Psalm 119: 19? How do you describe your presence on earth? Are you a stranger/alien on this earth? Or are you an heir of the Promised Land?

4. Matt Chandler shared that when you are at your wits end, this is “fertile ground for revival.” When have you found this to be true in your own life?

5. Who does God rebuke? What does it mean to wander from God’s commandments?

6. When you are hounded by the worries and cares of this life, and the going gets tough, who do you turn to? Who or what do you cling to? What makes life worth living? In all of this, where does God fit in?

7. Read John 15: 5. Do you see any similarities between David’s relationship with God and your relationship with Christ?

8. Matt Chandler talks about being serious about confessing your sins, or as he puts it, “putting your sins to death.” What are ways you can or have put your sins to death? What are ways the community of God can help you and hold you accountable?

9. What does this passage teach you about God? What does it teach you about yourself? How are you allowing God to open your heart to “enlarge your heart” so that you can run the race of life with God at the helm?

Prayer for the Week:
Dear Lord, help me to seek your word, your commandments, your decrees, your statutes, your precepts and to be intentional about growing deeper in my faith through your Holy Word. When life gets a little rough, and I know it will, give me the strength, and the head and heart knowledge that will allow me to cling to you, Lord. Help me to know and believe that you are mighty and powerful and will give me the sustainable power to run the course you’ve mapped out for my life. I am giving you all the praise and glory, God. Amen.