Finding Hope in Jesus

GC Discussion Questions 11/26/2023

1. Read Psalm 42:1-11. What are your first impressions as to what is happening in the life of the Psalmist.

2. Review the Psalm and find words and phrases that describe the Psalmist condition. How would you describe your current spiritual condition?

3. Respond to Timothy Keller’s quote. What has been your experience?

“American Christians can be very moralistic about this. It’s why it can be tough to admit to your Christian friends, your times of spiritual dryness, because Christian friends might say,

 Have you been reading the word & praying daily?

 Have you prayed in faith?

 Have you confessed all known sins?

 Have you claimed the promises of God?

 Have you rebuked the devil?

 Have you pleaded the blood?

 Have you thanked God for your many blessings?

4. Pastor Jim indicated he saw 4 causal factors for this man’s spiritual dryness. Has there ever been a time in your life when you were spiritually dry because of one or more of these factors?

 Disruption to Community

 Disillusionment over life events.

 Depressed internally.

 Experiencing lack of sleep & loss of appetite.

5. Pastor Jim stated that the Psalmist did 4 things in pursuit of a cure for his spiritual dryness.

 He pours his heart out to God (42:4)

 He reorders his hopes. (42:5)

“Spiritual dryness often reveals misplaced hopes.” (What does this mean?)

 He remembers who God is and recalls his past works in his life. (Ask the group to review the Psalm and identify the times he speaks to the character or works of God)

 He preaches to his heart. (42:5, 42:11, 43:5)

6. What do you think the quote from Martin Lloyd Jones means and what is the key to begin effectively talking to yourself?

“Have you ever realized that most of the unhappiness in your life has been you listening to yourself instead of you talking to yourself?”

7. Finally, let’s read the quote from Pastor Jim’s sermon and share if there is some thing you need to do to fight.

“If you are experiencing a spiritual drought, you have to fight to get back. And this fight will always begin with very little enthusiasm. That’s why it’s going to be a fight.

Sunday Worship – show up, don’t miss it.

Community life -surround yourself with people who will support you & pray for you,

Prayer – keep getting on your knees.

Bible reading – open it every morning.

Pour out your heart to God.

If you don’t feel anything, talk to God about it. Let him know how much you miss him and ask him for help in getting back to him.”