Where is your God?

Sermon Notes March 10, 2019 Psalm 42 Short Review Review the main points of the morning message. Focus on: How do you pray when you are waiting and waiting and waiting for God’s deliverance? Some Questions for Discussion: 1. Let’s begin by asking: a. Did you write down any ideas or topics you want to talk about, questions you have? b. Is there something which the Lord applied to your life this morning which you’d be willing to share? 2. Take a poll: How many have had a dark time waiting for God’s answer in the last 2 years? Last 1 year? Last ½ year? Does the Psalmist here describe a common experience of Christians? If so, why do Christians go through such times – is it sinful, is it outside of God’s will, is it part of God’s plan? 3. Do we find it hard to pray in such times of long waiting? a. Why? [Do we sometimes not pray because we think Psalm 42 types of prayers are not appropriate?] b. What kinds of prayers are good and healthy at such times? c. How do you motivate yourself to pray when you feel like God is far away because you have not received any answers? 4. Discuss the four phrases which are each repeated twice: a. Verses 3,10 – what makes his pain sharper? What do you say to unbelieving friends and relatives when you are in distress? Do you hide it? Try to “protect” God? b. Verses 4,6 – how do memories of happier, blessed times break our hearts? Can you give examples of how this has happened in your life? c. Verses 5a, 11a – how does he examine himself? Is self-examination (of emotions, feelings) good and healthy or not? What are guidelines you use? d. Verses 5b, 11b – what does he preach to himself? What does “hope” mean for the Christian? And why is “in God” critical – what other comforts are there? 5. How can we pray for one another in response to the word today?