Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?
August 13, 2023
The call to “be joyful” or “rejoice” is repeated more than 300 times in the Bible, making it one of the most repeated commands in all Scripture. But how are we supposed to be “joyful in all circumstances” when so many of them are bad? Does God cause or allow challenging circumstances to come into our lives, and if so, why? Join us for part 3 of the Summer Psalms Mixtape, where we will learn that joy doesn’t come from changed circumstances but through a changed perspective.
Passage
Psalm 66
Practice
Joy doesn’t come from changed ##circumstances## but through a changed ##perspective##.
Practice
See God’s ##Work## (Psalm 66:1-9)
Trust God’s ##Ways## (Psalm 66:10-12)
Proclaim God’s ##Glory## (Psalm 66:13-20)
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
Describe how you first heard the Gospel. Who shared with you? Do you know how that person came to hear and believe the Gospel? If so, share it.
HEAR
Read Romans 10:1-4
- Who is Paul talking about in verses 1-4?
- What is zeal? Is zeal enough to save us? Why or why not?
Read Romans 10:5-13
- Based on verse 8, why is the Word better than the law?
- What does Paul say we must do to be saved? What does it mean to confess? What does it mean to believe? When did you first believe in Jesus? When did you first confess Him as your Savior and Lord?
- How is Jesus leveling the playing field?
Read Romans 10:14-21
- How does Paul describe the progression of the Gospel? Has this changed since Paul first wrote this letter?
- According to Paul, will everyone who hears believe? Why or why not?
- Some have said they can’t believe in a God who wouldn’t extend salvation to everyone. Have you ever wrestled with this concern? How would you respond to a person with this objection?
HUDDLE
Do you know someone who needs to hear the Gospel? How might God be positioning you to share with that person? Talk about it, invite accountability, and pray together.
Daily Reading
As you follow this week’s reading plan, invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with His joy regardless of circumstances.
- Day 1: Romans 10
- Day 2: Psalm 33
- Day 3: Psalm 65
- Day 4: Psalm 66
- Day 5: Psalm 67
- Day 6: Psalm 68
- Day 7: Psalm 75
Think Deeper
- Has God ever used a painful situation to accomplish something good in your life?
- Describe a time when a change of perspective helped you find joy in an otherwise challenging situation.
- Is there a circumstance in your life keeping you from experiencing joy? How might God use that circumstance for your good?
Suggested Reading
Reflections on the Psalms, by C. S. Lewis
The Songs of Jesus, by Tim Keller
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.