Heart Over Hype: God in the Wilderness

Use this curriculum to help you further engage with the sermon, the scriptures, and each other. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring things up to encourage and guide you so that you are always growing in your faith. If the Spirit leads you away from these questions and into conversation and prayer that encourages and points you to Jesus, go for it.

scripture

Read the following scriptures together: 1 Samuel 23.

overview

As we continue to watch David running for his life, not yet living in God’s promise that he would be king, we are confronted with the truth that God allows hardships in the lives of his people. We don’t find David running from God; rather, he runs to God. He inquires of the Lord three times in this chapter, and David trusts even when God’s direction doesn’t seem safe or is confusing at the time. Saul on the other hand, makes decisions based on his obsession to kill David. He abandons his kingly role of protecting all of Israel and loses sight of what God had called him to do.

question 1

When you are facing confusing or unknown circumstances, how do you typically respond?

discussion

Read Luke 22:42-43. As you read the entire Bible, you see many people who go through confusing and painful circumstances and Jesus our King was no exception. God provided strength to his Son through the angels and for us, he has provided the Holy Spirit and other believers in our lives to strengthen us as Jonathan did for David. Jonathan risked his life to go and find David and encourage him. This is why a local church community is important because it puts us in proximity to other believers. We then get the opportunity to form friendships through serving together, meeting as you are now in a Community Group, and many other ways. A word of encouragement, prayer during or after a service, a phone call or text can truly help us change our perspective and receive the hope we need at times. 

question 2

While few of us will ever be called to risk our lives for someone else, we are constantly given opportunities to step out of our comfort zones when others are hurting. Think about a time when someone went out of their way to support you during a tough season. What did they do, and how can you build that same kind of generosity into your own daily life?

Read Psalm 46. The chapter ends with Saul chasing David around the mountain before Saul suddenly gets called away. Scripture infers that this turn of events was God’s timing and provision, which is why the mountain is called “The Rock of Pardon” or “The Rock of Escape”. David experienced God’s safety and help in the middle of Saul’s wild pursuit. We too are invited into the presence of God, and he promises to be our safe refuge in times of confusion and trials. Instead of spiraling into anxiety, overthinking, or trying to manipulate a situation, we can choose to stop and pour out honest emotions and fears to God in prayer

question 3

Talk about why it’s hard for us to go to God first instead of worry. What are some ways to grow more steady in this area? Does anyone have a go-to Scripture for when you feel overwhelmed?

weekly application

Read Psalm 46 or Psalm 91 a few times this week so you can be reminded that God is the One to run to when the next trial or the news of the world starts to overwhelm you. Mark these in your Bible so you can readily find them when you need them. When we start to take God’s Word to heart, we will find ourselves experiencing more trust and peace in him. Continue to practice reaching out to your friends for encouragement as well.