Psalm 43
1. We began by hearing that this is a lament psalm: a cry out to God for deliverance in the midst of agony.
A: In v. 1, we see the urgency of the request. The author asks that God to vindicate him by being his judge, his advocate & his savior. What does this request teach us about our need for God’s work in our lives? What situations help us to feel this type of urgent need for God’s work today?
B: In v. 2, we read that the author is in a position of trusting in God, yet sorrow remains. What do you tend to do when you find yourself in this position?
C: Pastor Nate, when talking about v. 2, said that pain is never without purpose. What are times in your life where you’ve gone through pain & now have the perspective to recognize how God used that time for your good & His glory?
2. When then talked about restoration & anticipation in the second half of the psalm.
A: In v. 3, the author asks that God, “send out your light & your truth; let them lead me.” Where would you be today with God’s guidance in your life?
B: In v. 4, we see the importance of God’s house, worshipping with God’s people, and using our gifting for God’s glory. What does it look like today to have the kind of intense determination to exalt God that the author shares? What competes for our affections/determination today? What happens when you see gathering with God’s people to worship God as a taste of what’s to come rather than a duty-bound obligation?
C: In v. 4, the author writes, “I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.” What talents, abilities, opportunities do you have that can be used to declare the greatness of God?
D: We also see in v. 4 that God’s provides protection both from outside enemies as well ourselves! What has brought you security to your life?
3. We ended with v. 5, the final words of this psalm.
A: We see in this verse that finally the author is moving to introspection, but only after walking through invocation. Rather than starting with ourselves, the psalm teaches us to run to God first. What’s the problem with beginning with introspection rather than invocation, self-talk rather than talking with God?
B: The psalm ends with reminders & true hope. What changed in your life when you became convinced that God was truly your salvation & your God?