Bible Reading
Psalm 46 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. 'Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!' The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah”
[38:55]Philippians 4:4-9 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
[33:37]2 Kings 6:15-17 “When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, 'Alas, my master! What shall we do?' He said, 'Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' Then Elisha prayed and said, 'O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.' So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
[45:11]Observation questions
- In Psalm 46, what signs of upheaval surround God’s people, and how does the psalm describe God’s presence in the middle of them? [40:49]
- In 2 Kings 6:15–17, what could Elisha’s servant see before Elisha prayed, and what could he see afterward? What changed about his view of the situation? [51:31]
- In the example of praying about unpaid bills, what gifts and resources could a person thank God for while still asking for help? [57:09]
- In Philippians 4:6–9, what instructions involve prayer, thinking, and action? What promises accompany those instructions? [01:02:17]
Interpretation questions
- How does Psalm 46 challenge the idea that God’s presence means his people will not face frightening circumstances? [44:15]
- Why does Elisha ask God to open his servant’s eyes rather than simply tell him that the army is no threat? What does this reveal about the relationship between faith and real danger? [51:09]
- How can thanksgiving help a believer bring an urgent need to God without minimizing the problem or pretending it has been solved? [56:30]
- What is the difference between receiving God’s peace and having the God of peace present? How might both promises encourage someone whose circumstances remain difficult? [01:02:35]
Application questions
- If you are comfortable sharing, what situation currently draws your attention back to fear—perhaps a medical appointment, finances, grief, or a daily responsibility? What makes it difficult to remember that God is with you in that situation? [49:23]
- Think of one urgent need you are bringing to God. What specific gifts, past help, or people could you thank him for alongside that request? [57:09]
- When a fearful thought keeps returning, how do you usually respond? What might help you bring that same concern back to God in prayer without becoming discouraged with yourself? [59:48]
- Looking at the qualities Paul lists in Philippians 4:8, what is one specific truth or good thing you could spend time considering this week? How could you make room for that when your mind feels busy? [01:00:50]
- Is there a responsibility you have been avoiding because it feels overwhelming? What small, practical step might express trust in God while still taking the difficulty seriously? [01:02:17]
- Jesus makes it possible to come to God with our fears, and we do not have to face them alone. What helps—or holds you back from—asking another believer to pray with you? What kind of support would be helpful from this group? [01:03:16]
