Seeking God's Wisdom in Life's Challenges
Summary
This morning, we reflected on the importance of seeking God’s wisdom and discernment in every aspect of our lives, especially when we face challenges, make mistakes, or feel lost. Our journey began with a simple but relatable story about assembling a dryer without fully reading the instructions—a metaphor for how we often approach life, relying on our instincts rather than seeking God’s guidance. Just as skipping the instructions led to trouble, so too can neglecting God’s word and wisdom lead us astray.
Psalm 119:65-72 reminds us that God deals well with us, even in our afflictions. The psalmist acknowledges that before he was afflicted, he went astray, but through hardship, he learned to keep God’s word. This passage teaches that God’s discipline is not punishment, but a loving correction that draws us closer to Him and shapes our character. Even when we fail, God remains faithful, using our experiences—both good and bad—to deepen our relationship with Him.
True discernment is not just about acquiring knowledge for its own sake, but about living a life that is pleasing to God. The world often values knowledge that leads to self-advancement, but godly wisdom is rooted in reverence for God and a desire to honor Him above all else. Discernment means asking, “Does this decision please God?” rather than “Does this please me?” This requires a teachable, humble heart, open to correction from God’s word and from trusted people in our lives.
We also considered how God’s word is living and active, able to cut through our outward appearances and reveal the true intentions of our hearts. It is through regular engagement with Scripture and the Holy Spirit’s guidance that we develop the ability to discern right from wrong, even when the world’s values shift and blur the lines. God’s wisdom is more valuable than any earthly wealth, and embracing it leads to a life of true blessing, even in the midst of affliction.
The challenge set before us is simple but profound: to commit to spending at least 10 minutes a day with God, seeking His wisdom, meditating on His word, and allowing Him to shape our hearts and minds. In doing so, we grow in love for God and others, and we become people who not only know the truth but live it out in every area of life.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Faithfulness in Affliction: Even when life is difficult and we face setbacks, God remains present and faithful. Our afflictions are not signs of God’s absence or displeasure, but opportunities for deeper relationship and growth. The psalmist’s testimony shows that God uses our hardships to draw us closer and to teach us His ways. [30:59]
- The Heart of Discernment: True discernment is not about accumulating knowledge for its own sake, but about living a life that pleases God. It requires a humble, teachable spirit that seeks God’s will above personal gain or comfort. Discernment is cultivated by asking whether our choices honor God, not just ourselves. [34:23]
- The Transforming Power of God’s Word: God’s word is alive and penetrates beyond our outward behavior to the core of our hearts. Regular engagement with Scripture enables us to see life through God’s lens, empowering us to make wise decisions even when the world’s standards are shifting. The Holy Spirit uses God’s word to develop true godly discernment within us. [40:37]
- Learning Through Failure and Discipline: God’s discipline is an expression of His love, not His rejection. When we stray or make mistakes, God allows us to experience consequences so that we might learn, grow, and be transformed. Asking God, “What are you teaching me through this?” opens the door to deeper wisdom and maturity. [51:49]
- Valuing God’s Wisdom Above All Else: The wisdom and discernment that come from God are more precious than any material wealth. Pursuing God’s word and presence daily, even in small increments, reorients our hearts toward what truly matters and equips us to live lives that honor Him in every circumstance. [57:34]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[15:45] - Fellowship Question: Reading Instructions
[20:58] - The Dryer Story: Skipping Instructions
[26:52] - Reading Psalm 119:65-72
[27:41] - Introduction to Psalm 119
[28:51] - God’s Faithfulness in Hardship
[30:59] - Testimony: Faith Through Suffering
[31:50] - A Teachable Heart and True Knowledge
[33:36] - Discernment: Living to Please God
[35:28] - The World’s Shifting Values
[38:32] - God’s Word Cuts to the Heart
[41:24] - Discernment in Ministry: Cambodia Story
[46:11] - The Source of True Wisdom
[50:51] - Learning from Failure and Discipline
[54:28] - God Teaches Through Relationships
[57:34] - God’s Word: Greater Than Riches
[01:00:46] - The 10-Minute Challenge
[01:02:10] - Communion Invitation
[01:20:39] - Announcements and Closing Prayer
[01:23:39] - Farewell and Refreshments
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Psalm 119:65-72
You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word.
Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.
The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law.
It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 119:67, what did the psalmist say happened before he was afflicted, and what changed after?
2. In verse 66, what two things does the psalmist ask God to teach him, and why?
3. What does the psalmist compare the value of God’s word to in verse 72?
4. In the sermon, what was the main point of the dryer story, and how did it connect to the way we approach God’s word? [[20:58]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The psalmist says, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” What does this suggest about the purpose of hardship in the life of a believer?
2. The sermon described discernment as “living a life that pleases God” rather than just knowing a lot of things. Why is this distinction important for Christians today? [[34:23]]
3. The pastor shared that God’s discipline is an expression of His love, not His rejection. How might this perspective change the way someone views their own failures or setbacks? [[51:49]]
4. The psalmist says God’s word is “better than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” What does this reveal about what should be most valuable to us, and how does this challenge common values in our culture? [[57:34]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to spend at least 10 minutes a day with God. What would it look like for you to actually do this? What might get in the way, and how could you overcome those obstacles? [[01:00:46]]
2. Think about a recent mistake or failure in your life. Instead of just feeling bad about it, what is one way you could ask God, “What are you teaching me through this?” How might this change your response to failure? [[51:49]]
3. The pastor talked about the difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. In what areas of your life do you tend to rely more on your own instincts or the world’s advice, rather than seeking God’s guidance? [[49:51]]
4. The psalmist says that God’s discipline is good and helps us learn. Can you think of a time when a hard situation actually brought you closer to God or taught you something important? How did you see God’s faithfulness in that time? [[30:59]]
5. The sermon described discernment as asking, “Does this decision please God?” rather than “Does this please me?” What is one decision you are facing right now where you need to apply this question? [[34:23]]
6. The pastor mentioned that God often teaches us through relationships, even difficult or dysfunctional ones. Is there a relationship in your life right now where you sense God might be shaping your character? How can you respond with humility and a teachable heart? [[54:28]]
7. The psalmist delights in God’s word more than riches. What is one practical way you can show that you value God’s wisdom above material things this week? [[57:34]]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God for a humble, teachable heart, and for the desire to seek His wisdom daily—especially in the midst of challenges and decisions. Pray for the group to grow in love for God and others as they spend time in His word.
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Word Guides Us Through Life’s Challenges
God’s Word is not just an instruction manual, but a living guide that anchors us through every trial, failure, and season of affliction. Even when we make mistakes or face hardships, God remains faithful and present, using these experiences to deepen our relationship with Him and to shape our character. When we look back, we can often see how God has “dealt well” with us, even in the midst of pain, and how His promises have sustained us. The psalmist reminds us that God’s goodness is not dependent on our circumstances, but is a constant reality we can trust, inviting us to seek Him in every facet of our lives. [30:59]
Psalm 119:65-66 (ESV)
You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.
Reflection: Can you recall a recent challenge where, looking back, you can now see God’s faithfulness or goodness at work? How might you thank Him for that today?
Day 2: True Discernment Comes from Seeking God’s Wisdom
Discernment is more than just knowledge; it is the ability to live a life that is pleasing to God, making choices that honor Him rather than simply following what feels right or is culturally acceptable. The world’s standards shift, but God’s standards remain unchanging. By seeking God’s wisdom through His Word and asking for a teachable heart, we learn to discern right from wrong, good from evil, and to make decisions that reflect God’s holiness and love. This discernment is a gift that grows as we stay connected to God and His truth, allowing us to see life through His lens rather than our own. [37:13]
Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV)
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
Reflection: What is one decision you are facing where you need God’s discernment? How can you intentionally seek His wisdom through prayer and Scripture before acting?
Day 3: God’s Word Penetrates and Transforms Our Hearts
The Word of God is living and active, able to cut through outward appearances and reveal the true intentions and thoughts of our hearts. While we may be able to present ourselves as “nice” or put-together on the outside, God’s Word exposes what is really within us and calls us to genuine transformation. As we regularly engage with Scripture, the Holy Spirit uses it to shape our character, convict us of sin, and empower us to live authentically for God. This deep work is essential for true spiritual growth and for developing discernment that is rooted in God’s truth rather than in our own perceptions. [38:32]
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Reflection: When was the last time God’s Word challenged or convicted you about something beneath the surface? How can you invite God to continue transforming your heart this week?
Day 4: God Uses Our Failings and Afflictions to Teach Us
Even when we stray or make mistakes, God’s discipline is an expression of His love, using our hardships and consequences to draw us back to Him and to teach us His ways. The psalmist acknowledges that affliction became a blessing because it led to deeper understanding and obedience. Rather than viewing our failures as final, we are invited to ask God what He wants to teach us through them, trusting that He is always working to transform our character and bring us closer to Himself. God’s faithfulness is greater than our failings, and He never gives up on us. [51:49]
Psalm 119:67-68 (ESV)
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.
Reflection: Is there a recent mistake or hardship you’ve experienced? What lesson might God be inviting you to learn from it, and how can you respond with humility and trust?
Day 5: God’s Wisdom Is More Valuable Than Worldly Riches
The psalmist declares that God’s Word and wisdom are more precious than thousands of pieces of gold and silver. While the world chases after wealth, comfort, and self-fulfillment, true fulfillment and lasting value are found in knowing and following God. Embracing God’s wisdom empowers us to remain steadfast through challenges, to grow through difficult relationships, and to live lives that are pleasing to Him. The invitation is to commit—even in small steps—to spending time with God daily, valuing His presence and guidance above all else, and allowing His Word to shape every aspect of our lives. [57:34]
Psalm 119:72 (ESV)
The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can show that you value God’s Word above worldly pursuits this week? Will you commit to spending at least 10 minutes a day with Him?
Quotes
We need to ask God for his discernment, and it begins with, am I pleasing God? Am I honoring God? And if I'm going to honor God, it's going to come down to discerning between good and evil. [00:37:05] (15 seconds)
God's word cuts straight to our hearts. God's word cuts through outward appearances, because many of us look and seem like we have it all together, but we don't. God's word cuts through that. God's word cuts through all the external behaviors. He cuts deep into the heart. [00:38:33] (22 seconds)
Godly knowledge is a deep understanding of God, and discernment is the ability to apply that understanding in daily life. Let me repeat that again. Godly knowledge is a deep understanding of God, and discernment is the ability to apply that understanding in our lives. [00:48:41] (18 seconds)
Here's the key. When you're going through a challenge, when things don't make sense, and it's hard, and you don't understand why, or maybe you did make a mistake, or maybe you did sin on purpose, and you're experiencing the fallout from that, the one thing that we need to do is ask God, what can I learn from this? What are you trying to teach me, Lord? What are you trying to reveal to me? [00:53:07] (25 seconds)
The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. Wow. The discernment of God is far better than any wealth or riches that this world can offer. Do we really believe that? [00:57:20] (17 seconds)
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