Element Christian Church
Songs of Ascent - Trust
There is no literature, ancient or modern, that is more realistic and honest in facing the harsh facts of life than the Bible. The Scriptures never once portray a life lived worshiping God as free of difficulties or pain. As a matter of fact, our God comes in the person of Jesus and is despised and rejected for us, to rescue us from our own rebellion. What God promises is that He will be with us even in the midst of our struggles. Peterson writes, “On every page of the Bible there is recognition that faith encounters troubles.” In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus says, “deliver us from evil;” that prayer is answered every day in the lives of those who walk in the way of faith.
Psalm 121:1-2 ESV
Psalm 121:1-2 ESV
Psalm 121:3 ESV
Jeremiah 3:23 ESV
Psalm 121:7-8 ESV
Romans 8:38-39 ESV
Read Psalm 121 each day as you answer the daily questions.
Day 1 Reflect: What things are you tempted to look to for fulfillment, purpose, and identity?
Pray: Ask God to remind you that He alone is the one that can fulfill us.
Day 2 Reflect: In what ways has God walked with you through suffering? How have you walked with others through their suffering?
Pray: Thank God for His tangible understanding of pain and that we can cry out to Him in our distress. Ask Him for comfort and guidance.
Day 3 Reflect: Take an inventory of your life…what is God actively guarding you from right now?
Pray: Pray for God’s protection for your family, your community, and your city.
Day 4 Reflect: Think about how God watches over us even while we sleep!
Pray: Praise God for His guidance and everlasting love.
Day 5 Reflect: Consider the world around you…how can you demonstrate your trust in Jesus as your guardian?
Pray: Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance in how you can enter into other’s suffering and offer encouragement that comes from trusting Jesus.
Psalms 121:1-8 MSG
As you gather as a community, discuss what you learned through the daily readings.
What’s the earliest memory you have of being told you were wrong? How did you respond?
Why do you think the Bible is as honest as it is about suffering?
How has Jesus walked with you in a season of stumbling?
Where does your help come from? What does it mean to trust God alone? What is the chief end of man?
What does this answer lived out in your life look like?
In what alternatives to God (idols) have you put your trust, hope, energy, and/or attention? Is there something that consistently tempts you?
How do those things fail in comparison to God?
Living in our current world, how can we be messengers of hope found in Jesus alone?