For Personal Reflection &/or Growth Group Discussion:
Imagine if the USA was defeated in a war and the top 20% of the United States' leadership was held captive in a foreign land. How might you feel?
Have you ever lost hope for the future? How? What did it feel like? How did losing hope for the future, effect your present? Does Psalm 137 reflect that mood well? How?
Who do you know who might be suffering from the symptoms of lost hope?
Are you one to suffer from "the dilemma of the hesitant decision maker"?
In chapter 37, Ezekiel is not. Why?
Regarding those you know who might be suffering from lost hope (from above), how can you take some responsibility and help them? What causes you to hesitate?
What are the obvious needs that you could help take responsibility for in our community of faith? In our community of Simi Valley? What causes you to hesitate?
How does your hope in Jesus Christ empower you? How do you share your hope with others? Do you feel you need to be better equipped to do so? How might you become better equipped?