Week 8: Giving Up was Never Ours
Read Psalms 81:8-16. Though our hearts are not often tempted to bow down to statues and gods of other religions, we are often tempted to bow down to other things. Write some things that tempt to pulls our focus off God.
Though we may not physically get on the floor and bow to these things, when we give them so much attention that they take the priority over the things of God in our life, it's problematic. Also, when we hold on to these thinsg so tightly that to be asked to release them causes great turmoil in our spirit, that is a sign of trouble. And don't mistake the fact that these things in and of themselves may not even be bad things. They might be good things. But as Jim Collins in his business book called Good to Great points out, sometimes the enemy to great is often settling for good. Write a description of what many consider to be the "good life."
Now contrast that with what God would define as "the great life."
Read verse 10 from Psalm 81: "I am the Lord your God, who borught up up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fit in." There are three key points from this verse. First, a reminder of the fact that the Lord is our God. Why is it important for us to keep that in the forefront of our minds?
Second, He is our God, who has been faithful through our journey and delivered us. What does this mean to you personally?
Third, if we open ourselves up to Him fully, He will find us. What does opening ourselves up to Him fully mean?
What will God fill us with?
Verse 16 says: "You would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you."
What does temporary satisfaction look like?
What does real satisfaction look like?
Do you believe God is capable of truly satisfying you?
Verse 11 and 12 warn us about being self-focused, closed-fisted, and stubborn hearted. What were the consequences for the Israelites not listening to God, not trusting God, and constantly complaining to God? Find an example in the Old Testament of Israel following their own devices and suffering because of it. If you are having a heart time knowing where to start, look in Numbers 11:1, 14:1-4, or 20:2-3. List their complaint, their sin, and their consequence.
In this chapter we read I John 3:18-19. How do you apply this verse to your life?
What is the promise in for the person who applies this truth?