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Study Guide ​​​​​​​

Do you have a favorite song that you sing or think of when you need comfort or encouragement from the Lord? How does the message of the song bless you?

Scripture

Psalm 42

Discussion Questions

1. When do you feel the need to cry out to God? When you do, what does it say about your relationship with Him? How do you feel after you have cried out to Him?

2. Psalm 42 is a lament psalm that teaches us what happens when we sing in the dark. First, singing transforms our anguish into prayer (v. 1-3, 6-7, 9-10). How does your desperate longing for God compare to an animal during a drought? Have you ever felt that you are far away from God? How would you turn your anguish into prayer to make your woes known to the Lord? Are you able to do that?

3. Second, singing reminds us of God’s faithfulness (v. 4, 8). What does the author of this psalm remember when he pours out his soul to God? In your life right now, what pain and sorrow do you go through? In the midst of your pain and sorrow, what truths about God should you remember, which would give you hope in your troubles? Share truths from the scriptures that you can hold on to in times of distress.

4. Third, singing enables us to preach truth to ourselves (v. 5, 11). What did the psalmist preach or say to himself in these verses? What was his hope in God? Think of how God has been faithful to you in the past. How does His past faithfulness and lovingkindness encourage and give you hope in the future? Do you believe that He would remain true to His promises?

In Walk: In this pandemic, what difficulties are you going through? How are you turning to God for hope and faith in a time like this? How would singing turn your anguish into prayers, remind you of His faithfulness and enable you to preach truth to yourself?

Precious Lord, take my hand.

Lead me on, let me stand.

I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;

Through the storm, through the night,

Lead me on to the light:

Take my hand, precious Lord,

Lead me home.

When my way grows drear,

Precious Lord, linger near,

When my life is almost gone,

Hear my cry, hear my call,

Hold my hand lest I fall:

Take my hand, precious Lord,

Lead me home.

In Prayer: Heavenly Father, You didn’t promise me that my life would always be good, happy, and smooth-sailing. Even as Your child, I would go through difficulties that may discourage or distress me. But thank You for the promises that I can claim from Your Word that You are sovereign, faithful, and loving. Thank You that I can always cry out to You. Thank You that I can even do it by singing. May I always be reminded that You are my good God who will always be there for me regardless of my situation. In Jesus' name. Amen.