Faith Through Fear

Faith Through Fear | Psalm 3

J Hager, Pastor of Care

Key Takeaways

• In times of distress, we can bring our complaints directly to God.

• Our confidence should be placed in God, not in our circumstances or achievements.

• True rest comes from trusting in God's promises and remembering his faithfulness.

• Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and our source of deliverance.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  In the sermon, J mentioned that "to complain about God is blasphemous, but to complain to God is holy." What's your reaction to this statement? How might this change your approach to prayer?

• Question 2

  David brought his complaints directly to God. How comfortable are you with expressing your fears and frustrations to God in prayer? Why or why not?

• Question 3

  David calls God his "shield," "glory," and the "lifter of my head." What do these descriptions mean to you personally? How have you experienced God in these ways?

• Question 4

  The sermon discussed "relocating our glory." Where do you tend to locate your sense of worth or identity? How can we practically shift our focus to find our glory in God?

• Question 5

  J emphasized that God doesn't always save us from difficult situations but promises to sustain us through them. Share an experience where you've felt God's presence in the midst of a trial.

• Question 6

  How does seeing Jesus as the "greater David" who faced ultimate rejection for our sake impact your perspective on your own struggles?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : Finding Rest in God's Presence

READING :

Psalm 3:1-8

DEVOTIONAL :

As we begin this week, reflect on David's cry to God in the midst of overwhelming circumstances. Despite facing enemies on all sides, David found rest in God's presence. When life's challenges seem insurmountable, remember that God is your shield, your glory, and the lifter of your head.

APPLICATION :

Take time today to bring your fears and anxieties before God, trusting that he hears you and will sustain you. How can you practice resting in God's presence, even when external circumstances are chaotic?

Day 2 : The Power of Lament

READING :

Psalm 13:1-6

DEVOTIONAL :

Today we explore the importance of honest communication with God through lament. Like David, we are invited to bring our complaints directly to God. This act of vulnerable prayer allows us to process our pain while affirming our trust in God's character.

APPLICATION :

As you read Psalm 13, notice how David's heart is moved from despair to hope. What situations in your life need to be lamented before God? Take time to express your raw emotions to him, knowing that he can handle your honesty and desires to meet you in your pain.

Day 3 : Relocating Our Glory

READING :

Colossians 3:1-4

DEVOTIONAL :

Last Sunday's sermon highlighted the importance of relocating our glory - finding our worth and identity in God rather than in circumstances or achievements. Paul echoes this theme, urging us to set our minds on things above.

APPLICATION :

Reflect on areas where you might be seeking glory apart from God. How might your perspective shift if you truly believed that your life is hidden with Christ in God? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you find your identity and worth in your relationship with Jesus today.

Day 4 : God's Presence in Suffering

READING :

Romans 8:31-39

DEVOTIONAL :

We're reminded that God doesn't always deliver us from difficult circumstances, but promises to be with us through them. Paul's powerful words assure us that nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus. As you meditate on this passage, consider times when you've felt God's presence in the midst of suffering.

APPLICATION :

Take a moment today to thank God for his faithfulness, even when the path is difficult. How does the promise of God's unwavering love impact how you view current challenges?

Day 5 : Resting in God's Promises

READING :

Matthew 11:28-30

DEVOTIONAL :

Take time today to focus on Jesus' invitation to find rest in him. True rest comes not from the absence of burdens, but from yoking ourselves to Christ. Reflect on areas of your life where you feel weary or burdened. How might surrendering these to Jesus and learning from his gentle and humble heart bring you rest?

APPLICATION :

Consider practical ways you can "take his yoke" today - perhaps through serving others, spending time in prayer, or choosing to trust God's timing in a difficult situation. Remember, as you rest in God's promises, he is working to conform you to the image of Christ.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.

People: For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.

Psalm 86:8-10

ONESunday

This week, we joined churches across Middle Tennessee for a shared moment in worship to pray for one another and for the churches around us. We read John 17:20–23 together, and reflected on the unity we share in Christ. This week, continue to pray for our neighbor churches and ask God to strengthen his people and our relationships.

Confession of Sin

Father, when enemies rise and fear grows, we look to ourselves instead of you. We trust our plans more than your promises. We seek security in success, not salvation. Our hearts rehearse our worries instead of your Word. But you, O Lord, are our shield. Lift our heads again. Forgive our fear, pride, and doubt. Teach us to rest in you alone, our glory and our defender.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.

Psalm 32:5

Looking Ahead

Next week’s scripture: Psalm 4