It's Complicated(S1) : WK - GROUP GUIDE

INTRODUCTION
The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion between you and the person you’re studying with or with your Connect Group. Feel free to add, subtract, or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.

OPEN QUESTIONS
Share one of your favorite Psalms, or a favorite song, along with why that Psalm or song speaks to you in particular.

HEAD

1. Read 1 Samuel 24:1-22 and Psalm 57, 140-142 together and share any wisdom, insights, or thoughts that come to you from the reading?
2. Saul had tried to kill David repeatedly.  Why do you think David remained so loyal to Saul after such a long period of being chased with the intent to destroy?
3. How do you think God uses our conscience to guide our spiritual journey?
4. Saul’s heart changes in the moment he realizes that David could have killed him but didn’t.  Obviously, he was thankful to still be alive, but what do you think Saul saw in David that caused him to exclaim, “I realize that you are surely going to be king”?
5. So often in the Psalms, David both cries out in need but also offers praise.  How might this ability have helped him be described as “a man after God’s own heart”?
6. If Saul had truly accepted that David would be king, why didn’t David and his men go home with Saul to take on those responsibilities?

HEART

1. Are there any lessons we can learn from David’s loyalty to Saul as God’s anointed one even when Saul was acting in a way that didn’t reflect the character of God?
2. Considering our conscience, we often struggle to know if God is speaking something to us, or if it’s our own thoughts.  In what ways have you found helpful to discern God’s leading and directing in your life?
3. Do you feel safe to share all of your thoughts and emotions with God?  Why or why not?
4. David talked about sheltering in the shadow of God’s wings.  Is there a place you go to find shelter, peace, or connection to God?  Where and what is it about that space that’s meaningful to you?
5. How might we be able to help each other worship even in suffering?  How might attending church play an important role in this exercise?

HANDS
Saul had his struggles for sure, but one way to begin to come out of those struggles and that darkness is confession.  As has often been said, our secrets keep us sick.  This week, find some time to simply confess your sins, your struggles, your fears, and even your questions, to God.  Don’t hold back, even if tears come.  Tears can be the words you can’t say, and they have a positive effect as it relates to your mental health.  After the exercise, assess how you feel.  Would it help to talk to someone? A friend? A pastor? A counselor?  Know that God is with you along every step of your journey, ever loving, ever faithful, ever close by.

LIVING WORDS FOR YOUR WEEK
“I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.”
Psalms 57:9-10, NLT