Strength For Today 3 - The Hope in Remembering Evergreen Christian Community

Lamentations 3:22-26

Big Idea: Through honest lament and unwavering trust, we find hope in the midst of suffering.

The pain and suffering of the individual does not go unnoticed by God.

1. Acknowledge Your Pain 

Lamentations 3:1-3
Lamentations 3:17-18

2. Talk Yourself into It 

Lamentations 3:21
Jeremiah 17:9-10

We move in the direction of our predominant thoughts.
Lamentations 3:22-23

"Great is Your faithfulness" was a declaration not based on what he felt; it was based on what he knew.

"Ten thousand mercies are forgotten in the presence of a single trifling moment."  - C. H. Mackintosh 

3. Cultivate a Willingness to Wait 
Lamentations 3:24-26

There are three answers to prayer God always gives: Yes, No, Not Yet.

Response:
• Do not disassociate from lament. 
• Hold fast to the truth. 
• Wait upon the Lord. 


DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY
► Study passage: 1 Peter 5:10-11

► Connection questions:

1. What are you thankful for?

2. What is a challenge you are facing?

3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?

► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words

► Individual answers to five questions:

1. What stands out to you?

2. What does this passage tell us about people?

3. What does this passage tell us about God?

4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…” statement)

5. Who are you going to tell about what you discovered? (each person commits to having that conversation before the next meeting)