Talk-It-Over

Talking through the message during the week helps you turn what God is saying into action steps. These talking points, questions, and scriptures are designed to help you take the next step. If you are leading a group through this guide, don’t feel like you have to answer every question. Pick out those questions that will stir up conversation and action among your group. 

Trapped And Alone!

Psalm 142:1-7

① David's Cry (1-2) : In moments of despair, cry out to God.

1 I cry aloud to the Lord;

Crying out to God is more than just praying, it is a deeper expression of desperation and neediness in difficult situations.

• I plead aloud to the Lord for mercy.
• Crying out to God is a desperate and intense petition, a serious plea that goes to the depth of our hearts.

2) I pour out my complaint before him;

• David is so overwhelmed by his situation that he can’t suppress his feelings.

pour out means to pour out until the container is completely empty.

Discuss the difference between normal praying and pouring out to God. How would you characterize a “pouring out” prayer.

② David's Circumstances (3-4) : In moments of despair you may feel alone and neglected, but don’t trust your feelings.

How to deal with feelings of being all alone:

1. Don't trust your feelings. Things are not always as they seem.
2. Fall on your knees and cry out to God. You will find that God stands beside you when it feels like everyone else has given up on you.
3. When it seems that no one cares about you remember God cares.

Discuss how God can (and will) use our “wilderness experiences.” Can/should we expect to see how He uses them during our lifetime? If not, how should that impact our faith?

③ David's Confidence (5-7) : In moments of despair put your full trust and hope in the Lord, anticipating His help.

• God will be your SHELTER. ("you are my shelter")
• God will be your SUPPLY. ("my portion in the land of the living")
• God will be your STRENGTH. ("I am very weak ... they are too strong for me")
• God will be your SAVIOR. ("Rescue me ... Free me from prison...")

Shelter, supply, strength and Savior are nice Christianese words and concepts to discuss in a conversation. Discuss how wilderness experiences into our life reveal just how real these concepts are to us. (Read James 1:2)

Next Steps

• #1 : I will cry out to God, pouring out my heart to Him, asking for His mercy. 
• #2 I will choose to believe that God is with me and cares for me, and when He sends help, I will accept it and thank Him for it.
• #3 I will put my confidence in God and anticipate His help.

• How can we pray for you?

Small Group Guidelines

Though we call these Basic Group Guidelines, these are also effective in all relationships and environments. We believe it is wise to observe these whether in a one-on-one conversation or in a group discussion.

• Guidelines give boundaries for people to operate within.

• They help with the flow and pace of the discussions.

• They help us value one another.

• They help people to be more comfortable sharing deep and meaningful things.

This is a Safe Group

Confidentiality is key, what is said in the group stays in the group. Be aware how you are affecting the environment: words, actions, and non-verbal communication. This needs to be a place where people feel comfortable opening up and sharing.

No Crosstalk

Be considerate of others as they are sharing. No side conversations, checking phone, responding to text or email, etc.

Listen

Let’s value one another by listening to what is being shared. Allow a pause after someone shares to allow them to finish and others to consider what was said. Eye contact and body posture play key roles in creating a positive or negative group environment.

No Rescuing or Fixing

We are not here to fix each other, Jesus does that part. Avoid the tendency to rescue when someone is struggling to get the words out or shares a struggle or conviction.

Use “I” Statements

It’s easy to talk about the issues of others or respond with “we”, “us”, “the church”. But for us to grow as disciples and build relationship we want to use “I” statements.

Don’t Overtalk

We want to create time for all members of the group to participate in the discussion. Be careful not to always be the first responder or regularly give long responses.

Fight for Relationship

It’s not “if” conflict or hurt feelings will happen, but “when”. We commit to fight for relationship with each other. Go to that person and share your struggle or seek wise advice if you are not sure how to handle the conflict.