Study Questions for July 20, 2025
"Crying Out in Lament"
Martin Luther remarked, “Psalm 13 is a prayer full of the sighings and groanings of an afflicted heart in the hour of darkness, and almost overwhelmed, under that darkness, with the extreme of grief and sorrow, and driven to the greatest strait of mind.” Psalm 13 models a powerful practice for us through lament. Lament is the honest expression of grief, sorrow or regret. For believers, lament brings questions to God with trust in His character.
Read: Psalm 13:1-6 and listen for words and phrases that resonate with you in your current circumstances.
*Now, imagine Jesus reading this Psalm during his three years of ministry. Can you hear this Psalm in Jesus' voice? (Read also Psalm 22:1) How does this exercise help you process various trials and suffering?
David begins Psalm 13 with raw honesty, asking, “How long, Lord? Count how many times "How long?" is used in this Psalm. Why do you think it’s important to bring our unfiltered emotions—such as grief, doubt, or frustration—to God in prayer? How can we practice this kind of honesty in our own lives without feeling guilty or faithless?
In verse 2, David wrestles with anxious thoughts and the fear that his enemies are prevailing over him. How can we balance asking God tough questions about our suffering while still seeking His presence or perspective? Share an example of a time you’ve wrestled with God in prayer during a difficult season. Have you grown in your faith through these experiences? How so?
Notice David’s shift in verses 5-6, where he chooses to trust in God’s unfailing love despite his pain. Using a Bible commentary or other study aid, what Hebrew word is used for "unfailing love?" How significant is that word in the Old Testament? What practical steps can we take to rest in God’s steadfast/loyal/unfailing love when life feels overwhelming or God seems distant?
Lament is a gift that helps us process pain in God’s presence. How can we, as a small group, create a safe space for people to express lament? What might it look like to support one another in bringing honest sorrow to God?
Martin Luther remarked, “Psalm 13 is a prayer full of the sighings and groanings of an afflicted heart in the hour of darkness, and almost overwhelmed, under that darkness, with the extreme of grief and sorrow, and driven to the greatest strait of mind.” Psalm 13 models a powerful practice for us through lament. Lament is the honest expression of grief, sorrow or regret. For believers, lament brings questions to God with trust in His character.
Read: Psalm 13:1-6 and listen for words and phrases that resonate with you in your current circumstances.
*Now, imagine Jesus reading this Psalm during his three years of ministry. Can you hear this Psalm in Jesus' voice? (Read also Psalm 22:1) How does this exercise help you process various trials and suffering?
David begins Psalm 13 with raw honesty, asking, “How long, Lord? Count how many times "How long?" is used in this Psalm. Why do you think it’s important to bring our unfiltered emotions—such as grief, doubt, or frustration—to God in prayer? How can we practice this kind of honesty in our own lives without feeling guilty or faithless?
In verse 2, David wrestles with anxious thoughts and the fear that his enemies are prevailing over him. How can we balance asking God tough questions about our suffering while still seeking His presence or perspective? Share an example of a time you’ve wrestled with God in prayer during a difficult season. Have you grown in your faith through these experiences? How so?
Notice David’s shift in verses 5-6, where he chooses to trust in God’s unfailing love despite his pain. Using a Bible commentary or other study aid, what Hebrew word is used for "unfailing love?" How significant is that word in the Old Testament? What practical steps can we take to rest in God’s steadfast/loyal/unfailing love when life feels overwhelming or God seems distant?
Lament is a gift that helps us process pain in God’s presence. How can we, as a small group, create a safe space for people to express lament? What might it look like to support one another in bringing honest sorrow to God?
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