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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Staffing Changes This YearWe Learn TogetherStudy Questions for January 5, 2025Weather Alert for This Sunday January 5Membership MattersBelong TogetherStudy Questions for January 12, 2025Weather Alert for Sunday January 12Calling All Men (and help from ladies)Worship TogetherStudy Questions for January 19, 2025Tax Info and 2 Core ValuesStudy Questions for January 26, 2025Pray TogetherWhat a Response Thank YouJesus Steps ForwardStudy Questions for February 2, 2025
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God Is at Work in our LivesJesus Meets a Variety of ResponsesStudy Questions for February 9, 2025New Check-In ProcessBe a Sidekick - Make a Lasting DifferenceJesus and the Kingdom of GodStudy Questions for February 16, 2025New Check-In ProcessJesus and His Power in MinistryStudy Questions for February 23, 2025The Hardest Days - Prayer for the Millers in SpainStudy Questions for March 2, 2025Jesus and the Process of Discipleship
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TOGETHER - Membership at CFCJesus and His Service to PeopleStudy Questions for March 9, 2025Quarterly Operations ReportJesus and His Mission on EarthStudy Questions for March 16, 2025What an Encouragement - Membership ClassJesus and the Sacrificial LifeStudy Questions for March 23, 2025Easter is 3 Weeks AwayYou've Been ServedStudy Questions for March 30, 2025
April
God Was Glorified through our StudentsJesus Prepares for SacrificeStudy Questions for April 6, 2025It's Next ThursdayThe Crucifixion of JesusStudy Questions for April 13, 2025The Resurrection of JesusIt is FinishedStudy Questions for April 20, 2025New Sermon Series: The End Is NearAll Caught UpStudy Questions for April 27, 2025A New Ministry is LaunchingThe Signs Are EverywhereStudy Questions for May 4, 2025
May
June
Waiting to Take the FieldMagnify God's CareStudy Questions for June 8, 2025Pray for High School & Middle School CampsMagnify God's LoveStudy Questions for June 15, 2025God Is the Owner of EverythingIt's a PrivilegeMagnify God's ForgivenessStudy Questions for June 22, 2025Magnify God's FaithfulnessStudy Questions for June 29, 2025The Challenge of Freedom
July
Study Questions for July 6, 2025A New InitiativeThe Heart of PraiseStudy Questions for July 13, 2025Serve Alongside a Medical TeamStudy Questions for July 20, 2025Crying out in LamentWelcoming Our New MembersTrusting God's ProtectionStudy Questions for July 27, 2025Prayer for Back to SchoolStudy Questions for August 3, 2025Mea Culpa