Sermon Response Guide
by Morgan Womack, PCBC Girls' Minister
PRIMARY SCRIPTURE:
John 19:1-16 ESV
1 As a deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for you, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my food
day and night,
while they say to me all the day long,
“Where is your God?”
4 These things I remember,
as I pour out my soul:
how I would go with the throng
and lead them in procession to the house of God
with glad shouts and songs of praise,
a multitude keeping festival.
5 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation 6 and my God.
My soul is cast down within me;
therefore I remember you
from the land of Jordan and of Hermon,
from Mount Mizar.
7 Deep calls to deep
at the roar of your waterfalls;
all your breakers and your waves
have gone over me.
8 By day the Lord commands his steadfast love,
and at night his song is with me,
a prayer to the God of my life.
9 I say to God, my rock:
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning
because of the oppression of the enemy?”
10 As with a deadly wound in my bones,
my adversaries taunt me,
while they say to me all the day long,
“Where is your God?”
11 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.
Key Points
- The Problem: Alienation (42:1-4)
- The Solution: Perseverance (42:5-9)
- The Hope: Healing (42:10-11)
Memory Verse
Ask God to write this word on your heart this week:
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
- Isaiah 41:10
Questions for Reflection
Take time to reflect and respond to these questions on your own in the presence of the Holy Spirit, or with trusted friends or family members:
1: In what ways have you found yourself alienate from God and others? What does Psalm 42 tell us about how God reacts in our times of alienation?
2: Read Matthew 6:25-34. List the ways that Jesus describes his care for His creation.
- How does the way that Jesus talk about make you feel about yourself? How does it lead you to praise Him?
- What does this passage tell us about God’s character amid our struggling?
3: Oftentimes our nature is to retreat, rather than persevere. What are some areas in your life where you need accountability choose faithfulness over self-reliance?
4: How does Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross connect to the hope we have Him healing us from our struggles and difficulties?
5: What is the primary truth God revealed to you today?
- How will you respond?
- Who do you know who you can encourage with the truth this week?
Pray
Spend time this week in prayer over yourself and your family!
- Pray that you would lean into Biblical community and God’s promises in times of overwhelming trials and emotions.
- Pray for the Lord to give you strength to come around those in your life that need the hope of Christ.
- Pray that the Lord would provide you with resources and aid in your battle with mental health.
- Pray that you would be reminded of truth in moments of doubting.
- Pray that the Lord would guide in you a life of perseverance and faith.
helpful resources
As we discuss mental health, it’s important to note that there are times when we need to reach out for help. Our church has compiled a list of resources for families as you navigate these conversations with your kids and students.
Six Family Habits for Mental Health and Wellness
Resources for Mental Health for Kids & Students
For more information on counseling head to pcbc.org/counseling
