Fathered by God - Part 9: "In the Valley"

David spent a lot of seasons of his life in the valley. This week, we discuss the well known Psalm 23. David reminds us to always look to the character, correction, and protection of God when we are in any season of life, but especially when we are in the low points. It is tempting to turn our negative feelings about our situations towards God, but as we see with David, if we can trust in who God is, He will be faithful to walk with us through the valleys and back to the mountain tops. Key verses: Psalm 23:1-6, you may want to read through 1 Samuel 16-26 to give an overview and pull out key verses that the Lord is giving you for your discussion 1. David opens Psalm 23 with a reflection on who God is. Why is it important to remind yourself about the character of God when you are in a valley? 2. Have you spent time in a valley season that felt overwhelming or never ending? Where you able to reflect back to the character of God, or did you find yourself projecting your feelings about the valley onto God? 3. David said that the rod and staff comfort him. Do you feel comforted by the Lord’s protections AND corrections? 4. David has more than one opportunity to create his own justice for Saul, but he chooses to trust that God will provide perfect justice. Has there been a time in your life (without naming names), that you have decided to seek revenge or “justice” instead of trusting that God would be faithful? Was the outcome what you hoped for? 5. Read Psalm 23:1-6 as a group. What words stand out to you, what images does it conjure for you, what do you think the Lord is teaching you TODAY from this scripture that you may have heard many times?