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Date: December 6, 2020
Walking in Grief
The Point: God responds to our sorrow with grace and compassion.
Get Into the Study
Use the following to introduce today’s session.
The voter turnout rate for the 2020 presidential election appears to be the highest rate since 1900. Additionally, both Biden and Trump have set records for total number of votes, receiving the highest and second-highest votes in U.S. history.
Although Americans are divided on which issues they consider most important, they care about what is going on in their country, as evidenced by record-setting voter turnout. Their concern prompted them to action.
If Americans care about the problems and sorrows of their country, God cares even more about the problems and sorrows of His world and His people. We have a compassionate God who responds to our concerns and sorrows in a variety of ways. In today’s session, we will study Psalm 116 where the psalmist called out to God in his moment of distress. God’s Word assures us that we can do the same.
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom, writer, and Bible study teacher.
Study the Bible [Additional Option from Young Adult Leader Guide]
After discussing Question #4, help group members identify how they typically prefer to deal with grief. Display the pictures of a game of Solitaire, a doubles tennis match, a volleyball game, and a boxing match. Follow the directives under Bonus Content on page. 27.
Live It Out
Use the following as you wrap up today’s session.
As of November 18, the CDC reported over 11.1 million COVID-19 cases in the United States since January 21, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted us in various ways—physically, emotionally, socially, and economically.
Ask: What are some things people are grieving as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic? (Possible answers might include missed vacations or social isolation.)
God sees all these griefs and responds to each of them.
Ask: How have you seen God’s grace and compassion during this pandemic?
Close in prayer, thanking God for His grace and compassion during the pandemic and asking God to guide your group in placing their hope in Him.
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom, writer, and Bible study teacher.
Live It Out [Additional Option fromAdult Leader Guide]
In advance, play the Casting Crowns song “Just Be Held.” Then lead the group in prayer.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- When have you seen a restoration project really turn out well?
- What are some movies or songs you like that are real tear-jerkers?
- When has a change in perspective led to a change in attitude?
Psalm 116:1-4
- What are some ways we can call out to God in our sorrow?
- What truths about God help you during times of sorrow?
- How do you think God responds when He hears our cries for mercy?
Psalm 116:5-9
- What can we do to minister to those who are grieving?
- What are some ways that grief and sorrow affect our lives?
- In what ways is God bountiful toward us?
Psalm 116:15-17
- How can we use this psalm to comfort those who are grieving?
- In what ways might God see death differently than we do?
- In what ways does God’s nature encourage you to trust him in dark circumstances?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
When Grief Comes for the Holidays
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Magazine Articles
This article complements the study. Share this link with your group members.
- HomeLife – After Wynter
- Mature Living – Navigating Grief After the Death of a Spouse
Tips for Leading Bible Study Groups
- Breathing Life into Sunday School This is the book discussed on this week’s podcast
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
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