Notes: When Times Are Tough

Bryan Hansen 

JFBC Global Ministry

Psalm 34:1-10

1 Samuel 4:21 David flees to the city of Gaff, Goliath's hometown. He is brought before the king. David acts insane, and is able to flee this city. He writes Psalm 34 to express his thankfulness.

Followers of Jesus are able to respond differently when times are tough. How? In three ways...

1. v 1-3 We bless the Lord Psalm 104, Neh 1:5. With praise, blessing the Lord at all times, boasting in the Lord. Let the humble hear. Submitting to God. Exalting his name. Magnifying the Lord so others can hear. v 3 Do these things together 

 

Hebrews 10:24-25 as fellow believers we need one another. Share highs and lows. Praise God together. As the church, we are not just bringing ourselves together to praise God, we are also bringing our praise to God together.

 

2. v 4-6 We Seek the Lord, and He answered me. When we seek the Lord, we find Him. He answers us and delivered us from our fear. We may pray for healing or wisdom but worry what will happen if things don't work out. But God gets to the root of what we need. Unanswered prayer does not mean the need is not met.

 

v 5 David got out of Gaff and was not ashamed that he lost his dignity while doing so, by acting crazy

 

Isaiah 55:8-9 my thoughts are not your thoughts... v 6-7 seek the Lord while He may be found...he's talking to the wicked and unrighteous so God may work in their lives. God says come to me, seek after me. God answering our prayers results in fearing the Lord, having awe and reverence for the Lord.

 

3. v 7-10 We fear God...those who fear God have no lack. 

 

v 8 taste and see that the Lord is good. Fearing the Lord results in answered prayers. God provides. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. Be careful to not be a scairdycat. 

 

John 15:7 if you abide / remain in God and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. Because your desires are God's desires. What gives us this ability? Jesus died on the cross on our behalf. Jesus paid the price, for us. 

 

The Lectio Divina method of Bible Study

Dan Rice

JFBC Sunday School

1. reading slowly attentively & several times. What words and phrases stand out, and why?

2. meditation: reflect on the things that stood out - why do they stand out? How is God using these verses to speak to me?

3. prayer: write a response to God: praise, gratitude, reflection, thanksgiving.

4. contemplation: be quiet, taking in God's presence. Listen for God's spirit to speak to me.

5. What from this passage do you carry with you this week?

2 Cor 4:16-18

1. The light momentary affliction is preparing us for eternal glory. We look not to the seen, but to the unseen. The seen is temporary, the unseen is eternal - completely the opposite of the way the world currently operates.

2. So many around me are reacting to what they see.

3. Lord help me focus on the eternal, not all these things of the world. Prepare me to be with you in future glory. While I long to be in heaven, how does current suffering prepare me for the future?

Romans 8:17-18 Suffering expands our capacity for glory. Suffering reorients us to prepare for glory. Makes us love what glory is - being in the presence of God. Blessed are those who mourn. Suffering is an investment. Not suffering for doing wrong, but suffering for doing right. God only gives us good gifts. 

2 Cor 1: the afflictions we suffered in Asia...