Small Group Studies

Monsoon: Week 5 Study

BIG IDEA

Sometimes monsoons come on us so suddenly and shockingly that we feel like the world is spinning at warped-speed around us, and we are struggling to stand up, let alone make sense of it all. This leads us to pause, look around, and cry out, "What is happening?" In fact, many of us today are asking that question right now in light of the way the Coronavirus swiftly came upon the world and changed our realities, whether temporarily or permanently. Today, we are going to look at a Psalm that was written by Moses, a man who must have paused, evaluated his life, and asked the same question, "What is happening?" As we study his life, we are going to see the mercy and faithfulness of God in each one of our monsoons.

BREAK THE ICE

What cultural phenomenon or fad does not make sense to you?

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

1. What makes the monsoon of "What just happened?" particularly difficult for people? 

WATCH SERMON RECAP #1

2. Thinking about what you know about the life of Moses, what do you think was the most difficult part for Moses to understand? 

3. Read Psalm 90:1-4. How does Moses reveal that God is constant when our world is constantly changing? What do you find comforting here?

Psalm 90:1-4

Lord, through all the generations
    you have been our home!
Before the mountains were born,
    before you gave birth to the earth and the world,
    from beginning to end, you are God.

You turn people back to dust, saying,
    “Return to dust, you mortals!”
For you, a thousand years are as a passing day,
    as brief as a few night hours.

4. What monsoon are you facing right now that makes you want to ask the question, "what is happening?" How is it reassuring to know that God is great?

5. How does looking back on what you know about God help us in our monsoons? 

WATCH SERMON RECAP #2 

6. Read Psalm 90:13-17. What do these verses tell us about God's character during our monsoons?

Psalm 90:13-17

Lord, come back to us!
    How long will you delay?
    Take pity on your servants!
Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,
    so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.
Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery!
    Replace the evil years with good.
Let us, your servants, see you work again;
    let our children see your glory.
And may the Lord our God show us his approval
    and make our efforts successful.
    Yes, make our efforts successful!

7. In what area of your life are you in need of God's mercy?

MOVING FORWARD

Do you know someone who is going through a really difficult monsoon that simply does not make sense? As a group, think of someone you know who your group can serve. That person or family may be someone in your group, or it might be someone within your group's sphere of influence. How can you help them during the difficult time that they are facing? Reach out to that person this week, and as a group serve them. Plan a time to get together as a group to serve those who are going through a difficult monsoon.

MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE

Wallpaper available for download in the Sagebrush App.

Psalm 145:8

The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.