What do you do when you are stuck at a bend in the road of life and do not even know which way to take the first step? This sermon opens a new series on the psalms of ascent, dwelling on the first two of them (Psalms 120 and 121), prayers of a man who begins his journey in a very bad place, surrounded by lies and hostility. The stories of a metal-band musician and a university lecturer show that no place is too far from God to set out from. Listen and discover that God is bigger, nearer and more caring than you think.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Psalms 120 to 134 are the songs of pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. What do you think singing them on the road gave the Israelites as it reminded them where they came from, where they were going and who they were travelling with?
- The psalmist says he lives in Meshech and among the tents of Kedar, surrounded by liars and people who hate peace. Where do you see similarities between that place and the world you live in today?
- The psalmist's first step is crying out to the Lord in distress instead of complaining, getting angry or shutting down. How do you usually respond when you get stuck on one of life's sharp bends?
- The psalmist looks to the hills for help and discovers the Maker of heaven and earth, a keeper at his right hand. Which of the sermon's three truths, that God is bigger, closer and more caring than we think, moves you most today, and why?
- The sermon reminded us that God protects us not only from evil but also in the midst of evil, just as the ocean cannot sink a ship unless the water gets inside. What helps you guard your heart so that hardships do not flood you from within?
- The stories of Brian Welch, Rosaria Butterfield and Elie Wiesel show that no place is too bad to begin a journey toward God. What concrete step toward God, or toward another person as Pastor Ken did, do you want to take this week?
