Hope

Your Heart's Deepest Longings

Jack Kuhatschek

• Publisher: IVP Bible Studies
• Year: 2012
• eBook ISBN: 9780830862757
• Topic: Theology & Religion

Sometimes hope becomes so real that it's almost tangible.

But at other times--especially when tragedy or hardship intrudes--you wonder whether your hope will fail, leaving you exposed, vulnerable and overwhelmed.

This eight-session LifeGuide® Bible Study, Jack Kuhatschek leads you to explore both sides of hope. You'll confront doubts and fears, and you'll anticipate the great joy that awaits you in Jesus Christ.

This revised LifeGuide Bible Study features additional questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, together with expanded leader's notes and a "Now or Later" section in each study.

For over three decades LifeGuide Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought-provoking questions—making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 130 titles on Old and New Testament books, character studies, and topical studies.

1

Waiting for the Lord

Psalm 27

One of Samuel Beckett’s most famous plays is entitled Waiting for Godot. Throughout the play the characters wait and wait for Godot to appear, but he never does. The play is Beckett’s way of saying that hope is futile—especially hope in God.

 

GROUP DISCUSSION. In what kinds of situations do you find it hardest to wait?

PERSONAL REFLECTION. Think of a time when you waited on the Lord to answer a prayer. What did you learn through that experience?

In contrast to Beckett’s despair, the Bible offers hope to those who are fearful or oppressed. When we feel overwhelmed and ready to give up, Psalm 27 encourages us to “wait for the LORD.” When we see no possibility of relief, David assures us, “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” Read Psalm 27.

1. David’s confidence in this prayer is based on God’s promises to him in 2 Samuel 7:5-16 (see also v. 28). What specific items in the psalm are related to God’s promises to David?

2. Why must our hope be based on God’s promises?

What have you seen happen in your life or in the lives of others when we do not base our hope in God?

3. David is able to be fearless in the face of evil men, armies and even war (vv. 1-3). Describe his attitude.

4. What images of safety does David apply to the Lord in verses 1-2 and 5-6?

How do these images give you hope?

5. David seeks not only the Lord’s protection but also the Lord himself (v. 4). How is David’s intense desire for God revealed in this psalm?

6. What would it mean for us to “dwell in the house of the LORD” (v. 4), “gaze upon the beauty of the LORD” (v. 4), and “seek his face” (v. 8)?

7. David’s confident statements about the Lord (vv. 1-6) lead up to his prayer in verses 7-12. What is the substance of that prayer?

What real dangers does he seem to be facing?

8. The psalm ends as it begins—with David’s confidence in the Lord’s help (vv. 13-14). How can David’s view of God help you to “be strong and take heart” when you are fearful or facing difficult circumstances?

9. Why must your hope not only be confident but also patient (v. 14)?

How have your experiences of waiting for the Lord strengthened you?

Ask God to strengthen your confidence in his goodness and to make you patient as you wait for his help.

Now or Later

Read Psalm 27 in one of the newer translations, such as The Message or the New Living Translation. What new insights do you gain from reading this psalm in a different translation?

2

Renewing Your Strength

Isaiah 40:25-31

In the movie Chariots of Fire, there is a scene in which Sc...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Contents
• Getting the Most Out of Hope
• 1 Waiting for the Lord: Psalm 27
• 2 Renewing Your Strength: Isaiah 40:25-31
• 3 Investing in the Future: 1 Timothy 6:3-19
• 4 Living in Hope: 1 Peter 1:3-12
• 5 Longing for Glory: Romans 8:18-27
• 6 The Ultimate Victory: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58
• 7 The Return of the King: 1 Thessalonians 4:13—5:11
• 8 When All Things Become New: Revelation 21:1-8
• Leader’s Notes
• What Should We Study Next?
• Other Lifeguide® Bible Studies by Jack Kuhatschek
• About the Author
• More Titles from InterVarsity Press
• Copyright