Roller Coaster | Week 4
Feeling Lost in Sadness? Experience Joy Again
Key Scriptures
But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. Luke 19:41 NLT
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.” Matthew 23:37 NLT
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!’” Luke 15:17 NIV
“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20 NIV
“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” Luke 15:31-32 NIV
Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.
What three emotions do you think you felt most this week?
Name one thing that has recently brought you joy.
Start thinking. Ask a question to get your group thinking.
Do you relate to a particular character or moment from the parable of the Prodigal Son? How so?
Have you noticed yourself walking or drifting away from God? What impact has that had on your life?
Do you ever find yourself just following the rules instead of truly enjoying a relationship with your Father? What would need to change for you to enjoy the relationship?
Start sharing. Choose a question to create openness.
What one step could you take toward your Father this week?
Who could you encourage in their faith?
Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.
Father, thank You that we can always find joy in our relationship with You, regardless of our life’s circumstances. Help us to lean more on You each day, trusting that You will care for us and guide us as we continue forward. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.
Choose one step to take toward your Father this week. Then take that step.