Rooted

Psalm 1 ESV

Everyone is searching for happiness, but most of us are looking in the wrong places. We chase success, comfort, relationships, and experiences, hoping they'll satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts—only to find ourselves still searching. Instead of living with shallow roots that are tossed around by every season of life, God calls us to become deeply rooted in His Word. As we delight in and meditate on Scripture, our lives are steadily transformed from the inside out, producing a joy that circumstances cannot steal and a faith that flourishes even in the hardest seasons.

1. How have you chased happiness or how have you seen others chase happiness?

2. Pastor Luke said Psalm 1 is the gateway to the entire book of Psalms and it begins by showing the rewards of time spent in the Word. Considering this, how does that affect your view on psalms that you are familiar with?

       a. What is it about psalms that draws us in?

3. When have you heard someone say, “God doesn’t care about your happiness; he cares about your holiness.”?

       a. What did that phrase make you think about God?

       b. In light of Pastor Luke’s sermon, were those thoughts accurate?

4. Verse 1 sounds like a “slippery slope.” When have you found yourself on it?

       a. What saved you from falling or restored you after you fell?

5. Read Proverbs 4:20-27 — This isn’t the first sermon we’ve heard this summer about how we spend our time. What has God been convicting you of that needs to be reduced in your life?

       a. Started in your habits?

       b. Changed in your priorities?

6. In what Bible stories or verses do you currently find “delight”? Why?

7. Read Romans 1:14-17 & 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 —If the Word of God is transforming, why are some scholars of the Bible unbelievers?

8. Read James 1:22-25 — What are some ideas you had for meditating on and memorizing scripture?