Worship Folder | Full Service Video

Outline

I. THE BARREN ONE (vs. 1-3)
“God gives where He finds empty hands." - Augustine

Application: the present

II. CRIPPLED BY SHAME (vs. 4)
“Guilt is focus on behavior, shame is focus on self. Guilt is ‘I did something bad.’ Shame is ‘I am bad.’” – Brene Brown

Application: the past 

III. RENAMED “MY DELIGHT” (vs. 5-10)
"He who sees God as angry does not see him rightly" - Martin Luther

Application: the future

Resources

• Brene Brown, TED Talk "Listening to Shame"
• Glynn Harrison, Ego Trip
• Ray Ortlund, God Saves Sinners

Discussion Questions

1. Where do you feel most helpless?
2. Have you reconciled yourself to your helplessness? What's your prayer life like, particularly in that area of weakness? 
3. Read Isaiah 54:2-3 and 54:4. Two very different ways of life. Which better describes you right now?
4. How do you picture God's face when He thinks of you? How do you think He feels about you?
5. How would your approach to that area of helplessness change if you could begin to believe that God delights in you the way a groom delights in his bride?