Week 8- In All Circumstances
MONDAY — Read the passage with your team.
10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:10-11
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
1 I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. 2 Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. 3 You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit.
4 Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. 5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
6 When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.” 7 Lord, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.
8 To you, Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: 9 “What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? 10 Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help.”
11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
Psalm 30:1-12
What does this passage have to say about gratitude?
Why is that important?
TUESDAY — Discuss the passage with your team.
1) We often understand (and are happy to express) gratitude as “thanking others for the good things they give us.” Likewise, when we are pleased by the good things that God gives us, we can express feelings of thanks toward Him. What is your typical response, though, when you face times or situations that are painful? Do you believe that God intentionally allows pain in your life? What does Hebrews 12:10-11 say about that, and what is the purpose of pain?
2) Do you tend to see difficult and painful situations as hurtful (and avoid them) or helpful (and accept them)? If the promised blessings (as a result of painful discipline) are “a harvest of righteousness and peace,” what are the consequences of avoiding painful discipline?
3) Do you accept or avoid discipline from your parents? Your coaches? God?
WEDNESDAY — Discuss the passage with your team.
4) Why should you give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18)? Do you trust God’s will? Which do you view as more safe — trusting God or relying on “common sense” (your own view of what seems like the right thing to do)? In which is there truly more risk?
5) In what situations do you struggle most to be thankful? What method does 1 Thessalonians 5:17 declare to be a consistent help in the struggle of trusting God enough to be thankful? Do you consistently commit yourself to prayer? Is your team a praying team? A praying team is usually a grateful team.
THURSDAY — Discuss the passage with your team.
6) We’ve come to understand gratitude as a lens through which we can view and experience all of life. Psalm 30 describes a time of pain and sadness in King David’s life, yet how does he both begin (v. 1) and end (v. 12) the psalm? As an athlete, do you commit yourself continually to gratitude? Does your season, from beginning to end, overflow with thankfulness?
7) In what ways and times are you tempted to “feel sorry for yourself”? What do verses 5 and 11 (of Psalm 30) tech you about God’s anger and favor? How should a recognition of God’s sacrifice and grace change your attitude and behavior? What should be the outflow of that realization (v. 12)?
8) Is there any such thing as a “silent song”? In light of verse 12, is there any such thing as “silent gratitude”? Are you ever hesitant to publicly express gratitude to God or others? If so, why? In what ways could your willingness to give thanks make a positive impact on your team? In your school? In your family?
FRIDAY — Discuss sport applications of gratitude, and pray together.
· Ask your athletes to briefly reflect on what they’ve learned about gratitude this week, and to repeat some of those things. (Remind them of some of the Biblical truths about gratitude you’ve discussed, if necessary.)
· Ask your team, “Based on what we learned about gratitude this week...What does a grateful athlete do?” Do not settle for vague answers; challenge your athletes to go beyond general qualities of a grateful athlete, and to determine what those qualities look like in action.
· Add the results to your team’s list of descriptions of the “grateful athlete”, and be sure the list is displayed somewhere that is constantly visible, as a reminder to the team.
· Pray together as a team. Encourage your athletes to pray for your team’s growth in regard to the discipline of gratitude — especially in relation to some of the issues and challenges that you discussed together this week. Challenge them to also ask for forgiveness, when applicable. Give time for athletes to request prayer (regarding gratitude or anything else), and pray together.
Not a member? Join Now
