Vessels: Friendship
Friendship with God
Hello! Greet the people at your table, ask them about their week, and make introductions so everyone knows each other.
Overview
The age-old adage “show me your friends and I’ll show you your future” may feel overused, but there is a significant truth. Our relationships with others are important markers of our identity. They don’t define us, but they influence our decisions, our habits, and our disciplines, and inform others about who we are.
Today, we’re going to dive into the Psalms passages that were highlighted last week. There are two goals in mind: learn what scripture tells us friendship with God looks like, and find practical ways to make that real for us today. Let’s spend time together discovering how to assess our relationship with God while learning how true friendship with him informs and influences our identity.
PRAY
What separates your close/best friend(s) from your other friends?
Do you treat God with the same familiarity as your best friend? Why or why not?
Often our best friends are a source of comfort and security during/after a crazy day. Why do you think it’s so difficult to treat God like our best friend?
How does friendship with God look different from just being a rule follower?
Read Psalm 27:4-5
When you experience how good of a friend God is, it’s hard to not want to always be where he’s at. However, sometimes we stop treating God as a friend and start treating him like a genie, coming to him only to experience his generosity or his gifts. What are some ways this psalmist keeps himself in a genuine friendship with God?
What would it look like to others if they could experience your friendship with God?
Read Psalm 84:10
King David had the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful places throughout the land of Israel and beyond. Due to his involvement in politics with other nations, he would have seen some of the most intricate and ornate palaces and courts. His position afforded him the best choices of food and drink. Despite all that, he claims that one day in God’s courts is better than 1,000 anywhere else.
Why do you think David makes such a seemingly impossible claim?
What are some things in life you would not be willing to give up for just one day in God’s court?
How different would your life look if you believed as David did that one day is better with God?
Closing Practices
Prayer: Regularly communicate with God through prayer, sharing your thoughts and feelings with Him.
Scripture Reading: Make it a habit to read the Bible daily to better understand God's character and plan for your life.
Worship: Express your love and adoration for God through worship, whether through singing, dancing, or simply praising Him.
