INTRODUCTION

Suffering vs. the Goodness of God (?)

PSALM 34

The Goodness of God Emerging from Suffering

Nearness of God (vv. 4, 6, 18)

Wicked vs. Righteous Suffering (vv. 13-21)

Jesus, the Righteous Sufferer (John 19:33, 36)

Our Response

Worship (vv. 1-2)

Seek (vv. 4-6,15)

Obey (1 Peter 3:8-17)

Testify

COMMUNITY MEDITATION

KNOW

• Read Psalm 34 aloud. What stands out to you as you hear it read? What phrases are especially encouraging? Which phrases raise questions in your mind? Discuss together.
• Reread John 19:31-36. Why do you think John chooses to quote from Psalm 34 in this context? What does this tell us about Jesus? What does it tell us about the cross?

FEEL

• What is your initial response to suffering? Does it normally cause you to call into question the goodness of God? Why or why not?

LIVE

• The final application we discussed on Sunday was a call to testify to God’s goodness in suffering in our own lives. Can you think of a time when God was especially present with you in suffering? What did you learn about God? What did you learn about yourself? What was “good” about that experience of suffering?
• Psalm 34 begins with a call to “magnify the Lord with me (v. 3)” What practical things cause you to see God rightly and put him “front and center” in your mind and heart (reading Scripture, listening to worship music, etc.)? Do at least one of those practical things right now..