What emotions do you experience when you ponder the immensity of the universe and our physical insignificance compared to it? Some have concluded that humans have little or no value in the “big scheme of things”. How does David answer this type of thinking? According to the poet, what is the true source of our “self-esteem”?

Despite our smallness, God has made us a little lower than himself, has chosen to care for us and to eventually crown us with glory and honor. His thoughts towards us outnumber the grains of sand on all the beaches of the world (Ps. 149:17) and they are good thoughts (Jer. 29:11). How can theses truths help us have a balanced and appropriate view of ourselves even when the universe seems so immense and indifferent?

Is there any area of your life where you feel God’s ways are oppressive and you want to break free and do your own thing?  If you have done that in the past, what has been the result in your life of opposing God and his purposes for you?  Given what you know of Jesus’ character and the enslaving nature of sin, why is fighting God such a foolish decision?

Despite all the raging and plotting of men, the Lord is “laughing” at his enemies’ futile attempts to thwart his sovereignty.  How should the Lord’s response impact how we view world events and even events in our own lives?   Are God’s plans threatened or jeopardized by a biased media or by the scheming of men and women in power who oppose God and his truth?

One day we will all stand before Jesus and we will either experience his fearful wrath or his loving blessing.  Are you still vainly trying to resist his loving rule or have you come to the point where you have “kissed the Son” and “taken refuge in Him”?  If you have not trusted in Jesus and accepted his leadership in your life, what is keeping you from making that decision?

David appears to have been neglected by his family and experienced a lot of solitude in what was considered a very menial occupation. What essential attributes of a heart for God could be forged under those circumstances? .  How did David’s faithfulness in the “little” equip him to later handle the challenges of being king and worship leader for the nation?

In our culture “Image is Everything” and the outward trappings of beauty and success are idolized.  According to verse 7, how does God evaluate a person?  As you look at your life, how does the amount of time you spend crafting your external image compare with the time you give to developing your heart for God?

How does this passage speak to a believer who feels overlooked and trapped in a seemingly insignificant occupation?  What can we do at those times to develop our heart for God?  Is God’s ability to use our lives ever hindered by the circumstances we find ourselves in?

What characteristics would be evident in the life of a “great shepherd”?  Take some time thinking through how each of those qualities impacts your relationship with Jesus, who is your “great shepherd”.  Thank him for his care for you!

“God provides what he requires!” Has a feeling of inadequacy ever held you back from doing something you sensed God calling you to do?  Does v. 21 mean that God will always give us success? Do you sense God asking you to take a new step of obedience in 2010?  Just Do It!  See also Phil. 1:6; 2:13; 4:13; II Pet. 1:3

In chapter 13, the author of Hebrews gives severals ways in which these believers can live out the reality of their faith in day to day life – showing hospitality, caring for the mistreated, staying faithful in marriage, being content with our material resources, focusing on the grace and truth of God instead of religious rituals, honoring and responding to godly leadership, praising God, and sharing our resources with the needy. Take a moment to evaluate how practically your faith is being lived out in these areas. Is the Holy Spirit nudging you to do something about any of these areas in 2010?

If you sense you have fallen short in any of these areas, ask the Lord for his forgiveness and empowerment when we celebrate his table this morning. Remember, regardless of the past, it is possible to start 2010 with a clean slate! Col 2:13-15; I John 1:8-10

For some of us, 2009 is a year we are happy to leave behind.  According to Phil. 3:12-16, how should we look at the year we are leaving behind?  Is it possible for us to “forget and press on” without a deep understanding of the grace and acceptance of Jesus?

What role do our circumstances play in determining our experience of hope?  Is it possible to be hopeful in the midst of difficult circumstances?  Ponder Lamentations 3:19-26 to see how the prophet handled some very challenging circumstances.

“Our problem is that we spend too much time listening to ourselves and not enough time talking to ourselves!” Meditate on  Ps 42:5; 103:1&2; Lam 3:24 in light of this comment.

In your own life, do you treat the gospel more like news or advice? How do you react when you fail to live up to the high eethical standards of Jesus? Is the message of the Bible more about what I should do or what Jesus has done?

“It is only when the joy of the gospel captivates our hearts that the love of the gospel will be evidenced in our lives!” Do you agree with this statement? Does the church spend more time focusing on the importance of behaving or believing?

May the LORD fill you with an understanding of the immensity of His love for you as you ponder the events of His birth this Christmas season!