Sermon Notes:· Where do you find joy when the ups and downs of life are far more than you can handle?· How is your joy level?· God is calling us to embrace the life he has for us. To do that we have to embrace the darkest moments and follow him through.· The Psalms are uniquely suited to foster communion with God. They give voice to our hearts. - Dane Ortland· We often believe that if we are struggling we can’t walk with God.· When we isolate we often walk further into darkness and further into shame and guilt.· David models for us how to turn his fear and shame from the darkness into the Joy of worship.· “Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him away, and he left.” Heading of Psalm 34· "I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips." (v.1) What happened this week that made praise difficult for you?· Vs. 2 "I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice."· What are you reflecting to the afflicted around you?· Vs, 3 "Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together."· Who can you show God’s glory to this week?· Affliction doesn’t disqualify us from praising—it often makes our praise more real.· "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." (v.4)· What is your greatest fear?· Vs. 5- "Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame."· One of the greatest gifts God can give to me is to change me to look more like HIM!· Radiance is God’s perfect antidote for Shame.· Shame falls away when we behold the glory and grace of God.· LOOK TO HIM!· "This poor man called, and the Lord heard him. He saved Him out of all his troubles" (v.6)· What do you need God to rescue you from today?· vs. 7 "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them."· "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." (v.8)· When we are with God, we experience real joy· What might be your next step in the darkness? (next 4 lines on one slide)· Call out to Him in the darkness.· Bring the real you before God.· Seek refuge in the Lord· Find your people· Are you living your darkest moment right now?· Have you said, “I can handle this,” instead of surrendering it to God?· Healing comes when we face darkness and behold the Lord.· He is offering you His joy in the darkness. LIFE Group Discussion QuestionsShare about a time when darkness ruled in your life. What helped you the most during that difficult time?Read Psalm 34:1-81) David is described as a man after God’s own heart. However, leading into Psalm 34 David struggles to the point of insanity. How does David’s story resonate with you?2) What happened this week that made praise difficult for you?3) What is the most prominent fear in your life? How has that fear impacted your walk with God and others?4) How do you typically handle fear and shame?5) When have you experienced God’s presence in overcoming fear?6) What do you need God to rescue you from today?7) Who can you God’s glory to this week?

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