Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we continue our series focusing on Soul Care with the message “Trusting God One Day at a Time.” Before you read further, ponder what actually nourishes your soul – especially when you are weary or hurried or spiritually dry – and what ‘drains’ your soul.

During the Israelites’ years of wandering in the wilderness, they frequently complained of God’s apparent lack of care. In response, the Lord gave them… something. They called it “What is this?” or manna. It was a kind of frost you could make into bread. Each morning, they got just enough for that day. (We still ask for our ‘daily bread’ when we repeat the Lord’s Prayer.) How do you think this daily provision trained the Israelites? What was God seeking to create in them?

Generations later, during a time of drought and famine, the prophet Elijah was sent to a widow who was ‘scraping the bottom of the barrel’ trying to feed her son and herself their last meal. Boldly, the prophet insists that she feed him first. Amazingly, she does so, and her oil and flour never run out after that.

Reflect and prepare

1. One of Trinity’s affirmed Core Values is “Rest,” (or, in Hebrew, Sabbath). Our youth were greatly responsible for getting that particular Value included. Why do you think the call to Rest was especially relevant to the youth?
2. What is the difference between believing that God exists and trusting God? Which is more challenging to you – belief or trust? Which is more likely to lead to peace in the soul?
3. Are you often weary or stretched or over-busy? Is any of that due to trying to pull yourself up by your own bootstraps?
4. Thinking of that widow, the poor give a higher percentage of their income to God than do others – a higher percentage than even the rich! Why is that, do you think?
5. Do religious activities (worship, giving, praying, studying) just add to your load or are they meant to do something else for you?
6. When do you feel most connected with God? When do you feel most at peace and at rest?
7. What ends up shaping your soul bit-by-bit and day-by-day? Should it be allowed to do so?
8. Where can you ‘make room’ in your routine to reconnect with God? Is there a new habit you can begin today?

Our world is often so busy and noisy and tiring. So are our souls. So, may the peace of Christ be with you.

Rev. Mitchell Williams

______________________________________________________________________

As part of our summer sermon series, Soul Care, we are providing a weekly Small Group & Spiritual Reflection Companion to help us focus on Elijah’s journey toward rest, renewal, and the presence of God.

Download the complete Soul Care: A Summer Small Group Guide here.