A Very Present Help

Growth Group Questions

Looking Back

1. How are you growing and applying what you’ve learned since your last group gathering?

Explore

2. What repeated phrase in Psalm 46:7 and 46:11 assures us of God's personal and powerful presence in times of trouble? Why do you think the repetition was necessary?

3. The phrase “God is in the midst of her” in Psalm 46:5 is used to describe what city in the Psalm, and what does it symbolize?

Examine

4. Why does Pastor David emphasize that God is “very present” rather than just “present,” and how does this reflect His unchanging presence even when we feel distant?

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1

5. In Psalm 46:4, how does the image of a river making the city glad connect to the teaching on peace flowing from God’s sustaining presence?

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.”

Apply

6. Pastor David noted that sometimes we feel God is distant not because He has moved, but because we have. Based on Psalm 46:10, how might “Be still, and know that I am God” help realign your trust in moments of stress?

7. Pastor David said, “Maybe the issue is we can’t be still because we want the glory.” In light of the whole Psalm, how can trusting God as your refuge, strength, help, and peace (Psalm 46:1–11) reshape the way you respond to personal crises?