Calvary Vero Home Groups

Week of 11/24/24

Pastor Cheyne Gallagher

Introduction: Statistics show the dissatisfaction of most Americans today. Does dissatisfaction run in Christian circles as well. What about your life? What breeds dissatisfaction in our hearts? Jesus came to give us life and life more abundant. In our Sunday teaching, Cheyne listed six reasons that we may feel dissatisfied during our walk with God.

A LIfe Without Lack

Read Psalm 23

David’s life (like ours) was characterized by highs and lows, obedience and disobedience, stability and roaming, yet through it all, he came to see the Lord as his Shepherd. He found his ultimate fulfillment in the Lord.

#1 Reason We May Feel DIssatisfied in our Christian Walk

We may think we care more about our life than God does (But God does care)

Sheep are frail, not-so-smart animals that cannot live on their own. Like us, they cannot make it without a Shepherd. David experienced the active and loving care of the Good Shepherd. Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (John 10:11).   

  1. Give an example of how the Lord has shown His abundant care for you and met your needs beyond what you could do for yourself.

#2 Reason We May Feel DIssatisfied in our Christian Walk

We think we can find something better somewhere else (but God satisfies)

Read Psalm 23:2-3

Jesus says that He is the Bread of Life (John 6:35) and that He will give us living water (John 4:10). In Matthew 11:28, Jesus tells us, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

We may search for rest, satisfaction, fullness, pleasure, place and purpose in many places, but those things don’t satisfy or last. Not only does Jesus give us what we need, He IS what we need. True satisfaction is in Him alone.

  1. Describe a time in your life when you were in search of something only to be reminded that Jesus is the only One that provides Himself as the provider for our needs.

#3 Reason We May Feel DIssatisfied in our Christian Walk

You think because you’re facing difficulty, God is not there  (But God is near)

Read Psalm 23:4-5

Life is not easy, and when we face challenges, we may doubt God’s presence in our lives. We may feel sometimes as Paul described, “8 …hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— (2 Corinthians 4:8-9.) As we walk through challenging times, we are to remember that God is with us. He is close to the broken hearted (Psalm 34:18) and inclines His ear to us (Psalm 17:6).

In the valley of the shadow of death, God prepares a table to have fellowship with us. Look for the table of fellowship that He has prepared!

  1. God’s desire is for His glory to be revealed in us. How can we bring glory to God when we experience His comfort and grace?

#4 Reason We May Feel DIssatisfied in our Christian Walk

You can’t handle correction from the Lord (But the correction of God brings great comfort)

Read Psalm 23:4-5

A shepherd’s rod and staff were used to correct and redirect a wayward sheep. Can you confidently say to the Lord, “Your rod and staff comfort me”?

Sometimes the greatest comfort we need is to be humble and receive the correction and redirection of God. What God instructs us to do is better than what we tell ourselves to do.

4. How has the Lord used a scripture or a fellow believer to correct or redirect you? How has He allowed a circumstance in your life to weed out a negative character trait or waywardness?

#5 Reason We May Feel DIssatisfied in our Christian Walk

You’re out of spiritual shape (But God fills you to overflowing)

Read Psalm 23:5b-6

We are designed for the work of God to flow through us. The Lord anointed David, and David says as a result of that his cup overflowed. David allowed the anointing of God and the blessing of God to flow through him. David cultivated a close walk with the Lord. Wherever David went, God’s goodness and mercy followed him.

5. Are you receiving the blessing of God and not letting it flow out to others? How can you be “present enough” to speak into others' lives? How can you live life honestly and share about the hard and the good with others so that you can share what the Lord is doing to bring Him glory?

#6 Reason We May Feel DIssatisfied in our Christian Walk

You don’t realize that life with God is your WHOLE life (But God is always there and always wants to lead you)

Read Psalm 23:6

Life with God is for a lifetime. It is a continual commitment  - it's not limited to a time where you get what you want and then move on. You will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!

As Cheyne wrapped up this point, He encouraged us to

  • increase in our knowledge of who God is

  • be found with His people

  • Meditate in God’s presence

  • Press in more fully to know Him

  • Ask the Lord for His beauty and grace to be revealed in us

  • Ask Him to always lead us.

Conclusion

In closing, reflect on these words of Jesus recorded In John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!