Through the Valley

Use these scripture passages and discussion questions to engage God’s Word together!

Week 1

Read Ecclesiastes 4

1. In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon is painting a picture of life without the purpose and meaning that comes from relationship with God. With that in mind, how would you paraphrase his summary of life without God?

2. What does he say about work? What does he say about the pursuit of wealth?

3. What is Solomon saying about life in community?

4. How does he contrast youth, age, and power?

Daily Readings | Monday-Saturday

• Matthew 26

• Luke 4

• John 11 

• John 5

• Matthew 12

• Hebrews 2

Week 2

Read Ephesians 6:10-24

1. What is the author, Paul, mean by, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power?” 

2. Why do we seek strength in other places besides God? 

3. How do you resolve the issue that our battle is not with flesh and blood? Especially when a person is standing right in front of you?
   

   As a group, look at the three lies that Satan tells us. Then, share about a time that you believed one or all of the lies. The three lies are:

   • My life is meaningless and worthless, so what’s the point?

   • Satan lies about the consequences of our behavior.

   • Satan lies about the nature of who we are.

Daily Readings | Monday-Saturday

• Psalm 139

• Luke 12

• Psalm 1

• Psalm 3

• Psalm 4

• Psalm 5

Week 3

Read 1 Corinthians 13

1. Based on 1 John 4:16, God is love. So, what does 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 show you about God? 

2. How does understanding this provides insight into what you believe about God?

3. How does the picture of love give us hope in our own valleys? 

4. Between faith, hope, and love, why is love the greatest of these characteristics of the kingdom of God?

Daily Readings | Monday-Saturday

• 1 John 4

• Psalm 31

• Romans 4:18 thru 5:1-11

• Romans 8

• Lamentations 3:1-27

• Ephesians 1:15-23 thru 2:1-10

Week 4

Read 2 Corinthians 5

1. What does this passage of scripture say about who we are in Jesus? 

2. Where does our confidence come from? How would you describe that? 

3. How does Christ's love compel us?

4. What is the ministry of reconciliation? Do you share your faith easily? Why or why not?

Daily Readings | Monday-Saturday

• 1 John 3

• Psalm 34

• Galatians 6

• Isaiah 43:1-21

• Proverbs 3

• Psalm 12-13

Week 5

Read Matthew 6

1. Why does Jesus encourage us to meet people's needs without any fanfare? How could that help the person with the need?

2. Have you ever prayed the Lord's prayer with another person in mind? What does it mean to pray “Your kingdom come, Your will be done," on behalf of someone else?

3. What is Jesus saying about treasure?

4. What is his cure for anxiety? What perspective does he give us?

Daily Readings | Monday-Saturday

• 1 Peter 4:12 thru 5:1-11

• Psalm 13

• Isaiah 53

• Psalm 15-16

• Psalm 40

• Psalm 41

Week 6

Read Psalm 23

1. In this perhaps most famous of all the psalms, the author David gives us a poem of our journey with God. What are the benefits of God as your shepherd?

2. Do you see a progression in the way God walks with you throughout this psalm? If so, how would you describe that progression?

3. When you are walking through your own valleys, how could this psalm be a reference point for you?

Daily Readings | Monday-Saturday

• Psalm 139

• Philippians 1

• Philippians 2:1-18

• Philippians 3:7-21

• Philippians 4:4-23

• Psalm 22

Week 6

Read 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

1. The apostle Paul is writing a letter of encouragement to the church in Corinth. How does he see his own suffering?

2. For what purpose does he see the difficulties he and his companions are going through?

3. What is he encouraging us to do in this regard? How do you think we can do this?

4. What is the role of prayer in this passage?

Daily Readings | Monday-Saturday

• 2 Corinthians 11:23 thru 12:10

• Psalm 25

• Psalm 28

• Psalm 30

• Psalm 69

• Psalm 27