Our Hope is in the Lord

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants answer:

"Can you think of a time when you felt like giving up on people? What helped you come back to a place of grace or hope?"

Facilitator note: Invite participants to respond at a level that feels right for them. This question can be answered lightly or deeply. The goal is to create space for honesty without pressure.

Group Dialogue (30 minutes). Read Psalm 14.

Facilitator note: If the group decides to read aloud, ask one person to read verses 1–3, another person to read verses 4-6, and a third person to read verse 7.

Discussion:

Facilitator tips: Encourage discussion without pressure. It’s okay if not all questions are answered. Allow about five minutes for each of the earlier questions. However, give extra space to the final question. It may offer the best opportunity for personal reflection, spiritual growth, and connection. The bullet points under each question offer sample responses or perspectives to help guide the discussion. They are not meant to be read aloud with the question but may be used to spark deeper reflection, reassure quieter participants, or help refocus the group, if needed. These ideas are offered to help the conversation unfold.

1. What part of the psalm stood out to you? What did it stir in you?

• “There is no one who does good” (14:3) may feel overwhelming or discouraging.
• “The Lord is their refuge” (14:6) may seem like a turning point or promise.
• The sharp language might stir resistance or curiosity.

2. How does the psalmist’s tone shift throughout the passage?

• It begins with a sweeping condemnation of all people.
• Then it shifts to a specific judgment of evildoers.
• It ends with hope for restoration and God’s faithful presence.

3. Like the psalmist in verses 1–3, have you ever felt tempted to give up on people or believe that no one is good?

• How did that affect your sense of community, compassion, or faith?
• What helped you move toward grace… or has that shift not yet happened?

4. The psalm suggests that God is a refuge for the poor and the righteous. What does it mean for God to be a refuge?

• A place of safety, dignity, and protection
• A place of truth-telling without rejection
• A source of strength when the world feels hostile.

5. What makes it difficult to trust that God is a refuge, not just for the poor or righteous, but also for you?

• Feelings of unworthiness or shame
• Past experiences of being let down by others or by the church
• Struggles with trusting unseen things.

6. As the psalm progresses, the psalmist seems to move from a cynical condemnation of all, to a self-righteous judgment of some, and finally toward a softening that recognizes God’s graciousness and commitment to redemption. What’s one small way you could soften your heart toward someone this week, even if they’ve made mistakes?

Prayer (5 minutes). Invite the group to share prayer requests, if appropriate. Then read or adapt the following:

Closing Prayer:

God of justice and mercy, when the world seems filled with disappointment or corruption, remind us that you are still our refuge. Help us to see others as you see them, not as categories, but as beloved children. Soften our hearts and strengthen our hope. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). You may choose to close with a blessing, the Lord’s Prayer, or this short commissioning:

Go this week in the confidence that you are not alone. God is your refuge. God is your strength. May you be a shelter of grace to others as God has been for you.

Rev. Anthony J. Tang is the Senior Associate Minister of Mission and Vision at First United Methodist Church of Dallas, Texas. An elder in full connection with the Desert Southwest Conference, he brings a deep interest in the intersection of vulnerability, leadership, and grace. He is passionate about organizational development that fosters purpose and belonging and helps people live into their God-given calling.