Series: Stand Alone
Sermon Title: Hope for the New Year
Passage: Psalm 42

Reno Campus
Pastor Jericho Toilolo 

Carson Campus
Pastor Jericho Toilolo 

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Reno Campus
Service times beginning 1/5/25 9AM and 10:30AM

Carson Campus
Service times beginning 1/5/25 10AM

Sermon Title: Hope for the New Year
Passage: Psalm 42

SERMON POINTS: 

1. THE CRY OF THE SOUL
   PSALM 42:1-2
2. THE CONFLICT WITHIN
   PSALM 42:3-5
3. THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN THE DEEPEST VALLEYS
   PSALM 42:6-10
   Numbers 6:24-26
4. THE FAITHFUL RESPONSE
   Psalm 42:11
   Psalm 43:3-4
   Isaiah 55:11

 

 

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. The psalmist describes his soul as longing for God “like a deer pants for streams of water.” What does this imagery teach us about our need for God, especially in challenging seasons?
   • Supportive Scripture: Matthew 5:6 
2. When have you experienced a deep longing for God in your life? How did that longing shape your relationship with Him
   • Supportive Scripture: Psalm 63:1 
3. The psalmist wrestles with his emotions, saying, “Why, my soul, are you downcast?” How can acknowledging our struggles in prayer help us draw closer to God?
   • Supportive Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9 
4. Psalm 42:5 ends with the psalmist preaching hope to himself, saying, “Put your hope in God.” What does it look like for you to preach truth to yourself when you are in a spiritual or emotional struggle?
   • Supportive Scripture: Romans 15:13
5. The psalmist remembers God’s faithfulness in the past while enduring deep valleys (Psalm 42:6). Why is it important to reflect on God’s past faithfulness in hard times?
   • Supportive Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-23 
6. Numbers 6:24-26 speaks of God’s blessing and peace. How does this promise bring comfort when you’re experiencing trials, doubts, or struggles?
   • Supportive Scripture: John 14:27
7. Psalm 42:11 calls us to put our hope in God despite our circumstances. What practical steps can you take to shift your focus from despair to hope in Him?
   • Supportive Scripture: Philippians 4:8 
8. Isaiah 55:11 reminds us that God’s Word will accomplish His purposes. How can you rely on and speak God’s Word over your life as you enter the new year?
   • Supportive Scripture: Hebrews 4:12

 

PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. In what specific ways can you practically “thirst” for God this week, like the psalmist in Psalm 42:1-2?
   • Reflect on: James 4:8 
2. When your soul feels “downcast” (Psalm 42:5), what spiritual practices help you turn toward hope in God rather than staying stuck in despair? How can you incorporate one of those practices into your week?
   • Reflect on: Psalm 34:17 
3. Think of a current “valley” in your life. How can you invite God’s presence into that place and trust Him to meet you there? What step of faith will you take to demonstrate your trust?
   • Reflect on: 2 Corinthians 5:7

 

SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON:

• Lamentations 3:22-23
• Psalm 34:17
  
• 2 Corinthians 12:9

 

RESOURCES:

• BOOK | P.T. Forsyth | The Soul of Prayer
• BOOK | LIVING THE RESURRECTION: THE RISEN CHRIST IN EVERYDAY LIFE | EUGENE PETERSON
• PODCAST | THE MEANING OF HOPE | THE BIBLE PROJECT

 

Spiritual Discipline Practice: Celebration

The spiritual discipline of celebration is considered by most spiritual directors to be a discipline of engagement. These practices intentionally discipline our spiritual lives to seek alignment with what God has done, is doing, or will do. In celebration, we actively choose to recognize and rejoice in the work of God in our own lives and in the lives of those around us.

Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) reminds us: “…as a man thinks in his heart, so he is…”. This scripture highlights the profound truth that what we focus on shapes our hearts. When we dwell on the goodness of God and His work in our lives, it reorients our hearts toward Him. This shift has a deep and lasting impact on our spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being. God’s desire is not only for our souls to be aligned with Him but for us to take joy in His presence forever.

The discipline of celebration is a tool that helps us cultivate this joy and alignment. It draws us into deeper intimacy with God, fostering a continual acknowledgment of His presence and a transformation of our nature to reflect His.

Celebration Practice
As we step into the New Year, take an hour to reflect on 2024 and recognize where God was at work in your life. This can include moments of joy and triumph, as well as challenges and hardships—God uses them all for His purposes.

Preparation
Before you begin, spend a few moments with the Lord in prayer and meditation. Reflect on the following scriptures to prepare your heart:

• Psalm 18:29: “For by You I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.”
• Isaiah 55:12: “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
• Psalms 148-150: These chapters overflow with praise for God’s power, faithfulness, and majesty.

Reflection
Write down as many experiences from 2024 as you can where you clearly see God’s hand at work. Don’t limit yourself to positive moments—include the difficult experiences too, acknowledging how God used or is using them for your growth and His glory.

Response
Once you’ve completed your list, take the time to write a heartfelt thank-you note to God. Express your gratitude for His presence, provision, and guidance throughout the year. Let this exercise deepen your awareness of His goodness and His constant involvement in your life.

 

I pray you have had a great year.  My team and I are looking forward to this coming year with a heart of great joy and expectation. Join me in praying for God to move in your life and the lives of others at LifeChurch in incredible ways. We will see you on January 5th.

Rob Hans | Spiritual Formation and Connections Pastor