Lifegroup Discussion Guide

How to Handle a Time of Crisis

Ps John Lindell

Scripture

2 Samuel 15:13, 14
A messenger came and told David, “The hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom.” Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, “Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape…”

2 Samuel 15:30
Now David had been told, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David prayed, “Lord, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.”

Luke 6:27
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you.”

Proverbs 15:22
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

The full passage may be read in 2 Samuel 15:13-19:43

Main Idea

King David faced one of his greatest crises when his son, Absalom, conspired to take the kingdom by force. How David navigated this tragic event provides wisdom for us when we face a crisis in our own lives. Asking God for help, avoiding rash decisions, and getting Godly advice will help us to make the best of a challenging situation.

1. Pray first

Perspective, wisdom, discernment, and provision are found when we place our problem in God’s hands.

Where do you feel pressure to act first and pray later—and what would “praying first” change about your next step this week?

2. Refuse to react

When things are dark, it can be hard to have spiritual clarity. What the person is doing may be wrong, but a crisis is not the time to react.

Think of a situation where you’re tempted to react/retaliate. What would it look like to entrust that person to God and respond with blessing?

3. Listen to Godly counsel

Sometimes in crisis we crave comfort when what we need is someone who cares enough to speak the truth.

Who has permission to speak truth into your life right now? What characteristics in their life have given them that platform, and are those same traits present in your life too?

Call To Action

Reflect:

In moments of crisis, what helps you most to think clearly and confidently about what to do next?

Respond:

Make a crisis plan for yourself.
– Where would you go to talk to the Lord about your situation?
– Decide who you will call to get wise counsel to help you.

Remember:

“The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.” Psalm 34:17 NLT

Care Form

If someone in your group needs care,

We want to be there for them. The James River Care team is designed to walk alongside people in every season – to celebrate life’s best moment and offer support through the challenging ones. We want to be there for the following life events:

Marriage
Births
Hospitalization and deaths
Questions or concerns.

Please submit a request at: jamesriver.church/care-form

Additional Leader Resources

Please please visit jamesriver.church/lg-resources