Episode 8: When Everything Feels Out of Control

Welcome to Episode 8 of Walking with Purpose’s video series, “The Psalms of Ascent: A Lenten Pilgrimage.” In this episode, we explore Psalm 121 and its response to feeling out of control. We dive into God’s protection and promises, and how we can have faith in Him during difficult times. The key scripture is Psalm 121:1-8, which reassures us of God’s care and protection. We also reference other scriptures such as Luke 1:28, John 16:33, and Isaiah 43:2. Throughout the episode, we reflect on times when we have experienced God’s protection and shelter, and we discuss various resources and books related to prayer, suffering, discipleship, and biblical studies. Don’t forget to join our private Facebook community to continue the discussion, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more content.

Episode 8: When Everything Feels Out of Control

Introduction

Welcome to Episode 8 of Walking with Purpose’s video series, “The Psalms of Ascent: A Lenten Pilgrimage.” In this episode, we will be exploring Psalm 121 and its response to the feeling of being out of control. This series focuses on spiritual growth and moving to a higher place spiritually, and we are excited to dive into the themes of God’s protection and promises. We want to encourage you to have faith in Him, even when everything feels uncertain and overwhelming.

Overview of Episode 8

In this episode, we will delve into the exploration of Psalm 121, a beautiful Psalm that reassures believers of God’s protection and care. We will discuss the themes of feeling out of control and how God’s protection can bring comfort in those moments. Our main goal is to encourage you to have faith and trust in God, even when life feels overwhelming or uncertain.

Exploration of Psalm 121

Psalm 121 is a comforting Psalm that speaks to the assurance of God’s protection. It starts with the psalmist lifting up their eyes to the hills, questioning where their help comes from. The response is that their help comes from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth. This Psalm reminds us that God is always watching over us and will not let us be moved. He keeps us, never slumbering or sleeping. He is our constant keeper, providing shade and protection, shielding us from harm. The Psalm goes on to say that the Lord will keep us from all evil and preserve our life. This beautiful passage reassures us of God’s watchful care over us as we navigate life’s challenges.

Themes of Feeling Out of Control and God’s Protection

One of the key themes in this episode is the feeling of being out of control. We live in a world where uncertainty and challenges are constantly present, and it can be easy to become overwhelmed and anxious. However, Psalm 121 reminds us that even in these moments, we have a God who protects and watches over us. He is our constant companion, never leaving our side. This theme of God’s protection reminds us to lean on Him in times of distress, knowing that He is always faithful and will guide us through whatever we may face.

Encouragement to Have Faith in God

In the midst of feeling out of control, it can be difficult to have faith in God’s promises. However, this episode encourages viewers to trust in God’s always-present protection and care. We are reminded of other Scriptures, such as Luke 1:28, which reassures us that the Lord is with us, and John 16:33, which reminds us that although we may face tribulations in this world, God has overcome it. Isaiah 43:2 further assures us that God is with us even in the midst of trials, promising to be with us as we pass through waters and fire. Through these Scripture passages, we are encouraged to have unwavering faith in God’s promises and His ability to protect and guide us.

Key Scripture: Psalm 121:1-8

Psalm 121:1-8 is the key Scripture in this episode. It reassures us of God’s protection and care, letting us know that our help comes from the Lord, who is always watching over us and will not let us be moved. He is our constant keeper, providing shade and protection. The Psalm goes on to assure us that the Lord will keep us from all evil and preserve our life. This Scripture serves as a reminder to put our trust in God and have faith in His unfailing love and protection.

Additional Scriptures

Alongside Psalm 121, we also reference a few other Scriptures in this episode to further emphasize the theme of God’s protection and care. Luke 1:28 reminds us that the Lord is with us, and John 16:33 offers encouragement in the face of tribulations, reminding us that Jesus has overcome the world. Finally, Isaiah 43:2 promises that God will be with us in the midst of trials, assuring us that we will not be swept away by rivers or consumed by flames.

Reflection Questions

In this episode, we invite you to reflect on your personal experiences of God’s protection and shelter. We encourage you to think about times when God has shown up for you as your keeper, your protector, and your shelter. Reflect on the ways in which God has provided for you and kept you safe during challenging times. These moments of reflection can help build your faith and trust in God’s unwavering care for you.

Resources Mentioned

Throughout the episode, various resources and books were mentioned that can aid in deepening your understanding of prayer, suffering, discipleship, and biblical studies. We encourage you to explore these resources further to enhance your spiritual journey. Some of the resources mentioned include books on prayer, suffering, discipleship, and biblical studies.

Join the Community

To continue the discussion and connect with others who are also exploring the Psalms of Ascent, we invite you to join our private Facebook community. This community provides a space for you to share your thoughts, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow believers.

Connect on Social Media

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Walking With Purpose

Walking with Purpose is a Catholic women’s apostolate that aims to lead women to personally know Christ through Scripture. They provide Bible Studies for Catholic women, focusing on deepening their relationship with Christ and growing in faith. Their studies are designed to be relevant and applicable to everyday life, offering women the opportunity to delve into God’s Word and experience spiritual growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Episode 8 of Walking with Purpose’s video series addresses the theme of feeling out of control and God’s protection. Through the exploration of Psalm 121, we are reminded of God’s constant watchfulness and care for us. The episode encourages viewers to have faith in God’s promises and to trust in His protection, even in the face of uncertainty. Through the reflection questions, viewers are invited to reflect on their personal experiences of God’s shelter and protection. Additionally, various resources and books are mentioned that can aid in further study and understanding of prayer, suffering, discipleship, and biblical studies. Viewers are invited to join the private Facebook community and connect on social media to continue the discussion and engage with the Walking with Purpose community. We hope that this episode has provided you with encouragement and strengthened your trust in God’s protection and promises.

Episode 8 kicks off our brand new, seven-week series, The Psalms of Ascent: A Lenten Pilgrimage. The word translated “ascent” means “to go up.” It gives an idea of being on a journey, moving to a higher place spiritually. In this week’s episode, Lisa and Laura dive into Psalm 121 and explore Scripture’s response to when everything feels out of control. If you aren’t convinced of God’s protection or struggle to believe in His promises, you are in the right place. Join Lisa and Laura as they set our hearts on pilgrimage, unpacking today’s Psalm and applying it to our daily lives.

Open your Heart to our key Scripture.

Psalm 121:1-8: Assurance of God’s Protection. A Song of Ascents.

I lift up my eyes to the hills.

From where does my help come?

My help comes from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved,

he who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;

the Lord is your shade on your right hand.

The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all evil;

he will keep your life.

The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and for evermore.

Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.

Luke 1:28: The Lord is with you!

John 16:33: In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Isaiah 43:2: When you pass through waters, I will be with you; through rivers, you shall not be swept away. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor will flames consume you.

Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.

When have you seen God show up for you as your keeper (your bodyguard, your sentry)?

When has God been your shade (your protection, your shelter)?

Show mentions.

Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Praying From the Heart Guided Prayer Journal

Laura Phelps, Sweet Cross: A Marian Guide to Suffering

Eugene Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society

Peter Kreeft, Wisdom of the Heart: The Good, the True, and the Beautiful at the Center of Us All Edward Sri, Walking with Mary: A Biblical Journey from Nazareth to the Cross

Scott Hahn, Curtis Mitch, Rev. Dennis K. Walters, Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, The Book of the Psalms

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