Small Group Study-Journey from Lament to Trust in God’s Justice

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Opening Reflection

Begin your study by reading Psalm 10 aloud from the KJV. Allow members to notice what stirs within them as they hear certain phrases. Don’t analyze immediately—just pay attention to words or phrases that stand out.

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Key Scripture (KJV)

Psalm 10:1 – “Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?”

Psalm 10:12 – “Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble.”

Psalm 10:16-17 – “The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land. LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear.”

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Study Outline

Part 1: The Cry of Abandonment (Verses 1-11)

Read Psalm 10:1-11 (KJV)

Discussion Questions:

1. How can all believers relate to David’s cry in verse 1: “Why standest thou afar off, O LORD?”
2. When have you felt like God was hiding during times of trouble? What emotions did this bring up?
3. In verses 2-4, what characteristics of the wicked are described? How do you see these same attitudes in today’s world?
4. What does the phrase “God is not in all his thoughts” (v.4) reveal about the wicked person’s mindset?
5. How does verses 8-9 describe the wicked as predators: “He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den”? What does this teach us about evil’s nature?

Part 2: The Plea for Justice (Verses 12-15)

Read Psalm 10:12-15 (KJV)

Discussion Questions:
6. What shift do you notice in the psalmist’s tone beginning with verse 12?
7. How does the psalmist’s plea “Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand” demonstrate both desperation and faith?
8. What does it mean that “the poor committeth himself unto thee” (v.14)? How can we apply this today?
9. What is the psalmist asking God to do to the wicked in verse 15? Is this prayer appropriate for believers today?

Part 3: The Declaration of Confidence (Verses 16-18)

Read Psalm 10:16-18 (KJV)

Discussion Questions:
10. How does declaring “The LORD is King for ever and ever” (v.16) provide comfort during injustice?
11. What promise does verse 17 give about God’s response to the humble?
12. How does verse 18 describe God’s ultimate justice for “the fatherless and the oppressed”?

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Application Questions

Personal Reflection:

• Honest Lament: How does Psalm 10 give you permission to be honest with God about your struggles and doubts?
• Recognizing Evil: What injustices around you need your prayers and action?
• Trusting God’s Timing: How can you maintain trust in God’s justice even when it seems delayed?

Group Discussion:

• Present Day Application: If you were to rewrite Psalm 10 as a prayer for today’s context, what would it look like?
• Supporting Others: How can this group support members who are facing injustice or feeling abandoned by God?
• Active Faith: What actions can we take to uphold justice and stand up for the oppressed in our community?

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Key Themes to Remember

1. Honest Questions Are Welcome – God can handle our doubts and frustrations
2. Evil is Real But Temporary – The wicked may prosper now, but God sees all
3. Persistent Prayer Matters – Keep crying out for justice and mercy
4. God’s Justice Is Certain – His kingship ensures ultimate vindication

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Closing Prayer

Based on Psalm 10:17-18 (KJV): “LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.”

Ask God to strengthen your faith during trials, give you boldness to pray for justice, and help you trust in His perfect timing and eternal kingship.

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For Further Study

• Compare with Psalm 9 for additional context on God’s justice
• Study other lament psalms (Psalms 3, 13, 22, 77) to see similar patterns of struggle leading to trust
• Examine how Jesus experienced similar feelings of abandonment (Matthew 27:46)