Review: How well have you been practicing gratitude this past week?  How much has practicing gratitude helped you to offer your difficult things to God ("Into Thy hands")?

Phil focused quite a bit on Psalm 18:1-19.  Pray and ask God to open your eyes to His word, and then read that passage.  What stands out to you as 1) enlightening, 2) challenging, or 3) inspiring?

In Psalm 18:1-6 we see that "death encompasses us."  How have you seen the truths here in your own life?

In vv. 7-9 we see God's response to David's circumstances.  Does God's response surprise you in any way?  In what ways do you see the Incarnation (God becoming man) pictured here?  How does this help you see the Christmas/Advent season differently?

 In vv. 10-12 and 16-19 we see our deliverance foretold–we see the gospel!  Describe a time when God "drew you out of mighty waters" or "delivered you from your strong enemy."

God says that Jesus will be called "Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). What does that name mean, and how does it promise us hope and confidence beyond our troubles?

 Jesus says in John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble.  But take courage; I have conquered the world!"  We have seen Christ come through for us in the past.  How does that shape the way we handle trouble in the present? 

In Advent there is an Invocation ("Come, Lord Jesus!") and an Invitation ("Come and see!").  This week, practice praying "Come, Lord Jesus" on a daily basis.  And ask God to lead you to someone you can invite to share in this good news–to whom can you say, "Come and see!"