2 Samuel 16–18

Common Theme
God’s sovereignty remains unshaken amidst betrayal, rebellion, and the flawed decisions of men. Even in David’s humiliation and Absalom’s rise, the Lord steers the course of events to fulfill His purposes.

Questions to Consider
– How does David’s response to betrayal reveal his trust in God’s justice and timing?
– In what ways does Absalom’s downfall reflect the consequences of pride and rebellion?

God Shot
God is a sovereign King who allows rebellion for a time but never relinquishes His rule. He frustrates the counsel of the wicked, protects His anointed, and executes justice in His perfect timing—not out of haste, but with holy precision.

Psalms 3–4, 12–13, 28, 55

Common Theme

God is a refuge for the righteous in times of betrayal, fear, and injustice. Each psalm expresses honest distress but ultimately turns to confidence in God’s justice, nearness, and deliverance.

Questions

• What does it mean to truly cast our burdens on the Lord, especially when the betrayal comes from someone close?
• How can we remain confident in God’s justice when the wicked seem to prevail?

God Shot

God is the unwavering refuge for the afflicted—He listens, defends, and acts. He hates lies, loves righteousness, and never abandons those who trust in Him. Even when His people cry out in despair, He sustains them, bears their burdens, and secures justice in His perfect timing.

2 Samuel 13–15

Common Theme
Sin begets suffering, and unchecked injustice in families and leadership leads to division and rebellion. The consequences of David’s past sins now play out tragically in the lives of his children and his kingdom.

Questions to Ask
– What role does passivity or inaction play in the unraveling of relationships and leadership in this passage?
– How do we respond when justice is delayed or denied—both as individuals and communities?

God Shot
God does not overlook sin, even among His anointed. Though He allows consequences to unfold, His sovereign hand still holds the kingdom’s future—working through the pain, rebellion, and brokenness to accomplish His purposes.

Psalm 32, 51, 86, 122

Common Theme

These psalms reveal the heart of a forgiven sinner who delights in God’s mercy and longs for His presence. Whether in repentance, prayer, or praise, each psalm expresses trust in the Lord’s steadfast love and joy in restored relationship with Him.

Questions

• What does true repentance look like, and how does it lead to joy?
• How does God’s mercy shape our worship and our view of others?

God Shot

God is merciful, eager to forgive the humble and contrite heart, not because of merit but because of His steadfast love. He delights in restoring sinners, covering guilt, and drawing them near—not only cleansing them but giving them joy, security, and a renewed desire to be in His presence.

2 Samuel 11–12, 1 Chronicles 20

Common Theme

God sees and confronts sin even when it is hidden by human schemes. Though David tried to cover his failure, God sent Nathan to expose it and bring David to repentance, revealing God’s justice and mercy in discipline.

Questions

• What does David’s response to Nathan’s confrontation reveal about the nature of true repentance?
• How does this passage contrast human attempts to conceal sin with God’s commitment to righteousness?

God Shot

God does not overlook sin—even among His chosen servants. He is a righteous Judge who exposes wrongdoing, but He is also a merciful Redeemer who provides grace to the brokenhearted and restoration through repentance.

Psalm 65–67, 69, 70

Common Theme
God is both the source of abundant blessing and the refuge for the afflicted. These psalms celebrate His provision, justice, and nearness, especially to the humble and oppressed who seek Him.

Reflection Questions
How does God’s care for the land reflect His character toward His people? What do these psalms teach about how God responds to cries for help?

God Shot
God is the God who hears. Whether responding to the cries of the needy (Ps 69–70) or pouring out abundance on the earth (Ps 65), He is active, attentive, and kind. He takes pleasure in saving, sustaining, and being near to those who seek Him—not because of their power, but because of His mercy.

2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19, Psalm 20

Common Theme
God defends His people when they act with integrity and depend on Him for victory. Whether facing political insult or military threat, God’s people are called to courageously stand firm, trusting that He saves not by human strength but by His name.

Reflection Questions
– How do you respond when you’re misjudged or dishonored for doing good?
– What would it look like to trust God’s name more than your resources or strategies?

God Shot
God is a defender of the humble who trust in Him. He delights in saving not through might or warhorses, but by His name and faithful presence with His people.

Psalm 50, 53, 60, 75

Common Theme
God alone is Judge and Deliverer—He sees through empty ritual, confronts the corruption of fools, and raises up or brings down nations by His sovereign will. Human strength, religious pretense, and political alliances fail, but God’s justice and salvation stand firm.

Questions

• What does God truly desire from His people—ritual sacrifice or heartfelt obedience?
• How should we respond when God brings discipline or raises up others instead of us?

God Shot
God is not silent—He speaks with fire and whirlwind, exposing hypocrisy and calling for genuine thanksgiving and trust (Psalm 50). He is grieved by foolishness and moral corruption, yet He remains the unwavering refuge and judge over all (Psalm 53, 75). When human help fails, God speaks, acts, and secures victory for His people by His own hand (Psalm 60). He does not need us—but we desperately need Him.