2. "Crying Out to God" (Jonah 2:1–10)

Bridge Community Fellowship Sunday 08-31-25 Worship Service Crying Out to God (Jonah 2:1–10) Big Idea for This Week: God's grace is deeper than our despair. When we hit rock bottom, God invites us to cry out to Him in faith and discover His mercy and salvation. Sermon Outline: 1. From Rebellion to Rock Bottom (vv.1–3) – Sometimes God allows storms and struggles to bring us back to Him. 2. From Despair to Prayer (vv.4–6) – Even in the darkest places, we can cry out to God and He hears us. 3. From Idols to the Living God (vv.7–8) – Clinging to false gods only leads to despair, but turning to the Lord brings hope. 4. From Death to Deliverance (vv.9–10) – Salvation belongs to the Lord, who gives second chances and fresh starts.

Application Questions for Study and Discussion: • When have you felt like Jonah, overwhelmed and at rock bottom? How did God meet you there? • What does it mean to cry out to God instead of accusing Him? How does this change the way we pray in hardship? What does it mean to be in the "belly of Sheol," and how does this imagery reflect a state of spiritual and physical desperation? • What are some “idols” (comfort, control, success, relationships) that compete for your hope? How can you surrender them to the Lord? • How does remembering God’s past faithfulness stir up thankfulness and obedience in your life today? • After his deliverance, Jonah declares, "Salvation belongs to the Lord!" (Jonah 2:9). Why is this a pivotal moment of realization for him? How can remembering that salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn or achieve on our own, bring us peace and freedom in our own lives? Recommended Resources for Further Study: The Prodigal Prophet: Jonah and the Mystery of God’s Mercy by Timothy Keller, You Can Change by Tim Chester, A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller, Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure by Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Praying the Bible by Donald S. Whitney, Desiring God by John Piper, The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes, Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament by Mark Vroegop, The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges, and Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts by Jerry Bridge.