1. Desert Island Discs
Prime someone in the group to choose their three favourite songs that speak of God's unfailing love – even in the difficult times – explaining why they mean so much.
2. Songwriting/painting/poetry
Sometimes we find it difficult to express how we feel, whether it's incredible joy, deep sadness or just numbness – so why not have a go at expressing it in the form of a song, a painting or a poem?
Some of the best songs/poems/pieces of art are those that help us identify with how people really feel. Take a look at the psalms sometime – there's a real mixture of emotions, from screaming in utter desperation to screaming with joy! Don't worry if you're not a musician – you can write a poem or lyrics and there may be someone else in the group who can hum a tune to your words.
Psalm 130
Help, God – the bottom has fallen out of my life!
Master, hear my cry for help!
Listen hard! Open your ears!
Listen to my cries for mercy.
If you, God kept records on wrongdoings,
Who would stand a chance?
As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit,
And that's why you're worshipped.
I pray to God – my life a prayer –
And wait for what he'll say and do.
My life's on the line before God, my Lord.
Waiting and watching till morning,
Waiting and watching till morning.
O Israel, wait and watch for God –
With God's arrival comes love,
With God's arrival comes generous redemption.
No doubt about it – he'll redeem Israel,
Buy back Israel for captivity to sin.
From The Message translation