Questions
Read Jonah 2:1–10 slowly. What immediately stands out to you? Where is Jonah? How did he get here? Think of a time when you found yourself in a similar situation of distress, darkness, fear, and despair.
1. Why do you think it took Jonah so long to “pray to the Lord his God”? Why do we often take so long to pray? Describe a time in your life where you found yourself crying out to God.
2. Jonah says, “You cast me into the deep” (v.3). Why does he attribute this to God? What does this teach us about God’s sovereignty over our lives, even our suffering? How has God used hardship in your life to bring you back to Him? Do you believe that when you suffer, God is punishing you or providing loving correction?
3. Read verse 7 again. What does it mean to remember God? What does this remembrance cause him to do? Are there times in your life when you’ve experienced this kind of remembrance?
4. Verses 8-9 compare the Lord to worthless idols. What are idols powerless to do? Why do we continue to “pray regard” to them? What idols are you prone to chase? Do you really believe that salvation belongs only to the Lord?