The Believer's Confidence in God
Psalms for the Summer • Sermon • Submitted
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· 52 viewsBelievers can have Confidence in God, regardless of the Circumstances
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The Presence of God in Cosmic Trouble ()
The Presence of God in Cosmic Trouble ()
Because of the Presence of God, there is no fear in spite of Cosmic collapse
Because of the Presence of God, there is no fear in spite of Cosmic collapse
Explanation: The occasion for the Psalm may have been a psalm of praise following a victory that God had granted to His people. The psalmist is praising God and giving Him the glory due His name. The Psalmist is very much aware of God being the source of Protection and Providence.
The Psalmist is aware of God’s Presence in the now. He is not praising God for His mighty works in the past; he is not commending God for how He worked in the lives of the Patriarchs of old, he is giving glory to God for what He is doing in the present.
The circumstances were dire. Poetic language is used to describe the upheaval the people were experiencing. The earth itself was unstable as in an earthquake; the seas were wild as due to a hurricane. These allusions could be referring to the natural world, or they could be referring to opposing armies in the midst of conflict. Regardless, the Psalmist was able to state: we will not fear
Prayer of Praise and Adoration to God
Prayer of Praise and Adoration to God
Stop and Pray. Instruct the congregation to enter into a time of worship through prayer as we Praise God for Who He is and what He does. [This is different from THANKING God for what He has done for us personally]
The Presence of God in Judgment ()
The Presence of God in Judgment ()
Because of the Presence of God, there is flowing Joy in spite of national upheaval
Because of the Presence of God, there is flowing Joy in spite of national upheaval
Explanation: The Psalmist moves to Praising God for His Presence in the midst of His people. The language of verse 6 seems to indicate the presence of hostile forces around the city. These forces were bent on destroying Jerusalem and her citizens, but the residents had confidence due to God being with them. Their confidence was not in the thickness of walls, nor of armaments or soldiers. Their confidence was in the Reality that the LORD of Hosts was with them.
Application: There are forces at work that want to destroy us as the corporate people of God, and as families, and as individuals. These forces include:
A secular world that seeks to silence the voice of Truth
Fallen spirits who desire to oppress us
Lost people who are willing to trample anyone and anything that stands between them and personal happiness
And, finally, let’s not forget ourselves. Even as believers, we can allow sin in our life that will rob us of the Confidence that God provides ()
Prayer of Confession: Asking God to lead us to repentance
Prayer of Confession: Asking God to lead us to repentance
Prayer of Intercession: Asking God to deliver those who are bound by the Accuser, asking God to burden our hearts for others
Prayer of Intercession: Asking God to deliver those who are bound by the Accuser, asking God to burden our hearts for others
The Presence of God on Earth ()
The Presence of God on Earth ()
The Presence of God on Earth ()
The Presence of God on Earth ()
Because of God’s Intervention, there will be world-wide Peace, in spite of the desire of the nations
Explanation: The Psalmist is looking ahead at what He knows God will do. He invites the people to join him as he looks forward to God’s mighty intervention on the earth. The Psalmist has confidence in God’s Promises that have not yet taken place. In his day, and in the very time the psalmist was writing the Psalm, his surroundings were of war and hostility. Yet, the psalmist boldly proclaims in verse 9 the absence of warfare and conflict on the entire globe!
This is the power of Confidence. It is not in what we can do or what we hope to accomplish. This is resting in the power of God and taking refuge in God’s Sovereignty. The exaltation of the LORD GOD will take place by the entire creation! (cf, )
Application: The world of the 21st century is in the midst of crisis, and our present reality can overwhelm us. We are ignorant of most of history, but the world has seen other very troublesome times and God “somehow managed” to keep things going! No, what a sub-biblical view of God. He didn’t struggle then, and He is not struggling to maintain things now. He is the LORD of History, He is the Almighty, and He is very much still on His throne.
You CAN take great comfort in this truth. Your world may be in upheaval, your life may be out of control, and it may look like things cannot get any better. That is the Accuser talking, not the Voice of Truth. God is going to brings things to the conclusion He has planned, and nothing or no one will be able to stop Him.
Prayer of Thanksgiving to the Sovereign God
Prayer of Thanksgiving to the Sovereign God