Fearlessly Facing Life's Troubles
2021 Theme: Nothing Holding Us Back • Sermon • Submitted
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1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.
We must know who GOD is toward us
He is the safest house for us
His protection over us is impenetrable
He is help for us is abundantly accessible
Then we can face life fearlessly
Because we’ve experienced the power of his protection
Even when things become chaotic and unstable
If you’ve ever noticed, the bible speaks a lot about trials, affliction, problems, and conflict. I thought to myself, why would the word of GOD have so much to say about those things. I’ve concluded it’s because it is a major part of human life. We don’t particularly enjoy or like troubling times, because of the pain and stress it creates. And I’ve observed 4 factors that can make the pain worse: unpredictable, intensity, duration, and frequency. Just as season is about to change, often there are seasonal changes to life’s problems. But I’ve also learned, and still learning, that humans don’t know how to deal with problems in whatever season by themselves. And the way to respond to life’s trouble fearlessly, is with GOD. I want to show us HOW we can face any and all of life’s problems, as they come and whenever they come, with no fear.
This is a song, written by the sons of Korah, who were Levites, and were tasked with leading music. This particular Psalm is intended to glorify GOD and emphasize his character. The poetic and musical format were intended to produce an emotional response in those who read, heard, and sang the song. And the first 3 verses, again, teach us HOW we can arrive at a state where we are fearless before trouble.
We must know who GOD is toward us - In Trouble
First off, the proper way to approach any life circumstance, is to begin with GOD! Proverbs 1:7 says the beginning of knowledge, begins with the fear or reverence for GOD. As we consider our lives, and all it involves, start it with GOD.
What about GOD? We must understand his character toward us when we’re in trouble, distressed, and dealing with the emotional pain from life’s troubles.
He is the safest house for us
A refuge is synonymous with shelter. It was essentially a safe house.
Illustration: If you and your family were standing on your front lawn, and 2 pit-bulls and 2 rottweilers were coming down the street, everyone’s first reaction would be to run in the house.
Thus we even view our own homes as a refuge from certain elements. Likewise, the Psalmist is firmly declaring, not just for himself or themsleves, but for the whole congregation, that GOD is our safe house. He is the only safe house!
His protection over us is impenetrable
But you can run in some houses, and because of the weakness of the screen door or windows, a big enough dog can jump through them.
GOD is also a stronghold. Strongholds or fortifications were built to prevent attacks. Yet every human built stronghold is penetrable. Israel had physical strongholds. But they understood that their true and ultimate stronghold was GOD.
He is help for us is abundantly accessible
To further solidify God’s character and connection with us in trouble, these music leaders claim that GOD is abundantly present or found as the source of support or assistance in need.
Illustration: It takes a special person to be a nurse. Because it requires extreme attentiveness and care in ones heart. Additionally, since they are there to assist and help a patient in need, they must be available and accessible.
Whatever trouble you are facing, if GOD is your GOD, he’s not just present, he’s very present and ready to help.
Then we can face life fearlessly
The Psalmist then makes a logical transition to their stance or response to life as a result.
Because we’ve experienced the power of his protection
It is also clear that this is not just a declaration, or something they’re chanting just to be offering words up to GOD or each other. This is absolutely something they’ve experienced.
Application: Many will say the words, but the real question that can move us to fearlessness, is have we experienced these realities about GOD in our lives. Only then can we confidently say and move down the path of this praise and fearless response.
Even when things become chaotic and unstable
To elevate the praise, and emotional response in the congregation, they give climactic scenes in which they will live fearlessly. It is intended to describe and depict the worst of troubles.
First, notice that the scenes they describe are beyond their control.
Even if - Earth should change (earthquake). - We will not fear.
Even if - Mountains broke down, crumbled, and fell into the ocean. - We will not fear.
These parts of the earth are expected to be stable. Some trouble rocks us hard and makes life feel unstable. Whatever the rector scale show, we will not fear.
Even if - waters get chaotic and rage so high and hard that shakes mountains - We will not fear
Some problems are so chaotic. What’s happening around the world, is so chaotic. It feels like all hell is breaking loose in my life. But I won’t fear, worry, etc.
Why? If GOD is my GOD, there is no chaos or instability of life that can shake him. Seasons of changes, trials, and trouble. But GOD does not change. More than that, he controls the order. He created the order.