Sermon Tone Analysis

*HELP!*

Psalm 61:1-4 (NIV) \\ 1 For the director of music.

With stringed instruments.

Of David.

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.

2 From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3 For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. 4 I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

/Selah/

[1]

*Introduction:* It is an unwritten rule.

Sooner or later, you are going to find yourself in a situation you can not master.

Your intellectual capacity, your abilities, your strength and endurance will not be enough to handle the situation.

David found himself in just such a situation and found the resources to overcome.

We can learn from David how to meet overwhelming circumstances, and find Strength and compassion in a time of need.

Listen to his prayer and see how his trust in God helped him to meet hard times with confidence.

*I.        **Hear the Condition of need*

*A.      **Flooded* – Overwhelmed with need, he seeks footing above the flood.

*B.      **Faint *– Out of Strength like a man on a cliff or clinging to a branch in the rush of floodwaters.

*C.      **Fearful* – Due regard for the danger and His inadequacy, and therefore the desperate need of God.

*II.

**Hear the Call for Defense*

*A.      **Critical Safety *– We want to be held above the fray.

Safe from danger.

*B.      **Capable Strength *– A strong defense against the enemy

*C.      **Complete security *– The lack of alarm so that though all around is raging, there is peace within.

*III.

**Hear the Confidence In God*

*A.      **Confidence in God’s Concern *– He calls out trusting in God’s love and care for him.

(unlike the old saying, “Here’s a quarter, call someone who cares.”)

*B.      **Confidence in God’s Capability *– God is not only caring enough, He is strong enough.

Love without ability is futility.

*C.      **Confidence in God’s Closeness *– Like Sweet Polly Purebred in the cartoon Underdog, we can call out to God wherever we are at and know that He can hear.

*Conclusion:* When you think you can’t go on, keep on going.

Trust in the one who is your source, and who’s resources transcend all situations and circumstances.

Call out to him as the need presses, and lean back in His strength and compassion, knowing that He is as near as your breath.

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[1]/The Holy Bible : New International Version/.

Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996, c1984.