May 6, 2018
HOPE IN THE HURTING
May 06, 2018
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
OPEN:
If you are someone who can honestly say that you have a great life with few problems, you are a blessed person! Most of us are often overwhelmed and sometimes feel we can’t take the next step. Can someone share?
Today we are looking at Psalm 34, a Psalm of David, written when he was running from King Saul by way of the wilderness. In it, we get the instruction needed to make it through any trial Satan could throw at us. It is a mini-sermon, filled with wisdom, and pointing us to the Source of Strength we can use throughout our days.
Key Verse: Psalm 34:1: “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
Focal Passage: Psalm 34:1-22
DISCUSS:
When you hurt–worship! (Vv. 1-3)
- Read Psalm 34:1-3. Why is it so important to take our attention off ourselves and our immediate problems and focus on God?
2. What are some ways in which you can turn this into a worship experience? - How often did David say he would praise the Lord? What did he boast in? Who else should speak God’s praise? (Is that us?) Whom should we tell of God’s greatness? What is special about praising Him with other believers?
When you hurt–pray! (Vv. 4-7)
- Read verses 4-7. Why is it so important to pray? Whose power are you seeking when you pray? Read Philippians 4:6. What does Paul (through the Holy Spirit) tell us about prayer?
- David knew that when he talked to God, God would listen and answer. What else does God do for the one who prays? How can we be free from all our fears? What will the results look like, for the one who looks to God for help? (vs. 5).
- It is okay to pray when we are desperate. David was running for his life when he penned this Psalm, and what does he assure us the result will be? What power had he tapped in to with his prayer? Is this meant for us as well?
When you hurt–run! (Vv. 8-10)
- Read verses 8-10. When you were a child, where did you run when you hurt? Why is this a good analogy for us, always running to God, but especially when we are hurting?
- Often, we take a taste of a food to see if we like it; David begs us to give God the opportunity to show us He is good. What does God promise if we are His people who fear Him?
When you hurt–listen! (Vv. 11-14)
- Read verses 11-14. David, knowing he was writing to those who could learn (his people and by extension, believers through the ages), desires to teach them the most important thing he knew. What was it? Why is “listening” so important, not only while we pray, but anytime God may speak to our hearts?
- We all wish to be joyful and live a good life. How is this possible? What else should we strive for? Read 1 Pet. 3:10-11. Does Peter echo the same thing?
When you hurt–trust! (Vv. 15-18)
- Read verses 15-18 and 1 Pet. 3:12. What is God doing for His children? Do you have someone you watch over with passionate vigilance? How can you trust God to watch over you or those you love with the same fervor you exhibit?
- Read 2 Chronicles 16:9a. What did this Old Testament author know of God’s watch-care?
- What happens to those who do evil and never turn to the Lord?
When you hurt–don’t quit! (Vv. 19-22).
- Read verses 19-22. David emphasizes again the benefits of trusting the Lord. What are they (name them one by one!)?
- Do these verses mean that we shall avoid all calamity? Read in KJV or NKJV if possible. Verse 20 was thought to be fulfilled by Christ on the Cross.
TAKE AWAY:
1) Spend at least 10 minutes each day thanking Him for His care for you
2) Spend time asking God for clarity and wisdom to navigate life each day
3) Read His word every day (1 Proverb and 3 Psalms each day will finish both books each month)
4) Don’t quit when the trials come
5) The greatest of all hope is salvation; when you hurt, God will deliver you
CLOSE:
Following the guidelines in these 22 verses will change your living! Can you imagine your life next year at this time if you put these principles into practice? When David writes to “taste and see that the Lord is good,” he was thinking of the true satisfaction you would have if you truly placed your faith and trust in God. With that thought being uppermost each morning, carried throughout the day, and meditated on at night, you would always be dwelling on God and His goodness. Does that seem impossible? No—God does not give us impossible tasks; He gives us tasks that He knows we can fulfill. Worship Him. Pray to Him, not in stilted, “King James” prayers, but talk to Him as you would to someone you know loves you with their whole heart.
We sing “He’s a good, good Father,” and the truth of that one phrase should be enough to give you encouragement through any trial you encounter. Finances going badly and not enough money? Marital problems? Turn them over to Him and then show the Christ-like behavior that He desires. Do you think there’s nothing left of your marriage, or nothing that can be done about your debt or addiction? That nothing can be done that will help you–even by God? Remember His creation? He had nothing to work with there, either. Yet the evidence of His eternal Power and Godhead is all around you. Don’t run away, don’t pretend your hurt doesn’t exist, give it all to Him and then listen to see if He wants you to do something. We can’t do all the talking and no listening–that’s not a relationship, but disconnection. You need to listen to the still, small voice well. Trust Him.
Above all, don’t quit. Some of us have a harder time standing our ground than others. Stand firm, remembering that God is not your enemy–Satan is. And he’d like nothing better than for you to leave God and go back to old ways. Keep on keeping on. “The Lord will redeem those who serve Him.” Salvation and joy are the result of unity with Christ. Hold tightly to that hope that will not fail you, especially when you’re hurting.