Introduction
Main Idea: When we seek God, every trial becomes an opportunity for growth, a time of hope for the good it will bring us, and another reason for worship.
1. The worshiper laments the drought (42:1-4) (cf Joel 1:20)
What is a "maskil"? Who are the "sons of Korah"? Some historical connections.
2. The worshiper is overcome by the deep (42:6-10)
Note "deep" in verse 7 - see Gen 1:2 and Jonah 2:3
3. The worshiper's trial turns into a faith and praise declaration (43:1-4)
Knowing how it ends - Psalm 22
4. The worshiper's inner life: a supernatural defense (42:5, 11, 43:5)
John 12:27 is the key insight
Conclusion: Biblical Hope is NOT wishful thinking!
His past deeds - Ps.45:4, 65:5, 66:3, 71:17, 72:18, 73:28, 75:1, 77:11, 78:4, 7, 86:8-12
His view of trials - James 1:2-4
His promised "escape hatch" - 1 Corinthians 10:13b
His good - what is it Lord? - Romans 8:28
The committed worshiper - Job 13:15, Habakkuk 3:17-18
My worship today:
Resources:
Next week, we will study Psalm 139 - please read that Psalm along with Book IV this week (Psalms 90-106). Notice the themes of Book IV and how they relate to Psalm 139
| As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.
-Psalm 42:1-4
Even the wild animals pant for you;
the streams of water have dried up and fire has devoured the open pastures.
-Joel 1:20
my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon?from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me? a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God my Rock, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?" My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, "Where is your God?"
--Psalm 42:6-10
Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; rescue me from deceitful and wicked men. You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.
--Psalm 43:1-4
Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
--John 12:27 |
