Sermon Central
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When Trouble Comes
Contributed by Arlen Payne on Nov 24, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: When trouble comes we can respond as Asaph responded by relying on God’s sustaining grace to get us though anything.
When Trouble Comes
Intro:
This is a Psalm of Asaph.
-He declares the goodness of God. Vs. 1
-Asaph’s concern
-BUT…as for me.
1. I am falling…vs 2
2.Because it seems the wicked are prospering. Vs 3-16
3.Then I went to God. Vs 17
4.The reality of the wicked. Vs 18-20
5.Asaph’s conviction. 21-22
6.Asaph’s conclusion. Vs 23-24
I. Rely on the grip. Vs 23
A. I am continually with thee.
-Interesting that he did not say…You are with me.
-Rather “I am with you”.
B.He recognized that he is in the grip of God’s almighty hand.
-Often we think we are hanging on to God only to find out that He is hanging on to us.
-God has a hold on you and He will not let go.
C. David knew of God presence Psalm 139:7-10
D. Other promises of God’s grip on us…
-Psalms 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly
cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psalms 63:8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
E. Occasionally I see a letter with the signature “In His Grip”
F. When you are discouraged and feel alone…remember
to rest in His grip.
-Quit trying to hand on…and just rest in Him…
-He has a grip on you…
II. Rely on His guidance. Vs 24
- Psalms 33:11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for
ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
-God said to Moses “Hearken now unto my voice, I will
give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee:”
A. Following His guidance means we must be listening to Him.
-God’s counsel is found in His Word….
-God’s counsel comes through prayer…
-God’s counsel is the revelation of His will.
B. The problem is that we often what to follow man’s
counsel rather than God’s.
-Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man’s; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that
shall stand.
C. Asaph decided to rely on God’s counsel rather than
follow the crowd.
III. Remember the glory…
A. One day all this will be over…
-For the believer this world is the worse it can get.
-For the unbeliever this world is the best it can get.
B. God will receive us into His glory.
C. It will be worth it all. (sing) (Pg 674)
IV. Reclaim your place near to the heart of God. Vs 28
A. It is good to draw near to God.
-James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
-Trust in the Lord…
B. Declare all His works….
Conclusion:
Rest in His grip
Rely on His counsel
Remember the Glory
Reclaim you place…near to His heart.
