WEBVTT 00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:06.339 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.839 --> 00:00:09.359 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:09.980 --> 00:00:10.500 Join us. 00:00:12.320 --> 00:00:18.820 As Derek mentioned earlier, we are talking about a psalm of lament this morning. 00:00:19.640 --> 00:00:27.519 Psalms of lament are actually the most common type of psalm in the hymn book of God's people. 00:00:27.519 --> 00:00:31.219 About 40% of all the songs he gives us. 00:00:32.659 --> 00:00:39.920 I noticed reading through the psalms this time in our reading plan, it just felt to me like every page I turned, 00:00:40.280 --> 00:00:45.700 the psalmist was being attacked by his enemies or oppressors. 00:00:45.960 --> 00:00:50.760 He was discouraged, again, page after page, chapter after chapter. 00:00:50.759 --> 00:01:00.759 And these are psalms that put into the mouths of God's people singing to him, praying to him words of distress, 00:01:01.759 --> 00:01:04.379 of depression, of despair. 00:01:05.179 --> 00:01:11.759 They're put into our mouths because sometimes we are so overwhelmed that we have no words. 00:01:11.760 --> 00:01:17.120 We will read today of feeling so troubled you cannot speak. 00:01:18.400 --> 00:01:23.620 While God is holding your eyes open so that you also can't sleep. 00:01:24.980 --> 00:01:35.080 And some of you know right now about sleepless nights and speechless days that are in the title of this sermon. 00:01:35.079 --> 00:01:48.480 I suspect if we're really honest that most of us, including me, would be uncomfortable with our worship services being that full of lamentation. 00:01:48.859 --> 00:01:53.200 Of crying out to God and hurting and mourning. 00:01:53.859 --> 00:01:58.900 There is more than one different psalm of lament for every Sunday of the year. 00:01:58.900 --> 00:02:04.120 Can you imagine if that was over and over and over what we would sing? 00:02:05.740 --> 00:02:12.620 But remember, we're in the psalms to ask God to shape our hearts in relationship with him. 00:02:12.740 --> 00:02:18.980 So perhaps where our hearts are most uncomfortable, we most need his help. 00:02:19.659 --> 00:02:28.560 Let's read Psalm 77 together and then ask Holy Spirit to shape our hearts according to God's holy word. 00:02:28.560 --> 00:02:32.560 Rather than our own selfish comforts. 00:02:33.560 --> 00:02:34.759 Psalm 77. 00:02:35.539 --> 00:02:39.500 I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. 00:02:39.939 --> 00:02:42.620 In the day of my trouble, I seek the Lord. 00:02:42.920 --> 00:02:45.560 In the night, my hand is stretched out without wearying. 00:02:46.379 --> 00:02:48.560 My soul refuses to be comforted. 00:02:49.840 --> 00:02:51.900 When I remember God, I moan. 00:02:52.539 --> 00:02:54.560 When I meditate, my spirit faints. 00:02:55.560 --> 00:02:58.159 You hold my eyelids open. 00:02:59.060 --> 00:03:02.340 I am so troubled that I cannot speak. 00:03:03.560 --> 00:03:06.159 I consider the days of old, the years long ago. 00:03:06.500 --> 00:03:08.860 I said, let me remember my song in the night. 00:03:09.120 --> 00:03:10.860 Let me meditate in my heart. 00:03:11.400 --> 00:03:13.539 Then my spirit made a diligent search. 00:03:14.560 --> 00:03:16.180 Will the Lord spurn forever? 00:03:16.800 --> 00:03:18.439 And never again be favorable? 00:03:18.840 --> 00:03:21.060 Has his steadfast love forever ceased? 00:03:21.159 --> 00:03:23.319 Are his promises at an end for all time? 00:03:23.319 --> 00:03:25.319 Has God forgotten to be gracious? 00:03:25.479 --> 00:03:27.560 Has he in anger shut up his compassion? 00:03:27.560 --> 00:03:35.479 Then I said, I will appeal to this to the years of the right hand of the Most High. 00:03:35.479 --> 00:03:38.000 I will remember the deeds of the Lord. 00:03:38.119 --> 00:03:40.259 Yes, I will remember your wonders of old. 00:03:40.459 --> 00:03:43.979 I will ponder all your work and meditate on your mighty deeds. 00:03:44.939 --> 00:03:46.399 Your way, O God, is holy. 00:03:46.939 --> 00:03:49.939 What God is great like our God? 00:03:49.939 --> 00:03:52.419 You are the God who works wonders. 00:03:52.740 --> 00:03:54.939 You have made known your might among the peoples. 00:03:55.300 --> 00:03:59.719 You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. 00:04:01.000 --> 00:04:04.219 When the water saw you, O God, when the water saw you, they were afraid. 00:04:04.379 --> 00:04:05.479 Indeed, the deep trembled. 00:04:05.759 --> 00:04:07.159 The clouds poured out water. 00:04:07.259 --> 00:04:08.960 The skies gave forth thunder. 00:04:09.280 --> 00:04:11.479 Your arrows flashed on every side. 00:04:11.759 --> 00:04:14.139 The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind. 00:04:14.139 --> 00:04:16.159 Your lightnings lighted up the world. 00:04:16.439 --> 00:04:19.120 The earth trembled and shook. 00:04:20.579 --> 00:04:22.860 Your way was through the sea. 00:04:23.240 --> 00:04:25.419 Your path through the great waters. 00:04:25.939 --> 00:04:27.899 Yet your footprints were unseen. 00:04:28.740 --> 00:04:33.860 You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. 00:04:37.360 --> 00:04:39.759 God, we give you thanks for your word. 00:04:39.759 --> 00:04:53.199 God, we acknowledge how deeply we resonate with some of the feelings and experiences that we just read. 00:04:53.879 --> 00:04:56.159 And so we ask for your help. 00:04:57.659 --> 00:05:07.620 That we not just understand, but that our hearts are truly shaped by what you would have us to hear and to feel. 00:05:07.620 --> 00:05:10.040 And to speak to you. 00:05:11.160 --> 00:05:15.540 Speak to us and for your hearts to speak to you also this morning. 00:05:15.720 --> 00:05:17.040 We ask in Jesus' name. 00:05:17.360 --> 00:05:17.620 Amen. 00:05:21.480 --> 00:05:29.420 If you asked me when I was a kid what emojis should most be used to depict the life of a Christian, 00:05:30.199 --> 00:05:33.139 I would have asked you what an emoji was. 00:05:33.139 --> 00:05:42.800 But then, after understanding what you meant, I would have certainly chosen the big smiley faces. 00:05:43.300 --> 00:05:47.599 Yes, probably especially the one on the end. 00:05:47.719 --> 00:05:50.379 That's what it means to be walking with God. 00:05:50.379 --> 00:05:56.519 Now that I've lived a few more years and read a few more psalms, 00:05:57.480 --> 00:05:59.920 I realize how appropriate others can be. 00:06:00.339 --> 00:06:05.379 This one, or even this one, or my favorite. 00:06:06.639 --> 00:06:10.560 That one, which means I am so confused. 00:06:10.680 --> 00:06:13.600 I don't know what's going on, but it is out of my control. 00:06:13.879 --> 00:06:16.600 And I don't even know how I feel right now. 00:06:16.600 --> 00:06:23.340 It's a favorite of my grace group when I ask them to give us an update on how their week has gone 00:06:23.340 --> 00:06:25.820 through sending an emoji to the group. 00:06:26.500 --> 00:06:28.520 Aren't you sad you're not in my group? 00:06:32.260 --> 00:06:38.140 Yes, it's true that there is always a joyful hope for those who know Jesus. 00:06:38.139 --> 00:06:46.339 But these painful emotions are part and parcel of life in relationship with God. 00:06:46.860 --> 00:06:48.019 And he wants to hear them. 00:06:49.120 --> 00:06:51.560 I mean, think about the history of God's people. 00:06:53.099 --> 00:06:58.459 For generations and generations, they were in bondage in Egypt. 00:06:58.819 --> 00:07:02.180 Seemingly neglected by a God of big promises. 00:07:02.899 --> 00:07:04.979 But they're slaving away and they're getting nowhere. 00:07:04.980 --> 00:07:13.480 Even after God delivers them, that very generation ends up wandering around in the wilderness for 40 years. 00:07:14.819 --> 00:07:21.000 Not too long after they get settled with some happy days in the promised land, God's people are exiled. 00:07:22.060 --> 00:07:29.120 Not too long after he brings them back from exile, they end up waiting silently for generations and generations. 00:07:29.120 --> 00:07:36.680 With no word from any prophet, where is God until John and then Jesus finally show up? 00:07:37.819 --> 00:07:42.280 Jesus and the New Testament writers tell Christians that suffering is not abnormal. 00:07:42.920 --> 00:07:47.240 In fact, we should expect persecution, they say. 00:07:48.699 --> 00:07:53.620 God's people are a lamenting people. 00:07:53.620 --> 00:08:02.240 Maybe now we can understand a little better why so many of the hymns of God's people are laments. 00:08:03.259 --> 00:08:07.220 God's people ought to lament. 00:08:08.500 --> 00:08:17.759 God says his people should cry to him when they're hurting, afraid, discouraged, despairing. 00:08:17.759 --> 00:08:21.519 In fact, we should do it often. 00:08:21.680 --> 00:08:24.439 It's repeated there in verse 1 by Asaph. 00:08:24.800 --> 00:08:26.819 I cry aloud. 00:08:27.639 --> 00:08:29.759 Allowed to God. 00:08:30.399 --> 00:08:33.759 All night praying over and over. 00:08:34.039 --> 00:08:35.319 Hands outstretched. 00:08:35.840 --> 00:08:38.179 Begging loudly for help. 00:08:40.340 --> 00:08:42.960 But isn't that a little inappropriate? 00:08:42.960 --> 00:08:50.360 Won't God wait until we speak in a more put-together manner? 00:08:51.320 --> 00:08:54.879 Theologically rich with a very polished tone? 00:08:55.019 --> 00:08:56.800 Wouldn't he prefer that? 00:08:58.019 --> 00:09:00.060 That's not what Asaph says. 00:09:00.460 --> 00:09:04.980 God hears these cries. 00:09:05.660 --> 00:09:07.680 That's not what Jesus did. 00:09:07.800 --> 00:09:09.460 Hebrews chapter 5. 00:09:09.460 --> 00:09:13.700 In the days of his flesh, when Jesus was here experiencing life on this earth, 00:09:14.019 --> 00:09:20.000 Jesus offered up prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears 00:09:20.000 --> 00:09:23.340 to him who was able to save him from death. 00:09:23.960 --> 00:09:31.019 And he was heard because of his reverence as he cried out and wept tears. 00:09:31.320 --> 00:09:36.360 It is reverent to run desperate to one who can help. 00:09:36.360 --> 00:09:44.860 It's the proper response of a hurting child to cry out for a helpful parent. 00:09:45.259 --> 00:09:49.899 It is the right way for Christians to handle our pains. 00:09:50.680 --> 00:09:53.960 To cry loud to God. 00:09:56.019 --> 00:09:59.480 I mean, after all, what kind of relationship do you have with someone? 00:09:59.480 --> 00:10:06.480 If you only tell them about your good days and your happy feelings? 00:10:09.120 --> 00:10:15.659 The laments of Scripture are calling you to be honest about your heart. 00:10:16.259 --> 00:10:19.539 It's not only that you experience hard things, 00:10:19.659 --> 00:10:24.279 but you must also express the full range of emotions. 00:10:24.279 --> 00:10:30.079 I don't have to tell you that life is hard. 00:10:31.159 --> 00:10:33.220 Just in the last few days, 00:10:33.480 --> 00:10:37.939 you have shared with me things like overwhelming family drama, 00:10:39.519 --> 00:10:42.659 chronic pain that is wearing you down, 00:10:43.120 --> 00:10:45.860 defeat in battles with sin, 00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:48.600 heartbreak over adult children, 00:10:49.079 --> 00:10:52.379 slow progress by the church in reaching our neighbors. 00:10:52.379 --> 00:10:56.919 We lament school shootings and social injustice and poverty 00:10:56.919 --> 00:11:00.259 and persecution of God's people around the world. 00:11:01.299 --> 00:11:06.379 And God calls us to express the emotions we feel 00:11:06.919 --> 00:11:09.740 in such heart-wrenching circumstances. 00:11:09.740 --> 00:11:13.240 And there are many, many others just in this room. 00:11:14.960 --> 00:11:17.500 To whom do we express them? 00:11:17.700 --> 00:11:19.940 Where do we go with such feelings? 00:11:19.940 --> 00:11:21.620 To him. 00:11:21.860 --> 00:11:23.040 Don't miss this. 00:11:23.320 --> 00:11:25.740 I cry aloud to God. 00:11:25.940 --> 00:11:28.860 In the day of my trouble, I seek the Lord. 00:11:30.220 --> 00:11:32.540 See, lament is a part of worship. 00:11:32.820 --> 00:11:34.900 It's a part of, that's the way you relate to God. 00:11:35.500 --> 00:11:37.920 You know, a relationship of worship with him. 00:11:38.160 --> 00:11:41.280 Because lament demonstrates faith in 00:11:41.280 --> 00:11:44.080 and dependence on God. 00:11:44.080 --> 00:11:50.139 It's pleading for help from a God who is sovereign and faithful. 00:11:51.080 --> 00:11:56.520 It's crying out against injustice to a God who has promised to bring justice. 00:11:57.800 --> 00:12:04.960 It's bringing our weariness in struggle to a God who offers peace and rest. 00:12:04.960 --> 00:12:14.080 That's why a vital part of lament is talking to God himself about who he is, 00:12:14.820 --> 00:12:16.420 what he has promised, 00:12:17.180 --> 00:12:20.500 and how he has acted in times past. 00:12:21.840 --> 00:12:23.220 Is that where you go? 00:12:24.379 --> 00:12:26.780 When life falls apart? 00:12:27.780 --> 00:12:31.060 When it just feels like too much? 00:12:31.059 --> 00:12:32.339 Do you go to God? 00:12:33.679 --> 00:12:36.159 Sometimes I do. 00:12:38.399 --> 00:12:44.919 Sometimes I look to myself and work harder to make things work the way I want them to. 00:12:46.719 --> 00:12:53.239 Sometimes I look to another area of life where I can feel some more positive inputs 00:12:53.239 --> 00:12:55.179 and ignore the hard places. 00:12:55.179 --> 00:13:01.339 Sometimes I seek to escape the hard things. 00:13:02.319 --> 00:13:03.659 Just avoid them altogether. 00:13:03.819 --> 00:13:05.639 Some ways that are healthier than others, 00:13:05.719 --> 00:13:07.339 but I just want to get away from them. 00:13:07.339 --> 00:13:07.979 Anyone else? 00:13:10.319 --> 00:13:13.299 In the day of my trouble, 00:13:13.739 --> 00:13:16.319 I seek the Lord. 00:13:17.799 --> 00:13:19.740 Listen, I want to make sure you hear this. 00:13:19.740 --> 00:13:28.039 This is more than permission for the weak who just can't handle it sometimes. 00:13:28.340 --> 00:13:30.279 They're just not strong enough. 00:13:31.840 --> 00:13:32.360 No, no, no. 00:13:32.879 --> 00:13:40.440 This is instruction to all of our hearts to relate to our God this way. 00:13:41.279 --> 00:13:47.580 Faithfully relying on him to be strong enough and to be our only hope. 00:13:47.580 --> 00:13:50.660 Cry aloud to God. 00:13:52.280 --> 00:13:56.680 And by the way, when someone is bemoaning things to you, 00:13:57.340 --> 00:13:57.740 listen. 00:13:59.200 --> 00:14:02.160 Listen patiently to them, right? 00:14:03.520 --> 00:14:09.920 And ask if they've told God what they're processing with you. 00:14:10.100 --> 00:14:12.240 How are you talking with God about that? 00:14:12.240 --> 00:14:18.080 How could I be asking God to help with what you are sharing? 00:14:18.580 --> 00:14:24.340 Biblical lament teaches us that God's people must cry at times 00:14:24.340 --> 00:14:26.659 in a world that is not our home. 00:14:27.120 --> 00:14:29.659 And we must cry to Him. 00:14:31.860 --> 00:14:34.799 Anne Steele wrote in her hymn, 00:14:34.940 --> 00:14:36.820 Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul. 00:14:36.820 --> 00:14:41.780 By the way, please sing some of the hymns from this service, 00:14:41.980 --> 00:14:44.500 from the meditation through the end. 00:14:44.660 --> 00:14:45.940 If you're hurting her, 00:14:46.280 --> 00:14:49.280 great lyrics of lament in the Psalms 00:14:49.280 --> 00:14:52.220 and in the hymns of God's people through the ages. 00:14:54.100 --> 00:14:55.180 Anne Steele wrote, 00:14:55.520 --> 00:14:58.280 Hast thou not bid me seek thy face? 00:14:58.520 --> 00:15:00.300 And shall I seek in vain? 00:15:00.720 --> 00:15:04.500 And can the ear of sovereign grace be deaf when I complain? 00:15:04.500 --> 00:15:05.500 No! 00:15:06.279 --> 00:15:10.279 Still the ear of sovereign grace attends the mourner's prayer. 00:15:11.259 --> 00:15:15.960 Oh, may I ever find access to breathe my sorrows there. 00:15:17.240 --> 00:15:19.620 If you've never cried out to God, 00:15:21.120 --> 00:15:21.799 come. 00:15:22.419 --> 00:15:23.960 Let Him be your refuge. 00:15:24.279 --> 00:15:26.019 He longs for that. 00:15:26.399 --> 00:15:29.080 If you've often cried out to God, 00:15:29.480 --> 00:15:30.200 come again. 00:15:30.200 --> 00:15:34.299 He never tires of being your refuge. 00:15:34.500 --> 00:15:39.940 Puritan Thomas Brooks had seen God 00:15:39.940 --> 00:15:41.940 meet him in dark places 00:15:41.940 --> 00:15:42.899 and he wrote, 00:15:43.500 --> 00:15:45.519 Oh, despairing souls, 00:15:46.419 --> 00:15:49.340 you see that others whose conditions have been as bad, 00:15:49.460 --> 00:15:51.000 if not worse than yours, 00:15:51.100 --> 00:15:52.539 have obtained mercy. 00:15:53.220 --> 00:15:55.279 God hath turned their hell into heaven. 00:15:56.100 --> 00:15:58.220 He hath remembered them in their lowest state. 00:15:58.220 --> 00:16:00.220 He hath pacified their raging consciences 00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:02.879 and quieted their distracted souls. 00:16:02.879 --> 00:16:05.779 He hath wiped all tears from their eyes. 00:16:05.939 --> 00:16:08.960 And he hath been a wellspring of life unto their hearts. 00:16:09.740 --> 00:16:10.159 Therefore, 00:16:10.360 --> 00:16:11.679 be not discouraged, 00:16:11.879 --> 00:16:13.179 oh, despairing souls, 00:16:13.259 --> 00:16:14.500 but look up 00:16:14.500 --> 00:16:16.439 to the mercy seat. 00:16:19.039 --> 00:16:20.439 That's good advice. 00:16:21.439 --> 00:16:23.200 Look up to the mercy seat. 00:16:23.200 --> 00:16:26.980 But, 00:16:27.200 --> 00:16:31.040 let's make sure we don't think 00:16:31.040 --> 00:16:32.879 crying out to God 00:16:32.879 --> 00:16:35.500 is a quick fix solution 00:16:35.500 --> 00:16:37.440 to our troubles. 00:16:39.040 --> 00:16:41.200 Making the pain go away 00:16:41.200 --> 00:16:42.420 is not 00:16:42.420 --> 00:16:44.080 the purpose 00:16:44.080 --> 00:16:45.440 of lament. 00:16:45.440 --> 00:16:45.800 lament. 00:16:46.640 --> 00:16:47.300 This is, 00:16:47.500 --> 00:16:47.720 frankly, 00:16:47.860 --> 00:16:49.160 where Psalm 77 00:16:49.160 --> 00:16:50.600 gets even more 00:16:50.600 --> 00:16:52.040 disturbing. 00:16:54.080 --> 00:16:54.660 But, 00:16:54.780 --> 00:16:55.680 I think also more 00:16:55.680 --> 00:16:56.660 helpful 00:16:56.660 --> 00:16:57.720 and hopeful. 00:16:58.560 --> 00:16:59.340 The psalmist 00:16:59.340 --> 00:17:01.220 is doing all the right things, 00:17:01.300 --> 00:17:01.920 it seems. 00:17:03.200 --> 00:17:03.760 And yet, 00:17:03.920 --> 00:17:04.960 his soul 00:17:04.960 --> 00:17:06.400 refuses 00:17:06.400 --> 00:17:08.460 to be comforted. 00:17:09.100 --> 00:17:09.980 Verse 2. 00:17:09.980 --> 00:17:12.200 In fact, 00:17:12.299 --> 00:17:12.779 he does 00:17:12.779 --> 00:17:14.160 what we just talked about 00:17:14.160 --> 00:17:15.099 last week. 00:17:15.240 --> 00:17:16.579 He remembers 00:17:16.579 --> 00:17:17.660 God, 00:17:17.980 --> 00:17:18.220 and yet, 00:17:18.319 --> 00:17:18.839 what happens? 00:17:20.039 --> 00:17:21.680 He moans. 00:17:23.640 --> 00:17:25.339 God may be meeting others, 00:17:25.480 --> 00:17:26.339 Thomas Brooks, 00:17:26.579 --> 00:17:27.940 but I don't feel him 00:17:27.940 --> 00:17:29.279 showing up for me, 00:17:29.420 --> 00:17:30.759 so the fact that he's 00:17:30.759 --> 00:17:31.640 showing up for others 00:17:31.640 --> 00:17:32.759 just frustrates me 00:17:32.759 --> 00:17:33.200 even more. 00:17:33.299 --> 00:17:34.299 Now I'm angry. 00:17:34.599 --> 00:17:35.599 Now I'm confused 00:17:35.599 --> 00:17:36.880 why he's not showing up 00:17:36.880 --> 00:17:37.799 when I cry. 00:17:37.799 --> 00:17:37.880 Why? 00:17:39.980 --> 00:17:42.880 The psalmist 00:17:42.880 --> 00:17:43.880 meditates. 00:17:44.180 --> 00:17:45.339 That's what Psalm 1 00:17:45.339 --> 00:17:46.680 told us to do, 00:17:46.779 --> 00:17:47.000 right? 00:17:47.160 --> 00:17:48.019 He remembers 00:17:48.019 --> 00:17:49.720 the good days, 00:17:50.059 --> 00:17:51.860 the times he could sing 00:17:51.860 --> 00:17:52.980 in the dark night 00:17:52.980 --> 00:17:53.880 of the soul, 00:17:54.339 --> 00:17:56.400 but that only seems 00:17:56.400 --> 00:17:57.240 to remind him 00:17:57.240 --> 00:17:58.539 that God hasn't been 00:17:58.539 --> 00:17:59.799 giving him a song 00:17:59.799 --> 00:18:00.880 like that lately, 00:18:00.880 --> 00:18:02.599 the way that he did 00:18:02.599 --> 00:18:03.279 back then. 00:18:03.980 --> 00:18:05.400 And so he meditates 00:18:05.400 --> 00:18:07.019 more on God himself, 00:18:07.019 --> 00:18:07.880 and yet, 00:18:07.880 --> 00:18:09.840 his spirit 00:18:09.840 --> 00:18:11.620 faints. 00:18:14.620 --> 00:18:15.420 Maybe you're saying, 00:18:15.540 --> 00:18:15.700 Will, 00:18:15.820 --> 00:18:18.140 I'm one week into 00:18:18.140 --> 00:18:19.500 the Psalm 119 00:18:19.500 --> 00:18:20.860 challenge you gave us, 00:18:21.040 --> 00:18:21.980 and I don't feel 00:18:21.980 --> 00:18:22.460 different. 00:18:23.960 --> 00:18:24.980 Something must be 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:25.880 wrong with me, 00:18:25.960 --> 00:18:27.460 or it's wrong with God. 00:18:28.600 --> 00:18:29.620 I'm just more 00:18:29.620 --> 00:18:30.460 disheartened 00:18:30.460 --> 00:18:31.820 than when I came 00:18:31.820 --> 00:18:32.520 last Sunday. 00:18:32.519 --> 00:18:32.599 Why? 00:18:35.799 --> 00:18:37.139 Great British preacher 00:18:37.139 --> 00:18:38.440 of the 1800s, 00:18:38.619 --> 00:18:39.480 Charles Spurgeon, 00:18:39.599 --> 00:18:40.339 knew the feeling 00:18:40.339 --> 00:18:41.339 all too well. 00:18:41.720 --> 00:18:42.859 Like many famous 00:18:42.859 --> 00:18:43.319 Christians, 00:18:43.460 --> 00:18:43.940 he battled 00:18:43.940 --> 00:18:45.440 persistent depression. 00:18:46.779 --> 00:18:47.940 He relates to 00:18:47.940 --> 00:18:49.039 verse 4 00:18:49.039 --> 00:18:50.019 of this psalm, 00:18:50.680 --> 00:18:51.740 No respite 00:18:51.740 --> 00:18:52.720 has been afforded 00:18:52.720 --> 00:18:53.960 us by the silence 00:18:53.960 --> 00:18:55.000 of the night. 00:18:55.220 --> 00:18:55.940 Our bed 00:18:55.940 --> 00:18:57.039 has been a rack 00:18:57.039 --> 00:18:57.639 to us. 00:18:57.639 --> 00:18:58.559 Our body 00:18:58.559 --> 00:18:59.680 has been in torment 00:18:59.680 --> 00:19:01.120 and our spirit 00:19:01.120 --> 00:19:02.519 in anguish. 00:19:04.019 --> 00:19:05.220 Have you been there? 00:19:07.100 --> 00:19:07.820 God, 00:19:07.900 --> 00:19:08.500 I just 00:19:08.500 --> 00:19:09.440 want to go 00:19:09.440 --> 00:19:10.259 to sleep. 00:19:11.779 --> 00:19:12.880 And it seems 00:19:12.880 --> 00:19:13.480 God is 00:19:13.480 --> 00:19:14.400 keeping you 00:19:14.400 --> 00:19:15.200 awake. 00:19:15.759 --> 00:19:16.840 Sometimes when it's 00:19:16.840 --> 00:19:17.740 really dark, 00:19:17.840 --> 00:19:18.620 thinking on God 00:19:18.620 --> 00:19:20.080 actually intensifies 00:19:20.080 --> 00:19:20.759 the pain, 00:19:20.860 --> 00:19:21.279 doesn't it? 00:19:22.100 --> 00:19:23.100 Going to God 00:19:23.100 --> 00:19:23.860 is not some 00:19:23.860 --> 00:19:25.160 magic eraser 00:19:25.160 --> 00:19:26.460 of bad feelings. 00:19:26.860 --> 00:19:27.380 Many of you 00:19:27.380 --> 00:19:28.200 know that. 00:19:30.560 --> 00:19:31.280 I talked 00:19:31.280 --> 00:19:31.640 with a guy 00:19:31.640 --> 00:19:32.480 recently who 00:19:32.480 --> 00:19:33.860 grew up in church, 00:19:34.820 --> 00:19:35.900 but he's struggling 00:19:35.900 --> 00:19:37.000 after decades 00:19:37.000 --> 00:19:38.340 of feeling 00:19:38.340 --> 00:19:38.860 that God 00:19:38.860 --> 00:19:39.800 doesn't respond 00:19:39.800 --> 00:19:40.360 to him 00:19:40.360 --> 00:19:41.040 the way he 00:19:41.040 --> 00:19:42.320 seems to respond 00:19:42.320 --> 00:19:43.160 to all of his 00:19:43.160 --> 00:19:43.660 friends. 00:19:45.300 --> 00:19:46.140 It seems 00:19:46.140 --> 00:19:46.660 to him 00:19:46.660 --> 00:19:47.440 after all this 00:19:47.440 --> 00:19:47.780 time, 00:19:47.880 --> 00:19:48.640 the best path 00:19:48.640 --> 00:19:49.560 forward is to 00:19:49.560 --> 00:19:50.060 lower his 00:19:50.060 --> 00:19:50.860 expectations, 00:19:51.220 --> 00:19:51.920 quit talking 00:19:51.920 --> 00:19:52.520 to God 00:19:52.520 --> 00:19:53.220 altogether 00:19:53.220 --> 00:19:54.700 so that he 00:19:54.700 --> 00:19:55.080 doesn't feel 00:19:55.080 --> 00:19:55.620 the pain 00:19:55.620 --> 00:19:56.600 of the disappointment 00:19:56.599 --> 00:19:57.819 or the pretending. 00:19:59.759 --> 00:20:00.719 He wonders 00:20:00.719 --> 00:20:01.339 if a God 00:20:01.339 --> 00:20:01.980 who hears 00:20:01.980 --> 00:20:02.659 prayers 00:20:02.659 --> 00:20:03.799 doesn't hear 00:20:03.799 --> 00:20:04.339 his. 00:20:06.679 --> 00:20:07.339 Such a 00:20:07.339 --> 00:20:08.359 tough place 00:20:08.359 --> 00:20:08.799 to be, 00:20:08.899 --> 00:20:09.099 right? 00:20:11.599 --> 00:20:12.579 I told him 00:20:12.579 --> 00:20:13.779 without sarcasm, 00:20:14.779 --> 00:20:15.559 it sounded 00:20:15.559 --> 00:20:16.179 like he could 00:20:16.179 --> 00:20:17.059 write a psalm. 00:20:18.699 --> 00:20:19.500 Those are the 00:20:19.500 --> 00:20:20.099 kinds of 00:20:20.099 --> 00:20:21.319 questions that 00:20:21.319 --> 00:20:22.019 Asaph 00:20:22.019 --> 00:20:23.439 starts asking 00:20:23.439 --> 00:20:24.259 about God. 00:20:24.359 --> 00:20:24.799 Look how they 00:20:24.799 --> 00:20:25.680 pile up 00:20:25.680 --> 00:20:26.500 in verses 00:20:26.500 --> 00:20:27.819 7-9. 00:20:28.240 --> 00:20:28.539 Will the 00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:29.419 Lord spurn 00:20:29.419 --> 00:20:30.000 forever? 00:20:30.460 --> 00:20:30.779 Will he 00:20:30.779 --> 00:20:31.579 never again 00:20:31.579 --> 00:20:32.460 be favorable? 00:20:32.980 --> 00:20:33.519 Has his 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:34.680 steadfast love 00:20:34.680 --> 00:20:35.819 forever ceased? 00:20:36.200 --> 00:20:36.619 Are his 00:20:36.619 --> 00:20:37.500 promises at an 00:20:37.500 --> 00:20:38.259 end for all 00:20:38.259 --> 00:20:38.779 time? 00:20:39.019 --> 00:20:39.519 Has God 00:20:39.519 --> 00:20:40.279 forgotten to 00:20:40.279 --> 00:20:40.879 be gracious? 00:20:41.059 --> 00:20:41.519 Has he in 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:42.359 anger shut 00:20:42.359 --> 00:20:42.720 up his 00:20:42.720 --> 00:20:43.339 compassion? 00:20:45.240 --> 00:20:45.859 Asaph has 00:20:45.859 --> 00:20:46.240 been where 00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:46.839 my friend 00:20:46.839 --> 00:20:47.319 is. 00:20:48.539 --> 00:20:49.460 Some of us 00:20:49.460 --> 00:20:50.000 have asked 00:20:50.000 --> 00:20:50.859 some of those 00:20:50.859 --> 00:20:51.480 questions, 00:20:51.579 --> 00:20:52.039 haven't we? 00:20:52.039 --> 00:20:54.220 These are 00:20:54.220 --> 00:20:54.859 genuine 00:20:54.859 --> 00:20:55.519 questions. 00:20:56.139 --> 00:20:56.519 They're 00:20:56.519 --> 00:20:57.039 expressing 00:20:57.039 --> 00:20:58.480 real doubts. 00:20:58.759 --> 00:20:59.159 Aren't you 00:20:59.159 --> 00:21:00.579 glad you 00:21:00.579 --> 00:21:01.159 can take 00:21:01.159 --> 00:21:01.879 your real 00:21:01.879 --> 00:21:03.159 doubts to 00:21:03.159 --> 00:21:03.659 God that 00:21:03.659 --> 00:21:04.259 he actually 00:21:04.259 --> 00:21:05.740 wants you 00:21:05.740 --> 00:21:06.619 to sing 00:21:06.619 --> 00:21:07.200 them and 00:21:07.200 --> 00:21:07.920 say them 00:21:07.920 --> 00:21:08.339 to him? 00:21:12.200 --> 00:21:12.980 But they're 00:21:12.980 --> 00:21:14.000 also questions 00:21:14.000 --> 00:21:15.720 that point 00:21:15.720 --> 00:21:16.059 to their 00:21:16.059 --> 00:21:16.659 own answers. 00:21:17.579 --> 00:21:18.259 If God 00:21:18.259 --> 00:21:19.159 is by nature 00:21:19.159 --> 00:21:20.299 favorable in 00:21:20.299 --> 00:21:20.899 pouring out 00:21:20.900 --> 00:21:21.420 grace, then 00:21:21.420 --> 00:21:22.259 he will be 00:21:22.259 --> 00:21:22.680 again, 00:21:22.759 --> 00:21:23.000 right? 00:21:24.400 --> 00:21:25.259 Steadfast love 00:21:25.259 --> 00:21:26.120 by definition 00:21:26.120 --> 00:21:26.940 is love that 00:21:26.940 --> 00:21:27.560 does not 00:21:27.560 --> 00:21:28.140 cease. 00:21:29.700 --> 00:21:30.380 Promises are 00:21:30.380 --> 00:21:31.600 kept by 00:21:31.600 --> 00:21:31.860 God. 00:21:31.920 --> 00:21:32.300 They don't 00:21:32.300 --> 00:21:32.880 end. 00:21:33.519 --> 00:21:34.360 So no 00:21:34.360 --> 00:21:35.240 way is he 00:21:35.240 --> 00:21:35.680 out of 00:21:35.680 --> 00:21:36.420 grace or 00:21:36.420 --> 00:21:37.340 compassion, 00:21:37.920 --> 00:21:40.200 but it 00:21:40.200 --> 00:21:41.080 surely does 00:21:41.080 --> 00:21:41.759 feel like it 00:21:41.759 --> 00:21:42.300 sometimes. 00:21:44.820 --> 00:21:45.460 That's what 00:21:45.460 --> 00:21:45.940 the psalmist 00:21:45.940 --> 00:21:46.440 is saying. 00:21:47.060 --> 00:21:47.600 When you're 00:21:47.600 --> 00:21:48.580 seeking diligently 00:21:48.580 --> 00:21:49.420 and not 00:21:49.420 --> 00:21:50.080 finding an 00:21:50.079 --> 00:21:50.519 answer, it 00:21:50.519 --> 00:21:51.779 feels like 00:21:51.779 --> 00:21:52.579 those things 00:21:52.579 --> 00:21:53.220 are happening. 00:21:54.879 --> 00:21:55.679 I tell you 00:21:55.679 --> 00:21:56.279 this because 00:21:56.279 --> 00:21:57.460 it's really 00:21:57.460 --> 00:21:58.779 important that 00:21:58.779 --> 00:21:59.619 we realize 00:21:59.619 --> 00:22:00.179 that lament 00:22:00.179 --> 00:22:00.919 is not a 00:22:00.919 --> 00:22:01.960 formula to 00:22:01.960 --> 00:22:02.980 get something 00:22:02.980 --> 00:22:04.119 transactionally 00:22:04.119 --> 00:22:05.399 or automatically 00:22:05.399 --> 00:22:06.379 or immediately 00:22:06.379 --> 00:22:07.659 out of God. 00:22:09.659 --> 00:22:10.740 Best I can 00:22:10.740 --> 00:22:11.579 tell in this 00:22:11.579 --> 00:22:12.659 psalm, and I 00:22:12.659 --> 00:22:14.159 wrestled hard 00:22:14.159 --> 00:22:14.879 trying to see 00:22:14.879 --> 00:22:15.259 if I was 00:22:15.259 --> 00:22:15.980 missing something, 00:22:16.359 --> 00:22:17.179 when things 00:22:17.179 --> 00:22:18.019 start to turn 00:22:18.019 --> 00:22:18.720 more hopeful 00:22:18.720 --> 00:22:19.420 for the 00:22:19.420 --> 00:22:20.039 psalmist, 00:22:20.639 --> 00:22:21.879 there are 00:22:21.879 --> 00:22:23.119 only very, 00:22:23.259 --> 00:22:24.180 very slight 00:22:24.180 --> 00:22:26.139 changes to 00:22:26.139 --> 00:22:26.660 what he is 00:22:26.660 --> 00:22:27.019 doing. 00:22:29.139 --> 00:22:29.940 I don't 00:22:29.940 --> 00:22:30.480 know the 00:22:30.480 --> 00:22:30.960 length of 00:22:30.960 --> 00:22:31.839 time Asaph 00:22:31.839 --> 00:22:33.059 spent stuck 00:22:33.059 --> 00:22:33.639 in verses 00:22:33.639 --> 00:22:35.500 1-9, 00:22:35.660 --> 00:22:36.180 but I know 00:22:36.180 --> 00:22:36.759 for Israel 00:22:36.759 --> 00:22:37.519 at times it 00:22:37.519 --> 00:22:38.500 was generations 00:22:38.500 --> 00:22:39.240 long. 00:22:41.400 --> 00:22:42.299 Why does it 00:22:42.299 --> 00:22:43.539 take so long 00:22:43.539 --> 00:22:44.200 for God to 00:22:44.200 --> 00:22:45.019 change the 00:22:45.019 --> 00:22:45.420 way the 00:22:45.420 --> 00:22:45.840 psalmist 00:22:45.840 --> 00:22:46.279 feels? 00:22:47.460 --> 00:22:48.400 Why so 00:22:48.400 --> 00:22:49.539 many sleepless 00:22:49.539 --> 00:22:50.560 nights before 00:22:50.560 --> 00:22:51.800 finding rest? 00:22:52.820 --> 00:22:53.700 Why so 00:22:53.700 --> 00:22:54.480 many doubts 00:22:54.480 --> 00:22:55.460 before faith 00:22:55.460 --> 00:22:56.200 is strengthened? 00:22:58.700 --> 00:22:59.660 It doesn't 00:22:59.660 --> 00:23:00.000 say. 00:23:02.140 --> 00:23:03.240 The picture 00:23:03.240 --> 00:23:04.000 the song 00:23:04.000 --> 00:23:05.000 paints for 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:05.580 us, though, 00:23:05.680 --> 00:23:06.720 is Asaph 00:23:06.720 --> 00:23:08.759 continuing to 00:23:08.759 --> 00:23:09.240 lament. 00:23:10.120 --> 00:23:10.720 Biblically, 00:23:11.080 --> 00:23:12.140 he keeps 00:23:12.140 --> 00:23:13.720 crying honestly 00:23:13.720 --> 00:23:14.779 to God, 00:23:15.059 --> 00:23:15.539 remembering 00:23:15.539 --> 00:23:16.240 who God 00:23:16.240 --> 00:23:16.519 is, 00:23:16.900 --> 00:23:17.500 what he has 00:23:17.500 --> 00:23:17.960 promised, 00:23:18.240 --> 00:23:18.839 and how he 00:23:18.839 --> 00:23:19.240 has been 00:23:19.240 --> 00:23:20.100 faithful. 00:23:20.980 --> 00:23:21.620 The biblical 00:23:21.620 --> 00:23:22.940 lament is 00:23:22.940 --> 00:23:24.120 needful for 00:23:24.120 --> 00:23:25.100 relating to 00:23:25.100 --> 00:23:25.640 the biblical 00:23:25.640 --> 00:23:26.600 God. 00:23:27.980 --> 00:23:28.620 Asaph does 00:23:28.620 --> 00:23:29.120 it again. 00:23:29.620 --> 00:23:30.259 Verse 10, 00:23:30.579 --> 00:23:31.460 appealing to 00:23:31.460 --> 00:23:32.380 God's powerful 00:23:32.380 --> 00:23:33.079 actions in 00:23:33.079 --> 00:23:33.519 history. 00:23:33.960 --> 00:23:34.559 Verse 11, 00:23:34.900 --> 00:23:35.480 remembering 00:23:35.480 --> 00:23:37.200 God's deeds. 00:23:37.420 --> 00:23:38.299 Verse 12, 00:23:38.620 --> 00:23:39.880 meditating on 00:23:39.880 --> 00:23:40.660 God's mighty 00:23:40.660 --> 00:23:41.400 deliverance. 00:23:41.579 --> 00:23:42.140 He's doing it 00:23:42.140 --> 00:23:42.400 again. 00:23:42.460 --> 00:23:42.880 You hear it? 00:23:42.880 --> 00:23:44.280 And this 00:23:44.280 --> 00:23:44.980 time, 00:23:45.580 --> 00:23:47.060 his heart 00:23:47.060 --> 00:23:47.660 begins to 00:23:47.660 --> 00:23:48.040 worship. 00:23:48.940 --> 00:23:49.460 To worship 00:23:49.460 --> 00:23:50.240 the great 00:23:50.240 --> 00:23:51.680 and holy 00:23:51.680 --> 00:23:52.960 and incomparable 00:23:52.960 --> 00:23:53.940 God who 00:23:53.940 --> 00:23:54.640 redeems his 00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:55.060 people. 00:23:57.560 --> 00:23:58.160 Interestingly, 00:23:58.700 --> 00:23:59.420 Asaph doesn't 00:23:59.420 --> 00:24:00.300 look back to 00:24:00.300 --> 00:24:01.040 an event that 00:24:01.040 --> 00:24:02.460 was, in his 00:24:02.460 --> 00:24:03.180 own experience, 00:24:03.400 --> 00:24:03.880 something that 00:24:03.880 --> 00:24:04.900 he lived 00:24:04.900 --> 00:24:05.180 through. 00:24:06.300 --> 00:24:07.320 That can help 00:24:07.320 --> 00:24:08.220 sometimes, but 00:24:08.220 --> 00:24:09.260 Asaph, 00:24:09.420 --> 00:24:10.020 generations 00:24:10.020 --> 00:24:10.600 later, 00:24:10.960 --> 00:24:11.760 meditates back 00:24:11.759 --> 00:24:12.319 on God's 00:24:12.319 --> 00:24:12.960 foundational 00:24:12.960 --> 00:24:13.960 act of 00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:14.440 gracious 00:24:14.440 --> 00:24:15.140 deliverance 00:24:15.140 --> 00:24:15.460 of his 00:24:15.460 --> 00:24:16.420 people in 00:24:16.420 --> 00:24:17.200 the exodus 00:24:17.200 --> 00:24:18.400 from Egypt. 00:24:18.539 --> 00:24:18.859 That's what 00:24:18.859 --> 00:24:19.240 this whole 00:24:19.240 --> 00:24:19.980 second half 00:24:19.980 --> 00:24:20.319 of the 00:24:20.319 --> 00:24:20.839 psalm is 00:24:20.839 --> 00:24:22.200 meditating on. 00:24:23.759 --> 00:24:23.980 Do you 00:24:23.980 --> 00:24:24.299 remember what 00:24:24.299 --> 00:24:25.099 develops not 00:24:25.099 --> 00:24:25.940 far from 00:24:25.940 --> 00:24:27.039 Egypt as 00:24:27.039 --> 00:24:27.500 they've come 00:24:27.500 --> 00:24:27.799 out? 00:24:28.539 --> 00:24:29.400 God's people 00:24:29.400 --> 00:24:30.480 quickly become 00:24:30.480 --> 00:24:31.619 very fearful 00:24:31.619 --> 00:24:32.680 and very 00:24:32.680 --> 00:24:33.379 discouraged. 00:24:34.079 --> 00:24:34.539 They were 00:24:34.539 --> 00:24:35.519 stuck between 00:24:35.519 --> 00:24:36.379 an advancing 00:24:36.379 --> 00:24:37.619 Egyptian army 00:24:37.619 --> 00:24:38.440 whose power 00:24:38.440 --> 00:24:39.200 and terror 00:24:39.200 --> 00:24:39.940 had ruled 00:24:39.940 --> 00:24:40.420 their hearts 00:24:40.420 --> 00:24:41.160 for generations. 00:24:41.740 --> 00:24:42.539 They're rushing 00:24:42.539 --> 00:24:43.240 after them 00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:43.840 and on the 00:24:43.840 --> 00:24:44.340 other side 00:24:44.340 --> 00:24:45.220 is a raging 00:24:45.220 --> 00:24:46.279 red sea, 00:24:46.460 --> 00:24:47.720 the epitome 00:24:47.720 --> 00:24:49.019 of chaos 00:24:49.019 --> 00:24:50.900 and uncontrollable 00:24:50.900 --> 00:24:51.539 danger. 00:24:52.480 --> 00:24:52.900 You want to 00:24:52.900 --> 00:24:53.539 talk about a 00:24:53.539 --> 00:24:54.559 dark night 00:24:54.559 --> 00:24:55.840 of the soul. 00:24:56.700 --> 00:24:57.880 They felt it 00:24:57.880 --> 00:24:59.440 and Moses 00:24:59.440 --> 00:25:00.340 heard about it. 00:25:01.680 --> 00:25:02.840 Why in the 00:25:02.840 --> 00:25:03.740 world had God 00:25:03.740 --> 00:25:04.360 brought them 00:25:04.360 --> 00:25:04.940 out of Egypt 00:25:04.940 --> 00:25:06.000 just to be 00:25:06.000 --> 00:25:06.700 taken right 00:25:06.700 --> 00:25:07.259 back? 00:25:07.940 --> 00:25:08.700 Or worse, 00:25:08.840 --> 00:25:09.420 why would 00:25:09.420 --> 00:25:09.860 he think 00:25:09.860 --> 00:25:10.319 of making 00:25:10.319 --> 00:25:10.900 them feel 00:25:10.900 --> 00:25:11.279 like they 00:25:11.279 --> 00:25:11.920 were special 00:25:11.920 --> 00:25:12.400 to him 00:25:12.400 --> 00:25:13.000 when they're 00:25:13.000 --> 00:25:13.580 about to 00:25:13.580 --> 00:25:14.240 run off a 00:25:14.240 --> 00:25:15.259 cliff into 00:25:15.259 --> 00:25:16.259 the tumultuous 00:25:16.259 --> 00:25:16.880 sea? 00:25:18.000 --> 00:25:18.559 Is this 00:25:18.559 --> 00:25:19.580 Yahweh worth 00:25:19.580 --> 00:25:21.080 following if 00:25:21.080 --> 00:25:21.559 this is what 00:25:21.559 --> 00:25:22.340 life with him 00:25:22.340 --> 00:25:22.940 is like? 00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:23.319 We're just 00:25:23.319 --> 00:25:23.940 getting started. 00:25:27.380 --> 00:25:27.840 And the 00:25:27.840 --> 00:25:28.259 psalmist 00:25:28.259 --> 00:25:29.440 depicts a 00:25:29.440 --> 00:25:30.920 storm way 00:25:30.920 --> 00:25:31.740 worse than 00:25:31.740 --> 00:25:32.700 an Alabama 00:25:32.700 --> 00:25:33.180 summer 00:25:33.180 --> 00:25:33.840 thunderstorm. 00:25:34.620 --> 00:25:35.200 The whole 00:25:35.200 --> 00:25:36.340 earth shook. 00:25:36.700 --> 00:25:39.600 And you 00:25:39.600 --> 00:25:39.880 know what 00:25:39.880 --> 00:25:40.360 happens. 00:25:41.259 --> 00:25:42.539 God parts 00:25:42.539 --> 00:25:43.220 the Red 00:25:43.220 --> 00:25:43.980 Sea. 00:25:44.460 --> 00:25:45.180 Moses and 00:25:45.180 --> 00:25:45.840 Aaron lead 00:25:45.840 --> 00:25:46.480 God's people 00:25:46.480 --> 00:25:47.059 through the 00:25:47.059 --> 00:25:47.819 sea on dry 00:25:47.819 --> 00:25:48.380 ground. 00:25:48.500 --> 00:25:48.980 The waves 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:50.039 crash on the 00:25:50.039 --> 00:25:50.960 Egyptians and 00:25:50.960 --> 00:25:51.559 Moses and 00:25:51.559 --> 00:25:52.600 Miriam lead 00:25:52.600 --> 00:25:53.559 God's people in 00:25:53.559 --> 00:25:54.180 songs of 00:25:54.180 --> 00:25:55.400 celebration of 00:25:55.400 --> 00:25:56.000 their mighty 00:25:56.000 --> 00:25:56.640 God that 00:25:56.640 --> 00:25:57.400 sound like 00:25:57.400 --> 00:25:57.880 some of 00:25:57.880 --> 00:25:58.420 this psalm. 00:26:00.840 --> 00:26:01.740 There may 00:26:01.740 --> 00:26:02.319 have been, 00:26:02.960 --> 00:26:03.860 I suspect 00:26:03.860 --> 00:26:04.500 there was, 00:26:04.500 --> 00:26:06.480 a more 00:26:06.480 --> 00:26:08.380 direct and 00:26:08.380 --> 00:26:09.900 brighter and 00:26:09.900 --> 00:26:12.000 easier path to 00:26:12.000 --> 00:26:12.839 the promised land 00:26:12.839 --> 00:26:13.420 from Egypt. 00:26:15.559 --> 00:26:16.500 But there 00:26:16.500 --> 00:26:18.079 wasn't one that 00:26:18.079 --> 00:26:18.400 would have 00:26:18.400 --> 00:26:19.140 helped God's 00:26:19.140 --> 00:26:19.859 people know 00:26:19.859 --> 00:26:21.359 him and his 00:26:21.359 --> 00:26:22.660 power and his 00:26:22.660 --> 00:26:23.500 faithfulness to 00:26:23.500 --> 00:26:24.259 his promises 00:26:24.259 --> 00:26:25.920 better than the 00:26:25.920 --> 00:26:27.400 path through the 00:26:27.400 --> 00:26:27.859 sea. 00:26:27.859 --> 00:26:29.859 God's people 00:26:29.859 --> 00:26:30.459 are 00:26:30.459 --> 00:26:30.519 going to be. 00:26:30.519 --> 00:26:30.919 Listen, lament 00:26:30.919 --> 00:26:32.079 is not the only 00:26:32.079 --> 00:26:32.959 way that we 00:26:32.959 --> 00:26:33.759 talk to God. 00:26:34.000 --> 00:26:34.299 Aren't you 00:26:34.299 --> 00:26:34.899 thankful for 00:26:34.899 --> 00:26:35.159 that? 00:26:36.559 --> 00:26:37.740 But it is a 00:26:37.740 --> 00:26:38.699 way that we 00:26:38.699 --> 00:26:40.519 must talk to 00:26:40.519 --> 00:26:41.619 the God who 00:26:41.619 --> 00:26:42.519 delivers not 00:26:42.519 --> 00:26:43.799 just in but 00:26:43.799 --> 00:26:45.219 through darkness. 00:26:45.939 --> 00:26:47.319 If God's way of 00:26:47.319 --> 00:26:48.559 redemption was 00:26:48.559 --> 00:26:49.519 through the sea, 00:26:49.839 --> 00:26:50.439 then those 00:26:50.439 --> 00:26:51.459 delivered would 00:26:51.459 --> 00:26:52.219 be those who 00:26:52.219 --> 00:26:53.799 lamented all the 00:26:53.799 --> 00:26:54.399 way to their 00:26:54.399 --> 00:26:55.019 deliverance. 00:26:55.079 --> 00:26:55.399 Do you see 00:26:55.399 --> 00:26:55.659 that? 00:26:55.660 --> 00:26:56.660 There was not 00:26:56.660 --> 00:26:57.180 going to be a 00:26:57.180 --> 00:26:57.700 moment they 00:26:57.700 --> 00:26:58.420 weren't lamenting 00:26:58.420 --> 00:26:59.040 until they were 00:26:59.040 --> 00:26:59.920 brought all the 00:26:59.920 --> 00:27:00.540 way through. 00:27:01.140 --> 00:27:01.840 If they had 00:27:01.840 --> 00:27:03.740 looked for a 00:27:03.740 --> 00:27:04.560 quick fix solution, 00:27:04.720 --> 00:27:05.140 they weren't 00:27:05.140 --> 00:27:05.940 getting it, but 00:27:05.940 --> 00:27:06.600 they did get a 00:27:06.600 --> 00:27:07.880 faithful God. 00:27:08.259 --> 00:27:08.820 If they had 00:27:08.820 --> 00:27:09.500 gone back to 00:27:09.500 --> 00:27:10.420 Egypt in order 00:27:10.420 --> 00:27:11.240 to miss that 00:27:11.240 --> 00:27:12.720 awful dark night 00:27:12.720 --> 00:27:13.400 of the soul, 00:27:13.580 --> 00:27:14.160 they would have 00:27:14.160 --> 00:27:15.480 missed the light 00:27:15.480 --> 00:27:16.340 of God who 00:27:16.340 --> 00:27:16.980 delivered through 00:27:16.980 --> 00:27:17.380 the sea, 00:27:17.460 --> 00:27:17.860 wouldn't they? 00:27:23.700 --> 00:27:24.540 Some of you, 00:27:24.539 --> 00:27:25.819 most of your 00:27:25.819 --> 00:27:27.460 words right now 00:27:27.460 --> 00:27:27.879 are lament. 00:27:28.960 --> 00:27:29.960 You can't find a 00:27:29.960 --> 00:27:30.359 lot of other 00:27:30.359 --> 00:27:30.740 ones. 00:27:33.819 --> 00:27:34.940 If the words of 00:27:34.940 --> 00:27:36.220 your heart are 00:27:36.220 --> 00:27:37.319 mostly lament, 00:27:38.519 --> 00:27:39.960 you may be close 00:27:39.960 --> 00:27:40.920 to deliverance 00:27:40.920 --> 00:27:42.799 and you are 00:27:42.799 --> 00:27:44.159 most likely 00:27:44.159 --> 00:27:46.019 very close 00:27:46.019 --> 00:27:46.960 to God. 00:27:47.920 --> 00:27:48.960 Don't lose 00:27:48.960 --> 00:27:49.759 heart, 00:27:50.599 --> 00:27:51.180 brothers and 00:27:51.180 --> 00:27:52.299 sisters who are 00:27:52.299 --> 00:27:52.659 hurting. 00:27:52.660 --> 00:27:55.100 off-despairing 00:27:55.100 --> 00:27:55.720 William Cooper 00:27:55.720 --> 00:27:56.940 wrote in his 00:27:56.940 --> 00:27:57.279 song, 00:27:57.920 --> 00:27:59.220 God moves in a 00:27:59.220 --> 00:28:00.320 mysterious way 00:28:00.320 --> 00:28:02.279 his wonders to 00:28:02.279 --> 00:28:02.720 perform. 00:28:03.240 --> 00:28:04.180 He plants his 00:28:04.180 --> 00:28:05.680 footsteps in the 00:28:05.680 --> 00:28:07.840 sea and rides 00:28:07.840 --> 00:28:09.880 upon the storm. 00:28:12.779 --> 00:28:13.279 See, it wasn't 00:28:13.279 --> 00:28:13.940 just in the 00:28:13.940 --> 00:28:16.340 exodus that God 00:28:16.340 --> 00:28:17.000 delivered through 00:28:17.000 --> 00:28:17.980 darkness, was it? 00:28:17.980 --> 00:28:20.420 God of the 00:28:20.420 --> 00:28:20.980 God of the 00:28:20.980 --> 00:28:21.640 Red Sea 00:28:21.640 --> 00:28:23.519 is the God 00:28:23.519 --> 00:28:24.299 of the cross. 00:28:25.240 --> 00:28:26.319 When darkness 00:28:26.319 --> 00:28:27.559 covered the 00:28:27.559 --> 00:28:29.019 earth in the 00:28:29.019 --> 00:28:29.579 middle of the 00:28:29.579 --> 00:28:30.740 day, when the 00:28:30.740 --> 00:28:31.900 whole earth 00:28:31.900 --> 00:28:33.440 shook again, 00:28:33.640 --> 00:28:34.880 when the storm 00:28:34.880 --> 00:28:36.299 of God's wrath 00:28:36.299 --> 00:28:37.420 poured down 00:28:37.420 --> 00:28:38.019 upon his 00:28:38.019 --> 00:28:39.279 son, Jesus 00:28:39.279 --> 00:28:40.460 cried out in 00:28:40.460 --> 00:28:41.339 lamentation, 00:28:41.740 --> 00:28:42.440 my God, 00:28:42.620 --> 00:28:43.180 my God, 00:28:43.299 --> 00:28:44.420 why have you 00:28:44.420 --> 00:28:45.759 forsaken me? 00:28:45.759 --> 00:28:49.119 And his 00:28:49.119 --> 00:28:50.079 disciples thought, 00:28:50.420 --> 00:28:51.680 no, no, no, 00:28:51.900 --> 00:28:52.740 this shouldn't 00:28:52.740 --> 00:28:53.240 happen. 00:28:54.339 --> 00:28:55.160 Why another 00:28:55.160 --> 00:28:56.180 false hope 00:28:56.180 --> 00:28:56.759 after we've 00:28:56.759 --> 00:28:57.980 waited so long? 00:28:59.099 --> 00:28:59.680 Is this 00:28:59.680 --> 00:29:00.480 Jesus worth 00:29:00.480 --> 00:29:01.379 following if 00:29:01.379 --> 00:29:01.920 this is what 00:29:01.920 --> 00:29:02.720 life with him 00:29:02.720 --> 00:29:03.400 is like? 00:29:03.400 --> 00:29:10.440 right when 00:29:10.440 --> 00:29:11.080 you think 00:29:11.080 --> 00:29:12.080 that light 00:29:12.080 --> 00:29:12.600 is covered 00:29:12.600 --> 00:29:13.500 by darkness, 00:29:13.940 --> 00:29:14.540 the light 00:29:14.540 --> 00:29:14.900 of the 00:29:14.900 --> 00:29:15.920 world is 00:29:15.920 --> 00:29:17.259 delivering you 00:29:17.259 --> 00:29:18.080 from your 00:29:18.080 --> 00:29:19.200 darkness into 00:29:19.200 --> 00:29:20.180 his marvelous 00:29:20.180 --> 00:29:20.600 light. 00:29:20.740 --> 00:29:21.680 Oh, followers 00:29:21.680 --> 00:29:22.519 of Jesus, he 00:29:22.519 --> 00:29:23.200 is worth 00:29:23.200 --> 00:29:23.680 following. 00:29:23.820 --> 00:29:24.680 In fact, right 00:29:24.680 --> 00:29:25.580 now, he's 00:29:25.580 --> 00:29:26.060 making the 00:29:26.060 --> 00:29:26.800 greatest statement 00:29:26.800 --> 00:29:27.400 ever of his 00:29:27.400 --> 00:29:28.440 love for you, 00:29:28.480 --> 00:29:29.259 of his provision 00:29:29.259 --> 00:29:30.240 for you, of 00:29:30.240 --> 00:29:30.759 his meeting 00:29:30.759 --> 00:29:31.660 you in your 00:29:31.660 --> 00:29:32.820 darkest moment 00:29:32.819 --> 00:29:33.419 at your 00:29:33.419 --> 00:29:34.899 deepest need. 00:29:36.460 --> 00:29:37.139 What's the 00:29:37.139 --> 00:29:37.500 point of 00:29:37.500 --> 00:29:37.779 this? 00:29:39.179 --> 00:29:39.899 Please don't 00:29:39.899 --> 00:29:40.299 miss this, 00:29:40.480 --> 00:29:41.059 especially if 00:29:41.059 --> 00:29:41.500 today you 00:29:41.500 --> 00:29:42.019 are hurting 00:29:42.019 --> 00:29:43.659 or you're 00:29:43.659 --> 00:29:44.939 confused or 00:29:44.939 --> 00:29:45.539 you're feeling 00:29:45.539 --> 00:29:46.519 abandoned by 00:29:46.519 --> 00:29:47.200 a God you 00:29:47.200 --> 00:29:47.779 are not even 00:29:47.779 --> 00:29:49.339 sure exists. 00:29:51.059 --> 00:29:51.359 Being 00:29:51.359 --> 00:29:52.480 confused by 00:29:52.480 --> 00:29:53.799 God does 00:29:53.799 --> 00:29:54.720 not mean 00:29:54.720 --> 00:29:55.200 that you're 00:29:55.200 --> 00:29:55.819 not also 00:29:55.819 --> 00:29:56.599 being rescued 00:29:56.599 --> 00:29:57.359 by God. 00:29:58.619 --> 00:29:59.179 Double 00:29:59.179 --> 00:29:59.679 negative, I'm 00:29:59.679 --> 00:30:00.000 going to say 00:30:00.000 --> 00:30:00.299 it again. 00:30:00.759 --> 00:30:01.039 Being 00:30:01.039 --> 00:30:02.139 confused by 00:30:02.140 --> 00:30:02.720 God does 00:30:02.720 --> 00:30:03.740 not mean 00:30:03.740 --> 00:30:04.220 that you're 00:30:04.220 --> 00:30:05.259 not also 00:30:05.259 --> 00:30:06.460 being rescued 00:30:06.460 --> 00:30:07.440 by God. 00:30:07.560 --> 00:30:08.140 Pastor Dane 00:30:08.140 --> 00:30:08.759 Ortlund says 00:30:08.759 --> 00:30:09.420 it this way, 00:30:09.759 --> 00:30:10.300 in the Old 00:30:10.300 --> 00:30:11.280 Testament, his 00:30:11.280 --> 00:30:11.920 way was through 00:30:11.920 --> 00:30:12.460 the sea. 00:30:12.759 --> 00:30:13.180 In the New 00:30:13.180 --> 00:30:14.060 Testament, his 00:30:14.060 --> 00:30:14.640 way is through 00:30:14.640 --> 00:30:15.420 the cross. 00:30:15.740 --> 00:30:16.320 The gracious 00:30:16.320 --> 00:30:17.140 provision of 00:30:17.140 --> 00:30:18.600 God confounds 00:30:18.600 --> 00:30:20.320 us even as 00:30:20.320 --> 00:30:20.900 it delivers 00:30:20.900 --> 00:30:21.560 us. 00:30:23.200 --> 00:30:23.960 If you're 00:30:23.960 --> 00:30:24.680 hearing that 00:30:24.680 --> 00:30:25.680 truth about 00:30:25.680 --> 00:30:26.420 God today, 00:30:26.800 --> 00:30:27.800 remembering his 00:30:27.800 --> 00:30:28.700 way is through 00:30:28.700 --> 00:30:29.880 the sea can 00:30:29.880 --> 00:30:31.020 give you hope 00:30:31.019 --> 00:30:31.680 when those 00:30:31.680 --> 00:30:32.559 hard times 00:30:32.559 --> 00:30:33.220 and those 00:30:33.220 --> 00:30:34.220 negative feelings 00:30:34.220 --> 00:30:35.240 persist, when 00:30:35.240 --> 00:30:36.740 those sleepless 00:30:36.740 --> 00:30:37.680 nights and 00:30:37.680 --> 00:30:38.420 those speechless 00:30:38.420 --> 00:30:39.379 days seem to 00:30:39.379 --> 00:30:40.160 pile up and 00:30:40.160 --> 00:30:40.539 you don't know 00:30:40.539 --> 00:30:40.879 how to make 00:30:40.879 --> 00:30:44.180 them stop, you 00:30:44.180 --> 00:30:44.900 can actually 00:30:44.900 --> 00:30:45.839 enjoy a 00:30:45.839 --> 00:30:46.740 completely 00:30:46.740 --> 00:30:47.599 honest, 00:30:48.740 --> 00:30:49.359 desperately 00:30:49.359 --> 00:30:50.299 dependent, 00:30:50.639 --> 00:30:51.359 at the same 00:30:51.359 --> 00:30:52.480 time truly 00:30:52.480 --> 00:30:53.900 worshipful 00:30:53.900 --> 00:30:55.660 relationship with 00:30:55.660 --> 00:30:57.039 God right there 00:30:57.039 --> 00:30:57.539 where you are. 00:30:57.539 --> 00:30:58.099 you don't even 00:30:58.099 --> 00:30:58.599 have to turn 00:30:58.599 --> 00:30:59.000 your frown 00:30:59.000 --> 00:30:59.700 upside down 00:30:59.700 --> 00:31:00.159 first. 00:31:00.779 --> 00:31:01.980 You can cry 00:31:01.980 --> 00:31:03.279 out to God 00:31:03.279 --> 00:31:05.059 again today. 00:31:05.519 --> 00:31:06.059 If you don't 00:31:06.059 --> 00:31:06.539 have your own 00:31:06.539 --> 00:31:07.000 words, he 00:31:07.000 --> 00:31:08.279 understands and 00:31:08.279 --> 00:31:09.000 you can, like 00:31:09.000 --> 00:31:09.839 Jesus on the 00:31:09.839 --> 00:31:10.960 cross, borrow 00:31:10.960 --> 00:31:11.960 the lament of 00:31:11.960 --> 00:31:12.720 the psalmist. 00:31:14.279 --> 00:31:14.920 And when you do 00:31:14.920 --> 00:31:15.859 that, you can 00:31:15.859 --> 00:31:17.039 know that as 00:31:17.039 --> 00:31:18.899 far as you feel 00:31:18.899 --> 00:31:20.420 from God in 00:31:20.420 --> 00:31:20.960 that moment, 00:31:21.899 --> 00:31:23.159 you are relating 00:31:23.160 --> 00:31:24.580 closely. 00:31:25.000 --> 00:31:26.040 He is with 00:31:26.040 --> 00:31:26.460 you. 00:31:26.660 --> 00:31:27.380 The God who 00:31:27.380 --> 00:31:28.680 always hears, 00:31:29.259 --> 00:31:30.100 always has 00:31:30.100 --> 00:31:30.779 compassion, 00:31:31.340 --> 00:31:32.600 always delivers, 00:31:33.980 --> 00:31:34.880 he is with 00:31:34.880 --> 00:31:35.279 you. 00:31:37.740 --> 00:31:38.660 I want us to 00:31:38.660 --> 00:31:39.400 lament together 00:31:39.400 --> 00:31:42.420 now because for 00:31:42.420 --> 00:31:43.180 many of us, 00:31:43.660 --> 00:31:44.200 this is 00:31:44.200 --> 00:31:44.840 unfamiliar. 00:31:45.740 --> 00:31:46.220 It's so 00:31:46.220 --> 00:31:46.960 unfamiliar we 00:31:46.960 --> 00:31:47.800 don't know what 00:31:47.800 --> 00:31:48.480 to say. 00:31:49.420 --> 00:31:50.040 When I say, 00:31:50.100 --> 00:31:50.660 hey, you can go 00:31:50.660 --> 00:31:51.279 home and lament 00:31:51.279 --> 00:31:52.160 to God today. 00:31:53.779 --> 00:31:54.340 And for 00:31:54.340 --> 00:31:54.840 others of us, 00:31:54.860 --> 00:31:55.540 it's so familiar 00:31:55.540 --> 00:31:56.160 we can't say 00:31:56.160 --> 00:31:56.820 anything else and 00:31:56.820 --> 00:31:57.180 if we don't 00:31:57.180 --> 00:31:57.720 lament, we're not 00:31:57.720 --> 00:31:58.140 going to be able 00:31:58.140 --> 00:31:58.960 to talk to God. 00:32:01.019 --> 00:32:01.640 I'm going to 00:32:01.640 --> 00:32:02.580 lead us in 00:32:02.580 --> 00:32:05.019 prayer, but I'm 00:32:05.019 --> 00:32:05.320 going to leave 00:32:05.320 --> 00:32:06.100 some time for 00:32:06.100 --> 00:32:07.440 you to pray as 00:32:07.440 --> 00:32:08.279 well, more than 00:32:08.279 --> 00:32:08.720 once. 00:32:09.900 --> 00:32:10.440 And then the 00:32:10.440 --> 00:32:11.360 worship team will 00:32:11.360 --> 00:32:12.880 start leading us 00:32:12.880 --> 00:32:13.779 in a song of 00:32:13.779 --> 00:32:15.860 lament that is a 00:32:15.860 --> 00:32:17.060 prayer that begins 00:32:17.060 --> 00:32:19.400 in despair and 00:32:19.400 --> 00:32:21.340 ends in trust of 00:32:21.340 --> 00:32:21.880 a God who 00:32:21.880 --> 00:32:22.600 delivers through 00:32:22.600 --> 00:32:23.140 darkness. 00:32:23.160 --> 00:32:25.700 you can join 00:32:25.700 --> 00:32:26.660 in with that 00:32:26.660 --> 00:32:27.180 song on the 00:32:27.180 --> 00:32:27.620 last couple 00:32:27.620 --> 00:32:28.180 verses or 00:32:28.180 --> 00:32:28.700 whenever your 00:32:28.700 --> 00:32:30.160 heart is ready 00:32:30.160 --> 00:32:30.900 to do that. 00:32:31.340 --> 00:32:32.340 But make it part 00:32:32.340 --> 00:32:34.480 of your prayer as 00:32:34.480 --> 00:32:35.820 we experience that 00:32:35.820 --> 00:32:37.440 lament is something 00:32:37.440 --> 00:32:38.720 God gives us in 00:32:38.720 --> 00:32:39.740 relationship with 00:32:39.740 --> 00:32:39.900 Him. 00:32:39.980 --> 00:32:40.700 It's right, it's 00:32:40.700 --> 00:32:41.500 good, it's needed 00:32:41.500 --> 00:32:42.519 for our hearts. 00:32:43.000 --> 00:32:44.019 When we're together 00:32:44.019 --> 00:32:45.779 and on our own, 00:32:46.420 --> 00:32:47.580 we join me as we 00:32:47.579 --> 00:32:48.679 go to God in 00:32:48.679 --> 00:32:48.939 prayer. 00:32:48.939 --> 00:32:54.000 Our Father in 00:32:54.000 --> 00:32:56.439 heaven, we cry 00:32:56.439 --> 00:32:58.279 out to you this 00:32:58.279 --> 00:32:58.579 morning. 00:32:59.000 --> 00:33:00.039 We look around 00:33:00.039 --> 00:33:01.480 us and if we're 00:33:01.480 --> 00:33:02.419 honest, we wonder 00:33:02.419 --> 00:33:03.659 sometimes what you're 00:33:03.659 --> 00:33:05.159 up to in this world. 00:33:05.419 --> 00:33:06.619 In many ways, it does 00:33:06.619 --> 00:33:07.899 not appear to us that 00:33:07.899 --> 00:33:09.079 your kingdom is coming 00:33:09.079 --> 00:33:11.079 on earth as it is in 00:33:11.079 --> 00:33:11.500 heaven. 00:33:11.500 --> 00:33:14.039 all around us, a 00:33:14.039 --> 00:33:15.980 human life created in 00:33:15.980 --> 00:33:16.980 your image to reflect 00:33:16.980 --> 00:33:17.440 your image. 00:33:17.579 --> 00:33:19.240 It's being devalued and 00:33:19.240 --> 00:33:21.240 discarded at every stage, 00:33:21.339 --> 00:33:22.619 young and old. 00:33:23.039 --> 00:33:25.359 How long, oh God, will we 00:33:25.359 --> 00:33:26.740 hear of school shootings? 00:33:26.740 --> 00:33:29.500 Where is your peace? 00:33:30.640 --> 00:33:33.099 As wars rage, have you 00:33:33.099 --> 00:33:34.720 turned a blind eye to 00:33:34.720 --> 00:33:36.620 the suffering of the 00:33:36.620 --> 00:33:38.359 weak, the oppressed, the 00:33:38.359 --> 00:33:39.440 orphans and the 00:33:39.440 --> 00:33:39.940 refugees? 00:33:43.420 --> 00:33:44.640 Repeatedly in our own 00:33:44.640 --> 00:33:46.079 country, the marginalized 00:33:46.079 --> 00:33:47.680 seem to be pushed 00:33:47.680 --> 00:33:48.900 further out, not 00:33:48.900 --> 00:33:50.640 welcomed in to be 00:33:50.640 --> 00:33:52.180 valued and cared for 00:33:52.180 --> 00:33:53.519 and learned from. 00:33:54.420 --> 00:33:56.460 So hear us, Father, as we 00:33:56.460 --> 00:33:58.600 lament over the world we 00:33:58.600 --> 00:33:59.039 live in. 00:34:01.039 --> 00:34:01.700 And Father, we 00:34:01.700 --> 00:34:03.279 acknowledge the problems 00:34:03.279 --> 00:34:05.440 of the world are all 00:34:05.440 --> 00:34:07.019 too present among your 00:34:07.019 --> 00:34:07.360 people. 00:34:09.320 --> 00:34:11.800 We grieve abusive 00:34:11.800 --> 00:34:12.519 leadership. 00:34:13.519 --> 00:34:15.000 We mourn for its 00:34:15.000 --> 00:34:15.440 victims. 00:34:17.340 --> 00:34:18.800 We grieve absent 00:34:18.800 --> 00:34:21.420 shepherds and neglected 00:34:21.420 --> 00:34:21.940 sheep. 00:34:21.940 --> 00:34:26.700 We confess to you that our 00:34:26.700 --> 00:34:29.320 churches more often seem 00:34:29.320 --> 00:34:30.920 to reflect the divisions of 00:34:30.920 --> 00:34:32.200 the world around us than 00:34:32.200 --> 00:34:34.639 we do work together for the 00:34:34.639 --> 00:34:35.900 sake of your kingdom on the 00:34:35.900 --> 00:34:36.619 same team. 00:34:37.599 --> 00:34:39.179 Help us, Holy Spirit. 00:34:43.179 --> 00:34:44.760 But even when we don't 00:34:45.519 --> 00:34:47.800 struggle in these ways, all 00:34:47.800 --> 00:34:49.480 over the world your people 00:34:49.480 --> 00:34:51.119 are being persecuted for 00:34:51.119 --> 00:34:52.019 following you. 00:34:53.240 --> 00:34:54.880 Killed for their faith at 00:34:54.880 --> 00:34:56.699 rates never before seen. 00:34:59.179 --> 00:35:00.539 Have you forgotten your 00:35:00.539 --> 00:35:02.380 people whom you called by 00:35:02.380 --> 00:35:02.920 your name? 00:35:04.559 --> 00:35:05.900 Will you not come to their 00:35:05.900 --> 00:35:06.440 rescue? 00:35:06.679 --> 00:35:09.059 Oh, God, be their shield 00:35:09.059 --> 00:35:10.079 and defender. 00:35:10.860 --> 00:35:12.099 Hear us, Father, as we 00:35:12.099 --> 00:35:13.559 lament for your people. 00:35:13.559 --> 00:35:20.259 Finally, Father, we bemoan 00:35:20.259 --> 00:35:21.599 the struggles of our own 00:35:21.599 --> 00:35:23.539 hearts and lives in 00:35:23.539 --> 00:35:24.639 relationship with you. 00:35:26.880 --> 00:35:28.340 Grief and loss and 00:35:28.340 --> 00:35:29.599 heartache and depression 00:35:29.599 --> 00:35:31.219 and anxiety and fear, 00:35:31.920 --> 00:35:34.139 they often drive us away 00:35:34.139 --> 00:35:36.559 from you instead of to you. 00:35:39.559 --> 00:35:40.739 Father, I admit it doesn't 00:35:40.739 --> 00:35:42.559 take a crisis to see my 00:35:42.559 --> 00:35:44.699 my life, neglecting your 00:35:44.699 --> 00:35:47.860 word, prayer, the God in 00:35:47.860 --> 00:35:50.480 whom our souls are to 00:35:50.480 --> 00:35:52.940 delight because we're 00:35:52.940 --> 00:35:55.059 addicted to devices and 00:35:55.059 --> 00:35:57.019 substances and ourselves. 00:35:57.840 --> 00:35:59.420 We chase pleasure instead of 00:35:59.420 --> 00:36:00.759 chasing people who need your 00:36:00.759 --> 00:36:01.239 hope. 00:36:05.159 --> 00:36:07.259 Sometimes it's none of these 00:36:07.259 --> 00:36:09.039 particular things going on, 00:36:09.099 --> 00:36:10.199 but just no matter what we 00:36:10.199 --> 00:36:11.960 try, you feel distant. 00:36:12.259 --> 00:36:13.859 And we have been there and 00:36:13.859 --> 00:36:16.539 felt that and wonder if 00:36:16.539 --> 00:36:17.960 we'll never smile and laugh 00:36:17.960 --> 00:36:20.279 and rejoice again, if we'll 00:36:20.279 --> 00:36:22.119 never love one another well, 00:36:22.199 --> 00:36:24.000 if we'll never live with zeal 00:36:24.000 --> 00:36:25.919 for you as we once did. 00:36:27.099 --> 00:36:29.939 Oh, Jesus, you sympathize with 00:36:29.939 --> 00:36:30.719 our weaknesses. 00:36:31.179 --> 00:36:31.759 Thank you. 00:36:33.000 --> 00:36:34.960 Draw near to us again. 00:36:35.899 --> 00:36:38.179 Help us to draw near to you. 00:36:38.179 --> 00:36:41.159 Hear us, Father, as we lament 00:36:41.159 --> 00:36:42.000 our own struggles. 00:36:45.719 --> 00:36:47.739 For more information, visit us 00:36:47.739 --> 00:36:49.219 online at southwood.org.