WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.820 the Word of God. So please do join one of those for your own benefit and for the encouragement of 00:00:04.820 --> 00:00:09.960 others. And one last thing, if you can help with cleaning the church, getting it ready Sunday by 00:00:09.960 --> 00:00:15.220 Sunday, if you could get in touch with Sarah, that'd be great. We're here to worship God. 00:00:15.560 --> 00:00:21.100 We're here together. It's good to be able to join together. I'm going to read our call to worship 00:00:21.100 --> 00:00:25.440 from the beginning of Psalm 118 and verse 1, which is, 00:00:25.440 --> 00:00:34.060 give thanks to the Lord for he is good. His love endures forever. So we're gathered in God's 00:00:34.060 --> 00:00:39.200 presence to remember he is the God of unfailing love and goodness to us. Now we're going to hear 00:00:39.200 --> 00:00:45.740 and we're going to reflect in here anyway on Psalm 1, a recording of Psalm 1, which we'll be thinking 00:00:45.740 --> 00:00:52.840 about later on. A chance for us to reflect. If you've been here already, you'll know it's different 00:00:52.840 --> 00:00:57.540 when we can't sing together. I was thinking this morning of our brothers and sisters in the 00:00:57.540 --> 00:01:02.380 persecuted church who maybe only ever get to raise their voice in a whisper. So perhaps we can, 00:01:02.760 --> 00:01:07.320 in a sense, identify with them as for a time we can't sing in our building. But if you're at home, 00:01:07.319 --> 00:01:12.679 you can join in singing Psalm 1 and after that we'll pray. 00:01:12.680 --> 00:01:42.660 Psalm 1 and after that we'll pray. 00:01:42.680 --> 00:02:12.659 Psalm 1 and after that we'll pray. 00:02:12.680 --> 00:02:42.659 Psalm 1 and after that we'll pray. 00:02:42.680 --> 00:03:12.659 Psalm 1 and after that we'll pray. 00:03:12.680 --> 00:03:14.680 Psalm 1 and after that we'll pray. 00:03:14.680 --> 00:03:42.659 Psalm 1 and after that we'll pray. 00:03:42.659 --> 00:03:44.659 Lord, we'll pray. 00:03:44.659 --> 00:03:46.659 Lord, we bow in your presence. 00:03:46.659 --> 00:04:06.579 Lord, we bow in your presence so thankful that you are a God who speaks, that you are not a God who is silent. 00:04:06.580 --> 00:04:12.680 We thank you that you are not a God who has hidden yourself, but rather you are a God who has revealed yourself. 00:04:12.680 --> 00:04:14.680 And today we thank you that you are a God who has hidden yourself. 00:04:14.680 --> 00:04:18.680 And today we thank you that you are a God who has hidden us in your word, the Bible. 00:04:18.680 --> 00:04:20.680 That you are a God who has hidden us in your word, the Bible, the Bible, the Bible, the Bible, the Bible, and the Bible. 00:04:20.680 --> 00:04:24.680 We discover that you are Father, we discover that you are Father, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit. 00:04:24.680 --> 00:04:28.680 We discover that you are a God who has hidden us in your word, the Bible, and the Bible. 00:04:28.680 --> 00:04:36.100 We discover your unchanging character, your love and your goodness, your faithfulness and your justice, your holiness and your righteousness. 00:04:36.100 --> 00:04:43.020 Lord, we thank you that in the Bible, we discover the way of salvation. 00:04:43.820 --> 00:04:59.560 We thank you that it reveals to us from beginning to end the story of your great love and your determination to save sinners and to bring them back into relationship and fellowship with yourself. 00:05:00.320 --> 00:05:05.280 And we thank you for those great acts of redemption that we find throughout the Bible. 00:05:06.100 --> 00:05:13.420 That climax in the sending of your son Jesus and his going to the cross to die in our place for our sins. 00:05:14.040 --> 00:05:19.180 Before being raised in victory and ascended to the glory of heaven. 00:05:19.640 --> 00:05:27.220 And we thank you for the prospect of full and final salvation when he returns to make everything new and to bring his people to be with himself. 00:05:28.080 --> 00:05:31.280 Thank you for that great story of salvation we find in the Bible. 00:05:31.279 --> 00:05:36.199 We thank you for that in the Bible we discover your will for our lives. 00:05:36.819 --> 00:05:39.919 That we're not left to wonder what is right and wrong. 00:05:40.559 --> 00:05:45.399 We're not left to wonder what is righteous and what is wicked in your eyes. 00:05:46.500 --> 00:05:49.419 Lord, we confess that sometimes we don't listen. 00:05:50.379 --> 00:05:53.439 Sometimes we would rather choose our own path. 00:05:53.539 --> 00:05:57.259 We would rather make our own verdict on what is right and wrong. 00:05:57.259 --> 00:06:02.939 Lord, we confess our sin before you, our holy God. 00:06:04.199 --> 00:06:16.279 But we do thank you that you do reveal what kind of life is the good life, is the righteous life, is ultimately the happy life. 00:06:16.800 --> 00:06:22.779 A life that loves you and that loves others and that responds in faith and obedience to your word. 00:06:22.779 --> 00:06:28.859 And so we thank you that we have the Bible that we can sing and that we can read. 00:06:29.919 --> 00:06:34.879 Whether that's here in church or whether that's at home, whether that's on a Sunday or through the week. 00:06:36.139 --> 00:06:45.459 Lord, we thank you for everywhere in Edinburgh, everywhere in Scotland, everywhere around the world today where your word is read and preached. 00:06:45.459 --> 00:06:52.399 Where people believe it to be the word of God and the only direction for how we should live. 00:06:53.439 --> 00:07:00.799 We pray that as people hear the good news of Jesus that new life would be born in people's hearts. 00:07:01.539 --> 00:07:07.859 That you would keep building up and strengthening your own people for our day-to-day lives. 00:07:07.860 --> 00:07:13.900 Lord, we pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who don't have access to the Bible. 00:07:14.819 --> 00:07:16.939 Perhaps persecuted believers. 00:07:17.199 --> 00:07:27.240 Perhaps those who are part of the underground church or those who are too poor to be able to afford even a portion of the Bible for themselves. 00:07:27.240 --> 00:07:32.139 We pray that you would enable them to store up your word in their hearts. 00:07:33.079 --> 00:07:39.259 That they would be able to meditate on your good words day and night. 00:07:39.680 --> 00:07:42.000 And we pray that you would provide for them. 00:07:42.860 --> 00:07:45.220 We also pray for the work of Bible translation. 00:07:45.379 --> 00:07:51.900 Knowing how important it is for people to hear the word of God is the word of truth and life and salvation. 00:07:51.899 --> 00:08:01.899 We ask that you would give wisdom and perseverance to those who are trying to translate the Bible into various languages around the world. 00:08:02.679 --> 00:08:07.979 We thank you for friends that we have who are preaching the gospel today in different places. 00:08:08.659 --> 00:08:14.219 We thank you for friends in India, in Indonesia, in Myanmar, in South Africa, in Colombia. 00:08:15.060 --> 00:08:20.000 Lord, we have connections all around the world as a church and personally. 00:08:20.000 --> 00:08:27.100 Now we pray wherever your word is read and preached that it would achieve your good purpose for it. 00:08:27.720 --> 00:08:32.580 And Lord, we pray that that would be true in our own lives and in this gathering today. 00:08:33.440 --> 00:08:39.740 That you would open our eyes, open our hearts to receive wonderful things from your word, we pray. 00:08:40.200 --> 00:08:42.039 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:08:43.379 --> 00:08:49.139 Now let's hear, we'll hear God's word together in Psalm 1. 00:08:50.000 --> 00:08:55.500 You'll find it up on the screen if you don't have access to it in your own Bible or device. 00:08:56.159 --> 00:08:57.299 Psalm 1. 00:08:59.100 --> 00:09:00.519 Let's hear God's word. 00:09:00.519 --> 00:09:30.500 Blessed is the word. 00:09:30.519 --> 00:10:00.500 So we're thinking together again about Christian spirituality. 00:10:00.500 --> 00:10:02.240 As we find it in the book of Psalms. 00:10:02.240 --> 00:10:06.019 How do we grow in our relationship with God? 00:10:06.360 --> 00:10:10.100 What language do we have to speak to God? 00:10:10.360 --> 00:10:19.600 And here we're going to consider the search for true happiness and to see how that connects with how we relate to God. 00:10:19.600 --> 00:10:22.899 And in particular, God's word. 00:10:22.899 --> 00:10:26.699 The question, how can we grow in our relationship with God? 00:10:26.699 --> 00:10:30.159 It must be a near universal one. 00:10:30.639 --> 00:10:34.779 It's a question that influences the direction of our lives. 00:10:34.879 --> 00:10:38.799 It influences the decisions that we make. 00:10:38.799 --> 00:10:47.419 Stephen Pinker, a psychology professor in 2018, delivered a TED talk in which he posed the question, 00:10:48.079 --> 00:10:54.959 since we live in a staggeringly wonderful world that's never had it so good, 00:10:54.960 --> 00:10:57.840 why is it that we're not happier? 00:10:57.840 --> 00:11:01.700 And so he began to look at some of the reasons. 00:11:01.920 --> 00:11:10.160 And he noted we are enjoying more freedom than ever, but that freedom begins to bring with it a level of anxiety. 00:11:10.860 --> 00:11:12.580 Perhaps you know the paralysis of choice. 00:11:12.580 --> 00:11:17.080 He talked about the loss of traditional religions. 00:11:17.080 --> 00:11:24.720 As people become disconnected from faith, they become disconnected from a source of greater meaning. 00:11:25.879 --> 00:11:33.680 There is today a greater awareness of collective responsibility, whether that's through media or social media, 00:11:33.780 --> 00:11:35.759 and that brings increased worry. 00:11:36.960 --> 00:11:39.060 And then he spoke about the boredom factor. 00:11:39.059 --> 00:11:45.739 Because our lives are made more efficient by technology, we have more free time than previous generations, 00:11:46.199 --> 00:11:52.719 we're more vulnerable to distractions and to things that would in the end steal away our happiness. 00:11:54.419 --> 00:11:56.179 So we've never had it so good. 00:11:57.259 --> 00:12:01.619 But still we don't seem happy or as happy as we could be as a society. 00:12:01.759 --> 00:12:03.899 So how can I be happy is an important question. 00:12:04.639 --> 00:12:05.979 It's not a trivial question. 00:12:05.980 --> 00:12:12.080 And it's good news that from the beginning of the book of Psalms, that question is addressed. 00:12:13.440 --> 00:12:16.500 Psalm 1 verse 1 is saying to us, happiness is possible. 00:12:17.019 --> 00:12:22.960 There is someone who is blessed, who has a life of joy and who has a life of satisfaction. 00:12:23.779 --> 00:12:26.300 So that's what we're going to think about this morning. 00:12:26.299 --> 00:12:31.719 This psalm is going to help us to consider two types of people. 00:12:32.500 --> 00:12:36.579 The righteous and the wicked are in view. 00:12:37.039 --> 00:12:41.479 And what we need to appreciate, this categorization of righteous and wicked, 00:12:41.919 --> 00:12:45.659 is how people relate to God and His Word. 00:12:46.959 --> 00:12:50.759 So when we think about righteous and wicked, we need to think in terms of relationship, 00:12:51.019 --> 00:12:53.059 relationship with God. 00:12:53.059 --> 00:12:58.979 And as we look at the story of the Bible, we can see that what's true from the beginning 00:12:58.979 --> 00:13:03.679 is that happiness and relationship to God have been interconnected. 00:13:04.019 --> 00:13:09.519 When Adam and Eve were first created, they enjoyed a world of perfect life and perfect love 00:13:09.519 --> 00:13:13.759 and perfect joy and peace because all was well between them and their God. 00:13:13.759 --> 00:13:19.100 But as soon as they began to mistrust God and His Word, and as soon as they disobeyed, 00:13:19.960 --> 00:13:23.539 that's when shame and fear and guilt and hiding came. 00:13:24.819 --> 00:13:31.319 That happiness was lost because trust in God, relationship, fellowship was lost in that moment. 00:13:32.600 --> 00:13:35.879 God says to us in His Word, He is the one who created us. 00:13:35.939 --> 00:13:37.980 He is the one who loves us. 00:13:37.980 --> 00:13:42.840 He reveals Himself as the source of life and joy for everyone. 00:13:42.920 --> 00:13:45.740 And He says, follow my way for true happiness. 00:13:46.000 --> 00:13:49.300 And whether we find that ultimate happiness depends on, 00:13:50.080 --> 00:13:52.800 am I going to listen to God or not? 00:13:53.800 --> 00:13:56.000 So as we work our way through this short psalm, 00:13:56.080 --> 00:14:00.019 we'll see that true happiness depends on our choices. 00:14:00.820 --> 00:14:04.860 And those choices then have an impact on how we face the seasons of life. 00:14:04.920 --> 00:14:06.399 What do we trust in those moments? 00:14:06.399 --> 00:14:09.959 And it's important for us when we think about happiness 00:14:09.959 --> 00:14:13.319 to remember the conclusion of our life as well. 00:14:13.600 --> 00:14:20.159 So the psalm does all of this to help us to see that deep and lasting happiness 00:14:20.159 --> 00:14:26.340 comes when knowing God and knowing God in His Word is what drives our life. 00:14:26.939 --> 00:14:29.279 So three questions to consider briefly. 00:14:29.419 --> 00:14:35.379 First, on the topic of choices, what do I delight in? 00:14:35.379 --> 00:14:37.500 Verse 1 and 2. 00:14:37.620 --> 00:14:40.200 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked 00:14:40.200 --> 00:14:44.539 or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 00:14:44.740 --> 00:14:47.840 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord 00:14:47.840 --> 00:14:51.700 and who meditates on His law day and night. 00:14:52.659 --> 00:14:58.480 This psalm gives us, in a sense, an image of two paths to follow 00:14:58.480 --> 00:15:02.100 and a choice that must be taken. 00:15:02.100 --> 00:15:06.779 It's a theme that we see often in literature. 00:15:06.960 --> 00:15:10.920 Maybe you know Robert Frost's famous poem, 00:15:11.039 --> 00:15:13.440 The Road Not Taken. 00:15:13.940 --> 00:15:18.300 Or we can think of Jesus' own teaching where He warns people against following 00:15:18.300 --> 00:15:20.659 the broad road that leads to destruction, 00:15:20.759 --> 00:15:25.000 instead to follow the narrow road that leads to life. 00:15:25.000 --> 00:15:29.480 Well, in our psalm here, there are two different people. 00:15:29.620 --> 00:15:36.980 One person fails or refuses to believe that God is the ultimate source of happiness. 00:15:36.980 --> 00:15:43.180 And the choice that then is made is that they go to seek happiness in other places. 00:15:44.519 --> 00:15:50.120 And the impact of that choice then is that this person's values and identity 00:15:50.120 --> 00:15:53.240 are not set and determined by God. 00:15:54.500 --> 00:15:56.740 So it's there in the language of verse 1. 00:15:57.159 --> 00:16:01.360 This person walks in the step of the wicked in the counsel, the way of thinking, 00:16:01.720 --> 00:16:05.779 listens to the advice of the wicked rather than listening to God. 00:16:05.779 --> 00:16:08.459 stands in the way of sinners. 00:16:09.740 --> 00:16:15.240 A behavior, patterns of actions that are not determined by what God says are right, 00:16:15.740 --> 00:16:18.220 but what the culture says. 00:16:20.299 --> 00:16:23.120 This person sits in the company of mockers. 00:16:23.240 --> 00:16:26.100 Here is their ultimate place of belonging, 00:16:26.419 --> 00:16:33.419 not with God's people, but those who adopt a mocking or a cynical attitude towards God. 00:16:33.419 --> 00:16:39.159 And that's not the path to happiness the psalm is laying out for us. 00:16:39.759 --> 00:16:44.819 Because the message of the Bible is that when we allow anything other than God to drive our lives, 00:16:44.919 --> 00:16:49.959 we will find ourselves off track in our pursuit of happiness. 00:16:49.960 --> 00:16:53.960 Even if it's good things that we live for, 00:16:54.180 --> 00:16:58.300 those good gifts that God gives to us of family or work or anything like that, 00:16:58.780 --> 00:17:02.060 they will lead us off track from true happiness, 00:17:02.060 --> 00:17:05.600 which is to be found and founded on God alone. 00:17:06.920 --> 00:17:11.860 Perhaps we recognize this pull off track as Christians. 00:17:11.859 --> 00:17:20.979 Why is it that at times we lie or we cheat or we explode with anger at someone, 00:17:21.059 --> 00:17:24.819 even as we know that those actions are wrong? 00:17:25.899 --> 00:17:28.659 Isn't it because in that moment, 00:17:29.199 --> 00:17:37.579 we think that we will be more happy pursuing that path than choosing obedience to God? 00:17:37.579 --> 00:17:40.579 It seems more uncomfortable to us, 00:17:40.619 --> 00:17:43.059 so we choose a different path. 00:17:44.519 --> 00:17:50.919 And perhaps we can all recognize what happens when enjoying someone or enjoying something 00:17:50.919 --> 00:17:56.359 shifts to this person or this thing is my everything. 00:17:58.259 --> 00:18:00.740 When we've taken God out of the picture, 00:18:00.859 --> 00:18:05.519 we're always looking for a substitute to give our life a center. 00:18:05.519 --> 00:18:07.480 And when we do that, 00:18:08.400 --> 00:18:13.980 ultimately everything will lead to disappointment and frustration. 00:18:15.299 --> 00:18:19.019 Our joy will be spoiled because we're placing too much hope 00:18:19.019 --> 00:18:23.519 on something or someone that cannot and will not last and fully satisfy. 00:18:24.700 --> 00:18:28.059 So that path, as Samus says, does not lead to true blessing. 00:18:28.220 --> 00:18:29.220 So what does? 00:18:30.400 --> 00:18:31.799 Well, it's there in verse 2. 00:18:31.799 --> 00:18:36.119 Happiness comes when we delight in the law of the Lord, 00:18:36.240 --> 00:18:38.019 knowing God, knowing God and His word. 00:18:38.180 --> 00:18:41.399 There is true happiness, the psalmist is saying. 00:18:42.039 --> 00:18:43.779 What does this kind of life look like? 00:18:44.659 --> 00:18:46.839 Well, in the first instance, we have to recognize 00:18:46.839 --> 00:18:49.639 it's going to look counter-cultural. 00:18:51.039 --> 00:18:54.139 This is a different set of values and behaviors. 00:18:54.299 --> 00:18:56.639 This is a very different identity 00:18:56.640 --> 00:19:01.960 and sense of belonging than most of the people that live around us. 00:19:02.960 --> 00:19:06.980 Because we are taking our cues from what God says in the Bible 00:19:06.980 --> 00:19:12.540 rather than culture and society and peer group. 00:19:12.539 --> 00:19:15.700 But the crucial choice that is made, 00:19:15.799 --> 00:19:18.480 the road that is taken for this person 00:19:18.480 --> 00:19:21.839 is that they are choosing to delight in God. 00:19:22.619 --> 00:19:27.659 God as they find Him in His word, in His law. 00:19:28.899 --> 00:19:30.680 This person is meditating, 00:19:31.519 --> 00:19:35.559 chewing over, reflecting on God's word, 00:19:35.759 --> 00:19:38.519 delighting in it and speaking out that delight. 00:19:38.519 --> 00:19:46.519 This is a pattern of personal Bible reading and meditation 00:19:46.519 --> 00:19:49.359 that isn't based on dull duty. 00:19:50.299 --> 00:19:55.759 It's not based on a formality where my Bible reading app tells me 00:19:55.759 --> 00:19:58.119 I need to read a few verses so I'm going to do it 00:19:58.119 --> 00:19:59.460 so I can get on with my day. 00:19:59.539 --> 00:20:00.460 This is delight. 00:20:01.440 --> 00:20:05.480 Because this happy person knows that when we read God's words, 00:20:05.779 --> 00:20:07.500 we get to know God. 00:20:07.500 --> 00:20:10.039 He reveals Himself to us 00:20:10.039 --> 00:20:12.339 and so there is joy in that, 00:20:12.960 --> 00:20:14.720 in growing that relationship. 00:20:16.039 --> 00:20:17.259 Maybe we ask the question, 00:20:17.359 --> 00:20:21.059 but how can anyone delight in the law, the Lord? 00:20:22.259 --> 00:20:24.839 We need to recognize that the psalm here is talking 00:20:24.839 --> 00:20:27.200 not just about the bits that have the laws in them, 00:20:27.259 --> 00:20:28.079 though that's included. 00:20:28.220 --> 00:20:30.519 This isn't just delighting in the Ten Commandments. 00:20:30.920 --> 00:20:33.619 This is delighting in the whole word of God 00:20:33.619 --> 00:20:35.000 as it is revealed. 00:20:35.000 --> 00:20:38.579 So for the psalmist, everything he had from the Old Testament for us 00:20:38.579 --> 00:20:41.279 is delighting in the old and the new. 00:20:41.339 --> 00:20:42.880 Because what do we find in there? 00:20:43.640 --> 00:20:48.700 We find a God who is our creator and our sustainer. 00:20:48.700 --> 00:20:54.500 We find a God who has taken the initiative to establish covenants 00:20:54.500 --> 00:20:58.080 and He will be faithful to keep His promises to His people. 00:20:58.660 --> 00:21:03.740 We find God as Redeemer and Savior for sinful people 00:21:03.740 --> 00:21:06.080 at the cost of His own Son. 00:21:06.740 --> 00:21:09.400 We find His will and His commands. 00:21:09.400 --> 00:21:13.620 We find ethics that give us good and right limits 00:21:13.620 --> 00:21:17.120 so that we can enjoy life as God intended. 00:21:17.540 --> 00:21:21.620 So we find in the word of God the key to a truly happy life 00:21:21.620 --> 00:21:25.820 because it brings us into friendship with God. 00:21:25.920 --> 00:21:29.300 It's the way God relates to us. 00:21:30.320 --> 00:21:33.060 So happiness comes when we learn to meditate on 00:21:33.060 --> 00:21:36.200 and delight in the word of God. 00:21:36.200 --> 00:21:42.120 And when we do that, we're following the path of Jesus. 00:21:43.220 --> 00:21:46.160 Jesus is the one truly righteous man, 00:21:46.200 --> 00:21:51.080 the one truly blessed man who was always driven by 00:21:51.080 --> 00:21:56.380 a desire to know His Father, to love His Father, 00:21:56.620 --> 00:21:59.500 to obey His Father always. 00:21:59.500 --> 00:22:03.940 that led Him ultimately to the cross. 00:22:05.480 --> 00:22:10.559 And that place of sacrifice is what makes our happiness possible. 00:22:11.920 --> 00:22:13.619 Jesus giving up His life, 00:22:13.859 --> 00:22:17.279 it is the opportunity for us to truly live 00:22:17.279 --> 00:22:21.059 as we receive forgiveness and eternal life from Him. 00:22:22.059 --> 00:22:24.359 So that choice of what we delight in 00:22:24.359 --> 00:22:28.839 is going to be crucial to whether we find true happiness. 00:22:29.500 --> 00:22:33.559 Moving on from there, let's think about seasons 00:22:33.559 --> 00:22:36.880 and ask the question of ourselves, 00:22:37.220 --> 00:22:39.039 where are my roots? 00:22:39.799 --> 00:22:42.599 Because we have an image here at the center of this psalm, 00:22:42.799 --> 00:22:43.339 verse 3, 00:22:43.900 --> 00:22:45.900 that person, that blessed person, 00:22:46.539 --> 00:22:48.440 that person who delights in the law of the Lord 00:22:48.440 --> 00:22:52.660 is like a tree planted by streams of water 00:22:52.660 --> 00:22:54.880 which yields its fruit in season 00:22:54.880 --> 00:22:57.900 and whose leaf does not wither, 00:22:58.720 --> 00:23:00.620 whatever they do prospers. 00:23:01.620 --> 00:23:02.420 Not so the wicked, 00:23:03.180 --> 00:23:05.000 they're like chaff that the wind blows away. 00:23:05.799 --> 00:23:09.860 So the image here is of the evergreen tree. 00:23:10.860 --> 00:23:13.240 Its roots are planted deep 00:23:13.240 --> 00:23:16.680 beside the source of living water. 00:23:16.680 --> 00:23:20.880 So that while the tree experiences seasons, 00:23:21.400 --> 00:23:24.400 heat and frost and drought and storm, 00:23:25.320 --> 00:23:27.039 though it's not always fruitful, 00:23:28.100 --> 00:23:30.100 there are seasons of fruit bearing. 00:23:30.560 --> 00:23:33.259 Its leaves are always green. 00:23:34.420 --> 00:23:35.680 There is always life 00:23:35.680 --> 00:23:38.640 because of being rooted 00:23:38.640 --> 00:23:40.580 and having that story 00:23:40.580 --> 00:23:42.220 that supplies. 00:23:43.600 --> 00:23:46.220 It's a picture of a person 00:23:46.220 --> 00:23:49.360 who has stability and vitality, 00:23:49.920 --> 00:23:51.840 who has prosperity 00:23:51.840 --> 00:23:55.360 because of that relationship 00:23:55.360 --> 00:23:56.960 with God's law 00:23:56.960 --> 00:23:58.660 that they are enjoying. 00:23:58.660 --> 00:24:01.560 stands in stark contrast 00:24:01.560 --> 00:24:02.680 to the other image, 00:24:02.779 --> 00:24:03.940 the image of the chaff. 00:24:04.860 --> 00:24:07.040 Chaff, which is the outer husk 00:24:07.040 --> 00:24:08.019 around a grain 00:24:08.019 --> 00:24:10.180 that when the winnowing happens, 00:24:10.340 --> 00:24:11.860 that the chaff just blows away. 00:24:11.980 --> 00:24:13.100 It is weightless 00:24:13.100 --> 00:24:15.120 and it is lifeless. 00:24:16.380 --> 00:24:17.720 So when the wind comes, 00:24:17.779 --> 00:24:18.920 when the storm comes, 00:24:19.100 --> 00:24:20.140 it has no roots, 00:24:20.220 --> 00:24:21.360 it has no weight, 00:24:21.359 --> 00:24:22.579 so it's gone. 00:24:26.179 --> 00:24:27.719 We need to be asking ourselves 00:24:27.719 --> 00:24:28.240 the question, 00:24:28.319 --> 00:24:29.039 and not just once, 00:24:29.119 --> 00:24:30.019 but I think regularly, 00:24:30.159 --> 00:24:31.859 what is it that my life 00:24:31.859 --> 00:24:32.979 is rooted in? 00:24:33.039 --> 00:24:34.559 What is it that I look to? 00:24:34.619 --> 00:24:35.579 Who is it I look to 00:24:35.579 --> 00:24:37.079 to give me strength? 00:24:38.319 --> 00:24:40.159 Where do I look to for hope? 00:24:41.059 --> 00:24:42.379 When trouble comes, 00:24:43.899 --> 00:24:44.899 where is my source 00:24:44.899 --> 00:24:47.519 of refuge and security? 00:24:48.399 --> 00:24:48.839 And again, 00:24:48.839 --> 00:24:50.819 this psalm is driving us 00:24:50.819 --> 00:24:51.980 to see that if we want 00:24:51.980 --> 00:24:54.000 true and lasting happiness, 00:24:54.139 --> 00:24:56.419 then we need unshakable hope. 00:24:56.859 --> 00:24:58.139 We need someone 00:24:58.139 --> 00:24:59.659 who is unchanging. 00:25:01.119 --> 00:25:02.819 And I'm sure we recognize 00:25:02.819 --> 00:25:04.319 in the many changes 00:25:04.319 --> 00:25:05.419 that we've seen in our world 00:25:05.419 --> 00:25:06.679 in the last few months 00:25:06.679 --> 00:25:08.079 that we need to find our hope 00:25:08.079 --> 00:25:09.699 from outside of ourselves. 00:25:10.899 --> 00:25:11.379 Ultimately, 00:25:12.099 --> 00:25:13.199 we need to make God 00:25:13.199 --> 00:25:14.919 our source of hope. 00:25:15.039 --> 00:25:16.299 He is the only way 00:25:16.299 --> 00:25:18.139 that we can truly 00:25:18.140 --> 00:25:19.340 stand. 00:25:21.600 --> 00:25:22.940 These different seasons 00:25:22.940 --> 00:25:25.200 will blow into our lives. 00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:27.020 Perhaps, 00:25:27.160 --> 00:25:27.860 just now you are 00:25:27.860 --> 00:25:29.520 in a period 00:25:29.520 --> 00:25:31.120 where life is going well, 00:25:31.900 --> 00:25:33.220 but perhaps this is a time 00:25:33.220 --> 00:25:34.240 of anxiety 00:25:34.240 --> 00:25:35.480 as it is for many. 00:25:35.620 --> 00:25:36.460 Perhaps it's a time 00:25:36.460 --> 00:25:38.060 of real trouble 00:25:38.060 --> 00:25:40.140 as it is for many. 00:25:40.259 --> 00:25:41.120 Those seasons 00:25:41.120 --> 00:25:43.380 can sap our strength, 00:25:45.120 --> 00:25:45.960 leave us looking 00:25:45.960 --> 00:25:46.920 to someone 00:25:46.920 --> 00:25:47.660 or something 00:25:47.660 --> 00:25:48.940 to cling on to. 00:25:49.680 --> 00:25:50.539 What is that 00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:51.660 for us? 00:25:53.039 --> 00:25:54.380 And can we be confident 00:25:54.380 --> 00:25:55.960 that that will hold us 00:25:55.960 --> 00:25:57.539 and keep us? 00:25:59.079 --> 00:25:59.299 See, 00:25:59.360 --> 00:26:00.460 according to the Bible, 00:26:01.759 --> 00:26:02.500 true happiness 00:26:02.500 --> 00:26:03.700 always runs deeper 00:26:03.700 --> 00:26:05.059 than circumstances. 00:26:06.220 --> 00:26:07.059 The message 00:26:07.059 --> 00:26:08.120 of Christianity 00:26:08.120 --> 00:26:09.319 is that it's possible 00:26:09.319 --> 00:26:09.960 to have joy 00:26:09.960 --> 00:26:10.519 joy 00:26:10.519 --> 00:26:12.360 even in the face 00:26:12.360 --> 00:26:13.180 of trouble 00:26:13.180 --> 00:26:14.579 and suffering 00:26:14.579 --> 00:26:16.360 because true happiness 00:26:16.360 --> 00:26:18.299 is about our identity 00:26:18.299 --> 00:26:19.200 and where we find 00:26:19.200 --> 00:26:19.980 our belonging 00:26:19.980 --> 00:26:21.460 and do we find that 00:26:21.460 --> 00:26:22.299 in knowing 00:26:22.299 --> 00:26:23.480 and being known 00:26:23.480 --> 00:26:25.039 by our God. 00:26:26.160 --> 00:26:27.920 The blessed life 00:26:27.920 --> 00:26:28.880 is ours 00:26:28.880 --> 00:26:30.019 when God 00:26:30.019 --> 00:26:31.360 plants us, 00:26:32.019 --> 00:26:33.140 when God 00:26:33.140 --> 00:26:33.960 puts our roots 00:26:34.500 --> 00:26:35.680 deep in 00:26:35.680 --> 00:26:36.299 Him 00:26:36.299 --> 00:26:37.079 and His 00:26:37.079 --> 00:26:37.680 Word, 00:26:37.779 --> 00:26:38.460 when He gives 00:26:38.460 --> 00:26:39.240 us life 00:26:39.240 --> 00:26:40.720 by His Son 00:26:40.720 --> 00:26:42.980 and from His Word. 00:26:43.519 --> 00:26:44.299 As John Calvin 00:26:44.299 --> 00:26:44.639 said, 00:26:45.119 --> 00:26:46.220 that the blessed person 00:26:46.220 --> 00:26:46.559 is someone 00:26:46.559 --> 00:26:47.779 who is watered 00:26:47.779 --> 00:26:50.379 by divine grace. 00:26:50.759 --> 00:26:51.460 We need that 00:26:51.460 --> 00:26:52.379 stream 00:26:52.379 --> 00:26:53.839 of God's grace 00:26:53.839 --> 00:26:54.740 to sustain 00:26:54.740 --> 00:26:55.680 our life. 00:26:56.839 --> 00:26:58.079 Not just relying 00:26:58.079 --> 00:26:58.700 on what God 00:26:58.700 --> 00:26:59.619 has done for us 00:26:59.619 --> 00:27:00.440 in the past 00:27:00.440 --> 00:27:01.279 but having faith 00:27:01.279 --> 00:27:01.700 that God 00:27:01.700 --> 00:27:02.440 will continue 00:27:02.440 --> 00:27:03.180 to be 00:27:03.180 --> 00:27:04.460 for us 00:27:04.460 --> 00:27:05.940 today 00:27:05.940 --> 00:27:06.640 and tomorrow 00:27:06.640 --> 00:27:07.400 and for 00:27:07.400 --> 00:27:08.460 eternity 00:27:08.460 --> 00:27:10.060 so that even 00:27:10.060 --> 00:27:11.080 if we are in a season 00:27:11.080 --> 00:27:11.900 of suffering 00:27:11.900 --> 00:27:12.580 and trouble 00:27:12.580 --> 00:27:13.580 it only causes 00:27:13.580 --> 00:27:15.200 our roots 00:27:15.200 --> 00:27:16.380 to draw deeper 00:27:16.380 --> 00:27:18.060 on God 00:27:18.060 --> 00:27:18.860 as we find Him 00:27:18.860 --> 00:27:19.460 in His Word. 00:27:20.620 --> 00:27:21.740 The blessed person, 00:27:21.840 --> 00:27:22.680 the happy person 00:27:22.680 --> 00:27:23.660 lives in 00:27:23.660 --> 00:27:24.940 the Word of God 00:27:24.940 --> 00:27:26.240 and lives out 00:27:26.240 --> 00:27:28.060 the Word of God. 00:27:28.560 --> 00:27:29.340 It's a life 00:27:29.340 --> 00:27:30.759 that's founded 00:27:30.759 --> 00:27:31.420 on 00:27:31.420 --> 00:27:32.440 Jesus. 00:27:33.180 --> 00:27:34.539 the Word 00:27:34.539 --> 00:27:35.039 who became 00:27:35.039 --> 00:27:35.700 flesh 00:27:35.700 --> 00:27:36.920 and dwelt 00:27:36.920 --> 00:27:37.580 among us. 00:27:39.160 --> 00:27:39.920 And then as we're 00:27:39.920 --> 00:27:40.340 thinking about 00:27:40.340 --> 00:27:41.539 happiness in Psalm 1 00:27:41.539 --> 00:27:42.279 the psalmist 00:27:42.279 --> 00:27:42.900 takes us 00:27:42.900 --> 00:27:45.000 to a conclusion 00:27:45.000 --> 00:27:46.279 and takes us 00:27:46.279 --> 00:27:47.160 to the question 00:27:47.160 --> 00:27:48.440 what is my 00:27:48.440 --> 00:27:49.580 destiny? 00:27:51.160 --> 00:27:51.860 We began 00:27:51.860 --> 00:27:52.580 with an image 00:27:52.580 --> 00:27:53.480 of paths 00:27:53.480 --> 00:27:54.299 that we can follow. 00:27:54.400 --> 00:27:54.799 It's important 00:27:54.799 --> 00:27:55.279 to think 00:27:55.279 --> 00:27:55.980 in terms of 00:27:55.980 --> 00:27:56.980 destination. 00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:58.700 So this psalm 00:27:58.700 --> 00:27:59.380 is inviting 00:27:59.380 --> 00:28:00.620 reflection. 00:28:01.759 --> 00:28:02.279 In verse 5 00:28:02.279 --> 00:28:02.680 and 6 00:28:02.680 --> 00:28:03.619 therefore the wicked 00:28:03.619 --> 00:28:04.519 will not stand 00:28:04.519 --> 00:28:05.160 in the judgment 00:28:05.160 --> 00:28:06.379 nor sinners 00:28:06.379 --> 00:28:07.160 in the assembly 00:28:07.160 --> 00:28:07.839 of the righteous 00:28:07.839 --> 00:28:09.759 for the Lord 00:28:09.759 --> 00:28:10.440 watches over 00:28:10.440 --> 00:28:11.539 the way of the righteous 00:28:11.539 --> 00:28:12.779 but the way 00:28:12.779 --> 00:28:13.240 of the wicked 00:28:13.240 --> 00:28:14.160 leads to 00:28:14.160 --> 00:28:15.299 destruction. 00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:18.200 And to reflect 00:28:18.200 --> 00:28:18.819 on the choices 00:28:18.819 --> 00:28:19.539 that we make 00:28:19.539 --> 00:28:20.200 and the path 00:28:20.200 --> 00:28:21.000 that we follow 00:28:21.000 --> 00:28:23.259 how will those choices 00:28:23.259 --> 00:28:24.099 help me face 00:28:24.099 --> 00:28:25.059 the different seasons 00:28:25.059 --> 00:28:25.720 that I face 00:28:25.720 --> 00:28:26.379 in my life? 00:28:26.940 --> 00:28:27.740 What is my life 00:28:27.740 --> 00:28:28.980 built on? 00:28:28.980 --> 00:28:30.200 And those questions 00:28:30.200 --> 00:28:31.000 matter because 00:28:31.000 --> 00:28:31.660 our lives are 00:28:31.660 --> 00:28:32.500 heading towards 00:28:32.500 --> 00:28:34.460 a final destination. 00:28:35.980 --> 00:28:37.240 A true story 00:28:37.240 --> 00:28:38.079 from the news 00:28:38.079 --> 00:28:39.059 last year. 00:28:39.559 --> 00:28:41.259 An 81 year old 00:28:41.259 --> 00:28:41.860 Italian 00:28:41.860 --> 00:28:43.519 Luigi Ramoni 00:28:43.519 --> 00:28:44.860 was living in 00:28:44.860 --> 00:28:45.420 Newcastle 00:28:45.420 --> 00:28:46.000 and decided 00:28:46.000 --> 00:28:47.200 to set off 00:28:47.200 --> 00:28:47.819 on a journey 00:28:47.819 --> 00:28:48.360 to Rome 00:28:48.360 --> 00:28:48.640 and he wanted 00:28:48.640 --> 00:28:49.120 to see 00:28:49.120 --> 00:28:50.360 the Pope. 00:28:51.140 --> 00:28:51.980 So he set off 00:28:51.980 --> 00:28:52.519 in his car 00:28:52.519 --> 00:28:54.200 and he programmed 00:28:54.200 --> 00:28:54.799 his sat-nav 00:28:54.799 --> 00:28:55.519 got as far as 00:28:55.519 --> 00:28:56.200 Dusseldorf 00:28:56.200 --> 00:28:56.799 in Germany 00:28:56.799 --> 00:28:58.299 and then his sat-nav 00:28:58.299 --> 00:28:59.840 started playing up 00:28:59.840 --> 00:29:00.200 a little bit 00:29:00.200 --> 00:29:01.000 so he pulled in 00:29:01.000 --> 00:29:01.880 at a service station 00:29:01.880 --> 00:29:03.019 he asked the petrol 00:29:03.019 --> 00:29:03.840 station attendant 00:29:03.840 --> 00:29:05.140 to help him out 00:29:05.140 --> 00:29:06.120 to reprogram 00:29:06.120 --> 00:29:07.200 his sat-nav 00:29:07.200 --> 00:29:08.080 they were only 00:29:08.080 --> 00:29:08.980 too happy 00:29:08.980 --> 00:29:09.759 to oblige 00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:10.700 he got back 00:29:10.700 --> 00:29:11.440 into his car 00:29:11.440 --> 00:29:12.600 and numerous 00:29:12.600 --> 00:29:13.799 hours later 00:29:13.799 --> 00:29:16.080 in the evening 00:29:16.080 --> 00:29:17.420 he arrived 00:29:17.420 --> 00:29:18.420 at his destination 00:29:18.420 --> 00:29:19.759 according to the sat-nav 00:29:19.759 --> 00:29:21.080 and to use 00:29:21.080 --> 00:29:21.640 his own words 00:29:21.640 --> 00:29:22.140 as he got out 00:29:22.140 --> 00:29:22.600 of the car 00:29:22.600 --> 00:29:23.720 he found himself 00:29:23.720 --> 00:29:24.360 exclaiming 00:29:24.360 --> 00:29:25.400 Mamma Mia 00:29:25.400 --> 00:29:26.320 where am I? 00:29:26.860 --> 00:29:27.400 It's the best 00:29:27.400 --> 00:29:28.019 Italian accent 00:29:28.019 --> 00:29:28.560 I can manage 00:29:28.560 --> 00:29:29.840 the answer was 00:29:29.840 --> 00:29:30.800 he wasn't in Rome 00:29:30.800 --> 00:29:32.160 the centre 00:29:32.160 --> 00:29:33.480 of all that's beautiful 00:29:33.480 --> 00:29:34.160 he was in 00:29:34.160 --> 00:29:35.380 an industrial village 00:29:35.380 --> 00:29:36.160 of Ruhm 00:29:36.160 --> 00:29:37.280 in Germany 00:29:37.280 --> 00:29:39.400 the petrol station 00:29:39.400 --> 00:29:40.920 people in Dusseldorf 00:29:40.920 --> 00:29:41.780 had missed out on E 00:29:41.780 --> 00:29:43.100 and he'd ended up 00:29:43.100 --> 00:29:44.759 680 miles 00:29:44.759 --> 00:29:46.240 off course 00:29:46.240 --> 00:29:47.740 looking to find 00:29:47.740 --> 00:29:48.980 happiness 00:29:48.980 --> 00:29:50.940 he found 00:29:50.940 --> 00:29:53.380 an industrial town 00:29:53.380 --> 00:29:54.880 we're all looking 00:29:54.880 --> 00:29:55.880 for happiness 00:29:55.880 --> 00:29:57.820 we need to think 00:29:57.820 --> 00:29:58.560 in terms of 00:29:58.560 --> 00:29:59.300 destiny 00:29:59.300 --> 00:30:00.220 and destination 00:30:00.220 --> 00:30:01.800 and we need to be 00:30:01.800 --> 00:30:02.520 asking ourselves 00:30:02.520 --> 00:30:03.240 the question 00:30:03.240 --> 00:30:04.660 is this path 00:30:04.660 --> 00:30:05.520 I'm following 00:30:05.520 --> 00:30:07.080 is it going 00:30:07.080 --> 00:30:08.000 to give me 00:30:08.000 --> 00:30:09.380 true and lasting 00:30:09.380 --> 00:30:10.240 and ultimately 00:30:10.240 --> 00:30:12.720 eternal happiness 00:30:12.720 --> 00:30:14.920 verses 5 and 6 00:30:14.920 --> 00:30:16.060 moves our thoughts 00:30:16.060 --> 00:30:16.920 towards God's 00:30:16.920 --> 00:30:17.680 final judgment 00:30:17.680 --> 00:30:19.660 and it requires 00:30:19.660 --> 00:30:20.880 the eyes of faith 00:30:20.880 --> 00:30:21.720 for us to think 00:30:21.720 --> 00:30:22.800 beyond the here 00:30:22.799 --> 00:30:23.259 and now 00:30:23.259 --> 00:30:25.139 because you 00:30:25.139 --> 00:30:25.799 know and I 00:30:25.799 --> 00:30:26.720 know many people 00:30:26.720 --> 00:30:27.359 who are living 00:30:27.359 --> 00:30:28.059 without God 00:30:28.059 --> 00:30:28.579 and they are 00:30:28.579 --> 00:30:29.180 prospering 00:30:29.180 --> 00:30:29.539 and they are 00:30:29.539 --> 00:30:29.940 comfortable 00:30:29.940 --> 00:30:30.899 and they have 00:30:30.899 --> 00:30:31.539 good careers 00:30:31.539 --> 00:30:32.000 and loving 00:30:32.000 --> 00:30:32.460 families 00:30:32.460 --> 00:30:32.819 and they're 00:30:32.819 --> 00:30:33.240 happy 00:30:33.240 --> 00:30:36.279 but will that 00:30:36.279 --> 00:30:36.680 happiness 00:30:36.680 --> 00:30:37.159 last 00:30:37.159 --> 00:30:38.960 and here 00:30:38.960 --> 00:30:39.480 this psalm 00:30:39.480 --> 00:30:40.059 is reminding 00:30:40.059 --> 00:30:40.500 us that 00:30:40.500 --> 00:30:40.960 without 00:30:40.960 --> 00:30:41.539 Jesus 00:30:41.539 --> 00:30:43.940 without trusting 00:30:43.940 --> 00:30:44.419 in him 00:30:44.419 --> 00:30:45.480 as saviour 00:30:45.480 --> 00:30:47.259 if our lives 00:30:47.259 --> 00:30:48.200 are not rooted 00:30:48.200 --> 00:30:49.059 in God's 00:30:49.059 --> 00:30:49.380 word 00:30:49.380 --> 00:30:50.180 and God's 00:30:50.180 --> 00:30:50.740 salvation 00:30:50.740 --> 00:30:52.160 then we will 00:30:52.160 --> 00:30:53.339 not stand 00:30:53.339 --> 00:30:55.380 we will face 00:30:55.380 --> 00:30:56.120 judgment 00:30:56.120 --> 00:30:57.860 there will be 00:30:57.860 --> 00:30:59.000 destruction 00:30:59.000 --> 00:31:02.640 but for the 00:31:02.640 --> 00:31:03.019 righteous 00:31:03.019 --> 00:31:05.980 they will stand 00:31:05.980 --> 00:31:06.839 among God's 00:31:06.839 --> 00:31:07.220 people 00:31:07.220 --> 00:31:08.380 there is 00:31:08.380 --> 00:31:09.480 an eternal 00:31:09.480 --> 00:31:09.920 hope 00:31:09.920 --> 00:31:10.660 and an eternal 00:31:10.660 --> 00:31:11.380 home 00:31:11.380 --> 00:31:12.140 and we're told 00:31:12.140 --> 00:31:12.819 in verse 6 00:31:12.819 --> 00:31:14.299 God will watch 00:31:14.299 --> 00:31:14.859 over his 00:31:14.859 --> 00:31:15.200 people 00:31:15.200 --> 00:31:16.000 to guide 00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:16.480 them 00:31:16.480 --> 00:31:17.379 safely 00:31:17.379 --> 00:31:18.299 home 00:31:18.299 --> 00:31:21.099 so our 00:31:21.099 --> 00:31:21.960 destiny 00:31:21.960 --> 00:31:23.819 depends 00:31:23.819 --> 00:31:24.500 on 00:31:24.500 --> 00:31:25.480 our 00:31:25.480 --> 00:31:26.299 response 00:31:26.299 --> 00:31:26.919 to Jesus 00:31:26.919 --> 00:31:28.019 our 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.919 relationship 00:31:28.919 --> 00:31:29.799 with 00:31:29.799 --> 00:31:30.460 Jesus 00:31:30.460 --> 00:31:32.279 our 00:31:32.279 --> 00:31:32.799 happiness 00:31:32.799 --> 00:31:33.439 depends 00:31:33.439 --> 00:31:33.919 on 00:31:33.919 --> 00:31:34.759 knowing 00:31:34.759 --> 00:31:35.220 him 00:31:35.220 --> 00:31:36.819 Jesus 00:31:36.819 --> 00:31:37.379 said to 00:31:37.379 --> 00:31:37.859 his troubled 00:31:37.859 --> 00:31:38.519 disciples 00:31:38.519 --> 00:31:39.679 in John 00:31:39.679 --> 00:31:40.579 chapter 14 00:31:40.579 --> 00:31:40.919 in my 00:31:40.919 --> 00:31:41.379 father's 00:31:41.379 --> 00:31:41.819 house are 00:31:41.819 --> 00:31:42.139 many 00:31:42.140 --> 00:31:43.060 rooms 00:31:43.060 --> 00:31:44.740 speaking of 00:31:44.740 --> 00:31:45.340 glory 00:31:45.340 --> 00:31:45.940 as a 00:31:45.940 --> 00:31:46.380 place 00:31:46.380 --> 00:31:46.759 of 00:31:46.759 --> 00:31:48.000 homecoming 00:31:48.000 --> 00:31:49.120 and Jesus 00:31:49.120 --> 00:31:49.700 said I'm 00:31:49.700 --> 00:31:50.160 going to 00:31:50.160 --> 00:31:50.660 prepare a 00:31:50.660 --> 00:31:51.060 place 00:31:51.060 --> 00:31:51.600 he was 00:31:51.600 --> 00:31:52.040 going to 00:31:52.040 --> 00:31:52.460 die 00:31:52.460 --> 00:31:53.120 and rise 00:31:53.120 --> 00:31:53.660 and return 00:31:53.660 --> 00:31:54.420 to glory 00:31:54.420 --> 00:31:54.920 to be the 00:31:54.920 --> 00:31:55.380 saviour 00:31:55.380 --> 00:31:56.220 that we all 00:31:56.220 --> 00:31:56.460 need 00:31:56.460 --> 00:31:56.820 and then he 00:31:56.820 --> 00:31:57.160 said I'll 00:31:57.160 --> 00:31:57.780 come back 00:31:57.780 --> 00:31:59.280 and I'll 00:31:59.280 --> 00:31:59.640 take you 00:31:59.640 --> 00:32:00.180 to be 00:32:00.180 --> 00:32:00.980 with me 00:32:00.980 --> 00:32:01.480 so that you 00:32:01.480 --> 00:32:02.020 may be 00:32:02.020 --> 00:32:02.900 where I 00:32:02.900 --> 00:32:03.320 am 00:32:03.320 --> 00:32:03.880 and that 00:32:03.880 --> 00:32:04.460 according to 00:32:04.460 --> 00:32:04.880 the bible 00:32:04.880 --> 00:32:05.340 is 00:32:05.340 --> 00:32:06.259 happiness 00:32:06.259 --> 00:32:07.860 to be 00:32:07.860 --> 00:32:08.560 with 00:32:08.560 --> 00:32:09.620 Jesus 00:32:09.619 --> 00:32:11.799 what path 00:32:11.799 --> 00:32:12.079 am I 00:32:12.079 --> 00:32:12.339 on 00:32:12.339 --> 00:32:13.659 what path 00:32:13.659 --> 00:32:14.039 do I 00:32:14.039 --> 00:32:14.659 want to 00:32:14.659 --> 00:32:15.059 be on 00:32:15.059 --> 00:32:16.659 so this 00:32:16.659 --> 00:32:17.000 psalm is 00:32:17.000 --> 00:32:17.439 telling us 00:32:17.439 --> 00:32:17.899 happiness 00:32:17.899 --> 00:32:18.459 and deep 00:32:18.459 --> 00:32:18.879 happiness 00:32:18.879 --> 00:32:19.500 and eternal 00:32:19.500 --> 00:32:19.919 happiness 00:32:19.919 --> 00:32:21.319 is possible 00:32:21.319 --> 00:32:22.319 but it 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.879 depends on 00:32:22.879 --> 00:32:23.579 that choice 00:32:23.579 --> 00:32:23.899 that we 00:32:23.899 --> 00:32:24.179 make 00:32:24.179 --> 00:32:24.819 who calls 00:32:24.819 --> 00:32:25.459 the shots 00:32:25.459 --> 00:32:26.339 in our 00:32:26.339 --> 00:32:26.779 lives 00:32:26.779 --> 00:32:27.500 who do I 00:32:27.500 --> 00:32:28.599 belong to 00:32:28.599 --> 00:32:29.419 fundamentally 00:32:29.419 --> 00:32:30.919 the choice 00:32:30.919 --> 00:32:31.459 that we need 00:32:31.459 --> 00:32:31.919 to make 00:32:31.919 --> 00:32:32.899 is to 00:32:32.899 --> 00:32:33.339 delight 00:32:33.339 --> 00:32:34.159 in God 00:32:34.159 --> 00:32:35.399 to delight 00:32:35.399 --> 00:32:35.819 in his 00:32:35.819 --> 00:32:36.319 word 00:32:36.319 --> 00:32:37.139 in our 00:32:37.139 --> 00:32:37.419 lives 00:32:37.419 --> 00:32:37.899 to love 00:32:37.899 --> 00:32:38.460 to obey 00:32:38.460 --> 00:32:38.619 it 00:32:38.619 --> 00:32:38.980 because 00:32:38.980 --> 00:32:39.480 his 00:32:39.480 --> 00:32:39.839 laws 00:32:39.839 --> 00:32:40.359 reflect 00:32:40.359 --> 00:32:40.599 his 00:32:40.599 --> 00:32:41.279 unchanging 00:32:41.279 --> 00:32:42.359 character 00:32:42.359 --> 00:32:43.299 to love 00:32:43.299 --> 00:32:44.079 its message 00:32:44.079 --> 00:32:44.439 which is 00:32:44.439 --> 00:32:44.819 all about 00:32:44.819 --> 00:32:45.960 saving grace 00:32:45.960 --> 00:32:47.200 through Jesus 00:32:47.200 --> 00:32:48.279 to make 00:32:48.279 --> 00:32:49.039 God's word 00:32:49.039 --> 00:32:49.579 our source 00:32:49.579 --> 00:32:50.200 of life 00:32:50.200 --> 00:32:51.139 and strength 00:32:51.139 --> 00:32:52.319 which is 00:32:52.319 --> 00:32:52.799 the key 00:32:52.799 --> 00:32:53.879 to happiness 00:32:53.879 --> 00:32:55.659 let's 00:32:55.659 --> 00:32:56.599 pray 00:32:56.599 --> 00:32:57.379 together 00:32:57.379 --> 00:32:57.720 now 00:32:57.720 --> 00:33:06.299 father 00:33:06.299 --> 00:33:06.920 your word 00:33:06.920 --> 00:33:07.500 says 00:33:07.500 --> 00:33:08.000 as the 00:33:08.000 --> 00:33:08.339 rain 00:33:08.339 --> 00:33:08.660 and the 00:33:08.660 --> 00:33:09.059 snow 00:33:09.059 --> 00:33:09.720 come down 00:33:09.720 --> 00:33:10.380 from heaven 00:33:10.380 --> 00:33:11.640 and do 00:33:11.640 --> 00:33:12.360 not return 00:33:12.360 --> 00:33:12.799 to it 00:33:12.799 --> 00:33:13.100 without 00:33:13.100 --> 00:33:13.740 watering 00:33:13.740 --> 00:33:14.299 the earth 00:33:14.299 --> 00:33:16.240 so is 00:33:16.240 --> 00:33:16.980 my word 00:33:16.980 --> 00:33:17.360 that goes 00:33:17.360 --> 00:33:17.779 out from 00:33:17.779 --> 00:33:18.400 my mouth 00:33:18.400 --> 00:33:19.799 that will 00:33:19.799 --> 00:33:20.420 not return 00:33:20.420 --> 00:33:20.819 to me 00:33:20.819 --> 00:33:21.259 empty 00:33:21.259 --> 00:33:21.700 but will 00:33:21.700 --> 00:33:22.220 accomplish 00:33:22.220 --> 00:33:22.640 what I 00:33:22.640 --> 00:33:23.180 desire 00:33:23.180 --> 00:33:24.779 and achieve 00:33:24.779 --> 00:33:25.480 the purpose 00:33:25.480 --> 00:33:26.160 for which 00:33:26.160 --> 00:33:27.279 I sent 00:33:27.279 --> 00:33:27.500 it 00:33:27.500 --> 00:33:28.839 Lord we 00:33:28.839 --> 00:33:29.440 thank you 00:33:29.440 --> 00:33:30.640 that you 00:33:30.640 --> 00:33:31.440 send your 00:33:31.440 --> 00:33:32.119 word to 00:33:32.119 --> 00:33:32.359 us 00:33:32.359 --> 00:33:33.000 you reveal 00:33:33.000 --> 00:33:33.599 your word 00:33:33.599 --> 00:33:34.200 to us 00:33:34.200 --> 00:33:34.619 so that 00:33:34.619 --> 00:33:35.140 we might 00:33:35.140 --> 00:33:35.900 know you 00:33:35.900 --> 00:33:36.259 so that 00:33:36.259 --> 00:33:36.640 we might 00:33:36.640 --> 00:33:37.920 know how 00:33:37.920 --> 00:33:38.599 to live 00:33:38.599 --> 00:33:39.599 in relationship 00:33:39.599 --> 00:33:40.359 with you 00:33:40.359 --> 00:33:40.960 as we 00:33:40.960 --> 00:33:41.460 have been 00:33:41.460 --> 00:33:42.039 created 00:33:42.039 --> 00:33:42.500 for 00:33:42.500 --> 00:33:43.299 that we 00:33:43.299 --> 00:33:43.940 might know 00:33:43.940 --> 00:33:44.680 your goodness 00:33:44.680 --> 00:33:45.599 and grace 00:33:45.599 --> 00:33:46.660 in dealing 00:33:46.660 --> 00:33:47.220 with the 00:33:47.220 --> 00:33:47.940 barrier of 00:33:47.940 --> 00:33:48.480 sin that 00:33:48.480 --> 00:33:49.680 separates us 00:33:49.680 --> 00:33:50.940 from 00:33:50.940 --> 00:33:51.579 yourself 00:33:51.579 --> 00:33:53.019 that you 00:33:53.019 --> 00:33:53.700 have sent 00:33:53.700 --> 00:33:54.339 Jesus 00:33:54.339 --> 00:33:55.700 to be that 00:33:55.700 --> 00:33:56.400 word that 00:33:56.400 --> 00:33:57.279 speaks life 00:33:57.279 --> 00:33:57.859 that speaks 00:33:57.859 --> 00:33:58.339 healing 00:33:58.339 --> 00:33:58.940 that speaks 00:33:58.940 --> 00:33:59.680 salvation 00:33:59.680 --> 00:34:00.519 to us 00:34:00.519 --> 00:34:03.279 not just 00:34:03.279 --> 00:34:03.539 in his 00:34:03.539 --> 00:34:04.079 words but 00:34:04.079 --> 00:34:04.339 in his 00:34:04.339 --> 00:34:04.960 actions and 00:34:04.960 --> 00:34:05.799 especially in 00:34:05.799 --> 00:34:06.279 his going 00:34:06.279 --> 00:34:06.639 to the 00:34:06.639 --> 00:34:07.859 cross in 00:34:07.859 --> 00:34:08.440 our place 00:34:08.440 --> 00:34:08.860 for our 00:34:08.860 --> 00:34:09.199 sins 00:34:09.199 --> 00:34:10.559 Lord we 00:34:10.559 --> 00:34:11.019 pray that 00:34:11.019 --> 00:34:11.340 you'd help 00:34:11.340 --> 00:34:11.900 each one of 00:34:11.900 --> 00:34:12.239 us to 00:34:12.239 --> 00:34:12.920 reflect on 00:34:12.920 --> 00:34:13.579 the choices 00:34:13.579 --> 00:34:14.679 that we 00:34:14.679 --> 00:34:15.340 are making 00:34:15.340 --> 00:34:16.460 the direction 00:34:16.460 --> 00:34:17.059 that we have 00:34:17.059 --> 00:34:17.900 chosen for 00:34:17.900 --> 00:34:18.539 our lives 00:34:18.539 --> 00:34:20.739 help us if 00:34:20.739 --> 00:34:20.960 we're 00:34:20.960 --> 00:34:21.880 Christians to 00:34:21.880 --> 00:34:22.619 have a 00:34:22.619 --> 00:34:23.340 living 00:34:23.340 --> 00:34:24.039 relationship 00:34:24.039 --> 00:34:24.840 with you 00:34:24.840 --> 00:34:26.019 through your 00:34:26.019 --> 00:34:26.519 word that 00:34:26.519 --> 00:34:26.840 we'd be 00:34:26.840 --> 00:34:27.300 those who 00:34:27.300 --> 00:34:27.539 would be 00:34:27.539 --> 00:34:28.400 reading and 00:34:28.400 --> 00:34:29.660 meditating on 00:34:29.660 --> 00:34:30.500 it that it 00:34:30.500 --> 00:34:30.800 would be 00:34:30.800 --> 00:34:31.940 directing our 00:34:31.940 --> 00:34:32.960 life and our 00:34:32.960 --> 00:34:35.160 thoughts that it 00:34:35.160 --> 00:34:36.260 would shape our 00:34:36.260 --> 00:34:38.000 character and 00:34:38.000 --> 00:34:38.340 that it would 00:34:38.340 --> 00:34:39.039 give us hope 00:34:39.039 --> 00:34:39.700 when we find 00:34:39.700 --> 00:34:41.160 ourselves in 00:34:41.160 --> 00:34:42.460 those seasons of 00:34:42.460 --> 00:34:43.079 life that are 00:34:43.079 --> 00:34:43.820 stormy and 00:34:43.820 --> 00:34:45.660 hard Lord we 00:34:45.660 --> 00:34:46.500 pray for anyone 00:34:46.500 --> 00:34:47.140 in our church 00:34:47.140 --> 00:34:47.900 family or in 00:34:47.900 --> 00:34:49.180 our own families 00:34:49.180 --> 00:34:50.000 who we can think 00:34:50.000 --> 00:34:50.900 of who are 00:34:50.900 --> 00:34:51.680 facing real 00:34:51.680 --> 00:34:52.380 trouble to 00:34:52.380 --> 00:34:53.539 us now we 00:34:53.539 --> 00:34:54.019 pray that it 00:34:54.019 --> 00:34:54.300 would be a 00:34:54.300 --> 00:34:54.960 time of them 00:34:54.960 --> 00:34:56.320 leaning on 00:34:56.320 --> 00:34:57.079 you of putting 00:34:57.079 --> 00:34:58.280 their roots down 00:34:58.280 --> 00:34:59.619 in your word 00:34:59.619 --> 00:35:00.160 and to find 00:35:00.160 --> 00:35:01.820 strength there 00:35:01.820 --> 00:35:03.960 Lord we pray 00:35:03.960 --> 00:35:04.720 for our 00:35:04.720 --> 00:35:05.460 communities we 00:35:05.460 --> 00:35:06.660 pray for our 00:35:06.660 --> 00:35:07.579 city we pray 00:35:07.579 --> 00:35:08.559 for a recovery 00:35:08.559 --> 00:35:10.460 of people 00:35:10.460 --> 00:35:11.220 reading the 00:35:11.220 --> 00:35:12.200 Bible of 00:35:12.200 --> 00:35:13.119 discovering who 00:35:13.119 --> 00:35:14.360 you really are 00:35:14.360 --> 00:35:15.680 of not being 00:35:15.680 --> 00:35:16.619 content with 00:35:16.619 --> 00:35:18.200 caricatures or 00:35:18.200 --> 00:35:19.800 disregarding the 00:35:19.800 --> 00:35:20.320 God that they 00:35:20.320 --> 00:35:21.059 don't really know 00:35:21.059 --> 00:35:21.740 anything about 00:35:21.739 --> 00:35:22.599 Lord we pray 00:35:22.599 --> 00:35:23.659 that you'd 00:35:23.659 --> 00:35:25.579 help us as a 00:35:25.579 --> 00:35:27.419 nation we pray 00:35:27.419 --> 00:35:28.500 for the nations 00:35:28.500 --> 00:35:29.259 of the world 00:35:29.259 --> 00:35:31.779 to return to 00:35:31.779 --> 00:35:32.939 our God our 00:35:32.939 --> 00:35:33.679 creator our 00:35:33.679 --> 00:35:34.859 savior as we 00:35:34.859 --> 00:35:36.239 find you in 00:35:36.239 --> 00:35:36.779 the Bible 00:35:36.779 --> 00:35:38.139 pray it in 00:35:38.139 --> 00:35:38.859 Jesus name 00:35:38.859 --> 00:35:39.899 amen 00:35:39.899 --> 00:35:43.139 now we are 00:35:43.139 --> 00:35:43.899 going to 00:35:45.000 --> 00:35:47.559 have another 00:35:47.559 --> 00:35:48.899 hymn before we 00:35:48.899 --> 00:35:50.959 close this one 00:35:50.960 --> 00:35:52.139 the modern 00:35:52.139 --> 00:35:53.220 hymn he will 00:35:53.220 --> 00:35:54.659 hold me fast 00:35:54.659 --> 00:35:55.079 as we think 00:35:55.079 --> 00:35:55.460 about the 00:35:55.460 --> 00:35:56.960 seasons of 00:35:56.960 --> 00:35:57.519 life that we 00:35:57.519 --> 00:35:58.139 go through the 00:35:58.139 --> 00:35:58.860 troubles that 00:35:58.860 --> 00:36:00.440 come the 00:36:00.440 --> 00:36:01.159 comfort from 00:36:01.159 --> 00:36:02.139 God's word that 00:36:02.139 --> 00:36:03.000 Jesus says he'll 00:36:03.000 --> 00:36:04.500 never leave us or 00:36:04.500 --> 00:36:05.260 abandon us we 00:36:05.260 --> 00:36:06.619 find those thoughts 00:36:06.619 --> 00:36:08.619 here to reflect on 00:36:08.619 --> 00:36:28.719 when I fear my faith 00:36:28.719 --> 00:36:32.460 will fail Christ will 00:36:32.460 --> 00:36:36.859 hold me fast when the 00:36:36.860 --> 00:36:41.559 tempter what prevails he 00:36:41.559 --> 00:36:45.980 will hold me fast I 00:36:45.980 --> 00:36:48.740 could never keep my 00:36:48.740 --> 00:36:52.099 hold through life's 00:36:52.099 --> 00:36:56.180 fearful path for my 00:36:56.180 --> 00:37:00.920 love is often cold he 00:37:00.920 --> 00:37:06.519 must hold me fast he 00:37:06.519 --> 00:37:10.619 will hold me fast he 00:37:10.619 --> 00:37:15.559 will hold me fast for my 00:37:15.559 --> 00:37:20.539 savior loves me so he 00:37:20.539 --> 00:37:22.659 will hold me fast 00:37:22.659 --> 00:37:37.839 those he saves are his 00:37:37.839 --> 00:37:42.619 delight Christ will hold me 00:37:42.619 --> 00:37:47.859 fast precious in his holy 00:37:47.860 --> 00:37:54.860 side he will hold me fast he 00:37:54.860 --> 00:37:59.980 will not let my soul be lost his 00:37:59.980 --> 00:38:15.860 promises shall last bought by him at such a cost he will hold me fast he will hold me fast he will hold me fast 00:38:15.860 --> 00:38:31.740 he will hold me fast for my savior loves me so he will hold me so 00:38:31.739 --> 00:38:48.119 For my life he bled at night 00:38:48.119 --> 00:38:52.259 Christ will hold me fast 00:38:52.259 --> 00:38:56.659 Justice has been satisfied 00:38:56.659 --> 00:39:01.980 He will hold me fast 00:39:01.980 --> 00:39:07.639 Raised with him to endless life 00:39:07.639 --> 00:39:12.059 He will hold me fast 00:39:12.059 --> 00:39:16.819 Till our faith is turned to sight 00:39:16.819 --> 00:39:22.219 When he comes at last 00:39:22.219 --> 00:39:27.099 He will hold me fast 00:39:27.099 --> 00:39:31.239 He will hold me fast 00:39:31.239 --> 00:39:35.779 For my Savior loves me so 00:39:35.779 --> 00:39:41.759 He will hold me fast 00:39:41.760 --> 00:39:46.080 He will hold me fast 00:39:46.080 --> 00:39:50.180 He will hold me fast 00:39:50.180 --> 00:39:55.000 For my Savior loves me so 00:39:55.000 --> 00:40:01.280 He will hold me fast 00:40:01.280 --> 00:40:18.780 We'll close in prayer 00:40:18.780 --> 00:40:22.920 With words from Ephesians chapter 3 00:40:22.920 --> 00:40:26.100 Let's use these words to close our service 00:40:26.099 --> 00:40:29.980 I pray that out of his glorious riches 00:40:29.980 --> 00:40:33.420 God the Father may strengthen you with power 00:40:33.420 --> 00:40:36.299 Through his Spirit in your inner being 00:40:36.299 --> 00:40:40.460 So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith 00:40:40.460 --> 00:40:44.960 And I pray that you being rooted and established in love 00:40:44.960 --> 00:40:46.440 May have power 00:40:46.440 --> 00:40:49.099 Together with all the Lord's holy people 00:40:49.099 --> 00:40:52.460 To grasp how wide and long 00:40:52.460 --> 00:40:55.720 And high and deep is the love of Christ 00:40:55.720 --> 00:40:59.460 And to know this love that surpasses knowledge 00:40:59.460 --> 00:41:01.519 That you may be filled 00:41:01.519 --> 00:41:04.659 To the measure of all the fullness of God 00:41:04.659 --> 00:41:06.059 Amen 00:41:22.460 --> 00:41:23.460 Amen 00:41:52.460 --> 00:41:53.460 Amen 00:42:22.460 --> 00:42:23.460 Amen 00:42:52.460 --> 00:42:53.460 Amen 00:43:22.460 --> 00:43:23.460 Amen 00:43:52.460 --> 00:43:53.460 Amen 00:43:53.460 --> 00:43:54.460 Amen 00:43:54.460 --> 00:43:55.460 Amen 00:43:55.460 --> 00:43:56.460 Amen 00:43:56.460 --> 00:43:57.000 Amen 00:44:13.159 --> 00:44:15.119 astic 00:44:15.559 --> 00:44:15.619 Amen 00:44:15.619 --> 00:44:16.260 Amen 00:44:16.260 --> 00:44:16.679 Amen 00:44:16.679 --> 00:44:17.300 Amen 00:44:17.300 --> 00:44:17.659 Amen 00:44:17.659 --> 00:44:18.300 Amen 00:44:18.300 --> 00:44:18.519 Amen 00:44:18.519 --> 00:44:18.619 Amen 00:44:18.619 --> 00:44:21.519 Amen 00:44:21.519 --> 00:44:22.440 Amen