WEBVTT

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 Amen, amen.

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 Children, at this time you are dismissed for Children's Church.

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!

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 It's a tiring week.

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 I can speak for my children at least when they finally got home and settled down.

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 Now, they slept pretty well after a few hours straight of running and dancing and trying

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 their best to pay attention during lessons.

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 And some of you volunteers likely went home and some of you may have crashed due to physical

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 exhaustion from corralling them from place to place and trying to keep up with the motions

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 of the songs.

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 And it's just, it's a tiring week, right?

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 But some of you perhaps didn't sleep quite as easy.

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 There are times in our lives where we lay awake at night, unable to drift off into peaceful

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 slumber.

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 I know when I was young, many, many, many years ago, right?

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 When I was young, the excitement of leaving for a mission trip or a youth camp would often

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 keep me awake with some blissful anticipation of what was to come the following week.

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 Or maybe it was the nerves of starting a new grade in school with a new class, a new teacher.

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 New chapters of life seemed to add to the anxieties and worry would start to preoccupy

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 in my mind as life has developed over the years.

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 These anxieties that sometimes keep me awake have grown more complex.

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 Pervasive thoughts about ministry, just whether or not I'm doing my best.

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 Thoughts about my family, intrusive thoughts about parenting and marriage, replaying every

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 shortcoming I seem to have and the relationships I hold most important and that are the closest

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 to me.

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 Then there are the parasitic thoughts about life circumstances, finances, health, loss,

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 and what is to come, whether it's scrolling through bank statements or scrolling through

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 test results on my chart.

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 There just seems to be an ever-growing list of things that are there to keep me awake at

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 night.

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 Present pain that causes my mind to not rest well.

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 And that can seem a little uncomfortable to admit in a church setting, right?

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 We put on our Sunday best, we gather together, we say that we're blessed and highly favored,

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 and then we go home to our problems to deal with them ourselves.

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 And we're tempted to deal with them ourselves.

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 But I want to challenge myself and each of us today that when it comes to pursuing peace

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 in present pain, that's something we as a church are called to do together, to pursue

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 peace in present pain together.

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 If you have your Bibles, we'll be in Psalm chapter 4 this morning, the fourth Psalm.

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 Last week, Pastor Brett led us through Psalm 3, which was a personal Psalm of David to comfort

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 him during a time of just a fractured family dynamic.

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 Well, Psalm 4 is believed by some to be written in a very similar context, although that's not

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 known.

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 And it really doesn't change the meaning of the message, if you think about it, of what

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 David was going through, because it's very pertinent for us today.

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 Psalm 4 is a psalm to the choir master.

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 I mean, this is a psalm not meant to comfort David personally.

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 It's one for the nation of Israel to sing together in corporate worship.

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 Writing on a different yet similar psalm, there's a pastor named Ligon Duncan who gives a helpful

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 perspective for us to keep in mind as we navigate this text together.

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 He writes, friend, your life may be filled with far more suffering than my own, but Scripture

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 teaches that your troubles don't belong to you alone.

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 God placed psalms of lament like this one in Scripture so that we could all learn how to

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 cry out to the Lord in our sadness and our grief together.

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 Psalms like this one teach us to share in one another's suffering and to bear one another's

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 burdens.

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 So how does David teach us to pursue peace in present pain, and how do we do that together?

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 Well, let's turn our attention to Psalm 4.

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 To the choir master with stringed instruments, a psalm of David.

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 He writes in verse 1, answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness.

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 You have given me relief when I was in distress.

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 Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

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 O men, how long shall my honor be turned to shame?

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 How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?

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 Say, La.

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 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself.

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 The Lord hears when I call to him.

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 Be angry and do not sin.

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 Ponder in your own hearts on your beds and be silent.

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 Say, La.

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 Offer right sacrifices and put your trust in the Lord.

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 There are many who say, who will show us some good?

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 Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord.

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 I love this if you want to underline it.

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 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.

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 In peace I will both lie down and sleep.

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 For you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

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 So when it comes to pursuing peace in present pain, one of the first things we see in this passage is that, David, it reminds us to pray with bold assurance.

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 To pray with bold assurance.

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 He writes, answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness.

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 The audacity that David expresses here in addressing the creator God in such a manner.

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 Who are we to think that an all-knowing, all-powerful, all-present, never-changing God would care about us?

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 Yet David addresses him and says, answer me, O God of my righteousness.

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 The reason he cares about us is because he's not just a God.

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 He's my God.

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 He's the God of my righteousness.

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 Charles Spurgeon explains David's use of this name.

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 He writes, it means, thou art the author, the witness, the maintainer, the judge, the rewarder of my righteousness.

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 To you I appeal from the calamities and harsh judgments of men.

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 Here in his wisdom let us imitate it and always take our suit not to the petty courts of human opinion,

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 but to the superior court, the king's bench of heaven.

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 You see, our status before God is not grounded in our own righteousness, our own ability to approach the throne of God.

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 Instead, it's grounded in the warm welcome of our God.

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 The God of our righteousness that has torn the veil and welcomed us in by the blood of his lamb.

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 And we see this welcome expressed in passages like Hebrews 4, 15 and 16 where the author of Hebrews writes,

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 for we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with us.

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 So Jesus understands our weaknesses.

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 He writes, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

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 And based on that, he further writes in verse 16,

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 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace,

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 that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

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 So when the pain and pressure of life starts to push our backs against the wall,

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 when it seems as though it's too much for us to handle,

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 God is reminding us through this passage here that we must first pray with bold assurance.

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 Prayer is important.

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 We pray bold prayers because God genuinely cares for us.

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 Now, we often fail to pray, right?

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 We often fail to pray for many reasons.

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 We fail to pray because we tend to think that our struggles are beneath God.

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 Or that they're our own doing, so there are problems to fix.

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 But friends, the whole point of the gospel is that we weren't able to fix the depths of our sorrows by our own.

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 We needed Jesus.

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 Prayer is not some last-ditch effort for when nothing else seems to work.

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 Prayer must be the very essence of our relationships with the Almighty God.

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 Prayer is necessary.

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 Looking here, David's anticipation for an answer, answer me, O God,

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 is dependent on the fact that he's already called.

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 He's already gone before him.

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 So the boldness of David's prayer life is grounded in the very character of God,

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 the attributes that he knows of him.

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 And God has consistently shown a care and compassion for his children.

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 And David isn't praying to some unknown God.

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 He's praying to the God of his righteousness.

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 And he further prays,

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 You have given me relief when I was in distress.

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 So be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

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 David is relying on God's prior faithfulness as the foundation for his request with his present pain.

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 God has been faithful, so I trust that he'll be faithful again.

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 And we see this reality all the more present in the rest of this psalm,

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 where David continually refers to him as Lord, capital L, capital O, capital R, capital D,

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 which means that he was calling out to Yahweh, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac,

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 the God of Jacob, the God of Joseph, the God of the Israelites.

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 The God who had consistently provided for his people and protected them from their enemies

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 and provided for their needs.

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 Now, this morning, I'm not all-knowing.

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 I don't pretend to know everything that's going on in each of your lives.

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 But I do know personally the reality of what many preachers before me have said.

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 And that is that you're either coming out of a storm,

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 presently in a storm,

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 or a storm's on its way.

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 So when the clouds start to get dark above us,

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 and the pain seems all the more present,

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 I've got to ask,

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 have you prayed about it?

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 Have you gone before your heavenly Father with a bold assurance that he cares,

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 and that he alone is able to provide an answer in his time?

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 So we pray with bold assurance,

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 but further, we also must ponder the condition of our hearts.

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 Look at this in verses 2 through 3.

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 O men, he's addressing some other people here.

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 O men, how long shall my honor be turned to shame?

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 How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?

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 Selah.

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 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself.

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 The Lord hears when I call to him.

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 Here, David's addressing some of his enemies,

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 perhaps some of the same enemies from Psalm chapter 3.

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 These are some noble men who are using David's current circumstances

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 as an excuse to tarnish his reputation,

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 to attack him and his status before others,

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 to shame him.

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 His fear is no longer physical dangers,

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 it's his reputation that's at stake.

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 And it's in this that David responds to these men with a reminder probably for himself,

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 God has set me apart for himself.

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 He will answer my call.

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 He will answer when I call to him.

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 David's confidence of God's character and care is carrying over into,

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 give him a confidence before his enemies that are oppressing him.

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 And he then further writes in verse 4,

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 Be angry and do not sin.

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 Ponder in your own hearts on your beds and be silent.

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 Selah.

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 Now there are a couple of ways that be angry is translated from the Hebrew to the English.

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 And thinking about that kind of gives us a little bit of context

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 for what David's intentionally meaning here.

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 This phrase, be angry, can also be translated as to tremble.

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 Now think about the heavy emotions that we feel that cause us to tremble.

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 It's usually used in context of anger,

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 but it could just be any heavy emotions that we feel.

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 Think about this,

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 have you ever been so angry that you just started to shake?

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 That's what he means here, be angry.

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 That trembling emotion,

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 the uncontrollable emotions that are there.

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 And often, often,

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 we struggle in two ways primarily with our emotions, right?

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 First, often,

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 we fail to go before God with our actual real needs.

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 We pretty it up.

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 We clean it up in our prayers.

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 We start to hide the real emotions and the real issues,

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 and we fail to take our actual problems to the Lord.

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 But secondly,

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 our emotions often cause us to sin.

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 They cause us to sin.

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 We start to store up hatred in our hearts

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 that Jesus Christ says is the same as murder.

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 We start to store up bitterness,

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 anxiety,

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 grief.

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 And each of these things,

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 we store up these emotions,

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 and our grief gets to the point

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 where our hearts

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 are no longer set on the purposes

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 to which God has already set us apart.

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 In this,

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 our emotions sometimes lead us

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 to sin.

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 And so David instructs his enemies,

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 and I believe he instructs the people of God

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 that would be singing this together.

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 He writes,

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 Ponder,

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 think on,

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 dwell on,

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 search your own heart

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 on your beds,

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 and be silent.

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 So have you prayed about it?

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 But what's the condition of your heart this morning?

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 What's the condition of your heart

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 and the pain that is present for you?

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 When it looks at this,

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 like,

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 God says it's okay to feel emotion.

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 It's okay to be angry even,

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 but don't let it infect you

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 to the point

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 where your anger

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 and your emotions

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 calls you to sinful disobedience

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 to the God of your righteousness.

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 We often do everything we can

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 to avoid this task, right?

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 We try to fill the silence.

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 When we got married,

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 my wife,

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 she was used to sleeping with a box fan.

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 So,

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 nearly wed couple,

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 my first task

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 was to get used to sleeping

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 with a big old box fan

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 that would be a sound machine

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 and keep us freezing all night long.

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 We couldn't sit in silence

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 had to have a big old box fan.

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 Well,

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 we do that

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 in every aspect of our life, right?

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 We drown out the noise.

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 We distract ourselves

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 with entertainment.

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 We distract ourselves

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 with sinful pursuits.

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 I was talking with Josh Lorenz,

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 our youth pastor,

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 just the other day

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 about the genuine need

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 that students have

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 to retreat

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 and get away

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 from their distractions

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 and even technology sometimes

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 because it's only sometimes

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 when we separate ourselves

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 from the noise

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 and the distractions

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 that we can genuinely feel

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 our need for God.

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 And that's a problem

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 not just for students,

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 that's a problem

00:14:00.460 --> 00:14:01.840
 for many of us.

00:14:02.820 --> 00:14:03.640
 We don't let ourselves

00:14:03.640 --> 00:14:04.680
 sit and think on it.

00:14:05.420 --> 00:14:06.460
 We distract ourselves

00:14:06.460 --> 00:14:08.620
 to numb the present pain.

00:14:08.740 --> 00:14:10.560
 It said 89.2%,

00:14:10.560 --> 00:14:11.920
 almost 90% of people

00:14:11.920 --> 00:14:13.240
 scroll on their phones

00:14:13.240 --> 00:14:14.220
 before going to sleep.

00:14:14.280 --> 00:14:15.300
 We don't want to be left alone

00:14:15.300 --> 00:14:15.960
 with our thoughts.

00:14:16.440 --> 00:14:17.280
 We don't want to sit there

00:14:17.279 --> 00:14:18.500
 and dwell on things.

00:14:18.819 --> 00:14:19.899
 So we scroll,

00:14:20.079 --> 00:14:21.539
 we try to distract ourselves

00:14:21.539 --> 00:14:22.779
 and often we drown out

00:14:22.779 --> 00:14:23.399
 all the noise

00:14:23.399 --> 00:14:24.600
 to the point where we drown out

00:14:24.600 --> 00:14:26.659
 the very voice of God

00:14:26.659 --> 00:14:27.600
 that we're hoping

00:14:27.600 --> 00:14:28.459
 and praying for.

00:14:30.399 --> 00:14:32.720
 Ponder in your hearts,

00:14:33.139 --> 00:14:34.480
 on your beds

00:14:34.480 --> 00:14:36.179
 and be silent.

00:14:37.419 --> 00:14:38.220
 It may just be

00:14:38.220 --> 00:14:39.559
 in the quiet contemplation

00:14:39.559 --> 00:14:40.779
 of the condition

00:14:40.779 --> 00:14:41.500
 of our hearts

00:14:41.500 --> 00:14:43.159
 that you begin to hear

00:14:43.159 --> 00:14:44.819
 the answer from God

00:14:44.819 --> 00:14:45.659
 that you've been desperately

00:14:45.659 --> 00:14:46.620
 wanting to hear.

00:14:47.279 --> 00:14:49.899
 Pray with bold assurance.

00:14:50.379 --> 00:14:51.220
 Ponder the condition

00:14:51.220 --> 00:14:51.759
 of your heart.

00:14:52.199 --> 00:14:52.459
 Further,

00:14:52.699 --> 00:14:53.879
 put your trust

00:14:53.879 --> 00:14:55.259
 in the Lord.

00:14:55.339 --> 00:14:56.259
 Verses 5-7,

00:14:56.319 --> 00:14:56.899
 he writes this.

00:14:58.100 --> 00:14:59.500
 Offer the right sacrifices

00:14:59.500 --> 00:15:00.980
 and put your trust

00:15:00.980 --> 00:15:02.319
 in the Lord.

00:15:02.559 --> 00:15:03.500
 There are many who say

00:15:03.500 --> 00:15:04.579
 who will show us some good.

00:15:04.720 --> 00:15:05.559
 Lift up your face

00:15:05.559 --> 00:15:06.539
 upon us, O Lord.

00:15:06.699 --> 00:15:07.779
 You have put more joy

00:15:07.779 --> 00:15:08.419
 in my heart

00:15:08.419 --> 00:15:09.279
 than they have

00:15:09.279 --> 00:15:09.860
 when their grain

00:15:09.860 --> 00:15:11.299
 and wine abound.

00:15:11.399 --> 00:15:12.539
 Looking at this passage here,

00:15:12.740 --> 00:15:12.959
 he says,

00:15:13.339 --> 00:15:14.559
 offer right sacrifices,

00:15:15.019 --> 00:15:16.039
 put your trust

00:15:16.039 --> 00:15:17.120
 in the Lord.

00:15:17.120 --> 00:15:17.579
 You see,

00:15:17.620 --> 00:15:18.620
 the trembling emotions

00:15:18.620 --> 00:15:19.779
 of verse 4

00:15:19.779 --> 00:15:21.039
 also bear the context

00:15:21.039 --> 00:15:22.299
 of trembling

00:15:22.299 --> 00:15:23.620
 and standing in awe

00:15:23.620 --> 00:15:24.959
 of the presence of God.

00:15:25.639 --> 00:15:26.620
 Which carries over

00:15:26.620 --> 00:15:27.319
 into verse 5 here,

00:15:27.439 --> 00:15:28.599
 offer right sacrifices

00:15:28.599 --> 00:15:29.279
 in the presence

00:15:29.279 --> 00:15:30.299
 of God himself.

00:15:30.719 --> 00:15:31.779
 How we live,

00:15:32.039 --> 00:15:33.159
 how we move forward

00:15:33.159 --> 00:15:34.159
 in our pain

00:15:34.159 --> 00:15:35.039
 matters.

00:15:36.219 --> 00:15:36.959
 How we live

00:15:36.959 --> 00:15:38.139
 and how we move forward

00:15:38.139 --> 00:15:39.279
 in our pain matters.

00:15:39.360 --> 00:15:39.799
 It's one thing

00:15:39.799 --> 00:15:40.620
 to take our request

00:15:40.620 --> 00:15:41.599
 to God.

00:15:41.759 --> 00:15:42.339
 It's another thing

00:15:42.339 --> 00:15:43.879
 entirely to trust him

00:15:43.879 --> 00:15:44.379
 with it.

00:15:45.059 --> 00:15:45.980
 Put your trust

00:15:45.980 --> 00:15:47.120
 in the Lord.

00:15:47.200 --> 00:15:47.639
 These enemies

00:15:47.639 --> 00:15:48.639
 that David is addressing,

00:15:48.860 --> 00:15:49.939
 if in the ponderings

00:15:49.939 --> 00:15:50.659
 of their heart,

00:15:50.899 --> 00:15:51.799
 come to the conclusion

00:15:51.799 --> 00:15:52.399
 that they either

00:15:52.399 --> 00:15:53.539
 do not know God

00:15:53.539 --> 00:15:55.220
 or are distant from God,

00:15:55.480 --> 00:15:56.340
 David instructs them

00:15:56.340 --> 00:15:57.419
 of how to get back

00:15:57.419 --> 00:15:58.019
 to God

00:15:58.019 --> 00:15:58.460
 or to him

00:15:58.460 --> 00:15:59.220
 in the first place.

00:15:59.899 --> 00:16:01.179
 Offer right sacrifices,

00:16:01.980 --> 00:16:02.840
 put your trust

00:16:02.840 --> 00:16:04.460
 in the Lord.

00:16:04.519 --> 00:16:05.039
 And that's always

00:16:05.039 --> 00:16:05.539
 been the way.

00:16:06.059 --> 00:16:06.679
 Throughout all

00:16:06.679 --> 00:16:07.100
 the scripture,

00:16:07.220 --> 00:16:08.299
 that's always been the way.

00:16:08.360 --> 00:16:09.120
 In the Old Testament,

00:16:09.240 --> 00:16:10.440
 under the Old Covenant,

00:16:10.440 --> 00:16:11.660
 certain sacrifices

00:16:11.660 --> 00:16:13.120
 were necessary

00:16:13.120 --> 00:16:14.640
 for sin to be covered

00:16:14.640 --> 00:16:15.420
 and for God's people

00:16:15.420 --> 00:16:16.420
 to be right with him.

00:16:16.720 --> 00:16:17.780
 And while those sacrifices

00:16:17.780 --> 00:16:19.280
 were absolutely necessary

00:16:19.280 --> 00:16:21.220
 and they were strict guidelines

00:16:21.220 --> 00:16:22.780
 for those to be done reverently

00:16:22.780 --> 00:16:23.760
 and appropriately

00:16:23.760 --> 00:16:24.500
 and correctly,

00:16:24.720 --> 00:16:27.160
 the heart behind the sacrifice

00:16:27.160 --> 00:16:29.100
 was always important.

00:16:29.980 --> 00:16:31.460
 The heart behind the sacrifice

00:16:31.460 --> 00:16:33.440
 was always to be one

00:16:33.440 --> 00:16:35.780
 of trusting in the Lord.

00:16:35.900 --> 00:16:36.880
 Consider Abraham

00:16:36.880 --> 00:16:38.380
 a pillar of a figure

00:16:38.380 --> 00:16:39.140
 in the book of Genesis.

00:16:39.139 --> 00:16:41.879
 It wasn't his grand use

00:16:41.879 --> 00:16:42.699
 of sacrifices

00:16:42.699 --> 00:16:43.399
 that brought him

00:16:43.399 --> 00:16:44.539
 into the good pleasures

00:16:44.539 --> 00:16:45.120
 of God.

00:16:45.259 --> 00:16:46.139
 It was that he believed.

00:16:46.939 --> 00:16:48.059
 It was that he trusted.

00:16:48.259 --> 00:16:49.399
 It was that he had confidence

00:16:49.399 --> 00:16:50.819
 in God Almighty.

00:16:50.980 --> 00:16:52.620
 Notice this in Genesis 15, 6.

00:16:53.199 --> 00:16:53.600
 It writes,

00:16:53.799 --> 00:16:54.840
 And he, Abram,

00:16:55.179 --> 00:16:56.939
 believed the Lord.

00:16:57.980 --> 00:16:58.960
 And he, God,

00:16:59.080 --> 00:17:00.080
 counted it to him

00:17:00.080 --> 00:17:01.699
 as righteousness.

00:17:03.059 --> 00:17:04.200
 He believed.

00:17:05.200 --> 00:17:05.859
 He didn't just know

00:17:05.859 --> 00:17:07.099
 facts about God.

00:17:07.099 --> 00:17:08.980
 He knew God's character

00:17:08.980 --> 00:17:10.579
 and he had confidence

00:17:10.579 --> 00:17:11.899
 in his faithfulness.

00:17:11.959 --> 00:17:13.559
 He trusted in the Lord

00:17:13.559 --> 00:17:14.599
 and he was counted

00:17:14.599 --> 00:17:15.579
 as righteous.

00:17:15.779 --> 00:17:16.759
 He was brought into

00:17:16.759 --> 00:17:18.339
 the family of God.

00:17:18.379 --> 00:17:19.219
 Under the new covenant,

00:17:19.299 --> 00:17:20.000
 in the New Testament,

00:17:20.159 --> 00:17:20.439
 however,

00:17:21.039 --> 00:17:22.039
 what we see in the New Testament

00:17:22.039 --> 00:17:23.519
 is that the ultimate sacrifice

00:17:23.519 --> 00:17:25.039
 has already been given.

00:17:26.019 --> 00:17:27.539
 It's already been done.

00:17:27.639 --> 00:17:28.500
 The blood that has been shed

00:17:28.500 --> 00:17:29.519
 by Jesus Christ

00:17:29.519 --> 00:17:31.159
 has already taken place

00:17:31.159 --> 00:17:32.399
 so that by his stripes

00:17:32.399 --> 00:17:33.480
 we may be healed.

00:17:33.659 --> 00:17:34.399
 By his blood,

00:17:34.500 --> 00:17:35.519
 we may be forgiven.

00:17:35.519 --> 00:17:36.539
 Through his death,

00:17:36.619 --> 00:17:37.920
 we might have life.

00:17:39.639 --> 00:17:40.319
 Romans 10, 9,

00:17:40.379 --> 00:17:41.000
 that if you confess

00:17:41.000 --> 00:17:41.619
 with your mouth

00:17:41.619 --> 00:17:43.519
 that Jesus is Lord

00:17:43.519 --> 00:17:45.579
 and believe in your heart

00:17:45.579 --> 00:17:46.319
 that God raised him

00:17:46.319 --> 00:17:46.900
 from the dead,

00:17:47.019 --> 00:17:48.740
 you will be saved.

00:17:49.700 --> 00:17:50.960
 There's no further sacrifice

00:17:50.960 --> 00:17:52.259
 necessary to bring us

00:17:52.259 --> 00:17:52.920
 into salvation.

00:17:53.400 --> 00:17:54.420
 Christ's work on the cross

00:17:54.420 --> 00:17:55.700
 is finished work.

00:17:56.539 --> 00:17:57.639
 But all too often,

00:17:58.480 --> 00:17:59.619
 we attempt to sacrifice

00:17:59.619 --> 00:18:01.079
 the wrong thing

00:18:01.079 --> 00:18:02.900
 to fix our pain.

00:18:04.200 --> 00:18:05.299
 Friends, it doesn't work.

00:18:06.299 --> 00:18:07.180
 We sacrifice

00:18:07.180 --> 00:18:08.259
 and spend more hours

00:18:08.259 --> 00:18:08.859
 at work

00:18:08.859 --> 00:18:09.779
 to put more money

00:18:09.779 --> 00:18:10.559
 in the bank

00:18:10.559 --> 00:18:11.259
 and give us comfort,

00:18:11.359 --> 00:18:11.740
 but friends,

00:18:11.819 --> 00:18:12.940
 that doesn't fix our pain.

00:18:14.299 --> 00:18:16.859
 We sacrifice our morals

00:18:16.859 --> 00:18:18.700
 to gain status with others

00:18:18.700 --> 00:18:19.619
 and favor with others,

00:18:19.720 --> 00:18:21.639
 but that doesn't fix our pain.

00:18:22.579 --> 00:18:23.119
 There are many

00:18:23.119 --> 00:18:23.779
 who will abandon

00:18:23.779 --> 00:18:24.659
 their responsibilities,

00:18:24.899 --> 00:18:26.139
 abandon their families even,

00:18:26.319 --> 00:18:27.980
 trying to seek some peace,

00:18:28.099 --> 00:18:30.579
 but that doesn't fix our pain.

00:18:30.579 --> 00:18:34.039
 unless we turn our eyes

00:18:34.039 --> 00:18:34.699
 upon Jesus

00:18:34.699 --> 00:18:36.699
 and look full

00:18:36.699 --> 00:18:37.720
 in his wonderful face,

00:18:38.220 --> 00:18:40.299
 we'll find no other substitute

00:18:40.299 --> 00:18:43.019
 that can fix our pain.

00:18:44.699 --> 00:18:46.099
 Offer right sacrifices

00:18:46.099 --> 00:18:47.639
 and put your trust

00:18:47.639 --> 00:18:48.299
 in the Lord.

00:18:49.439 --> 00:18:50.539
 The Apostle Paul shows us

00:18:50.539 --> 00:18:51.899
 what this practically looks like

00:18:51.899 --> 00:18:53.480
 in Romans 12, 1 and 2

00:18:53.480 --> 00:18:54.059
 where he writes,

00:18:54.059 --> 00:18:55.579
 I appeal to you,

00:18:55.779 --> 00:18:55.960
 therefore,

00:18:56.099 --> 00:18:57.240
 I beg of you,

00:18:57.399 --> 00:18:58.200
 I ask of you,

00:18:58.279 --> 00:18:58.539
 brothers,

00:18:58.679 --> 00:19:00.139
 by the mercies of God

00:19:00.139 --> 00:19:01.639
 to present your bodies

00:19:01.639 --> 00:19:03.359
 as a living sacrifice,

00:19:03.539 --> 00:19:05.299
 holy and acceptable to God,

00:19:05.379 --> 00:19:07.559
 which is your spiritual worship.

00:19:07.559 --> 00:19:09.119
 So as we trust

00:19:09.119 --> 00:19:10.179
 in the right sacrifice,

00:19:10.539 --> 00:19:10.799
 Jesus,

00:19:11.759 --> 00:19:13.500
 by the mercies of God,

00:19:14.079 --> 00:19:16.259
 we further live our lives

00:19:16.259 --> 00:19:18.319
 as a living sacrifice,

00:19:18.839 --> 00:19:19.700
 set apart,

00:19:20.039 --> 00:19:21.819
 holy and acceptable to God

00:19:21.819 --> 00:19:24.099
 in spiritual worship.

00:19:25.980 --> 00:19:26.859
 Now, I'm gonna be honest,

00:19:27.000 --> 00:19:28.000
 worship in the midst

00:19:28.000 --> 00:19:28.879
 of our pain

00:19:28.879 --> 00:19:30.839
 seems a bit counterintuitive.

00:19:32.019 --> 00:19:32.960
 It's hard.

00:19:34.639 --> 00:19:35.519
 I'm reminded by the story

00:19:35.519 --> 00:19:36.480
 of Robertson McQuilkin.

00:19:36.480 --> 00:19:37.279
 He was the president

00:19:37.279 --> 00:19:38.819
 of Columbia Bible College

00:19:38.819 --> 00:19:40.799
 and Seminary for 22 years.

00:19:41.539 --> 00:19:42.360
 He'd served alongside

00:19:42.360 --> 00:19:43.220
 his wife, Muriel,

00:19:43.259 --> 00:19:44.380
 for 12 years in Japan

00:19:44.380 --> 00:19:45.059
 as missionaries.

00:19:45.200 --> 00:19:46.640
 Well, long story short,

00:19:47.079 --> 00:19:48.259
 Muriel, his wife,

00:19:48.339 --> 00:19:49.259
 began to show signs

00:19:49.259 --> 00:19:50.120
 of Alzheimer's

00:19:50.120 --> 00:19:53.059
 and he eventually left

00:19:53.059 --> 00:19:54.599
 the role of president

00:19:54.599 --> 00:19:55.420
 at a seminary

00:19:55.420 --> 00:19:56.940
 to care for his wife

00:19:56.940 --> 00:19:58.059
 full time.

00:19:59.660 --> 00:20:00.700
 That's a story he writes

00:20:00.700 --> 00:20:01.420
 about in his book,

00:20:01.519 --> 00:20:02.200
 A Promise Kept,

00:20:02.240 --> 00:20:03.360
 which I strongly encourage

00:20:03.360 --> 00:20:04.180
 anyone who's married

00:20:04.180 --> 00:20:05.019
 or looking to be married

00:20:05.019 --> 00:20:05.880
 or is responsible

00:20:05.880 --> 00:20:06.960
 for the long-term care

00:20:06.960 --> 00:20:07.420
 of a loved one.

00:20:07.480 --> 00:20:08.260
 It's an incredible book.

00:20:08.800 --> 00:20:09.460
 But as he's writing

00:20:09.460 --> 00:20:10.040
 about the love

00:20:10.040 --> 00:20:10.500
 that he has

00:20:10.500 --> 00:20:11.440
 for his wife, Muriel,

00:20:11.960 --> 00:20:13.000
 he also reminds

00:20:13.000 --> 00:20:14.440
 the readers consistently

00:20:14.440 --> 00:20:15.900
 of God's love

00:20:15.900 --> 00:20:16.800
 for each of us.

00:20:18.080 --> 00:20:19.140
 And he uses this phrase

00:20:19.140 --> 00:20:19.720
 in one part.

00:20:20.160 --> 00:20:20.580
 He writes,

00:20:21.020 --> 00:20:21.940
 the heavy heart

00:20:21.940 --> 00:20:24.240
 lifts on the wings

00:20:24.240 --> 00:20:24.900
 of praise.

00:20:24.900 --> 00:20:27.060
 You see,

00:20:27.180 --> 00:20:28.320
 worship in the midst

00:20:28.320 --> 00:20:29.100
 of our pain

00:20:29.100 --> 00:20:31.480
 seems like the last thing

00:20:31.480 --> 00:20:32.460
 that's easy to do,

00:20:32.560 --> 00:20:33.100
 but it's often

00:20:33.100 --> 00:20:35.019
 in putting our trust

00:20:35.019 --> 00:20:35.540
 in the Lord

00:20:35.540 --> 00:20:36.840
 and worshiping him

00:20:36.840 --> 00:20:37.940
 in the midst of our pain.

00:20:38.160 --> 00:20:39.519
 Often that's the only way

00:20:39.519 --> 00:20:40.340
 for our heavy hearts

00:20:40.340 --> 00:20:41.420
 to be lifted once again.

00:20:42.320 --> 00:20:43.100
 Put your trust

00:20:43.100 --> 00:20:44.240
 in the Lord.

00:20:44.320 --> 00:20:45.420
 The goodness of God's presence

00:20:45.420 --> 00:20:46.400
 and the joy found

00:20:46.400 --> 00:20:46.940
 in the Lord

00:20:46.940 --> 00:20:48.720
 are unlike anything else

00:20:48.720 --> 00:20:49.540
 this world can provide

00:20:49.540 --> 00:20:49.960
 or offer.

00:20:50.840 --> 00:20:51.000
 You see,

00:20:51.100 --> 00:20:52.300
 even in our deepest

00:20:52.299 --> 00:20:53.299
 and darkest moments,

00:20:53.579 --> 00:20:54.859
 God gives us a joy

00:20:54.859 --> 00:20:56.259
 that surpasses

00:20:56.259 --> 00:20:57.159
 the temporary

00:20:57.159 --> 00:20:58.519
 fleeting relief

00:20:58.519 --> 00:20:59.240
 that we could find

00:20:59.240 --> 00:21:00.419
 through any earthly measure.

00:21:00.839 --> 00:21:01.639
 Verse seven,

00:21:01.720 --> 00:21:02.279
 I love this.

00:21:02.539 --> 00:21:04.299
 You have put more joy

00:21:04.299 --> 00:21:05.419
 in my heart

00:21:05.419 --> 00:21:06.839
 than they have

00:21:06.839 --> 00:21:07.539
 when their grain

00:21:07.539 --> 00:21:09.259
 and wine abound.

00:21:10.480 --> 00:21:11.500
 So David reminds us

00:21:11.500 --> 00:21:12.039
 to pray

00:21:12.039 --> 00:21:13.700
 with bold assurance.

00:21:14.740 --> 00:21:16.039
 Ponder the condition

00:21:16.039 --> 00:21:17.359
 of our hearts.

00:21:18.159 --> 00:21:19.440
 Put your trust

00:21:19.440 --> 00:21:20.200
 in the Lord.

00:21:21.059 --> 00:21:21.500
 And finally,

00:21:21.619 --> 00:21:22.279
 at the end of it all,

00:21:23.039 --> 00:21:23.599
 he tells us

00:21:23.599 --> 00:21:24.220
 to peacefully

00:21:24.220 --> 00:21:25.619
 lie down

00:21:25.619 --> 00:21:26.940
 and sleep.

00:21:27.980 --> 00:21:28.659
 Verse eight,

00:21:28.799 --> 00:21:29.379
 in peace.

00:21:30.259 --> 00:21:30.799
 I will

00:21:30.799 --> 00:21:32.079
 both

00:21:32.079 --> 00:21:33.339
 lie down

00:21:33.339 --> 00:21:34.819
 and sleep.

00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:36.240
 For you alone,

00:21:36.339 --> 00:21:36.680
 oh Lord,

00:21:36.759 --> 00:21:37.980
 make me dwell in safety.

00:21:38.079 --> 00:21:38.659
 Now it's one thing

00:21:38.659 --> 00:21:39.519
 to lie down, right?

00:21:39.639 --> 00:21:40.339
 But it's another thing

00:21:40.339 --> 00:21:41.000
 to lie down

00:21:41.000 --> 00:21:42.440
 and go to sleep.

00:21:42.879 --> 00:21:43.319
 And he's saying

00:21:43.319 --> 00:21:44.480
 that he can do both of those

00:21:44.480 --> 00:21:45.339
 because God

00:21:45.339 --> 00:21:46.399
 is his great comforter.

00:21:46.519 --> 00:21:47.220
 Charles Spurgeon

00:21:47.220 --> 00:21:48.119
 comments on this truth

00:21:48.119 --> 00:21:48.839
 writing that

00:21:48.839 --> 00:21:50.039
 a good conscience

00:21:50.039 --> 00:21:51.339
 is a good bedfellow.

00:21:51.339 --> 00:21:52.459
 How many of our

00:21:52.459 --> 00:21:53.419
 sleepless hours

00:21:53.419 --> 00:21:54.319
 might be traced

00:21:54.319 --> 00:21:55.699
 to our untrusting

00:21:55.699 --> 00:21:57.079
 and disordered minds?

00:21:57.319 --> 00:21:58.759
 They slumber sweetly

00:21:58.759 --> 00:21:59.539
 whom faith

00:21:59.539 --> 00:22:00.359
 rocks to sleep.

00:22:00.559 --> 00:22:01.159
 No pillow

00:22:01.159 --> 00:22:02.459
 so soft as a promise,

00:22:02.819 --> 00:22:03.539
 no coverlet

00:22:03.539 --> 00:22:04.359
 as warm

00:22:04.359 --> 00:22:05.419
 as an assured

00:22:05.419 --> 00:22:06.159
 interest

00:22:06.159 --> 00:22:07.379
 in Christ.

00:22:08.179 --> 00:22:09.259
 David tells his enemies,

00:22:09.459 --> 00:22:09.539
 look,

00:22:09.579 --> 00:22:10.459
 you guys need to sit

00:22:10.459 --> 00:22:10.779
 in your bed

00:22:10.779 --> 00:22:12.299
 and think about your life

00:22:12.299 --> 00:22:12.819
 for a little bit.

00:22:12.819 --> 00:22:14.960
 But he tells himself,

00:22:16.039 --> 00:22:16.439
 in peace,

00:22:16.519 --> 00:22:17.419
 I will lie down

00:22:17.419 --> 00:22:18.779
 and sleep.

00:22:19.960 --> 00:22:20.919
 I will rest

00:22:20.919 --> 00:22:22.019
 in the consistent

00:22:22.019 --> 00:22:23.039
 and faithful care

00:22:23.039 --> 00:22:23.740
 of the God

00:22:23.740 --> 00:22:25.079
 of my righteousness.

00:22:26.240 --> 00:22:27.220
 This calm assurance

00:22:27.220 --> 00:22:27.859
 of our position

00:22:27.859 --> 00:22:28.619
 with God

00:22:28.619 --> 00:22:29.259
 in Christ

00:22:29.259 --> 00:22:30.019
 can comfort

00:22:30.019 --> 00:22:30.819
 even the most

00:22:30.819 --> 00:22:31.819
 broken aspect

00:22:31.819 --> 00:22:32.559
 of our lives.

00:22:33.399 --> 00:22:34.119
 Now this does not

00:22:34.119 --> 00:22:35.259
 discount our distress.

00:22:35.819 --> 00:22:36.559
 This does not treat

00:22:36.559 --> 00:22:38.299
 lightly our pain.

00:22:38.419 --> 00:22:38.639
 Instead,

00:22:38.759 --> 00:22:39.599
 it just uplifts

00:22:39.599 --> 00:22:40.699
 and reminds us

00:22:40.699 --> 00:22:42.079
 of the great love

00:22:42.079 --> 00:22:43.259
 that God has demonstrated

00:22:43.259 --> 00:22:44.799
 through the ultimate sacrifice

00:22:44.799 --> 00:22:45.959
 for our sin

00:22:45.959 --> 00:22:46.719
 and pain.

00:22:47.359 --> 00:22:48.579
 Enduring that very pain

00:22:48.579 --> 00:22:49.339
 upon himself

00:22:49.339 --> 00:22:50.480
 on a sinner's cross

00:22:50.480 --> 00:22:51.619
 so that peace

00:22:51.619 --> 00:22:52.719
 may be possible

00:22:52.719 --> 00:22:53.439
 for us

00:22:53.439 --> 00:22:54.439
 in the presence

00:22:54.439 --> 00:22:55.659
 of pain.

00:22:57.240 --> 00:22:57.799
 Russell Moore

00:22:57.799 --> 00:22:58.559
 comments on his book

00:22:58.559 --> 00:22:59.519
 The Storm Tossed Family.

00:22:59.659 --> 00:22:59.939
 He writes,

00:23:00.059 --> 00:23:00.679
 you can grieve

00:23:00.679 --> 00:23:01.439
 over your past

00:23:01.439 --> 00:23:03.379
 but you cannot change it.

00:23:04.240 --> 00:23:05.019
 You can also,

00:23:05.179 --> 00:23:05.259
 though,

00:23:05.339 --> 00:23:05.619
 know

00:23:05.619 --> 00:23:06.699
 that while you

00:23:06.699 --> 00:23:07.659
 may be shaped

00:23:07.659 --> 00:23:08.419
 by your past,

00:23:08.420 --> 00:23:09.720
 you are not

00:23:09.720 --> 00:23:10.620
 defined by it.

00:23:11.360 --> 00:23:12.340
 Whoever has hurt you

00:23:12.340 --> 00:23:13.259
 has really hurt you

00:23:13.259 --> 00:23:14.480
 but they have not

00:23:14.480 --> 00:23:15.200
 defeated you.

00:23:15.900 --> 00:23:17.100
 You have survived.

00:23:17.440 --> 00:23:18.100
 Your life

00:23:18.100 --> 00:23:19.440
 is hidden in Christ.

00:23:19.800 --> 00:23:20.340
 Your future

00:23:20.340 --> 00:23:20.980
 is not that

00:23:20.980 --> 00:23:21.860
 of a victim

00:23:21.860 --> 00:23:23.779
 but as a joint heir

00:23:23.779 --> 00:23:25.000
 with Christ.

00:23:25.360 --> 00:23:25.920
 So this morning

00:23:25.920 --> 00:23:27.759
 if you are a son

00:23:27.759 --> 00:23:28.279
 or a daughter

00:23:28.279 --> 00:23:29.279
 of the Most High God,

00:23:30.160 --> 00:23:31.680
 you can both

00:23:31.680 --> 00:23:32.580
 lie down

00:23:32.580 --> 00:23:34.440
 and sleep

00:23:34.440 --> 00:23:36.320
 knowing that

00:23:36.320 --> 00:23:37.100
 he will answer

00:23:37.099 --> 00:23:37.819
 in due time

00:23:37.819 --> 00:23:39.159
 and that whatever

00:23:39.159 --> 00:23:40.480
 evils or shame

00:23:40.480 --> 00:23:40.980
 this world

00:23:40.980 --> 00:23:41.799
 may throw your way,

00:23:42.619 --> 00:23:43.459
 you can find

00:23:43.459 --> 00:23:44.279
 peaceful slumber.

00:23:45.279 --> 00:23:45.799
 Why?

00:23:46.879 --> 00:23:48.099
 Because you alone,

00:23:48.219 --> 00:23:48.679
 O Lord,

00:23:49.359 --> 00:23:50.159
 make me dwell

00:23:50.159 --> 00:23:50.939
 in safety.

00:23:52.240 --> 00:23:52.419
 See,

00:23:52.480 --> 00:23:53.039
 my trust,

00:23:53.339 --> 00:23:53.980
 my confidence,

00:23:54.259 --> 00:23:54.819
 my peace,

00:23:55.059 --> 00:23:55.659
 my joy,

00:23:55.959 --> 00:23:56.639
 my rest,

00:23:56.839 --> 00:23:58.000
 even my sleep

00:23:58.000 --> 00:23:58.819
 is found

00:23:58.819 --> 00:24:00.339
 in God alone

00:24:00.339 --> 00:24:01.000
 and when we turn

00:24:01.000 --> 00:24:01.879
 our face to him,

00:24:02.240 --> 00:24:03.519
 it makes all the difference.

00:24:04.059 --> 00:24:04.779
 This past week,

00:24:04.839 --> 00:24:05.579
 as Miss Savannah mentioned,

00:24:05.579 --> 00:24:06.679
 our theme verse

00:24:06.679 --> 00:24:07.539
 for VBS

00:24:07.539 --> 00:24:08.319
 was Psalm 16,

00:24:08.379 --> 00:24:08.639
 8.

00:24:09.259 --> 00:24:09.480
 It said,

00:24:09.579 --> 00:24:10.299
 I keep my eyes

00:24:10.299 --> 00:24:11.179
 always on the Lord.

00:24:11.379 --> 00:24:12.619
 With him at my right hand

00:24:12.619 --> 00:24:13.740
 I will not be shaken.

00:24:14.179 --> 00:24:14.740
 So this morning,

00:24:14.859 --> 00:24:15.859
 I may not know

00:24:15.859 --> 00:24:16.599
 what may keep you up

00:24:16.599 --> 00:24:16.899
 at night

00:24:16.899 --> 00:24:18.339
 but in every situation

00:24:18.339 --> 00:24:18.919
 of our life,

00:24:19.259 --> 00:24:20.139
 in every pursuit

00:24:20.139 --> 00:24:20.980
 of our being,

00:24:21.299 --> 00:24:22.539
 the pursuit of peace

00:24:22.539 --> 00:24:24.000
 looks the same.

00:24:25.119 --> 00:24:25.759
 I love how a pastor

00:24:25.759 --> 00:24:26.579
 posted it the other day.

00:24:26.679 --> 00:24:27.000
 He wrote,

00:24:27.179 --> 00:24:27.819
 Dear Christians,

00:24:28.159 --> 00:24:29.240
 in times of peace,

00:24:29.720 --> 00:24:30.119
 Christ.

00:24:30.339 --> 00:24:31.559
 In times of trouble,

00:24:32.099 --> 00:24:32.519
 Christ.

00:24:32.519 --> 00:24:33.799
 In every storm,

00:24:34.359 --> 00:24:34.740
 Christ.

00:24:34.960 --> 00:24:36.059
 When days are long,

00:24:36.579 --> 00:24:36.940
 Christ.

00:24:37.200 --> 00:24:38.259
 When nights are longer,

00:24:38.779 --> 00:24:39.180
 Christ.

00:24:39.420 --> 00:24:40.539
 In all of life,

00:24:41.059 --> 00:24:41.440
 Christ.

00:24:41.740 --> 00:24:42.839
 In final breath,

00:24:43.259 --> 00:24:43.720
 Christ.

00:24:43.900 --> 00:24:44.879
 For all eternity,

00:24:45.359 --> 00:24:45.700
 Christ.

00:24:45.879 --> 00:24:46.660
 Keep your eyes

00:24:46.660 --> 00:24:47.579
 on Jesus Christ.

00:24:47.700 --> 00:24:48.460
 It may be a little more

00:24:48.460 --> 00:24:49.299
 familiar for some of you.

00:24:50.220 --> 00:24:51.079
 Turn your eyes

00:24:51.079 --> 00:24:52.119
 upon Jesus.

00:24:53.400 --> 00:24:53.920
 Look full

00:24:53.920 --> 00:24:54.879
 in his wonderful face

00:24:54.879 --> 00:24:56.740
 and the things of earth

00:24:56.740 --> 00:24:58.700
 will grow strangely dim

00:24:58.700 --> 00:25:01.039
 in the light of his glory.

00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:03.240
 and his grace.

00:25:04.500 --> 00:25:04.940
 Friends,

00:25:05.000 --> 00:25:05.319
 this morning,

00:25:05.399 --> 00:25:06.119
 perhaps you're tired.

00:25:07.079 --> 00:25:08.000
 Tired of being anxious,

00:25:08.519 --> 00:25:09.519
 tired of feeling stress,

00:25:10.119 --> 00:25:11.279
 tired of present pain.

00:25:12.200 --> 00:25:13.799
 Psalm 4 is a psalm of the meant,

00:25:14.039 --> 00:25:15.519
 meant to be sung by the church

00:25:15.519 --> 00:25:16.879
 so that we can join together,

00:25:17.279 --> 00:25:18.259
 lift one another up,

00:25:18.480 --> 00:25:20.359
 fix our gaze together on God,

00:25:20.480 --> 00:25:21.839
 and by the death, burial,

00:25:22.000 --> 00:25:23.539
 and resurrection of Jesus Christ,

00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:25.359
 find peace in him alone.

00:25:25.420 --> 00:25:26.299
 We're going to sing a verse

00:25:26.299 --> 00:25:26.799
 of invitation

00:25:26.799 --> 00:25:27.759
 as we close this morning.

00:25:28.099 --> 00:25:29.039
 And if you've never placed

00:25:29.039 --> 00:25:30.700
 your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ,

00:25:30.700 --> 00:25:31.940
 then that's where we start.

00:25:32.500 --> 00:25:33.559
 That's your only application

00:25:33.559 --> 00:25:34.480
 if that's where you're at.

00:25:34.559 --> 00:25:35.160
 All week long

00:25:35.160 --> 00:25:36.039
 at Vacation Bible School,

00:25:36.240 --> 00:25:37.120
 I encourage students

00:25:37.120 --> 00:25:38.140
 to respond to the gospel

00:25:38.140 --> 00:25:39.120
 with the ABCs.

00:25:39.180 --> 00:25:40.100
 Admit that you're a sinner,

00:25:40.539 --> 00:25:41.819
 believe in Jesus Christ,

00:25:41.960 --> 00:25:43.140
 and confess him as Lord,

00:25:43.259 --> 00:25:44.480
 committing your life to him.

00:25:44.819 --> 00:25:45.340
 So this morning,

00:25:45.400 --> 00:25:46.039
 if you've never placed

00:25:46.039 --> 00:25:46.980
 your trust in Christ,

00:25:47.120 --> 00:25:48.160
 that's where we start.

00:25:48.920 --> 00:25:49.940
 But for the rest of us,

00:25:50.340 --> 00:25:51.340
 if you have placed

00:25:51.340 --> 00:25:52.580
 your trust in the Lord,

00:25:53.640 --> 00:25:55.220
 you can pursue peace

00:25:55.220 --> 00:25:56.580
 in present pain

00:25:56.579 --> 00:25:58.299
 because the God

00:25:58.299 --> 00:25:58.980
 of our righteousness,

00:25:59.639 --> 00:26:01.099
 the God of our righteousness

00:26:01.099 --> 00:26:02.480
 gives us everlasting joy

00:26:02.480 --> 00:26:04.240
 and peace,

00:26:05.419 --> 00:26:07.539
 even rest in him.

00:26:08.279 --> 00:26:08.859
 Let's pray.

00:26:09.159 --> 00:26:10.259
 Father, we love you so much.

00:26:10.319 --> 00:26:11.000
 Thank you for this day

00:26:11.000 --> 00:26:11.659
 that you've given us.

00:26:11.759 --> 00:26:12.599
 Lord, I pray that

00:26:12.599 --> 00:26:14.480
 as we think on these things,

00:26:14.599 --> 00:26:15.419
 Lord, may we just come

00:26:15.419 --> 00:26:17.359
 before you as ourselves.

00:26:18.240 --> 00:26:19.099
 May you help us

00:26:19.099 --> 00:26:20.460
 to bring our problems,

00:26:20.879 --> 00:26:23.079
 our distress to you

00:26:23.079 --> 00:26:24.399
 because, Lord,

00:26:24.460 --> 00:26:25.720
 you're the only hope we have.

00:26:26.579 --> 00:26:28.240
 Lord, may you protect us

00:26:28.240 --> 00:26:28.960
 and guide us,

00:26:29.019 --> 00:26:30.579
 and Lord, may we repent

00:26:30.579 --> 00:26:31.839
 of the ways in which

00:26:31.839 --> 00:26:32.720
 we've sought things

00:26:32.720 --> 00:26:33.980
 that only you can provide

00:26:33.980 --> 00:26:35.019
 through other means.

00:26:36.039 --> 00:26:36.779
 So, Lord, today,

00:26:36.919 --> 00:26:37.819
 as we respond,

00:26:37.919 --> 00:26:38.539
 as we close,

00:26:38.679 --> 00:26:39.419
 Lord, I pray that

00:26:39.419 --> 00:26:39.879
 if there's anyone

00:26:39.879 --> 00:26:40.339
 that needs to give

00:26:40.339 --> 00:26:41.099
 their life to you,

00:26:41.759 --> 00:26:42.519
 they may do so

00:26:42.519 --> 00:26:43.240
 during this time.

00:26:44.059 --> 00:26:44.859
 But, Lord, also,

00:26:45.019 --> 00:26:45.859
 for each of us,

00:26:46.240 --> 00:26:47.279
 may you help us

00:26:47.279 --> 00:26:48.139
 to put our faith,

00:26:48.259 --> 00:26:48.839
 our confidence,

00:26:49.059 --> 00:26:49.960
 our ultimate trust

00:26:49.960 --> 00:26:51.439
 in you alone.

00:26:51.440 --> 00:26:53.360
 And may we rest

00:26:53.360 --> 00:26:54.259
 each and every day

00:26:54.259 --> 00:26:56.640
 because you, O Lord,

00:26:56.680 --> 00:26:57.220
 are the God

00:26:57.220 --> 00:26:57.940
 of our righteousness.

00:26:59.100 --> 00:27:00.120
 We have nothing else

00:27:00.120 --> 00:27:00.779
 apart from you.

00:27:01.940 --> 00:27:02.720
 Lord, we love you.

00:27:02.900 --> 00:27:03.980
 Bless this time of response.

00:27:04.100 --> 00:27:04.759
 In your name we pray.

00:27:04.920 --> 00:27:05.200
 Amen.

00:27:05.580 --> 00:27:06.100
 At this time,

00:27:06.140 --> 00:27:06.620
 I'm gonna stand here

00:27:06.620 --> 00:27:07.039
 at the front

00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:07.880
 as Clay sings

00:27:07.880 --> 00:27:08.799
 and leads us in a song.

00:27:08.980 --> 00:27:10.180
 If you will stand with us today

00:27:10.180 --> 00:27:11.240
 as we sing,

00:27:11.279 --> 00:27:11.900
 if there's any need

00:27:11.900 --> 00:27:12.440
 on your heart,

00:27:12.480 --> 00:27:13.360
 if you wanna speak to me

00:27:13.360 --> 00:27:14.420
 or I'm here now

00:27:14.420 --> 00:27:15.500
 and also after the service,

00:27:15.559 --> 00:27:16.360
 if you wanna give your life

00:27:16.360 --> 00:27:16.840
 to Christ,

00:27:17.100 --> 00:27:18.100
 if you wanna join the church,

00:27:18.200 --> 00:27:19.279
 now's the time to respond.

00:27:19.539 --> 00:27:20.400
 But let's sing together

00:27:20.400 --> 00:27:20.860
 and worship.

00:27:21.880 --> 00:27:22.019
 Let's sing together

00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:22.019


00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:22.940
 Let's sing together

00:27:22.940 --> 00:27:22.940


00:27:22.940 --> 00:27:23.559
 Let's sing together

00:27:23.559 --> 00:27:23.559


00:27:23.559 --> 00:27:23.960
 Let's sing together

00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:23.960


00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:24.680
 Let's sing together

00:27:24.680 --> 00:27:24.680


00:27:24.680 --> 00:27:25.259
 Let's sing together

00:27:25.259 --> 00:27:25.740
 and worship.

00:27:25.740 --> 00:27:26.360
 Let's sing together

00:27:26.360 --> 00:27:26.360


00:27:26.360 --> 00:27:26.360


00:27:26.360 --> 00:27:26.360


00:27:26.360 --> 00:27:27.100
 Let's sing together

00:27:27.100 --> 00:27:27.100


00:27:27.100 --> 00:27:27.100


00:27:27.100 --> 00:27:27.519
 and worship.

00:27:27.519 --> 00:27:28.059
 Let's sing together

00:27:28.059 --> 00:27:28.059


00:27:28.059 --> 00:27:28.059


00:27:28.059 --> 00:27:29.460
 and worship together

00:27:29.460 --> 00:27:30.539
 and worship together

00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:30.539


00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:30.539


00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:30.539


00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:30.539


00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:30.539


00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:30.539


00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:30.539


00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:30.539


00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:30.539


00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:30.539


00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:30.539


00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:30.539


00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:30.539


00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:30.539


00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:30.539


00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:30.539


00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:30.539


00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:30.539


00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:30.539