WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:00.720 Amen. 00:00:02.520 --> 00:00:06.400 Well, if you will open with me to the book of Psalms. 00:00:06.679 --> 00:00:09.560 We're continuing our series in the book of Psalms. 00:00:09.620 --> 00:00:12.280 This morning we find ourselves at Psalm 13. 00:00:13.320 --> 00:00:15.839 And I get a total of six verses this morning. 00:00:18.559 --> 00:00:22.120 But they're full of truth. 00:00:22.760 --> 00:00:27.260 And I think very much relate to us and very much point to Jesus. 00:00:27.260 --> 00:00:29.820 And that's what we want to see this morning. 00:00:29.820 --> 00:00:34.020 And so I ask if you will, in honor of God's word, if you're able, if you will stand this morning. 00:00:34.320 --> 00:00:38.420 As we read these six verses out of the book of Psalms. 00:00:40.039 --> 00:00:44.740 To the choir master, a psalm of David. 00:00:46.620 --> 00:00:51.620 How long, O Lord, will you forget me forever? 00:00:53.460 --> 00:00:56.380 How long will you hide your face from me? 00:00:56.380 --> 00:01:02.240 How long must I take counsel in my soul? 00:01:03.240 --> 00:01:06.540 And have sorrow in my heart all the day? 00:01:07.799 --> 00:01:11.439 How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? 00:01:13.180 --> 00:01:16.040 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God. 00:01:16.820 --> 00:01:21.000 Light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death. 00:01:21.000 --> 00:01:25.840 Lest my enemies say, I have prevailed over him. 00:01:26.959 --> 00:01:31.120 Lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. 00:01:32.400 --> 00:01:36.040 But I have trusted in your steadfast love. 00:01:36.400 --> 00:01:40.000 My heart shall rejoice in your salvation. 00:01:40.400 --> 00:01:46.219 I will sing to the Lord because he has dealt bountifully with me. 00:01:46.659 --> 00:01:47.859 Let's pray one more time. 00:01:47.939 --> 00:01:53.280 God, I pray this morning as we look into your word here at this psalm. 00:01:53.359 --> 00:01:55.840 That Father, you would put your words in my mouth. 00:01:55.939 --> 00:01:59.819 And if there's anything from me, that Father, you'd cause it to fly away. 00:01:59.920 --> 00:02:03.939 But if there's anything from you, I pray that it would touch our hearts this morning. 00:02:04.019 --> 00:02:04.900 And I pray in your name. 00:02:05.219 --> 00:02:05.420 Amen. 00:02:05.420 --> 00:02:07.200 And you can have a seat. 00:02:13.680 --> 00:02:17.159 Does this psalm strike you like it struck me when I first read it? 00:02:18.759 --> 00:02:25.920 Do you see the four questions in the first couple of verses that David asked? 00:02:25.919 --> 00:02:34.099 Do you feel his despair? 00:02:35.139 --> 00:02:42.219 Do you feel the emotion that he's sharing in this psalm? 00:02:42.219 --> 00:02:51.939 It seems as we read it these first couple of verses that there's a distance between him and God. 00:02:52.840 --> 00:02:57.759 That there's a separation between him and God. 00:02:58.740 --> 00:03:01.360 It's as if he's on his own. 00:03:02.740 --> 00:03:04.740 And he's crying out to God. 00:03:05.039 --> 00:03:07.159 Just look at the first verses. 00:03:07.539 --> 00:03:09.400 Will you forget me forever? 00:03:09.400 --> 00:03:12.060 Where are you, God? 00:03:15.420 --> 00:03:17.620 Will you hide your face from me? 00:03:20.840 --> 00:03:25.879 Do you hear the anguish in David's heart? 00:03:26.620 --> 00:03:29.540 You know, I don't know what moment this was in his life. 00:03:29.860 --> 00:03:32.080 The psalm doesn't tell us. 00:03:33.439 --> 00:03:36.159 We don't know what was going on for him. 00:03:36.159 --> 00:03:42.099 But we listen to his heart here in this very personal prayer. 00:03:42.500 --> 00:03:44.560 This pouring out to God. 00:03:45.599 --> 00:03:46.280 And you see, 00:03:46.819 --> 00:03:50.319 Oh Lord, my God. 00:03:50.400 --> 00:03:51.519 You see it in verse 3. 00:03:51.680 --> 00:03:53.359 Oh Lord, my God. 00:03:53.879 --> 00:03:54.800 I know you. 00:03:54.900 --> 00:03:55.800 Where are you? 00:03:56.599 --> 00:03:57.900 Why are you absent? 00:03:58.060 --> 00:03:59.159 Why are you far away? 00:03:59.259 --> 00:04:00.419 Do you not hear me? 00:04:00.419 --> 00:04:04.799 God, why is your face not towards me? 00:04:05.679 --> 00:04:07.179 Will you not help me, God? 00:04:08.039 --> 00:04:10.139 Do you not remember who I am? 00:04:10.199 --> 00:04:11.879 Do you not know that I'm your child? 00:04:13.179 --> 00:04:16.079 Lord, I desire to hear your counsel. 00:04:16.560 --> 00:04:17.680 And yet I hear nothing. 00:04:19.599 --> 00:04:21.779 My soul is in anguish. 00:04:21.779 --> 00:04:26.979 Because I miss the fellowship that I've known with you. 00:04:29.039 --> 00:04:31.799 How long, oh Lord, my God. 00:04:33.259 --> 00:04:36.579 You know, as you consider that question, 00:04:36.799 --> 00:04:38.199 How long, oh Lord? 00:04:39.659 --> 00:04:43.339 Do you see that he knew a time that was different? 00:04:43.819 --> 00:04:45.979 He knew a time when there was intimacy. 00:04:46.559 --> 00:04:49.019 He knew a time when there was closeness. 00:04:49.019 --> 00:04:54.099 He's been in a deep, intimate relationship with the Lord before. 00:04:54.599 --> 00:04:56.339 He's sharing this contrast. 00:04:57.939 --> 00:04:59.419 Lord, where are you? 00:05:00.379 --> 00:05:02.759 For so many years, I've relied on you. 00:05:02.859 --> 00:05:06.879 For so many years, you've shown yourself strong on my behalf. 00:05:07.479 --> 00:05:09.979 For so many years, you've directed me. 00:05:10.259 --> 00:05:11.500 You've led me. 00:05:11.799 --> 00:05:13.199 You've protected me. 00:05:13.439 --> 00:05:14.740 You've empowered me. 00:05:14.740 --> 00:05:16.299 Where are you, Lord? 00:05:19.019 --> 00:05:25.240 You see, in verse 2, he talks about this sorrow. 00:05:27.099 --> 00:05:32.799 How long, oh Lord, my God, will I have sorrow in my heart all the day? 00:05:33.939 --> 00:05:35.060 Have you ever been there? 00:05:38.060 --> 00:05:43.219 Have you ever had this gnawing sorrow that won't leave? 00:05:43.220 --> 00:05:48.960 This sense of loneliness that is hard to bear? 00:05:51.680 --> 00:05:53.500 A sense of separation. 00:05:53.740 --> 00:05:56.080 As if we would say, God, where are you? 00:05:56.720 --> 00:05:57.800 Where did you go? 00:05:57.940 --> 00:05:58.840 Do you not know? 00:05:59.260 --> 00:06:00.380 Do you not love me? 00:06:00.460 --> 00:06:01.240 Do you not care? 00:06:01.520 --> 00:06:03.520 Do you not see what's happening right now? 00:06:04.560 --> 00:06:05.640 Have you forgotten? 00:06:06.600 --> 00:06:08.220 God, do you... 00:06:08.980 --> 00:06:10.120 Have you all been there? 00:06:10.120 --> 00:06:13.319 Is that something that's real for y'all? 00:06:13.420 --> 00:06:14.439 Can you remember a time? 00:06:14.519 --> 00:06:15.220 Maybe it's now. 00:06:17.000 --> 00:06:20.680 Maybe it's a time when there was great hardship in your life. 00:06:20.780 --> 00:06:24.720 Maybe there was the death of someone you were very close to. 00:06:24.819 --> 00:06:26.139 Maybe you lost a job. 00:06:26.280 --> 00:06:31.620 Maybe it was just an ordinary time of life that wasn't super tragic. 00:06:31.620 --> 00:06:35.319 But it's as if God is way away. 00:06:36.519 --> 00:06:40.459 As if your prayers were going up to the ceiling and bouncing right back down. 00:06:40.519 --> 00:06:41.840 As if he wasn't hearing you. 00:06:42.199 --> 00:06:43.019 Have you ever been there? 00:06:44.060 --> 00:06:45.620 I would share for me... 00:06:46.959 --> 00:06:49.620 Personally... 00:06:50.899 --> 00:06:53.280 It would date back quite a number of years ago. 00:06:53.399 --> 00:06:55.180 This time that I will share with you. 00:06:55.420 --> 00:07:00.600 And it would be the most dramatic time in my life that would be true in this arena. 00:07:00.600 --> 00:07:03.300 This sense of God being far, far away. 00:07:03.540 --> 00:07:04.840 And me being lonely. 00:07:05.180 --> 00:07:06.540 And crying out to God. 00:07:06.600 --> 00:07:07.560 Or at least trying to. 00:07:07.780 --> 00:07:08.780 Just a heaviness. 00:07:09.540 --> 00:07:11.760 So when my kids were very young. 00:07:11.960 --> 00:07:14.400 I was a youth pastor at a church in Atlanta. 00:07:15.760 --> 00:07:18.240 I ended up doing that for four years. 00:07:18.439 --> 00:07:20.800 And in a component or in a time frame. 00:07:20.860 --> 00:07:23.600 An eight month time frame during those four years. 00:07:24.060 --> 00:07:27.800 I was at a place where I would articulate it this way. 00:07:27.900 --> 00:07:29.920 That I could not pray. 00:07:29.920 --> 00:07:32.120 I would desire to pray. 00:07:32.319 --> 00:07:34.980 And it was such a heaviness on my heart. 00:07:35.080 --> 00:07:36.980 That I would try to open my mouth. 00:07:37.100 --> 00:07:37.920 And I would try to pray. 00:07:38.020 --> 00:07:38.780 And there was nothing. 00:07:39.379 --> 00:07:40.819 Not a word would come out. 00:07:42.240 --> 00:07:43.439 I wanted to pray. 00:07:44.200 --> 00:07:47.819 I even retreated and got alone in a place. 00:07:47.920 --> 00:07:50.879 I had a key to a door that very few people had. 00:07:51.020 --> 00:07:55.000 I had asked the facility staff if I could use that room. 00:07:55.060 --> 00:07:56.939 And they were fine with me doing that. 00:07:56.939 --> 00:07:59.040 And I would retreat to that place. 00:07:59.639 --> 00:08:01.959 To try to hear from God. 00:08:02.079 --> 00:08:05.040 To try to get relief from the sense of heaviness. 00:08:06.180 --> 00:08:10.800 And for eight months I felt as if I was in some great spiritual battle. 00:08:10.899 --> 00:08:14.980 The enemy seemed to be having a great victory in my life. 00:08:14.980 --> 00:08:18.700 And I felt like I was under a huge weight. 00:08:18.819 --> 00:08:19.460 A heaviness. 00:08:19.720 --> 00:08:21.160 It's hard to describe. 00:08:22.680 --> 00:08:25.240 And that heaviness comes with emotion. 00:08:26.220 --> 00:08:28.900 And the emotion is just this sense of anxiety. 00:08:29.379 --> 00:08:31.180 And helplessness. 00:08:31.180 --> 00:08:32.740 And separation. 00:08:32.740 --> 00:08:36.240 And you get the picture. 00:08:37.879 --> 00:08:39.919 I would retreat to that room. 00:08:40.419 --> 00:08:40.899 Hoping. 00:08:43.000 --> 00:08:43.560 Hoping. 00:08:45.080 --> 00:08:47.940 That the Lord would bring an end to this season. 00:08:48.820 --> 00:08:49.799 In my life. 00:08:50.000 --> 00:08:53.019 And you can imagine trying to lead a youth ministry. 00:08:54.720 --> 00:08:57.560 And being in this place spiritually. 00:08:57.779 --> 00:08:58.639 It's hard to preach. 00:08:58.759 --> 00:08:59.539 It's hard to teach. 00:08:59.539 --> 00:09:00.839 It's hard to care. 00:09:00.980 --> 00:09:03.279 It's hard to give my life away. 00:09:03.419 --> 00:09:05.679 When everything seems so weighty for me. 00:09:06.699 --> 00:09:09.059 It was a very difficult season for me. 00:09:09.139 --> 00:09:09.860 But I remember. 00:09:10.459 --> 00:09:11.879 When I got along that room. 00:09:11.980 --> 00:09:14.019 I got to the place where nothing would come out. 00:09:14.019 --> 00:09:15.860 I wouldn't hear God saying anything. 00:09:17.000 --> 00:09:19.599 I began to take a cassette player in there. 00:09:19.679 --> 00:09:20.379 But that was old days. 00:09:20.459 --> 00:09:21.199 Y'all remember cassettes? 00:09:22.259 --> 00:09:23.379 That's how many years ago. 00:09:23.500 --> 00:09:25.319 I would take my cassette player in there. 00:09:25.399 --> 00:09:26.779 I would take a worship CD. 00:09:26.939 --> 00:09:27.919 And I would put it in there. 00:09:28.279 --> 00:09:29.379 I would mash play. 00:09:30.539 --> 00:09:31.719 And after about. 00:09:33.459 --> 00:09:34.179 I don't know. 00:09:34.319 --> 00:09:35.819 15, 20 minutes. 00:09:38.799 --> 00:09:41.620 There was a freedom to begin to worship. 00:09:43.199 --> 00:09:45.240 But I had to listen to it first. 00:09:46.579 --> 00:09:48.740 In order for it to wash over me. 00:09:49.259 --> 00:09:52.459 To get to the place where I was able to personally worship. 00:09:52.460 --> 00:09:55.780 That was the only relief. 00:09:56.379 --> 00:09:57.940 For eight months. 00:09:59.600 --> 00:10:00.360 And then. 00:10:00.680 --> 00:10:01.460 For whatever reason. 00:10:01.560 --> 00:10:04.060 I don't have any event that changed. 00:10:04.180 --> 00:10:06.000 I don't have any remembrance. 00:10:06.000 --> 00:10:07.639 Of any kind of moment. 00:10:07.639 --> 00:10:08.039 That sparked. 00:10:08.039 --> 00:10:08.639 That sparked. 00:10:08.639 --> 00:10:09.820 That sparked. 00:10:10.200 --> 00:10:11.039 A change. 00:10:11.100 --> 00:10:11.720 It's as if. 00:10:11.860 --> 00:10:12.840 All that weight. 00:10:13.059 --> 00:10:13.759 All that heaviness. 00:10:13.960 --> 00:10:15.100 That I carried for eight months. 00:10:15.340 --> 00:10:15.919 It just went. 00:10:16.559 --> 00:10:17.740 It just disappeared. 00:10:18.700 --> 00:10:20.620 It wasn't because of some great prayer. 00:10:20.779 --> 00:10:21.720 It wasn't because of. 00:10:21.779 --> 00:10:23.279 Some great event. 00:10:23.279 --> 00:10:23.899 In ministry. 00:10:23.899 --> 00:10:24.860 It was just. 00:10:24.980 --> 00:10:26.039 The season was over. 00:10:26.200 --> 00:10:26.580 And God. 00:10:26.580 --> 00:10:30.160 carried me through a time. 00:10:30.160 --> 00:10:31.620 That was very painful. 00:10:32.520 --> 00:10:34.740 And I can look back now. 00:10:35.639 --> 00:10:38.620 And I can see that there's a gain. 00:10:39.280 --> 00:10:40.020 In my life. 00:10:40.080 --> 00:10:41.000 Because of the season. 00:10:41.400 --> 00:10:43.340 I see that God showed me. 00:10:43.440 --> 00:10:45.160 What spiritual warfare looks like. 00:10:45.639 --> 00:10:47.960 He showed me what the fight looks like. 00:10:48.320 --> 00:10:50.480 And he helped me to experience. 00:10:50.759 --> 00:10:52.520 How do you walk faithfully. 00:10:52.720 --> 00:10:53.900 Through seasons like that. 00:10:54.420 --> 00:10:56.440 How do you still keep others. 00:10:57.060 --> 00:10:59.220 Keep the focus on caring for others. 00:10:59.280 --> 00:11:00.160 During that season. 00:11:00.540 --> 00:11:01.420 Very difficult. 00:11:01.720 --> 00:11:03.220 But I think that now. 00:11:03.400 --> 00:11:04.900 I rely on him more. 00:11:05.800 --> 00:11:07.440 In those type moments. 00:11:07.600 --> 00:11:08.639 And in normal moments. 00:11:08.980 --> 00:11:11.000 I desire to rely on him. 00:11:11.060 --> 00:11:12.100 And not to rely on me. 00:11:12.320 --> 00:11:14.040 There's something that he taught me. 00:11:14.200 --> 00:11:15.100 Through that season. 00:11:15.480 --> 00:11:16.520 And we see here. 00:11:16.600 --> 00:11:17.540 In the life of David. 00:11:17.540 --> 00:11:19.240 As we look back at the psalm. 00:11:19.600 --> 00:11:20.900 That David in a sense. 00:11:20.900 --> 00:11:22.160 Is walking through. 00:11:22.340 --> 00:11:24.120 One of these times in his life. 00:11:24.259 --> 00:11:25.800 And I would just say this. 00:11:25.799 --> 00:11:27.699 That I fully believe. 00:11:27.859 --> 00:11:29.939 That God has a purpose. 00:11:30.759 --> 00:11:32.679 In each of these times in our life. 00:11:33.559 --> 00:11:35.500 I believe that for David. 00:11:35.500 --> 00:11:37.259 God had a purpose. 00:11:38.199 --> 00:11:40.299 To allow this time. 00:11:40.740 --> 00:11:41.919 In David's life. 00:11:41.959 --> 00:11:42.899 And I believe. 00:11:43.059 --> 00:11:44.519 That when those times come. 00:11:44.579 --> 00:11:45.379 For you and me. 00:11:45.500 --> 00:11:46.559 I fully believe. 00:11:46.559 --> 00:11:48.599 That God has a purpose in it. 00:11:48.600 --> 00:11:50.960 He's growing us. 00:11:50.960 --> 00:11:51.980 Through seasons. 00:11:52.340 --> 00:11:53.420 Of difficulty. 00:11:54.340 --> 00:11:54.860 Ultimately. 00:11:55.180 --> 00:11:56.259 That he would teach us. 00:11:56.320 --> 00:11:57.100 To rely on him. 00:11:57.139 --> 00:11:57.700 At all times. 00:11:58.920 --> 00:12:00.340 And we look again. 00:12:01.200 --> 00:12:02.420 At this psalm. 00:12:03.580 --> 00:12:04.960 And I want you to see. 00:12:05.759 --> 00:12:07.740 The greatest cry. 00:12:07.740 --> 00:12:09.139 Of David's heart. 00:12:09.300 --> 00:12:10.620 Is not that his enemies. 00:12:10.620 --> 00:12:11.540 Would be subdued. 00:12:11.580 --> 00:12:12.060 Do you see it? 00:12:12.059 --> 00:12:15.299 Do you see the greatest cry. 00:12:15.359 --> 00:12:16.000 Of David's heart? 00:12:17.139 --> 00:12:18.899 I want you. 00:12:20.719 --> 00:12:23.159 I long for you. 00:12:23.939 --> 00:12:25.859 I long for intimacy. 00:12:26.379 --> 00:12:28.039 I long for your voice. 00:12:28.399 --> 00:12:30.099 I long for your fellowship. 00:12:30.500 --> 00:12:32.159 I long to hear from you. 00:12:32.399 --> 00:12:34.119 I long to be in your presence. 00:12:35.439 --> 00:12:36.419 Yes there's enemies. 00:12:36.579 --> 00:12:37.759 But it's as if the enemies. 00:12:37.959 --> 00:12:39.079 Are on a side. 00:12:39.519 --> 00:12:40.439 In this psalm. 00:12:40.440 --> 00:12:41.740 The greatest thing. 00:12:41.740 --> 00:12:42.800 That he's hurting for. 00:12:42.920 --> 00:12:43.680 Is him. 00:12:46.140 --> 00:12:46.820 You know. 00:12:49.300 --> 00:12:51.040 I'll look at a couple of verses. 00:12:51.720 --> 00:12:53.480 That talk about David. 00:12:54.020 --> 00:12:55.300 And give us insight. 00:12:55.460 --> 00:12:57.260 Into David's relationship. 00:12:57.260 --> 00:12:58.040 With the Lord. 00:12:59.320 --> 00:13:00.640 So you would remember. 00:13:02.820 --> 00:13:04.440 That David was a shepherd. 00:13:05.020 --> 00:13:05.900 When he was young. 00:13:06.020 --> 00:13:06.880 He was in the fields. 00:13:06.980 --> 00:13:07.760 Keeping the sheep. 00:13:08.920 --> 00:13:09.740 And we would remember. 00:13:09.740 --> 00:13:11.159 Probably in 1st Samuel. 00:13:11.159 --> 00:13:12.659 There's a verse. 00:13:12.659 --> 00:13:13.720 That reveals. 00:13:15.320 --> 00:13:16.740 A couple of times. 00:13:17.019 --> 00:13:19.060 That David encountered. 00:13:20.200 --> 00:13:20.680 Difficulty. 00:13:20.799 --> 00:13:22.060 And God showed his hand. 00:13:22.580 --> 00:13:24.060 Strong in the life of David. 00:13:24.159 --> 00:13:24.799 It says this. 00:13:24.919 --> 00:13:25.899 In verse 37. 00:13:26.019 --> 00:13:26.860 Chapter 17. 00:13:26.940 --> 00:13:27.440 1st Samuel. 00:13:27.840 --> 00:13:28.580 And David said. 00:13:28.659 --> 00:13:29.899 The Lord who delivered me. 00:13:30.000 --> 00:13:31.180 From the paw of the lion. 00:13:31.600 --> 00:13:33.440 And from the paw of the bear. 00:13:33.560 --> 00:13:34.340 Will deliver me. 00:13:34.419 --> 00:13:35.659 From the hand of this Philistine. 00:13:36.180 --> 00:13:38.019 So he walks into the battlefield. 00:13:38.019 --> 00:13:39.819 He sees Goliath standing there. 00:13:40.139 --> 00:13:41.519 Throwing curses at God. 00:13:41.600 --> 00:13:41.960 He says. 00:13:42.039 --> 00:13:44.340 Who is this uncircumcised Philistine? 00:13:44.840 --> 00:13:46.299 He delivered me then. 00:13:46.600 --> 00:13:47.699 He'll deliver me now. 00:13:47.779 --> 00:13:49.480 Do you see the boldness of David? 00:13:49.480 --> 00:13:51.579 Do you see the confidence of David? 00:13:51.799 --> 00:13:55.019 Do you see that David knows God in a powerful way? 00:13:55.019 --> 00:14:00.039 He has experienced the hand of God in his life. 00:14:00.100 --> 00:14:00.879 In such a way. 00:14:01.019 --> 00:14:03.000 That when the bear tried to attack. 00:14:03.199 --> 00:14:05.559 Then he was able to overcome the bear. 00:14:05.720 --> 00:14:06.779 When the lion attacked. 00:14:06.899 --> 00:14:08.399 He was able to overcome the lion. 00:14:08.600 --> 00:14:09.819 Not by his own strength. 00:14:10.639 --> 00:14:13.480 But because he watched God do something. 00:14:13.659 --> 00:14:14.579 In and through his life. 00:14:14.759 --> 00:14:17.819 He knew him in a very intimate way. 00:14:17.820 --> 00:14:21.040 We look at the book of Acts. 00:14:22.040 --> 00:14:23.020 Chapter 13. 00:14:23.360 --> 00:14:25.080 And I won't read the whole passage. 00:14:25.240 --> 00:14:28.620 But I will just read this truth about David. 00:14:28.700 --> 00:14:30.800 I want you to hear the intimacy. 00:14:31.360 --> 00:14:33.400 That David had with the father. 00:14:34.100 --> 00:14:34.860 With God. 00:14:34.940 --> 00:14:35.180 It says. 00:14:35.620 --> 00:14:38.080 God raised up David to be their king. 00:14:38.500 --> 00:14:39.379 Of whom he. 00:14:39.560 --> 00:14:40.960 God testified and said. 00:14:41.140 --> 00:14:42.200 I have found David. 00:14:42.300 --> 00:14:43.300 The son of Jesse. 00:14:43.620 --> 00:14:45.900 A man after my own heart. 00:14:45.899 --> 00:14:50.459 A man after my own heart. 00:14:51.459 --> 00:14:53.340 Let me just ask us this morning. 00:14:53.919 --> 00:14:57.399 Have you ever known God in this intimate way? 00:15:03.299 --> 00:15:06.100 Have you ever experienced God. 00:15:06.459 --> 00:15:08.559 His power in and through your life. 00:15:09.579 --> 00:15:11.840 Have you ever seen his hand. 00:15:12.439 --> 00:15:14.480 Showing himself strong on your behalf. 00:15:14.579 --> 00:15:15.779 You know the word of God says. 00:15:16.159 --> 00:15:16.939 God seeks. 00:15:17.720 --> 00:15:20.720 He looks to and fro across all the earth. 00:15:21.159 --> 00:15:23.360 Seeking to show himself strong. 00:15:23.539 --> 00:15:26.799 On behalf of those whose hearts are surrendered to him. 00:15:28.480 --> 00:15:31.439 God looks to and fro across all the earth. 00:15:31.639 --> 00:15:33.740 Seeking to show himself strong. 00:15:34.000 --> 00:15:37.340 On behalf of those whose hearts are surrendered to him. 00:15:37.340 --> 00:15:41.639 Do you think God said that about David? 00:15:41.639 --> 00:15:44.500 A man after my own heart. 00:15:44.600 --> 00:15:46.960 A man that desires what I desire. 00:15:48.100 --> 00:15:51.360 A man that I've shown myself strong on his behalf. 00:15:52.299 --> 00:15:52.679 You know. 00:15:53.000 --> 00:15:54.679 When we look at this psalm. 00:15:55.080 --> 00:15:56.439 And we see the anguish. 00:15:56.899 --> 00:15:57.840 In David's heart. 00:15:57.919 --> 00:15:58.199 He's saying. 00:15:58.379 --> 00:15:59.279 How long God. 00:16:00.000 --> 00:16:02.139 I've known intimacy with you. 00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:04.539 I've seen your power in my life. 00:16:04.779 --> 00:16:07.240 I've heard your prompting in my heart. 00:16:07.240 --> 00:16:09.100 I desire to live for you. 00:16:09.159 --> 00:16:10.980 My heart beats for what you desire. 00:16:11.220 --> 00:16:11.940 Where are you? 00:16:13.740 --> 00:16:14.820 You recognize. 00:16:15.000 --> 00:16:18.139 It's not the circumstance that David is asking to change. 00:16:18.500 --> 00:16:20.539 He wants that intimate. 00:16:21.340 --> 00:16:21.860 Close. 00:16:23.120 --> 00:16:24.279 Relationship with the Lord. 00:16:24.659 --> 00:16:25.720 And so brothers and sisters. 00:16:25.720 --> 00:16:26.539 I ask you. 00:16:26.659 --> 00:16:27.980 Have you ever known it? 00:16:27.980 --> 00:16:32.100 Have you ever known that level of intimacy? 00:16:32.800 --> 00:16:35.060 Where with everything that's going on in your life. 00:16:35.180 --> 00:16:39.940 There's nothing that would be more treasured than that. 00:16:40.759 --> 00:16:43.360 That is intimacy with the Father. 00:16:44.519 --> 00:16:46.659 That's what David is revealing here. 00:16:46.759 --> 00:16:48.800 There's nothing greater for him. 00:16:49.120 --> 00:16:53.180 There's no greater loss than the intimacy with the Father. 00:16:53.179 --> 00:16:53.259 Father. 00:16:54.299 --> 00:16:57.719 And I'm hoping that's true for you and I this morning. 00:16:57.879 --> 00:17:00.099 That we would echo the same thing. 00:17:01.159 --> 00:17:02.379 In times of trouble. 00:17:02.519 --> 00:17:05.379 In times when we're going through a season of heaviness. 00:17:05.639 --> 00:17:07.200 A season of difficulty. 00:17:07.519 --> 00:17:09.399 A season when we can't even pray. 00:17:10.200 --> 00:17:11.259 Do we cry out to God. 00:17:11.319 --> 00:17:12.379 Say God I need you. 00:17:14.339 --> 00:17:15.960 Of all things I need. 00:17:16.019 --> 00:17:16.559 I need you. 00:17:16.700 --> 00:17:17.720 Please draw near to me. 00:17:17.720 --> 00:17:20.759 It's my hope. 00:17:21.339 --> 00:17:22.819 That all of us. 00:17:24.059 --> 00:17:25.660 Will grow deeper. 00:17:26.160 --> 00:17:26.799 And deeper. 00:17:27.319 --> 00:17:27.860 And deeper. 00:17:28.140 --> 00:17:29.100 In our relationship. 00:17:29.339 --> 00:17:30.620 And our dependence upon God. 00:17:30.900 --> 00:17:32.759 You know God's not way out there somewhere. 00:17:33.720 --> 00:17:34.600 You know we think about God. 00:17:34.680 --> 00:17:35.400 We think about heaven. 00:17:35.519 --> 00:17:37.180 And it's as if he's way away. 00:17:37.299 --> 00:17:38.100 But he knows everything. 00:17:38.900 --> 00:17:40.039 You know the word of God declares. 00:17:40.160 --> 00:17:40.900 That's not true. 00:17:41.460 --> 00:17:42.960 He's omniscient. 00:17:43.100 --> 00:17:44.380 He's omnipresent. 00:17:44.880 --> 00:17:46.299 And it says he dwells within. 00:17:46.299 --> 00:17:46.480 Amen. 00:17:47.639 --> 00:17:50.079 He's not very far from any one of us. 00:17:50.619 --> 00:17:53.240 He's closer than we can possibly imagine. 00:17:54.200 --> 00:17:56.519 That we've been made one with him. 00:17:57.579 --> 00:17:59.539 We don't have to talk formally. 00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:02.299 We don't have to use these great phrases. 00:18:03.000 --> 00:18:04.180 That impress him. 00:18:05.119 --> 00:18:07.000 We just have to open our heart. 00:18:07.099 --> 00:18:08.279 And pour our heart out to him. 00:18:08.919 --> 00:18:10.399 And that's what I hear David do. 00:18:10.460 --> 00:18:11.720 And he's opening his heart. 00:18:11.940 --> 00:18:13.899 And he's pouring it out before God. 00:18:13.900 --> 00:18:16.940 And then he talks about at the end of verse 2. 00:18:17.680 --> 00:18:18.200 The enemies. 00:18:18.880 --> 00:18:21.720 How long shall my enemies exalt over me? 00:18:22.700 --> 00:18:24.060 What might he mean there? 00:18:24.920 --> 00:18:26.080 You know here's what I think. 00:18:26.140 --> 00:18:28.660 Is that when we declare. 00:18:29.560 --> 00:18:31.000 That God is our God. 00:18:31.120 --> 00:18:31.860 That we're Christians. 00:18:32.000 --> 00:18:32.680 And we serve him. 00:18:32.720 --> 00:18:33.380 And we love him. 00:18:33.420 --> 00:18:34.480 And my God is great. 00:18:35.000 --> 00:18:35.960 You know what people. 00:18:36.180 --> 00:18:38.040 When they watch us go through these seasons. 00:18:38.519 --> 00:18:40.660 And they watch difficulties come in our life. 00:18:41.080 --> 00:18:42.300 You know there's a sense of saying. 00:18:42.299 --> 00:18:43.599 See he ain't that great. 00:18:44.680 --> 00:18:45.839 He ain't doing it for you. 00:18:45.940 --> 00:18:46.700 I mean good grief. 00:18:47.139 --> 00:18:48.099 You relying on him. 00:18:48.159 --> 00:18:48.720 And look at where. 00:18:48.859 --> 00:18:50.059 Your life's a wreck man. 00:18:51.159 --> 00:18:53.639 I don't want to go through what you're going through. 00:18:53.799 --> 00:18:56.359 It's as if the on looking world is trying to prove. 00:18:56.460 --> 00:18:57.480 That God is not powerful. 00:18:57.579 --> 00:18:57.980 Not real. 00:18:58.859 --> 00:19:00.159 And it's like David saying. 00:19:00.519 --> 00:19:00.899 God. 00:19:03.079 --> 00:19:03.319 Don't. 00:19:04.539 --> 00:19:04.940 Don't. 00:19:04.940 --> 00:19:07.319 Let me say it this way. 00:19:07.319 --> 00:19:10.220 Don't you want. 00:19:11.019 --> 00:19:12.500 To show yourself strong. 00:19:14.159 --> 00:19:15.279 It's as if he's saying. 00:19:15.460 --> 00:19:17.319 Show yourself strong on my behalf. 00:19:17.399 --> 00:19:19.599 So that the world will marvel at you. 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:25.019 Don't let the world dismiss you. 00:19:25.179 --> 00:19:26.480 Show yourself strong. 00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:27.960 Do something amazing. 00:19:28.119 --> 00:19:29.339 So that my enemies would see. 00:19:29.759 --> 00:19:30.460 Who you are. 00:19:30.839 --> 00:19:32.220 And they would glorify you. 00:19:32.220 --> 00:19:38.539 So you see four questions in the first two verses. 00:19:38.740 --> 00:19:42.100 And in the next two verses you see three imperatives. 00:19:44.980 --> 00:19:47.720 When you spend time in prayer. 00:19:47.920 --> 00:19:49.400 And in conversation with God. 00:19:49.519 --> 00:19:50.779 Do you have a boldness? 00:19:54.079 --> 00:19:57.440 Look what David says here in verse three. 00:19:59.079 --> 00:20:00.120 Three imperatives. 00:20:00.319 --> 00:20:01.240 Consider me. 00:20:01.240 --> 00:20:03.299 It's almost like he's telling. 00:20:03.579 --> 00:20:05.240 Giving God a command almost. 00:20:05.559 --> 00:20:06.599 Consider me. 00:20:07.200 --> 00:20:09.099 And he says answer me. 00:20:09.799 --> 00:20:11.180 God answer me. 00:20:12.160 --> 00:20:13.940 Don't leave me alone God. 00:20:15.140 --> 00:20:17.620 He says give light to my eyes. 00:20:17.720 --> 00:20:19.000 Or light up my eyes. 00:20:19.839 --> 00:20:21.380 He's saying to God. 00:20:21.460 --> 00:20:22.779 He's got this boldness. 00:20:22.880 --> 00:20:23.779 And this freedom. 00:20:23.940 --> 00:20:24.720 And conversation. 00:20:24.900 --> 00:20:25.799 And prayer with God. 00:20:26.359 --> 00:20:27.519 Do you all find that true? 00:20:27.940 --> 00:20:29.000 In your own life? 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:32.440 Do you find that there's a closeness? 00:20:32.920 --> 00:20:34.640 Where you can tell God anything? 00:20:35.279 --> 00:20:38.220 And you can be bold to share where your heart is. 00:20:38.299 --> 00:20:39.380 Where your pains are. 00:20:39.460 --> 00:20:40.200 Where your hurts are. 00:20:40.400 --> 00:20:42.900 Do you find that true in your relationship with God? 00:20:43.420 --> 00:20:45.160 Do you find there's a realness? 00:20:46.160 --> 00:20:51.000 There's this sense of freedom. 00:20:51.000 --> 00:20:51.900 Freedom. 00:20:51.900 --> 00:20:51.980 Freedom. 00:20:52.460 --> 00:20:55.660 To express your heart and what's going on in your life. 00:20:56.099 --> 00:20:57.680 In a relationship with God. 00:20:57.680 --> 00:21:05.600 And then in verse 5 and 6. 00:21:06.960 --> 00:21:09.019 It starts with this word but. 00:21:11.940 --> 00:21:15.100 You know but is this transition word. 00:21:15.900 --> 00:21:17.900 Even though this is true. 00:21:20.539 --> 00:21:24.080 Even though but this. 00:21:24.079 --> 00:21:28.419 There is this statement that I see David make. 00:21:28.500 --> 00:21:29.139 And say God. 00:21:29.259 --> 00:21:31.500 I'm in this place where I can't hear you. 00:21:31.599 --> 00:21:32.460 I don't feel you. 00:21:32.559 --> 00:21:33.439 I don't sense you. 00:21:33.539 --> 00:21:34.319 I don't see you. 00:21:34.480 --> 00:21:35.539 I feel separated. 00:21:35.679 --> 00:21:36.500 I feel lost. 00:21:36.679 --> 00:21:39.039 But even though that's true God. 00:21:39.179 --> 00:21:40.279 Even though it's true. 00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:43.220 I know for sure. 00:21:43.879 --> 00:21:45.419 That you're a steadfast God. 00:21:46.419 --> 00:21:48.319 I will trust in you. 00:21:48.460 --> 00:21:49.480 No matter what. 00:21:49.480 --> 00:21:54.720 My circumstances will not change what I know to be true. 00:21:55.039 --> 00:21:58.480 And what I know to be true is your love for me is sure. 00:21:58.920 --> 00:21:59.900 And is steadfast. 00:22:00.039 --> 00:22:01.360 And it never changes. 00:22:01.740 --> 00:22:03.380 And though God I don't know you. 00:22:03.519 --> 00:22:06.440 I don't understand why you've done this. 00:22:06.980 --> 00:22:10.200 Though I'm heavy and my world seems to be falling apart. 00:22:10.400 --> 00:22:12.140 I still know who you are. 00:22:13.220 --> 00:22:15.559 I still know you're the great and awesome God. 00:22:15.740 --> 00:22:17.599 I still know that you're steadfast. 00:22:17.599 --> 00:22:19.539 And your love never fails. 00:22:19.859 --> 00:22:20.659 I know it. 00:22:21.480 --> 00:22:22.659 And because I know it. 00:22:22.719 --> 00:22:26.119 I'm going to cause my mind and my heart to reflect on that. 00:22:26.379 --> 00:22:29.699 And what is the result of reflecting on that truth. 00:22:29.779 --> 00:22:31.439 That is the steadfast love of God. 00:22:31.519 --> 00:22:32.079 You know what it is? 00:22:32.459 --> 00:22:33.959 My heart shall rejoice. 00:22:35.719 --> 00:22:36.779 Brothers and sisters. 00:22:38.299 --> 00:22:41.379 In the worst and most difficult of circumstances. 00:22:41.599 --> 00:22:43.159 Do you find that you can rejoice? 00:22:43.160 --> 00:22:49.240 It's not the circumstances that give you the reason to rejoice. 00:22:49.360 --> 00:22:49.980 You know what it is? 00:22:50.140 --> 00:22:52.060 It's the knowledge of who He is. 00:22:53.660 --> 00:22:56.519 It's the truths of Scripture that we know. 00:22:56.800 --> 00:22:59.240 It's the character of God that we've come to know. 00:22:59.420 --> 00:23:02.960 That God is the same today and yesterday and forever. 00:23:03.640 --> 00:23:04.720 God never changes. 00:23:04.720 --> 00:23:09.600 The love of God does not ebb and flow based on our circumstances. 00:23:10.740 --> 00:23:15.299 When we're in times of greatness and we're in times of depth and despair, 00:23:15.660 --> 00:23:17.299 God's love doesn't change. 00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:22.740 Do we understand that God sends us through trials for a purpose? 00:23:24.400 --> 00:23:28.100 Y'all heard it quoted probably every week for the last four weeks 00:23:28.100 --> 00:23:29.160 because we're in the Psalms. 00:23:29.240 --> 00:23:30.759 We're in the same section of the Psalms. 00:23:30.759 --> 00:23:37.799 But James 1 is a verse that I would encourage us to cling to. 00:23:38.799 --> 00:23:39.539 And it says this, 00:23:40.059 --> 00:23:45.140 Count it all joy, brothers, when you encounter various trials. 00:23:47.799 --> 00:23:49.200 Isn't that a paradox? 00:23:51.259 --> 00:23:55.000 I'm going through trials and difficulty, heaviness, 00:23:55.460 --> 00:23:56.519 and things I don't understand, 00:23:56.700 --> 00:23:59.140 circumstances that feel like they're going to overwhelm me, 00:23:59.140 --> 00:24:00.519 and God says, have joy. 00:24:01.460 --> 00:24:02.319 Wait a minute, God. 00:24:02.559 --> 00:24:03.839 You don't know what I'm going through. 00:24:04.180 --> 00:24:04.799 You know what he says? 00:24:04.839 --> 00:24:05.960 He says, I'm doing it. 00:24:06.279 --> 00:24:07.740 Not only do I know what you're going through, 00:24:07.819 --> 00:24:09.119 I put it there on purpose. 00:24:10.480 --> 00:24:12.359 I'm a sovereign God, but it has a purpose. 00:24:12.660 --> 00:24:14.259 I'm trying to work something into your life. 00:24:14.500 --> 00:24:15.720 I sent this trial. 00:24:17.379 --> 00:24:19.279 And this trial is for your growth. 00:24:19.519 --> 00:24:21.619 This trial is so you'll know me more. 00:24:21.940 --> 00:24:24.420 This trial is so you'll depend on me. 00:24:24.420 --> 00:24:29.080 Count it all joy knowing this, 00:24:29.440 --> 00:24:32.840 that the testing of your faith works character. 00:24:33.940 --> 00:24:40.039 The testing of your faith is producing in us a character. 00:24:40.039 --> 00:24:45.639 It's producing in us the character of Christ. 00:24:47.940 --> 00:24:49.539 So he says, rejoice. 00:24:49.539 --> 00:24:49.779 Rejoice. 00:24:49.779 --> 00:24:50.420 Rejoice. 00:24:51.339 --> 00:24:52.079 And David says, 00:24:52.079 --> 00:24:54.259 I know I'm supposed to rejoice, 00:24:54.419 --> 00:24:56.699 but when I look at my circumstances, I can't. 00:24:56.879 --> 00:24:58.539 So I don't look at my circumstances. 00:24:58.740 --> 00:24:59.839 I look at who you are. 00:25:00.039 --> 00:25:01.579 Though I don't feel you present, 00:25:01.779 --> 00:25:04.059 I know for sure you're a God of love. 00:25:04.879 --> 00:25:06.179 Your love is steadfast. 00:25:06.299 --> 00:25:07.839 You'll never leave me or forsake me. 00:25:08.179 --> 00:25:10.240 And when I think on these things, 00:25:10.439 --> 00:25:12.799 when I concentrate on the truths of your scripture, 00:25:13.059 --> 00:25:14.839 when I remember who you are, 00:25:14.839 --> 00:25:16.779 even in the midst of my circumstances, 00:25:17.000 --> 00:25:18.519 it causes me to rejoice. 00:25:18.819 --> 00:25:20.220 Brothers and sisters, church, 00:25:20.319 --> 00:25:22.859 do you find that you can rejoice 00:25:22.859 --> 00:25:26.459 and sing praises to God in the midst of difficult times? 00:25:27.179 --> 00:25:29.799 You know that's what his power looks like? 00:25:32.980 --> 00:25:35.879 His power in our life looks just like that. 00:25:37.019 --> 00:25:39.359 And though it took me 15 to 20 minutes 00:25:39.359 --> 00:25:41.379 before any words would come out of my mouth, 00:25:41.539 --> 00:25:43.079 finally they did come out of my mouth. 00:25:43.079 --> 00:25:46.500 But I want you to know my heart was singing. 00:25:48.119 --> 00:25:50.339 And even though it was a heavy time for me, 00:25:50.659 --> 00:25:53.279 finally my words would come out 00:25:53.279 --> 00:25:54.559 and worship would come out. 00:25:56.240 --> 00:25:58.399 And that was a time of great relief. 00:25:59.379 --> 00:26:00.919 It's as if the dark kingdom, 00:26:01.699 --> 00:26:04.079 whatever that was in the spiritual realm 00:26:04.079 --> 00:26:07.079 that I was under attack, I'm convinced of it. 00:26:07.359 --> 00:26:10.279 Whatever it was, whatever the intention was, 00:26:10.319 --> 00:26:12.839 it's as if the clouds parted for a little while. 00:26:13.460 --> 00:26:14.599 And while I was worshiping, 00:26:14.659 --> 00:26:15.759 I would stay in there for an hour. 00:26:16.720 --> 00:26:19.079 And I would sing, and I would sing, and I would sing. 00:26:19.779 --> 00:26:21.679 And it was as if the clouds just pushed back. 00:26:22.199 --> 00:26:26.059 And I could feel the comfort 00:26:26.059 --> 00:26:28.379 and the presence of God. 00:26:29.759 --> 00:26:31.879 And you know, I think that that's what 00:26:31.879 --> 00:26:33.919 David is talking about here. 00:26:34.000 --> 00:26:35.939 But I've trusted in your steadfast love. 00:26:35.940 --> 00:26:39.900 And my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. 00:26:40.400 --> 00:26:42.039 And I will sing. 00:26:43.420 --> 00:26:44.980 I will sing to the Lord 00:26:44.980 --> 00:26:46.799 because he has dealt bountifully with me. 00:26:47.019 --> 00:26:48.620 Think about what he's done in your life. 00:26:50.380 --> 00:26:51.240 And I would say, 00:26:51.360 --> 00:26:53.380 in the greatest times of difficulty, 00:26:53.660 --> 00:26:55.100 think of what he's done in our life. 00:26:55.099 --> 00:26:59.319 You know, God doesn't call us 00:26:59.319 --> 00:27:01.000 to focus on the difficulties. 00:27:01.519 --> 00:27:04.099 He calls us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, 00:27:04.259 --> 00:27:05.980 the author and perfecter of our faith. 00:27:06.919 --> 00:27:07.480 He says, 00:27:08.119 --> 00:27:09.599 keep your eyes fixed on me. 00:27:10.259 --> 00:27:11.480 Recognize who I am. 00:27:11.740 --> 00:27:13.559 Don't turn to the left or to the right. 00:27:13.559 --> 00:27:16.019 And you'll experience joy and peace 00:27:16.019 --> 00:27:17.599 that passes all understanding, 00:27:17.980 --> 00:27:20.279 even in the deepest, darkest of times. 00:27:20.940 --> 00:27:23.359 You know, Paul and Silas experienced that, didn't they? 00:27:24.079 --> 00:27:25.599 Y'all know the story in the book of Acts 00:27:25.599 --> 00:27:28.000 when they go to Macedonia 00:27:28.000 --> 00:27:31.119 and they're called by God 00:27:31.119 --> 00:27:32.319 to go and preach the gospel. 00:27:32.440 --> 00:27:33.460 They show up in the street 00:27:33.460 --> 00:27:34.799 and they begin to preach the gospel. 00:27:35.399 --> 00:27:38.279 And the enemy sends his servants 00:27:38.279 --> 00:27:41.179 to arrest them for preaching the gospel. 00:27:41.500 --> 00:27:42.019 And they're like, 00:27:42.019 --> 00:27:43.200 God, wait a minute, I'm doing exactly 00:27:43.200 --> 00:27:44.039 what you told me to do. 00:27:44.079 --> 00:27:44.619 What do you mean? 00:27:45.099 --> 00:27:46.079 Why are they arresting me? 00:27:46.240 --> 00:27:47.039 And he takes them 00:27:47.039 --> 00:27:47.599 and they puts them 00:27:47.599 --> 00:27:49.359 in the deepest, darkest part of the jail. 00:27:49.740 --> 00:27:51.619 They fasten their hands 00:27:51.619 --> 00:27:52.980 and their feet in stocks. 00:27:53.099 --> 00:27:54.240 They tie them to the wall 00:27:54.240 --> 00:27:56.960 with no idea of where this is going 00:27:56.960 --> 00:27:58.139 and what the future looks like. 00:27:58.259 --> 00:27:59.759 And what did Paul and Silas do? 00:28:01.519 --> 00:28:02.980 They praised God. 00:28:03.059 --> 00:28:04.900 They started singing in the jail cell. 00:28:05.319 --> 00:28:06.119 And you know what happened? 00:28:06.119 --> 00:28:08.000 The whole place shook. 00:28:08.000 --> 00:28:12.539 The miraculous, powerful hand of God 00:28:12.539 --> 00:28:13.440 placed them there 00:28:13.440 --> 00:28:15.220 so that they could proclaim 00:28:15.220 --> 00:28:16.640 the powerful name of God 00:28:16.640 --> 00:28:18.220 and worship God in the worst of times. 00:28:18.660 --> 00:28:21.160 And the jailer and many, many others 00:28:21.160 --> 00:28:22.680 came into the kingdom because of it. 00:28:23.579 --> 00:28:26.039 You know that in the darkest of times, 00:28:26.839 --> 00:28:27.940 the light's brighter. 00:28:28.920 --> 00:28:30.400 In the heaviest of times, 00:28:30.460 --> 00:28:31.900 when we're praising God, 00:28:32.119 --> 00:28:33.440 when our life has fallen apart 00:28:33.440 --> 00:28:34.519 and we're praising God, 00:28:34.519 --> 00:28:37.400 that light is hard to miss. 00:28:39.160 --> 00:28:41.720 And God did it in the life of Paul and Silas 00:28:41.720 --> 00:28:42.779 and he does it for me. 00:28:44.000 --> 00:28:45.599 You know, I believe that 00:28:45.599 --> 00:28:47.859 all of the Old Testament 00:28:47.859 --> 00:28:49.200 points forward to Jesus. 00:28:50.779 --> 00:28:52.180 I believe the New Testament 00:28:52.180 --> 00:28:53.559 points back to Jesus. 00:28:53.779 --> 00:28:56.039 It reveals the time when he walked on earth 00:28:56.039 --> 00:28:57.660 in the life of Christ. 00:28:58.460 --> 00:29:00.599 It revealed that he was God, 00:29:00.720 --> 00:29:02.639 Emmanuel, God with us. 00:29:02.640 --> 00:29:04.080 But in the Old Testament, 00:29:04.240 --> 00:29:06.820 it's pointing forward at Jesus. 00:29:07.000 --> 00:29:08.120 All the text, I believe, 00:29:08.180 --> 00:29:09.020 would be pointing forward. 00:29:09.200 --> 00:29:10.140 So this week, 00:29:10.259 --> 00:29:11.520 as I'm looking at this psalm, 00:29:11.600 --> 00:29:11.880 I'm saying, 00:29:12.180 --> 00:29:14.080 God, show me Jesus here. 00:29:15.300 --> 00:29:18.840 And I wonder if you see Jesus in this text. 00:29:21.080 --> 00:29:23.820 Prophetically, it's pointing to Christ. 00:29:25.259 --> 00:29:28.240 Specifically, it's pointing to a time 00:29:28.240 --> 00:29:32.539 when he would feel this very same separation. 00:29:32.700 --> 00:29:33.259 Do you remember? 00:29:34.799 --> 00:29:37.660 As Christ is in the week of the passion, 00:29:37.799 --> 00:29:39.759 he knew that he would take on 00:29:39.759 --> 00:29:40.579 the sins of the world. 00:29:40.660 --> 00:29:41.980 You remember him in the garden? 00:29:43.779 --> 00:29:46.460 You remember him sweating drops of blood 00:29:46.460 --> 00:29:49.279 because he knew of the impending judgment 00:29:49.279 --> 00:29:50.660 that he was going to receive 00:29:50.660 --> 00:29:52.620 as he took on the sins of man? 00:29:52.619 --> 00:29:56.500 Listen with those ears as I read again 00:29:56.500 --> 00:29:59.079 real quickly this passage. 00:30:00.079 --> 00:30:02.879 And I want you to hear Christ here. 00:30:03.299 --> 00:30:06.599 That this is talking about Jesus prophetically. 00:30:07.599 --> 00:30:08.159 How long? 00:30:08.219 --> 00:30:10.659 You can hear Jesus crying out, 00:30:10.899 --> 00:30:12.899 how long will you forget me forever? 00:30:13.299 --> 00:30:16.019 Jesus had never, ever known a time 00:30:16.019 --> 00:30:18.299 where he wasn't in perfect fellowship 00:30:18.299 --> 00:30:18.919 with the Father. 00:30:19.339 --> 00:30:19.659 Never. 00:30:19.660 --> 00:30:22.940 There was nothing more precious to Jesus 00:30:22.940 --> 00:30:24.880 than the fellowship with the Father. 00:30:25.180 --> 00:30:27.000 The fellowship that the Father, Son, 00:30:27.060 --> 00:30:28.259 and Holy Spirit have known 00:30:28.259 --> 00:30:31.160 in all eternity past. 00:30:31.940 --> 00:30:33.700 They always were united. 00:30:34.180 --> 00:30:35.340 They always knew something 00:30:35.340 --> 00:30:37.300 that's the most precious thing in all of life, 00:30:37.400 --> 00:30:38.600 that is fellowship with the Father. 00:30:39.100 --> 00:30:39.620 And he says, 00:30:40.000 --> 00:30:41.560 will you forget me forever? 00:30:43.019 --> 00:30:43.900 Jesus would say, 00:30:44.140 --> 00:30:45.540 will you hide your face? 00:30:45.840 --> 00:30:47.960 God had never hidden his face from Jesus. 00:30:48.500 --> 00:30:48.860 Ever. 00:30:49.660 --> 00:30:52.140 And the Word of God says, 00:30:52.200 --> 00:30:53.580 remember what Christ said on the cross? 00:30:54.019 --> 00:30:55.220 My God, my God, 00:30:55.300 --> 00:30:56.880 why have you forsaken me? 00:30:59.000 --> 00:31:01.400 It's as if God turned his face from Jesus. 00:31:01.820 --> 00:31:04.400 How long will I take counsel of my own soul? 00:31:04.700 --> 00:31:06.200 I need to hear from you. 00:31:06.400 --> 00:31:08.380 Father, I need communion from you. 00:31:09.060 --> 00:31:10.140 I have sorrow, 00:31:10.580 --> 00:31:13.460 this deep sorrow that Jesus took on 00:31:13.460 --> 00:31:15.080 because of separation with the Father, 00:31:15.320 --> 00:31:17.200 because of the weight of the sins of the world 00:31:17.200 --> 00:31:17.900 that he carried. 00:31:18.840 --> 00:31:21.380 How long shall my enemies exalt over me? 00:31:21.460 --> 00:31:23.920 Can you remember the enemies of Jesus 00:31:23.920 --> 00:31:24.840 during that time? 00:31:25.319 --> 00:31:26.779 How they took a crown of thorns 00:31:26.779 --> 00:31:28.200 and stuffed it on his head, 00:31:28.319 --> 00:31:29.940 causing blood to drip all over him. 00:31:30.240 --> 00:31:32.400 How they mocked him and spit on him. 00:31:32.660 --> 00:31:33.039 How they said, 00:31:33.340 --> 00:31:34.319 come on, king, right? 00:31:34.460 --> 00:31:34.640 You know, 00:31:34.680 --> 00:31:36.600 and they mocked him as a king 00:31:36.600 --> 00:31:38.380 with a purple robe on him. 00:31:39.140 --> 00:31:40.900 How they beat him to a pulp. 00:31:42.040 --> 00:31:43.400 You couldn't even recognize 00:31:43.400 --> 00:31:44.180 that he was a man. 00:31:47.340 --> 00:31:47.820 And he, 00:31:48.040 --> 00:31:49.000 consider me, 00:31:49.360 --> 00:31:50.400 answer me, God. 00:31:51.720 --> 00:31:53.240 Light up my eyes. 00:31:54.400 --> 00:31:55.740 Do you hear the groan? 00:31:55.820 --> 00:31:58.560 Do you hear the call of Jesus saying, 00:31:59.360 --> 00:31:59.900 not, I mean, 00:31:59.960 --> 00:32:01.160 it's like, please, God. 00:32:01.860 --> 00:32:03.200 It's almost like he's telling God, 00:32:03.340 --> 00:32:04.820 do this, do this, God. 00:32:04.819 --> 00:32:07.599 Lest my enemies say, 00:32:08.079 --> 00:32:09.399 I have prevailed over him. 00:32:09.439 --> 00:32:10.259 Remember what they said? 00:32:10.639 --> 00:32:12.579 He called himself the son of God. 00:32:12.639 --> 00:32:13.619 If he were the son of God, 00:32:13.679 --> 00:32:14.879 come down from the cross. 00:32:15.619 --> 00:32:17.220 Show us that you're the son of God. 00:32:20.399 --> 00:32:21.359 But Jesus says, 00:32:21.460 --> 00:32:23.240 I've trusted in your steadfastness. 00:32:23.500 --> 00:32:24.919 I know of your love. 00:32:25.139 --> 00:32:26.480 I know of your promises. 00:32:26.859 --> 00:32:28.179 I will rejoice. 00:32:28.579 --> 00:32:30.599 I willingly go to the cross. 00:32:30.919 --> 00:32:32.859 I willingly offer my life 00:32:32.859 --> 00:32:33.740 for the sake 00:32:33.740 --> 00:32:36.160 of my bride. 00:32:37.220 --> 00:32:38.940 I do it willingly. 00:32:39.339 --> 00:32:41.220 I will sing your praise, God, 00:32:41.279 --> 00:32:42.120 for you're worthy. 00:32:42.440 --> 00:32:44.380 Your mercy is on full display. 00:32:44.720 --> 00:32:45.960 I praise you, God. 00:32:46.460 --> 00:32:47.680 Hear it in Psalm 22. 00:32:47.900 --> 00:32:49.579 This will be something you recognize. 00:32:50.019 --> 00:32:51.400 You'll see the same pattern here 00:32:51.400 --> 00:32:52.120 in Psalm 22. 00:32:52.940 --> 00:32:55.259 But it becomes very crystal clear 00:32:55.259 --> 00:32:56.079 that it's Jesus. 00:32:57.500 --> 00:32:59.400 We call this a messianic psalm. 00:32:59.400 --> 00:33:01.319 I think both are messianic psalms. 00:33:01.319 --> 00:33:05.240 But it's sure clear in Psalm 22. 00:33:05.379 --> 00:33:05.559 Why? 00:33:05.779 --> 00:33:06.779 Because it's quoted 00:33:06.779 --> 00:33:08.859 over and over and over 00:33:08.859 --> 00:33:10.339 and over in the New Testament 00:33:10.339 --> 00:33:12.980 unequivocally about Jesus. 00:33:13.779 --> 00:33:14.679 And look at verse 1. 00:33:14.759 --> 00:33:15.599 Just follow with me 00:33:15.599 --> 00:33:16.799 as we read Psalm 22 00:33:16.799 --> 00:33:18.240 in closing this morning. 00:33:20.240 --> 00:33:21.839 My God, my God, 00:33:21.919 --> 00:33:23.299 why have you forsaken me? 00:33:23.339 --> 00:33:24.259 Have you ever heard that before? 00:33:24.259 --> 00:33:27.099 That's the words of Jesus 00:33:27.099 --> 00:33:28.059 on the cross 00:33:28.059 --> 00:33:30.140 quoting Psalm 22, verse 1. 00:33:32.160 --> 00:33:33.879 Psalm 22 is pointing ahead 00:33:33.879 --> 00:33:35.339 to this very time in his life. 00:33:37.119 --> 00:33:39.599 Why are you so far from saving me 00:33:39.599 --> 00:33:41.440 from the words of my groaning? 00:33:41.519 --> 00:33:42.539 You see the questions? 00:33:43.519 --> 00:33:44.539 Where are you, God? 00:33:45.160 --> 00:33:46.720 Why have you forsaken me? 00:33:46.720 --> 00:33:49.539 Oh, my God, verse 2. 00:33:49.700 --> 00:33:51.480 I cry by day, 00:33:51.579 --> 00:33:52.700 but you do not answer. 00:33:52.799 --> 00:33:53.420 And by night, 00:33:53.480 --> 00:33:55.200 but I find no rest. 00:33:55.680 --> 00:33:57.779 Do you hear the groaning of Christ? 00:33:59.000 --> 00:34:00.539 The suffering he's going through? 00:34:00.900 --> 00:34:01.259 Yet. 00:34:03.319 --> 00:34:05.100 In Psalm 13, it was the word but. 00:34:05.339 --> 00:34:06.640 In this psalm, it's the word yet. 00:34:07.039 --> 00:34:08.539 Yet you are holy. 00:34:09.139 --> 00:34:11.420 You are enthroned on the praises of Israel. 00:34:11.699 --> 00:34:13.500 He's not focusing on the circumstances. 00:34:13.639 --> 00:34:15.199 He's focused on the holiness of God. 00:34:15.199 --> 00:34:16.519 He declares it. 00:34:17.159 --> 00:34:19.019 In you, our fathers trusted. 00:34:19.139 --> 00:34:19.679 They trusted. 00:34:19.819 --> 00:34:20.719 And you delivered them. 00:34:20.799 --> 00:34:21.960 To you, they cried. 00:34:22.179 --> 00:34:22.939 And were rescued. 00:34:23.599 --> 00:34:25.480 In you, they trusted. 00:34:25.579 --> 00:34:26.739 And were not put to shame. 00:34:27.099 --> 00:34:28.699 I am a worm and not a man. 00:34:28.799 --> 00:34:29.799 I'm scorned by men. 00:34:29.859 --> 00:34:31.059 I'm despised by people. 00:34:31.460 --> 00:34:33.099 All who see me mock me. 00:34:33.179 --> 00:34:34.259 Have you heard that in your testament? 00:34:35.819 --> 00:34:37.319 All who see me mock me. 00:34:37.379 --> 00:34:39.419 And they make mouths at me. 00:34:39.519 --> 00:34:40.859 They wag their heads. 00:34:40.960 --> 00:34:42.179 He trusted in the Lord. 00:34:42.259 --> 00:34:43.279 Let him deliver him. 00:34:43.719 --> 00:34:44.879 Let him rescue him. 00:34:44.880 --> 00:34:46.140 For he delights in him. 00:34:47.420 --> 00:34:48.340 Do you hear Christ? 00:34:50.000 --> 00:34:52.160 Yet you are he who took me from the womb. 00:34:52.260 --> 00:34:54.220 You made me trust at my mother's breast. 00:34:54.539 --> 00:34:56.559 On you was I cast for my birth. 00:34:56.660 --> 00:34:57.780 And for my mother's womb. 00:34:57.880 --> 00:34:58.960 You have been my God. 00:34:59.420 --> 00:35:00.559 Be not far from me. 00:35:00.619 --> 00:35:01.660 For trouble is near. 00:35:02.200 --> 00:35:03.119 And there is none to help. 00:35:04.300 --> 00:35:05.900 Many bulls encompass me. 00:35:05.980 --> 00:35:06.760 Can you picture it? 00:35:06.760 --> 00:35:15.840 You know it's as if when we look with spiritual eyes in the garden of Gethsemane right before he goes into Jerusalem. 00:35:16.200 --> 00:35:19.440 Do you see it's almost like the whole dark kingdom is surrounding him. 00:35:19.840 --> 00:35:22.080 We got these soldiers coming up to arrest him. 00:35:22.680 --> 00:35:24.440 We've got his servants. 00:35:24.700 --> 00:35:25.980 His 12 are sleeping. 00:35:26.520 --> 00:35:27.580 He's like by himself. 00:35:27.680 --> 00:35:28.940 He's sweating drops of blood. 00:35:29.020 --> 00:35:29.980 He knows it's imminent. 00:35:30.100 --> 00:35:31.000 It's right around the corner. 00:35:31.000 --> 00:35:34.920 It's as if Satan and all the demonic kingdom is up there just laughing. 00:35:35.719 --> 00:35:37.219 They're just going crazy. 00:35:37.360 --> 00:35:38.280 They're going berserk. 00:35:38.380 --> 00:35:40.800 Because they're getting ready to take this guy down. 00:35:41.000 --> 00:35:41.940 To take Jesus down. 00:35:42.780 --> 00:35:44.780 These bulls have compassed me around. 00:35:45.960 --> 00:35:48.380 Strong bulls of passion surround me. 00:35:48.460 --> 00:35:50.159 They open wide their mouths at me. 00:35:50.340 --> 00:35:53.199 Like a ravening and roaring lion. 00:35:54.000 --> 00:35:56.440 That reminds us of 1 Peter doesn't it? 00:35:56.440 --> 00:35:59.800 Like a roaring lion he seeks to devour. 00:36:01.420 --> 00:36:03.019 I am poured out like water. 00:36:03.159 --> 00:36:04.980 All my bones are out of joint. 00:36:05.880 --> 00:36:07.619 That was quoted in the New Testament as well. 00:36:08.099 --> 00:36:09.380 My heart is like wax. 00:36:09.519 --> 00:36:11.099 It's melted within my breast. 00:36:11.940 --> 00:36:12.420 16. 00:36:12.539 --> 00:36:13.820 For dogs compassed me. 00:36:13.900 --> 00:36:15.720 A company of evildoers encircled me. 00:36:16.039 --> 00:36:18.119 They have pierced my hands and feet. 00:36:18.920 --> 00:36:20.619 I count all my bones. 00:36:21.320 --> 00:36:21.980 They stare. 00:36:22.099 --> 00:36:23.240 I can count all my bones. 00:36:23.320 --> 00:36:24.559 They stare and gloat over me. 00:36:24.559 --> 00:36:26.619 They divide my garments among them. 00:36:26.699 --> 00:36:28.400 And for my clothing they cast lots. 00:36:29.239 --> 00:36:29.779 And then he says, 00:36:29.940 --> 00:36:32.079 But God do not be far from me. 00:36:32.279 --> 00:36:33.159 Come quickly. 00:36:33.360 --> 00:36:34.320 Deliver my soul. 00:36:34.759 --> 00:36:35.500 Save me. 00:36:38.920 --> 00:36:39.940 Brothers and sisters. 00:36:42.059 --> 00:36:45.759 I encouraged us in these seasons 00:36:45.759 --> 00:36:48.340 to support one another. 00:36:48.500 --> 00:36:49.320 To come alongside. 00:36:49.619 --> 00:36:52.279 How much of a blessing is it 00:36:52.279 --> 00:36:54.000 when we're in these heavy seasons of life? 00:36:54.000 --> 00:36:56.139 For somebody just to come sit with us. 00:36:56.239 --> 00:36:57.559 Just to put an arm around us. 00:36:57.780 --> 00:36:58.380 Just to say, 00:36:58.480 --> 00:36:58.780 I'm here. 00:37:00.099 --> 00:37:01.980 I'll do whatever I can to help. 00:37:02.619 --> 00:37:05.400 That type of love in the body of Christ is powerful. 00:37:07.199 --> 00:37:07.440 You know, 00:37:07.460 --> 00:37:09.820 how blessed it is to be out of those seasons. 00:37:10.480 --> 00:37:11.679 They're very difficult. 00:37:11.860 --> 00:37:13.380 How blessed it is to have seasons 00:37:13.380 --> 00:37:16.880 where we just hear the voice of God clearly. 00:37:17.039 --> 00:37:19.019 We sense the presence of God often. 00:37:19.019 --> 00:37:23.679 And we're warmed inside by God's great love. 00:37:23.800 --> 00:37:26.219 And worship comes freely and easily. 00:37:26.719 --> 00:37:28.579 That's what I long for us as a body. 00:37:28.639 --> 00:37:29.940 That we would support one another 00:37:29.940 --> 00:37:31.659 and help each other during those seasons. 00:37:32.039 --> 00:37:33.099 And that more than that, 00:37:33.139 --> 00:37:35.340 we would worship and grow spiritual. 00:37:35.340 --> 00:37:36.280 Let's pray this morning. 00:37:36.280 --> 00:37:38.019 Father, 00:37:38.120 --> 00:37:39.080 I do ask that 00:37:39.080 --> 00:37:42.200 in these difficult times of life, 00:37:42.280 --> 00:37:43.660 in these heavy times of life, 00:37:43.860 --> 00:37:44.620 that Father, 00:37:44.720 --> 00:37:47.200 you would remind us to focus on your truth. 00:37:47.380 --> 00:37:49.100 That your truth never fails. 00:37:49.220 --> 00:37:50.380 Your truth never changes. 00:37:50.519 --> 00:37:51.880 Your truth is always there. 00:37:52.240 --> 00:37:52.460 God, 00:37:52.560 --> 00:37:53.740 your love 00:37:53.740 --> 00:37:55.519 is beyond our understanding. 00:37:55.640 --> 00:37:56.660 It'll never leave. 00:37:56.760 --> 00:37:58.720 There's nothing that can separate us from your love. 00:37:58.840 --> 00:37:59.120 Nothing. 00:37:59.640 --> 00:38:01.019 Angels or principalities, 00:38:01.140 --> 00:38:01.440 powers, 00:38:01.560 --> 00:38:03.600 nothing can separate us from your love. 00:38:03.599 --> 00:38:04.880 Father, 00:38:04.980 --> 00:38:06.199 you love us as children, 00:38:06.360 --> 00:38:08.219 and yet you're doing a work in our life 00:38:08.219 --> 00:38:09.579 that requires trials. 00:38:10.619 --> 00:38:10.880 God, 00:38:10.920 --> 00:38:12.079 in the midst of the trials, 00:38:12.279 --> 00:38:14.239 help our eyes to stay fixed on you. 00:38:14.799 --> 00:38:15.019 God, 00:38:15.039 --> 00:38:16.799 I pray that you give us strength 00:38:16.799 --> 00:38:18.779 to be faithful to you, 00:38:18.779 --> 00:38:21.460 to believe that you're trustworthy and steadfast. 00:38:22.039 --> 00:38:22.299 God, 00:38:22.339 --> 00:38:24.779 I pray that that in itself, 00:38:25.500 --> 00:38:27.799 just this confidence in you, 00:38:27.940 --> 00:38:29.119 this commitment to you, 00:38:29.420 --> 00:38:30.639 especially in those seasons, 00:38:30.779 --> 00:38:32.480 would scream to the world 00:38:32.480 --> 00:38:34.280 that our lives have been changed 00:38:34.280 --> 00:38:35.000 by a holy, 00:38:35.460 --> 00:38:36.340 mighty God. 00:38:37.420 --> 00:38:38.460 Thank you for this morning. 00:38:38.579 --> 00:38:39.659 I praise you in Christ's name. 00:38:39.880 --> 00:38:40.119 Amen.