WEBVTT 00:00:00.780 --> 00:00:04.160 Please take your Bibles and open them up to Psalm chapter 9. 00:00:05.120 --> 00:00:06.459 Psalm chapter 9. 00:00:07.140 --> 00:00:10.820 And if you're able, I ask that you please stand for the reading of the Word of God. 00:00:12.019 --> 00:00:20.100 We've been doing this lately, a new habit for us to stand in reverence for the Word before we hear the Word preached. 00:00:20.699 --> 00:00:22.980 And so we'll do it again this morning from Psalm chapter 9. 00:00:23.080 --> 00:00:25.800 I ask that you listen as I read the Word. 00:00:25.800 --> 00:00:29.400 Listen with your ears open and your hearts open. 00:00:29.399 --> 00:00:32.759 And asking the Lord to speak to you again today through His Word. 00:00:33.299 --> 00:00:34.299 Psalm chapter 9. 00:00:34.619 --> 00:00:34.839 It says, 00:00:59.399 --> 00:01:29.400 00:01:29.400 --> 00:01:45.860 Sing praises to the Lord who sits enthroned in Zion. 00:01:45.859 --> 00:01:48.040 Tell among the peoples His deeds. 00:01:48.739 --> 00:01:51.260 For He who avenges blood is mindful of them. 00:01:51.400 --> 00:01:54.140 He does not forget the cry of the afflicted. 00:01:55.140 --> 00:01:56.819 Be gracious to me, O Lord. 00:01:57.319 --> 00:01:59.480 See my affliction from those who hate me. 00:02:00.099 --> 00:02:02.519 O You who lift me up from the gates of death. 00:02:02.939 --> 00:02:05.019 That I may recount all Your praises. 00:02:05.659 --> 00:02:10.039 That in the gates of the daughter of Zion, I may rejoice in Your salvation. 00:02:10.039 --> 00:02:14.060 The nations have sunk in the pit that they have made. 00:02:14.500 --> 00:02:17.400 In the net that they hid, their own foot has been caught. 00:02:18.000 --> 00:02:20.039 The Lord has made Himself known. 00:02:20.239 --> 00:02:21.560 He has executed judgment. 00:02:22.359 --> 00:02:25.079 The wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. 00:02:25.939 --> 00:02:28.219 The wicked shall return to Sheol. 00:02:28.780 --> 00:02:30.719 All the nations that forget God. 00:02:31.379 --> 00:02:33.659 For the needy shall not always be forgotten. 00:02:34.239 --> 00:02:36.799 And the hope of the poor shall not perish forever. 00:02:36.800 --> 00:02:39.000 Arise, O Lord. 00:02:39.560 --> 00:02:40.880 Let not man prevail. 00:02:41.660 --> 00:02:43.939 Let the nations be judged before You. 00:02:44.820 --> 00:02:46.439 Put them in fear, O Lord. 00:02:47.080 --> 00:02:50.820 Let the nations know that they are but men. 00:02:51.780 --> 00:02:53.120 This is the Word of God. 00:02:53.720 --> 00:02:54.320 You may be seated. 00:02:58.040 --> 00:03:00.900 Lord, we ask again as we open up Your Word now. 00:03:01.020 --> 00:03:05.439 That You would speak clearly and powerfully through Your Word. 00:03:05.439 --> 00:03:10.359 Lord, would You comfort us who are suffering, who are afflicted. 00:03:10.740 --> 00:03:13.359 Lord, deepen our trust in You and in Christ our Savior. 00:03:13.960 --> 00:03:15.039 It's in His name that we pray. 00:03:15.960 --> 00:03:16.259 Amen. 00:03:18.879 --> 00:03:21.379 How do Christians suffer? 00:03:22.719 --> 00:03:24.780 We're wrapping up our series in the Psalms. 00:03:24.840 --> 00:03:26.199 We've been in the Psalms this summer. 00:03:26.300 --> 00:03:29.079 We'll be jumping back into the Gospel of John next week. 00:03:29.080 --> 00:03:33.620 And it seems like we've been asking that question an awful lot lately, haven't we? 00:03:34.219 --> 00:03:39.520 This section, Psalms 3 through 9 especially, has dealt a lot with the topic of suffering. 00:03:40.160 --> 00:03:46.280 So we've been reminded all summer long of what it means, what it looks like for us to suffer as a believer. 00:03:46.280 --> 00:03:55.259 And I know that even in a room this size, even in a church this size, that there are many who are here who are suffering. 00:03:56.259 --> 00:04:00.659 And if not right now, then there are many who are here who have suffered. 00:04:00.800 --> 00:04:06.639 And if not, then I know with certainty that there are many here in the room who will suffer. 00:04:07.420 --> 00:04:08.920 How do we prepare for this? 00:04:08.919 --> 00:04:16.560 How do we ready our hearts to suffer as David does, trusting in the Word of God? 00:04:17.399 --> 00:04:21.339 My family and I, we went to go visit some friends a couple weeks ago. 00:04:21.439 --> 00:04:23.180 And we went to their parents' lake house. 00:04:23.240 --> 00:04:26.039 And we got to go out on the boat, spend some time on the water. 00:04:26.120 --> 00:04:28.699 The boys got to go tubing back behind the boat. 00:04:28.779 --> 00:04:29.560 We had a great time. 00:04:29.620 --> 00:04:30.519 The weather was perfect. 00:04:31.099 --> 00:04:34.919 But when we pulled the boat in and parked the boat, we had a problem. 00:04:34.920 --> 00:04:38.520 I don't know the technical name for this. 00:04:38.960 --> 00:04:40.319 It had a pulley system. 00:04:40.600 --> 00:04:42.060 You pull the boat in. 00:04:42.120 --> 00:04:46.720 It had some thick braided cords that wrapped themselves around this spinning contraption. 00:04:47.580 --> 00:04:50.540 Basically what it does is it stabilizes the boat. 00:04:51.319 --> 00:04:58.920 It parks the boat, stabilizes it, lifts it up out of the water so that when it's secured properly, it won't float away. 00:04:58.920 --> 00:05:06.620 And when the winds come, when the waters rise, if the storm were to come, the boat would be safe and secure. 00:05:06.819 --> 00:05:12.680 So we had to spend some time, once we parked it, making sure that those cords were in the right alignment. 00:05:12.840 --> 00:05:16.180 That they weren't tangled, that they were properly attached, properly aligned. 00:05:16.220 --> 00:05:20.819 Because we wanted to make sure that that boat did not float away. 00:05:20.819 --> 00:05:31.339 Well, as we bring our time in the Psalms to a close this morning, Psalm chapter 9 provides us with one more opportunity. 00:05:31.839 --> 00:05:38.300 To make sure that our hearts are properly aligned with the Word of God. 00:05:38.300 --> 00:05:49.000 So that when the wind comes, when the storm comes, when the waters rise, when the waves crash, that we will not drift away. 00:05:49.160 --> 00:05:53.600 But we'll be properly safe and secure, clinging to the Word of God. 00:05:54.680 --> 00:05:56.080 How do believers suffer? 00:05:56.180 --> 00:06:00.060 I have three answers to that question for us this morning from Psalm chapter 9. 00:06:00.180 --> 00:06:04.800 Three answers to the question, how do believers suffer? 00:06:04.800 --> 00:06:10.860 First, when trials come, remember God's actions. 00:06:12.000 --> 00:06:14.980 Remember God's actions. 00:06:15.180 --> 00:06:18.520 This is what David does in the first several verses of our Psalm. 00:06:18.600 --> 00:06:21.540 Look there to the beginning of Psalm chapter 9. 00:06:21.780 --> 00:06:23.439 I want you to have your Bibles open. 00:06:23.540 --> 00:06:25.800 It's important that you're actually looking at the words. 00:06:25.879 --> 00:06:29.980 Not just hearing my words to you, but hearing and seeing the Word of God. 00:06:29.980 --> 00:06:40.640 Sometimes these little inscriptions above the text, the kind of titles there, sometimes they're helpful for us in providing some context for what's going on in the Psalms. 00:06:40.720 --> 00:06:42.879 So we know that David has been suffering. 00:06:43.120 --> 00:06:44.060 He's been struggling. 00:06:44.240 --> 00:06:45.240 He's been on the run. 00:06:45.680 --> 00:06:53.980 I have argued that this section of Psalms, Psalms 3 through 9, deals specifically with the trials he's endured from his son Absalom. 00:06:53.980 --> 00:06:59.939 Now, several smarter people than me disagree with me on that, so this is just one option. 00:07:00.140 --> 00:07:04.240 But just for the sake of argument, I want to point something out to you this morning. 00:07:05.240 --> 00:07:08.040 Flip over to Psalm chapter 3 real quick. 00:07:08.200 --> 00:07:12.600 And if you remember the inscription above Psalm chapter 3, you'll see it there. 00:07:12.680 --> 00:07:13.580 What it says is this. 00:07:14.740 --> 00:07:15.319 It says, 00:07:15.319 --> 00:07:20.959 This is a Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son. 00:07:21.040 --> 00:07:22.379 It provides some context there. 00:07:22.459 --> 00:07:24.259 When he fled from Absalom his son. 00:07:24.339 --> 00:07:27.040 And now Psalm 9, our text this morning. 00:07:27.659 --> 00:07:33.180 The inscription there at the top, if you're using the ESV, it probably says something like this. 00:07:33.259 --> 00:07:36.779 To the choir master, according to Muth Laban. 00:07:38.279 --> 00:07:39.539 That clears it all up, doesn't it? 00:07:40.659 --> 00:07:42.180 What is that? 00:07:42.699 --> 00:07:44.240 What does that mean? 00:07:44.240 --> 00:07:47.360 This is the only place in the Psalms that this phrase shows up. 00:07:47.780 --> 00:07:50.379 The ESV translators, they played it safe. 00:07:50.460 --> 00:07:53.800 And they said, well, this is probably a musical or liturgical term. 00:07:53.900 --> 00:07:56.139 I mean, you think we're in the book of Psalms, right? 00:07:56.220 --> 00:07:57.620 That's probably a safe bet. 00:07:58.180 --> 00:08:06.180 But one way to translate that, and this is what the NKJV does, as well as the NIV, if you're looking at those translations. 00:08:06.180 --> 00:08:13.480 One way to translate that is, interestingly enough, to the tune of death of the son. 00:08:14.240 --> 00:08:17.740 You ever heard that tune? 00:08:18.800 --> 00:08:20.240 Death of the son. 00:08:20.699 --> 00:08:22.000 And I don't want to dwell here. 00:08:22.060 --> 00:08:23.360 I don't want to make too much of that point. 00:08:23.460 --> 00:08:28.139 But it would make sense to me, as I'm considering the context of the Psalms, 00:08:28.620 --> 00:08:34.139 could it be that this is a reference to the death of Absalom, David's son? 00:08:34.139 --> 00:08:40.080 Absalom, the son of David, you remember, has risen up against him. 00:08:40.159 --> 00:08:41.799 He has betrayed his father. 00:08:41.960 --> 00:08:45.399 He's stolen away the hearts of the people of Israel from the king. 00:08:45.460 --> 00:08:47.779 And now he has plans to put him to death. 00:08:48.279 --> 00:08:51.919 He's coming against David with armies of men ready to attack. 00:08:51.919 --> 00:08:59.799 But David now remembers how God, in his power and his providence, has instead put Absalom to death 00:08:59.799 --> 00:09:04.879 and has delivered him from the hands of wicked and evil men. 00:09:04.979 --> 00:09:09.059 So David responds with a commitment here in verses 1 through 2. 00:09:09.299 --> 00:09:09.959 Look there with me. 00:09:10.259 --> 00:09:13.120 A fourfold commitment as he remembers the work of God. 00:09:13.240 --> 00:09:13.579 He says, 00:09:13.580 --> 00:09:16.700 I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart. 00:09:16.860 --> 00:09:17.680 Commitment number one. 00:09:18.540 --> 00:09:21.480 I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. 00:09:22.220 --> 00:09:24.540 I will be glad and exult in you. 00:09:24.660 --> 00:09:28.680 I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. 00:09:28.820 --> 00:09:35.840 There's a connection here, isn't there, between praise and exaltation, gladness and worship and thanksgiving. 00:09:35.980 --> 00:09:38.640 But at the root of all of it, what is it? 00:09:38.639 --> 00:09:47.960 It's recounting, remembering, recalling all the ways that the Lord has acted in your life. 00:09:48.039 --> 00:09:51.019 You know, if you find yourself slow to praise the Lord, 00:09:51.740 --> 00:09:57.179 if you found yourself coming in here and your heart was a little bit cold to worship the Lord this morning, 00:09:57.819 --> 00:10:05.799 one way to kindle the fire of our heart is to remember, to recall, to recount all the works of the Lord. 00:10:05.799 --> 00:10:09.379 Ponder what God has done in your life. 00:10:10.500 --> 00:10:13.299 This is what David does here in verses 3 through 6. 00:10:13.419 --> 00:10:16.459 He considers, he remembers the actions of God. 00:10:16.559 --> 00:10:16.779 He says, 00:10:16.859 --> 00:10:20.219 When my enemies turn back, they stumble and perish before your presence. 00:10:20.959 --> 00:10:22.799 You have maintained my just cause. 00:10:23.479 --> 00:10:26.819 You have sat on the throne giving righteous judgment. 00:10:27.679 --> 00:10:32.459 David is looking back and recalling all the works of God. 00:10:32.460 --> 00:10:39.420 I wonder how often we stop and think about all that God has done. 00:10:41.040 --> 00:10:47.320 How often do we stop and reflect and recount and call to mind all that God has done for us? 00:10:47.420 --> 00:10:50.740 You know, all too often, our attitude, if you're like me, it tends to be, 00:10:50.840 --> 00:10:51.960 Well, what have you done for me lately? 00:10:53.340 --> 00:10:58.340 And all too often, our present circumstances speak much louder in our minds 00:10:58.340 --> 00:11:02.440 than our memory does of all that God has done for us. 00:11:02.519 --> 00:11:05.780 How has God already proven himself trustworthy in your life? 00:11:06.860 --> 00:11:08.420 Are you struggling to trust him now? 00:11:09.160 --> 00:11:12.660 How has he proven himself worthy of your trust? 00:11:12.759 --> 00:11:13.759 He's good. 00:11:13.860 --> 00:11:15.800 He's worthy of your praise. 00:11:16.500 --> 00:11:20.040 David here, he looks backwards and he remembers and he worships. 00:11:20.039 --> 00:11:24.099 But not only that, we see he also looks forwards. 00:11:24.799 --> 00:11:25.759 Look there to verse 5. 00:11:26.939 --> 00:11:27.299 He says, 00:11:27.419 --> 00:11:28.879 You have rebuked the nations. 00:11:29.779 --> 00:11:31.740 You have made the wicked perish. 00:11:32.379 --> 00:11:34.839 You have blotted out their name forever and ever. 00:11:34.939 --> 00:11:38.419 The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins. 00:11:39.240 --> 00:11:40.500 Their cities, you rooted out. 00:11:40.579 --> 00:11:43.219 The very memory of them has perished. 00:11:44.220 --> 00:11:48.420 I'm not certain that this has happened in David's life, has it? 00:11:49.100 --> 00:11:51.779 In fact, I'm pretty certain that it hasn't. 00:11:52.519 --> 00:11:56.019 Yes, Absalom was gone, but the threats against God's people remained. 00:11:56.160 --> 00:11:58.200 The threats against God's king remained. 00:11:58.320 --> 00:12:01.620 They were not yet finished in David's day and in ours. 00:12:02.379 --> 00:12:06.139 The wicked still remained in David's day and in ours. 00:12:06.279 --> 00:12:10.240 Wicked nations still remained in David's day and in ours. 00:12:10.240 --> 00:12:16.220 He's speaking with this tone of finality that just doesn't really make sense. 00:12:16.299 --> 00:12:17.700 It seems a bit strange, doesn't it? 00:12:18.519 --> 00:12:19.759 How can he say this? 00:12:21.379 --> 00:12:28.379 David knows and trusts with confidence that what God has promised, he will do. 00:12:29.519 --> 00:12:33.120 What God has promised, he will do. 00:12:33.960 --> 00:12:37.759 And he's praising him as if it's already done. 00:12:37.759 --> 00:12:42.600 But he remembers God has covenanted with David. 00:12:42.759 --> 00:12:48.439 In 2 Samuel 7, he made him a promise that from his line would come a king. 00:12:49.259 --> 00:12:53.000 That under this king, under his rule, God's people would be safe. 00:12:53.100 --> 00:12:55.419 Their enemies would be totally defeated. 00:12:55.539 --> 00:12:57.700 Their future would be totally secure. 00:12:57.860 --> 00:13:01.620 That they would dwell in peace in the presence of God forever. 00:13:01.620 --> 00:13:02.179 Ever. 00:13:03.220 --> 00:13:05.639 David remembers this promise that God has made. 00:13:06.060 --> 00:13:08.379 This promise that has yet to be fulfilled. 00:13:08.560 --> 00:13:11.440 And he says with confidence, Lord, you've done it. 00:13:12.720 --> 00:13:15.299 Thank you for keeping your word. 00:13:16.000 --> 00:13:19.159 Thank you for fulfilling your promises. 00:13:20.620 --> 00:13:24.700 This is what stabilizes God's people in the face of adversity. 00:13:24.700 --> 00:13:28.540 God's people, we are anchored by the works of God. 00:13:28.620 --> 00:13:31.820 Both past, present, and future. 00:13:33.540 --> 00:13:37.240 If we trust in the promises of God that he's made to us, 00:13:38.320 --> 00:13:44.340 we can praise him for his future works just as fully as if they've already happened. 00:13:45.480 --> 00:13:47.340 Here's what this might sound like for you. 00:13:48.280 --> 00:13:50.560 You might say, God, I am struggling. 00:13:50.559 --> 00:13:52.559 I am suffering. 00:13:53.359 --> 00:13:56.879 I am having such a hard time putting this sin away. 00:13:57.000 --> 00:14:02.819 But I praise you, Lord, that you have already defeated this sin for me on the cross. 00:14:04.039 --> 00:14:05.559 God, I am sick. 00:14:06.639 --> 00:14:07.579 I am struggling. 00:14:07.919 --> 00:14:11.639 Lord, I am struggling with this illness, this sickness. 00:14:11.779 --> 00:14:16.500 But I praise you, God, that because Christ has come and defeated every enemy, 00:14:16.959 --> 00:14:19.559 that this sickness one day will be wiped away forever. 00:14:19.559 --> 00:14:24.479 Lord, we pray for an experience of that future blessing here and now, 00:14:24.559 --> 00:14:27.799 but we praise you and thank you that it's as good as done. 00:14:28.059 --> 00:14:30.259 Because you've promised that to us in Christ. 00:14:32.919 --> 00:14:39.559 One sure way to endure suffering that all of us will endure in this life 00:14:39.559 --> 00:14:43.699 is to remember all of God's actions. 00:14:44.719 --> 00:14:47.579 How has he proven himself trustworthy in your life? 00:14:47.580 --> 00:14:50.060 Praise him for what he has done. 00:14:50.220 --> 00:14:52.820 Praise him for what he certainly will do. 00:14:53.600 --> 00:14:55.820 You know, we do this exercise at Thanksgiving every year. 00:14:55.900 --> 00:14:57.139 Maybe you do this in your family too, 00:14:57.240 --> 00:15:01.620 where before we actually start eating all of the feasts that we've prepared, 00:15:02.120 --> 00:15:06.520 everybody goes around and we say one thing, two things that we're thankful for. 00:15:07.220 --> 00:15:11.320 We call to mind the works of God and we give thanks. 00:15:11.320 --> 00:15:14.040 You know, that's not just meant to be a once a year exercise. 00:15:15.280 --> 00:15:22.360 This is supposed to be a daily habit, a daily discipline, daily recounting the actions of God. 00:15:23.260 --> 00:15:25.160 There's an old song, maybe some of you remember it. 00:15:25.600 --> 00:15:26.560 Count your blessings. 00:15:27.200 --> 00:15:28.540 Name them one by one. 00:15:29.140 --> 00:15:30.060 Count your blessings. 00:15:30.180 --> 00:15:30.320 What? 00:15:32.400 --> 00:15:33.900 See what God has done. 00:15:33.899 --> 00:15:39.539 That is a very biblically wise, biblically sound song. 00:15:40.579 --> 00:15:44.539 The habit, the dependence, the thanksgiving of the Christian, 00:15:44.659 --> 00:15:48.539 it comes from recalling all that God has done. 00:15:48.639 --> 00:15:49.259 Not only this. 00:15:49.379 --> 00:15:54.100 Second, when trials come, remember God's attributes. 00:15:54.980 --> 00:15:57.419 Remember God's attributes. 00:15:57.579 --> 00:16:00.199 We've been talking about this in our grow class hour. 00:16:00.200 --> 00:16:05.759 Remember not only what he has done, not only what he will do, but remember who he is. 00:16:06.360 --> 00:16:11.400 His actions, all of God's actions are rooted in God's character. 00:16:12.020 --> 00:16:17.400 His actions in history, in our life, are rooted in his attributes, who he is. 00:16:17.820 --> 00:16:20.920 And the same is true for us most of the time, partially. 00:16:21.200 --> 00:16:26.960 If you give generously, someone might say, well, that's a generous person. 00:16:26.960 --> 00:16:32.240 If you make people laugh, if you like to tell jokes, you might say, well, that person is funny. 00:16:32.580 --> 00:16:33.600 They're humorous. 00:16:33.980 --> 00:16:35.860 But it's not always consistent, is it? 00:16:35.879 --> 00:16:38.420 We don't always act consistently with our character. 00:16:38.519 --> 00:16:39.960 Sometimes we act out of character. 00:16:40.139 --> 00:16:43.360 Sometimes we act out of line with who we think we are. 00:16:43.480 --> 00:16:46.379 That is never the case with God. 00:16:47.800 --> 00:16:55.019 All of God's actions are perfectly revealing all of God's attributes. 00:16:55.019 --> 00:16:59.639 Think about some of the attributes of God on display here in this passage. 00:17:00.240 --> 00:17:04.000 And think about how these anchor us in our suffering, okay? 00:17:04.779 --> 00:17:07.879 First, we see we worship a sovereign God. 00:17:08.920 --> 00:17:10.960 We worship a sovereign God. 00:17:11.139 --> 00:17:19.480 David sees the events of his life as the outworking of the sovereign plan of God. 00:17:20.420 --> 00:17:23.799 His enemies turn back and they stumble before God's presence. 00:17:23.799 --> 00:17:24.200 Why? 00:17:24.599 --> 00:17:26.359 God has maintained my cause. 00:17:26.500 --> 00:17:28.359 God has executed judgment. 00:17:28.579 --> 00:17:30.339 God has rebuked the nations. 00:17:30.539 --> 00:17:32.599 God has made the wicked perish. 00:17:33.200 --> 00:17:35.099 Yet David knows these aren't accidents. 00:17:36.019 --> 00:17:37.559 David's not just fortunate. 00:17:37.799 --> 00:17:38.960 He's not just lucky. 00:17:39.079 --> 00:17:40.960 The ball's not just bouncing his way. 00:17:41.099 --> 00:17:44.639 He's not in control of these circumstances himself. 00:17:45.519 --> 00:17:49.859 David's comfort is that no matter what happens in his life, 00:17:49.859 --> 00:17:54.019 no matter what happens in your life, our God is in control. 00:17:55.319 --> 00:17:57.779 Not only this, we see the power of God. 00:17:57.879 --> 00:17:59.919 We worship a powerful God. 00:18:00.019 --> 00:18:01.419 You know, there's really no fight here, is there? 00:18:02.199 --> 00:18:04.219 When God decides it's over, guess what? 00:18:05.199 --> 00:18:05.879 It's over. 00:18:06.879 --> 00:18:11.079 David says God's made a full end of his enemies, totally wiped out. 00:18:11.079 --> 00:18:14.000 Everlasting ruins, he says in verse 6. 00:18:14.960 --> 00:18:18.839 His enemies are defeated forever, but do you see the contrast there? 00:18:19.299 --> 00:18:20.099 Verse 6 and 7. 00:18:21.419 --> 00:18:22.119 Look there with me. 00:18:22.539 --> 00:18:23.480 The wicked perish. 00:18:23.639 --> 00:18:27.099 They are wiped away forever, but, verse 7, 00:18:27.099 --> 00:18:30.799 The Lord sits enthroned forever. 00:18:31.879 --> 00:18:37.679 He is sovereign, he is powerful, and he is eternal. 00:18:38.679 --> 00:18:47.240 We worship an eternal God, which means no matter how much the enemies rage, 00:18:48.240 --> 00:18:54.259 no matter how strong and how powerful, how long your suffering seems to be, 00:18:54.259 --> 00:18:57.920 the Lord is still on his throne. 00:18:58.920 --> 00:19:02.940 The Lord remains on his throne forever. 00:19:04.000 --> 00:19:05.700 Now, we used to play this game in school. 00:19:05.940 --> 00:19:07.400 Maybe you used to play this too. 00:19:07.599 --> 00:19:08.099 King of the Hill. 00:19:08.859 --> 00:19:09.799 Anybody used to play that? 00:19:10.680 --> 00:19:14.900 There would be a jungle gym, and one person would make their way to the top. 00:19:15.000 --> 00:19:16.420 They were the king of the hill. 00:19:17.079 --> 00:19:20.740 And all the other kids would try to make their way up to the top of the hill 00:19:20.740 --> 00:19:24.940 and remove the king from the top and take their place at the top of the hill 00:19:24.940 --> 00:19:30.180 so they'd be clawing and scrapping and pulling legs and pulling shirts and pulling arms 00:19:30.180 --> 00:19:33.400 and pushing kids down, trying to make their way to the top of the hill. 00:19:33.480 --> 00:19:37.120 And the person at the top, they were trying to keep everybody else away. 00:19:37.779 --> 00:19:41.140 So they'd be kicking kids and pushing them off the jungle gym 00:19:41.140 --> 00:19:44.539 and scraping them away from their grip, from their hands. 00:19:44.740 --> 00:19:47.099 It is a terrible game, now that you look back on it. 00:19:47.099 --> 00:19:54.699 But that's how things work on a horizontal human level, isn't it? 00:19:55.219 --> 00:19:57.659 Everyone is clawing and kicking and climbing 00:19:57.659 --> 00:20:00.899 and attempting to make their way to the top of the hill. 00:20:01.059 --> 00:20:05.319 And in our sin, in our sin, that's how it works. 00:20:05.379 --> 00:20:08.799 That's how we attempt to do things on a vertical, spiritual level. 00:20:08.939 --> 00:20:12.980 We try to climb our way to the top and dethrone God. 00:20:13.899 --> 00:20:16.059 Take his place on the throne of judgment. 00:20:16.059 --> 00:20:18.299 Say, we're in control now. 00:20:19.240 --> 00:20:20.720 What does this verse tell us? 00:20:21.679 --> 00:20:24.659 It tells us no matter what we do, 00:20:25.179 --> 00:20:30.659 no matter what wickedness happens in our life, in the world around us, 00:20:30.700 --> 00:20:32.440 no matter what evil we endure, 00:20:33.639 --> 00:20:37.019 God is on the throne forever. 00:20:38.059 --> 00:20:42.700 He cannot be taken off of his throne. 00:20:42.700 --> 00:20:43.819 Fight him all you want. 00:20:44.620 --> 00:20:45.880 Resist him all you want. 00:20:45.960 --> 00:20:50.140 No suffering, no trial, no sickness, no enemy, no rebellion. 00:20:50.420 --> 00:20:54.620 Can change the fact that the Lord is king forever. 00:20:55.860 --> 00:20:56.960 Let me tell you something. 00:20:58.380 --> 00:21:05.400 These three attributes alone are not enough to comfort anyone. 00:21:05.400 --> 00:21:07.360 Do you realize that? 00:21:08.320 --> 00:21:16.600 There's two more here that propel God's people to look at our trials and rejoice even. 00:21:17.880 --> 00:21:20.860 What good would it be if God were totally sovereign, 00:21:21.000 --> 00:21:23.259 if he were all powerful, if he were reigning forever, 00:21:23.360 --> 00:21:24.420 if he were not good? 00:21:25.600 --> 00:21:29.080 What good would it be if he was Lord forever, sitting on the throne, 00:21:29.140 --> 00:21:30.980 if he were not just? 00:21:30.980 --> 00:21:33.360 We see here two more. 00:21:33.519 --> 00:21:36.720 God is just and God is faithful. 00:21:37.599 --> 00:21:38.480 Look there to verse 7. 00:21:40.000 --> 00:21:40.200 It says, 00:21:40.319 --> 00:21:43.420 The Lord has established his throne for justice. 00:21:44.259 --> 00:21:46.519 He judges the world with righteousness. 00:21:47.420 --> 00:21:50.240 He judges the people with uprightness. 00:21:50.299 --> 00:21:53.099 This is wonderful news for God's people. 00:21:53.700 --> 00:21:57.019 And it's terrible news for God's enemies, isn't it? 00:21:57.019 --> 00:22:03.480 Every sin, every act of rebellion, 00:22:04.539 --> 00:22:09.839 every ounce of wickedness will be addressed. 00:22:11.099 --> 00:22:14.059 God will not let a single infraction go unpunished. 00:22:14.119 --> 00:22:14.859 How could he? 00:22:14.920 --> 00:22:16.119 He's just. 00:22:16.839 --> 00:22:20.139 A corrupt judge might let a few slide here and there. 00:22:20.220 --> 00:22:21.220 He might play favorites. 00:22:21.299 --> 00:22:23.279 A corrupt judge might could be bribed. 00:22:23.500 --> 00:22:24.200 Not God. 00:22:24.200 --> 00:22:28.160 God, every ounce of wickedness will be punished. 00:22:28.500 --> 00:22:31.200 And you ask, how is that good news for us? 00:22:32.259 --> 00:22:34.779 If all of us are wicked, and we are. 00:22:35.160 --> 00:22:37.080 If all of us are sinners, and we are. 00:22:37.140 --> 00:22:39.140 If all of us are guilty, and we are. 00:22:39.200 --> 00:22:40.600 How is this good news for us? 00:22:40.660 --> 00:22:42.779 You know, Christians are not perfect. 00:22:42.960 --> 00:22:43.140 Amen? 00:22:44.620 --> 00:22:46.860 If you're here and you are not a Christian, 00:22:46.960 --> 00:22:47.680 if you're not a believer, 00:22:47.840 --> 00:22:50.180 please don't hear me say that we think, 00:22:50.400 --> 00:22:51.480 well, we're the good ones, 00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:53.240 and everybody else are the bad ones. 00:22:53.240 --> 00:22:54.279 We're the righteous ones. 00:22:54.339 --> 00:22:55.579 Everybody else is sinful. 00:22:55.700 --> 00:22:57.740 That is not the case. 00:22:58.259 --> 00:23:02.359 Every sin will be punished, including ours. 00:23:03.380 --> 00:23:07.779 But to be a Christian is to know with joy 00:23:07.779 --> 00:23:12.019 that my sin has been punished in Christ. 00:23:13.160 --> 00:23:18.339 That my sin has been punished already in Him. 00:23:18.339 --> 00:23:20.639 I don't have to bear it anymore. 00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:24.220 Christ has taken away my punishment. 00:23:24.359 --> 00:23:26.319 I don't have to fear the judgment to come, 00:23:26.379 --> 00:23:27.759 because the verdict is in. 00:23:27.859 --> 00:23:29.579 I am righteous in Christ. 00:23:30.279 --> 00:23:32.179 Christ has been made sin for us, 00:23:32.220 --> 00:23:33.480 so that in Him, 00:23:33.740 --> 00:23:36.359 we might become the righteousness of God. 00:23:36.359 --> 00:23:44.059 God's justice for the believer is reason to rejoice. 00:23:45.059 --> 00:23:46.539 But for the non-believer, 00:23:47.319 --> 00:23:49.379 it is reason to repent. 00:23:50.879 --> 00:23:51.419 Why? 00:23:51.420 --> 00:23:55.759 Because God is faithful. 00:23:56.100 --> 00:23:56.940 Look there to verse 9. 00:23:58.560 --> 00:24:00.800 The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, 00:24:01.140 --> 00:24:02.880 a stronghold in times of trouble. 00:24:03.580 --> 00:24:06.660 And those who know your name put their trust in you, 00:24:06.759 --> 00:24:11.420 for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. 00:24:11.420 --> 00:24:15.019 What a comfort it is to know 00:24:15.019 --> 00:24:17.420 that if we are burdened, 00:24:18.700 --> 00:24:20.360 if we are oppressed, 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:24.039 if we are weighed down by sin and guilt, 00:24:24.180 --> 00:24:27.180 the Lord bids you come to Him. 00:24:27.980 --> 00:24:30.440 Turn to Him with your sin. 00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:32.800 And He promises all who trust in Him, 00:24:32.880 --> 00:24:35.720 He will never turn away. 00:24:35.860 --> 00:24:37.100 He is faithful. 00:24:37.099 --> 00:24:40.019 This truth, church, 00:24:40.079 --> 00:24:41.759 it demands a response, doesn't it? 00:24:42.679 --> 00:24:45.240 Our third point this morning. 00:24:45.379 --> 00:24:49.399 How should we respond to a God like this? 00:24:49.599 --> 00:24:51.659 Third, when trials come, 00:24:51.759 --> 00:24:54.500 God's people respond appropriately. 00:24:57.259 --> 00:24:59.779 And we'll see this in three ways here. 00:25:00.259 --> 00:25:01.500 This is how we should respond, 00:25:01.639 --> 00:25:03.139 having considered His actions, 00:25:03.299 --> 00:25:05.099 having considered His attributes, 00:25:05.099 --> 00:25:07.259 because the Lord is trustworthy. 00:25:08.319 --> 00:25:10.899 Response number one is praise. 00:25:12.259 --> 00:25:12.799 It's worship. 00:25:13.740 --> 00:25:14.839 This is what David does. 00:25:14.980 --> 00:25:17.959 He calls us to this because God is trustworthy. 00:25:18.219 --> 00:25:18.579 He says, 00:25:19.139 --> 00:25:20.980 Sing praises to the Lord 00:25:20.980 --> 00:25:22.879 who sits enthroned in Zion. 00:25:23.500 --> 00:25:24.559 Praise Him. 00:25:24.839 --> 00:25:25.919 Why do we gather here? 00:25:26.019 --> 00:25:28.379 And why do we sing songs every week? 00:25:28.459 --> 00:25:31.019 Why do we do this thing called church worship 00:25:31.019 --> 00:25:32.339 every single week? 00:25:32.339 --> 00:25:35.619 It's because it is an expression of our worship. 00:25:35.839 --> 00:25:36.699 It's an overflow. 00:25:36.980 --> 00:25:38.859 It's a response to who He is 00:25:38.859 --> 00:25:40.359 and what He's done. 00:25:41.059 --> 00:25:42.459 We sing His praises. 00:25:42.619 --> 00:25:43.919 We worship when we gather. 00:25:44.339 --> 00:25:45.179 And, verse 11, 00:25:45.839 --> 00:25:46.679 then we go 00:25:46.679 --> 00:25:49.059 to tell among the peoples 00:25:49.059 --> 00:25:50.359 His deeds. 00:25:51.279 --> 00:25:53.000 Our response to the glory of God 00:25:53.000 --> 00:25:53.919 is to praise 00:25:53.919 --> 00:25:55.879 and to pass it on. 00:25:56.639 --> 00:25:58.359 It's to sing of His glory 00:25:58.359 --> 00:26:01.039 and then to share His glory. 00:26:02.339 --> 00:26:04.459 What are we rejoicing in here? 00:26:04.539 --> 00:26:06.259 This is incredible news. 00:26:06.379 --> 00:26:08.639 Christ has defeated every sin. 00:26:09.439 --> 00:26:11.919 We believe Christ has risen from the grave. 00:26:12.779 --> 00:26:14.359 We believe Christ has promised 00:26:14.359 --> 00:26:15.439 that one day soon 00:26:15.439 --> 00:26:16.559 He will return 00:26:16.559 --> 00:26:18.319 and make everything right. 00:26:18.459 --> 00:26:20.619 He will defeat every enemy, 00:26:20.799 --> 00:26:22.039 sin, death, and the devil. 00:26:22.759 --> 00:26:24.339 Is that not worth rejoicing in? 00:26:25.339 --> 00:26:26.359 Is that not worth 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:28.079 worshiping the Lord for? 00:26:28.720 --> 00:26:30.439 Is that not worth talking about 00:26:30.439 --> 00:26:31.759 when we leave this place 00:26:31.759 --> 00:26:32.399 with our neighbors, 00:26:32.599 --> 00:26:33.059 our friends, 00:26:33.179 --> 00:26:34.159 our co-workers, 00:26:34.279 --> 00:26:35.119 our family members? 00:26:35.220 --> 00:26:36.519 Should we not be sharing 00:26:36.519 --> 00:26:37.379 this good news 00:26:37.379 --> 00:26:38.459 of the gospel of Christ 00:26:38.459 --> 00:26:40.599 with all who live near us, 00:26:41.299 --> 00:26:42.159 near and afar? 00:26:43.319 --> 00:26:46.299 We have such good news to share, 00:26:47.079 --> 00:26:48.379 especially with those 00:26:48.379 --> 00:26:49.039 who are suffering. 00:26:50.740 --> 00:26:52.019 He who avenges blood 00:26:52.019 --> 00:26:53.539 is mindful of them. 00:26:53.619 --> 00:26:54.839 He does not forget 00:26:54.839 --> 00:26:57.000 the cry of the afflicted. 00:26:57.039 --> 00:26:57.859 Isn't this good news? 00:26:59.000 --> 00:26:59.859 And what a privilege 00:26:59.859 --> 00:27:01.819 to bring good news 00:27:01.819 --> 00:27:02.859 to the suffering. 00:27:02.980 --> 00:27:03.579 Are you sick? 00:27:04.539 --> 00:27:05.579 Are you suffering? 00:27:06.359 --> 00:27:07.119 Are you dying? 00:27:08.079 --> 00:27:09.559 Man, have I got good news for you. 00:27:11.019 --> 00:27:12.480 Christ has come 00:27:12.480 --> 00:27:15.079 to defeat sin and death. 00:27:17.279 --> 00:27:18.220 Are you lonely? 00:27:19.420 --> 00:27:20.400 Are you guilty? 00:27:20.400 --> 00:27:23.259 Are you afflicted in any way? 00:27:23.400 --> 00:27:25.460 I have good news for you. 00:27:26.140 --> 00:27:28.600 Christ Jesus was afflicted for us. 00:27:30.360 --> 00:27:33.380 Christ Jesus bore our guilt. 00:27:33.519 --> 00:27:34.560 The Lord is near 00:27:34.560 --> 00:27:35.980 to the brokenhearted. 00:27:36.259 --> 00:27:37.420 Are we talking about this? 00:27:39.540 --> 00:27:40.620 Second response. 00:27:41.680 --> 00:27:42.600 It's renewed prayer. 00:27:43.880 --> 00:27:45.300 Renewed prayer. 00:27:45.500 --> 00:27:47.060 Confident in who God is. 00:27:47.180 --> 00:27:48.640 Confident, reminded of who God, 00:27:48.640 --> 00:27:49.840 what God has done, 00:27:49.920 --> 00:27:51.180 David prays. 00:27:51.240 --> 00:27:51.840 Verse 13, 00:27:51.960 --> 00:27:53.720 Be gracious to me, O Lord. 00:27:54.360 --> 00:27:55.400 See my affliction 00:27:55.400 --> 00:27:56.640 from those who hate me. 00:27:57.100 --> 00:27:58.160 O you who lift me up 00:27:58.160 --> 00:27:59.180 from the gates of death, 00:27:59.240 --> 00:28:00.120 that I may recount 00:28:00.120 --> 00:28:01.300 all your praises, 00:28:01.920 --> 00:28:02.700 that in the gates 00:28:02.700 --> 00:28:03.720 of the daughter of Zion 00:28:03.720 --> 00:28:04.940 I may rejoice 00:28:04.940 --> 00:28:06.480 in your salvation. 00:28:07.180 --> 00:28:08.340 Again in verse 19, 00:28:08.440 --> 00:28:09.320 Arise, O Lord. 00:28:09.400 --> 00:28:10.520 Let not man prevail. 00:28:10.640 --> 00:28:11.680 Let the nations be judged 00:28:11.680 --> 00:28:12.360 before you. 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:14.720 Put them in fear, O Lord. 00:28:14.780 --> 00:28:16.060 Let the nations know 00:28:16.059 --> 00:28:18.419 that they are but men. 00:28:18.480 --> 00:28:19.240 Let me ask you something. 00:28:19.399 --> 00:28:20.359 I want you to answer 00:28:20.359 --> 00:28:22.079 just in your own mind. 00:28:22.819 --> 00:28:23.980 Are you committed to prayer? 00:28:28.940 --> 00:28:30.119 When's the last time 00:28:30.119 --> 00:28:32.119 you shut off the TV, 00:28:32.519 --> 00:28:33.579 turned off the phone, 00:28:34.240 --> 00:28:35.500 removed all the distractions, 00:28:36.619 --> 00:28:37.720 quit thinking about work, 00:28:37.859 --> 00:28:38.899 quit thinking about stress, 00:28:39.019 --> 00:28:40.559 quit thinking about this problem, 00:28:40.619 --> 00:28:41.200 that problem, 00:28:41.279 --> 00:28:42.480 went into your closet, 00:28:42.639 --> 00:28:43.240 shut the door, 00:28:43.240 --> 00:28:43.660 and prayed? 00:28:45.019 --> 00:28:46.160 Called out to the Lord 00:28:46.160 --> 00:28:47.160 in prayer. 00:28:48.620 --> 00:28:50.279 A response to who God is 00:28:50.279 --> 00:28:51.059 and what He's done, 00:28:51.120 --> 00:28:51.940 the fact that He's proven 00:28:51.940 --> 00:28:52.920 Himself trustworthy, 00:28:53.099 --> 00:28:54.620 our proper response to that 00:28:54.620 --> 00:28:57.000 ought to be to express trust 00:28:57.000 --> 00:28:58.799 to Him in prayer. 00:28:59.460 --> 00:29:01.319 To ask Him to move in our life, 00:29:01.440 --> 00:29:02.460 to thank Him 00:29:02.460 --> 00:29:04.099 for how He's moved already. 00:29:04.799 --> 00:29:06.400 Here's an advertisement for you. 00:29:07.319 --> 00:29:08.539 One easy way to start. 00:29:09.720 --> 00:29:10.900 Second Sunday prayer. 00:29:10.900 --> 00:29:13.560 We're going to do this 00:29:13.560 --> 00:29:15.480 every single month. 00:29:15.580 --> 00:29:16.200 Next Sunday, 00:29:16.420 --> 00:29:17.200 it's the first one. 00:29:17.320 --> 00:29:18.320 Sunday, 530. 00:29:18.340 --> 00:29:19.540 This is not flashy. 00:29:20.100 --> 00:29:21.180 It's not impressive. 00:29:21.400 --> 00:29:22.460 It's not spectacular. 00:29:22.880 --> 00:29:23.860 It is an opportunity 00:29:23.860 --> 00:29:25.000 for you to come, 00:29:25.420 --> 00:29:27.140 sit, gather, pray 00:29:27.140 --> 00:29:28.140 with God's people. 00:29:28.580 --> 00:29:29.800 I want you to mark that 00:29:29.800 --> 00:29:30.460 on your calendar 00:29:30.460 --> 00:29:31.480 in permanent ink. 00:29:32.640 --> 00:29:33.019 Come. 00:29:34.160 --> 00:29:34.560 Pray. 00:29:35.500 --> 00:29:36.080 Express. 00:29:36.600 --> 00:29:37.000 Trust. 00:29:37.680 --> 00:29:38.300 To the Lord. 00:29:38.680 --> 00:29:39.540 One more response. 00:29:39.539 --> 00:29:43.839 We respond with renewed perspective. 00:29:45.539 --> 00:29:47.819 The nations have sunk in the pit 00:29:47.819 --> 00:29:48.799 that they have made. 00:29:49.519 --> 00:29:50.799 In the net that they hid, 00:29:50.879 --> 00:29:52.319 their own foot has been caught. 00:29:53.039 --> 00:29:54.940 The Lord has made Himself known. 00:29:55.059 --> 00:29:56.659 He has executed judgment. 00:29:57.420 --> 00:29:58.379 The wicked are snared 00:29:58.379 --> 00:29:59.759 in the work of their own hands. 00:29:59.839 --> 00:30:01.940 The wicked shall return to Sheol, 00:30:02.500 --> 00:30:04.539 all the nations that forget God. 00:30:05.099 --> 00:30:07.759 For the needy shall not always be forgotten, 00:30:07.759 --> 00:30:09.619 and the hope of the poor 00:30:09.619 --> 00:30:11.700 shall not perish forever. 00:30:11.900 --> 00:30:13.339 It's so easy, isn't it? 00:30:13.940 --> 00:30:16.099 To forget that this is what we've been promised. 00:30:17.359 --> 00:30:19.099 The afflictions that we bear 00:30:19.099 --> 00:30:20.339 when we look out around us 00:30:20.339 --> 00:30:21.799 at all the wickedness in the world. 00:30:21.920 --> 00:30:24.400 It is so easy for us to forget 00:30:24.400 --> 00:30:26.359 the promise that we have 00:30:26.359 --> 00:30:28.339 that Christ will return. 00:30:28.339 --> 00:30:32.399 And the needy will not always be forgotten. 00:30:34.500 --> 00:30:35.720 But David remembers, 00:30:35.879 --> 00:30:36.699 the day will come 00:30:36.699 --> 00:30:40.179 when every wrong will be made right 00:30:40.179 --> 00:30:41.919 and all will give an account. 00:30:42.079 --> 00:30:43.579 Christ the King will come 00:30:43.579 --> 00:30:45.099 and He will reign 00:30:45.099 --> 00:30:47.399 and there will be peace 00:30:47.399 --> 00:30:49.839 in the presence of God forever. 00:30:49.839 --> 00:30:52.319 Church, this is our hope. 00:30:53.659 --> 00:30:55.240 If you're struggling, 00:30:55.500 --> 00:30:56.579 if you're suffering, 00:30:56.759 --> 00:30:59.639 if you're afflicted in any way, 00:31:00.339 --> 00:31:02.639 church, anchor your heart 00:31:02.639 --> 00:31:05.480 tightly, securely 00:31:05.480 --> 00:31:07.759 to the promises of God. 00:31:09.919 --> 00:31:11.059 Commit right now. 00:31:11.179 --> 00:31:12.240 Instruct your soul. 00:31:12.359 --> 00:31:13.119 Tell it what to do. 00:31:13.240 --> 00:31:14.980 Tell your soul to give thanks 00:31:14.980 --> 00:31:16.599 to the Lord with your whole heart. 00:31:17.139 --> 00:31:19.439 To recount all of His wonderful deeds. 00:31:19.440 --> 00:31:21.480 To be glad and exult in Him. 00:31:21.539 --> 00:31:23.440 To sing praise to your name, 00:31:23.519 --> 00:31:24.059 O Most High, 00:31:24.120 --> 00:31:26.100 no matter what comes. 00:31:27.380 --> 00:31:28.380 We're going to do just that 00:31:28.380 --> 00:31:29.580 in just a moment. 00:31:29.700 --> 00:31:31.940 We're going to stand and sing praise, 00:31:32.059 --> 00:31:32.880 respond to the Lord, 00:31:32.960 --> 00:31:34.480 to the Word of God 00:31:34.480 --> 00:31:36.000 by singing this morning. 00:31:36.080 --> 00:31:37.640 We're going to sing a new song together. 00:31:37.779 --> 00:31:39.340 It's one of my favorite songs lately 00:31:39.340 --> 00:31:41.360 and I want to read you the words 00:31:41.360 --> 00:31:42.980 before we sing it together. 00:31:43.180 --> 00:31:43.940 It goes like this. 00:31:45.240 --> 00:31:45.640 It says, 00:31:45.740 --> 00:31:47.440 The Lord is a mighty King, 00:31:47.440 --> 00:31:49.420 the King of all nations. 00:31:49.440 --> 00:31:51.200 The maker of everything. 00:31:51.380 --> 00:31:52.660 Let His handiwork say, 00:31:52.860 --> 00:31:53.740 I am His. 00:31:54.240 --> 00:31:55.100 I am His. 00:31:55.640 --> 00:31:57.200 Creator owns creation. 00:31:58.039 --> 00:31:59.279 See what power there is 00:31:59.279 --> 00:32:01.460 in the sovereign who reigns. 00:32:02.120 --> 00:32:04.039 The Lord is a holy King. 00:32:04.160 --> 00:32:05.640 The judge rules from heaven. 00:32:06.400 --> 00:32:08.080 His wrath He will surely bring 00:32:08.080 --> 00:32:09.220 on the man who rebels. 00:32:10.080 --> 00:32:10.900 Oh my sin. 00:32:11.420 --> 00:32:12.240 Oh my sin. 00:32:12.360 --> 00:32:13.660 How can I be forgiven? 00:32:14.559 --> 00:32:16.080 There is justice in Him. 00:32:16.079 --> 00:32:18.019 Is there mercy as well? 00:32:18.599 --> 00:32:21.339 The Lord is a gracious King 00:32:21.339 --> 00:32:23.220 for those who believe Him. 00:32:23.960 --> 00:32:25.439 His Son is an offering 00:32:25.439 --> 00:32:27.059 for their sins to atone. 00:32:27.519 --> 00:32:28.480 I'm redeemed. 00:32:28.879 --> 00:32:29.699 I'm redeemed. 00:32:30.359 --> 00:32:32.179 By grace I have received Him. 00:32:32.720 --> 00:32:34.179 By His death on a tree 00:32:34.179 --> 00:32:36.059 I have peace at His throne. 00:32:37.059 --> 00:32:38.939 The Lord is a faithful King. 00:32:39.599 --> 00:32:41.099 He will never leave us. 00:32:41.679 --> 00:32:43.099 His children will ever sing 00:32:43.099 --> 00:32:44.519 of His glorious love. 00:32:45.319 --> 00:32:46.179 Oh my soul, 00:32:46.299 --> 00:32:47.139 oh my soul, 00:32:47.459 --> 00:32:49.319 is safely bound in Jesus. 00:32:50.119 --> 00:32:51.879 All His virtues extol, 00:32:52.039 --> 00:32:54.279 for the Lord reigns above. 00:32:55.379 --> 00:32:56.119 Let's pray. 00:32:56.119 --> 00:33:00.539 Lord, 00:33:00.599 --> 00:33:01.679 we do extol 00:33:01.679 --> 00:33:03.659 all of Your glorious virtues 00:33:03.659 --> 00:33:06.939 displayed most clearly 00:33:06.939 --> 00:33:08.379 in the cross of Christ. 00:33:09.479 --> 00:33:10.019 Lord, 00:33:10.099 --> 00:33:11.079 none of us 00:33:11.079 --> 00:33:13.099 can stand before Your throne 00:33:13.099 --> 00:33:14.279 in our own righteousness 00:33:14.279 --> 00:33:15.099 and claim 00:33:15.099 --> 00:33:16.519 to be accepted, 00:33:16.939 --> 00:33:17.119 Lord, 00:33:17.199 --> 00:33:18.059 by our own merit. 00:33:18.219 --> 00:33:19.139 And so we praise You 00:33:19.139 --> 00:33:20.539 that Christ has come 00:33:20.539 --> 00:33:21.819 to save sinners 00:33:21.819 --> 00:33:22.479 like me, 00:33:22.899 --> 00:33:23.759 like us. 00:33:23.759 --> 00:33:25.700 We pray now 00:33:25.700 --> 00:33:26.700 as we prepare 00:33:26.700 --> 00:33:28.019 to take the Lord's Supper together. 00:33:28.140 --> 00:33:29.700 Would You move powerfully 00:33:29.700 --> 00:33:30.180 in our hearts 00:33:30.180 --> 00:33:31.160 to remind us 00:33:31.160 --> 00:33:31.900 of the gospel. 00:33:32.039 --> 00:33:32.940 We pray in Christ's name. 00:33:33.700 --> 00:33:33.960 Amen.