WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.020 Well, good morning. Would you turn with me in your Bible to Psalm 63? 00:00:10.939 --> 00:00:18.039 So we're continuing our summer series through the second section of the Psalms. 00:00:20.019 --> 00:00:24.160 Psalm 63, it's found on page 479 if you're looking in one of the Pew Bibles. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:38.079 Psalm 63, a psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah. 00:00:38.079 --> 00:00:49.140 O God, you are my God. Earnestly I seek you. My soul thirsts for you. My flesh faints for you, 00:00:49.799 --> 00:00:55.900 as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, 00:00:55.899 --> 00:01:02.560 beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, 00:01:03.140 --> 00:01:10.579 my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live. In your name I will lift up my hands. 00:01:11.359 --> 00:01:18.099 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips 00:01:18.099 --> 00:01:25.719 when I remember you upon my bed and meditate on you in the watches of the night. For you have been 00:01:25.719 --> 00:01:34.439 my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you. Your right hand 00:01:34.439 --> 00:01:40.859 upholds me. But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth. 00:01:41.679 --> 00:01:46.479 They shall be given over to the power of the sword. They shall be a portion for jackals. 00:01:46.480 --> 00:01:54.460 But the king shall rejoice in God. All who swear by him shall exult. For the mouths of liars will be 00:01:54.460 --> 00:02:02.960 stopped. Let's pray. Lord, we thank you for this psalm that David wrote so long ago. And we pray that 00:02:02.960 --> 00:02:08.780 you would speak to us through these words here today. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 00:02:08.780 --> 00:02:19.060 Amen. It's known as the toughest foot race in the world. The 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon 00:02:19.060 --> 00:02:28.759 has happened every year since 1977 on July 15 in Death Valley National Park. The race starts 280 feet 00:02:28.759 --> 00:02:38.199 below sea level. Continues over three mountain ranges to finish at 8,350 feet above sea level for a 00:02:38.199 --> 00:02:48.780 cumulative vertical ascent of 13,000 feet. The average high temperature in Death Valley in July is 116 degrees. 00:02:48.780 --> 00:03:00.199 This year, 96 competitors from 22 nations attempted the run. 81 finished it within 48 hours. The winner 00:03:00.199 --> 00:03:09.879 finished 135 miles in a little less than 24 hours. Now that's five regular marathons back to back. 00:03:11.000 --> 00:03:15.460 Most of us, it's hard to even imagine what's involved in such a feat. 00:03:15.460 --> 00:03:21.719 Right? Training to survive 100 plus degree temperatures in the middle of the desert with 00:03:21.719 --> 00:03:27.520 the sun beating down on you, running five marathons and climbing the equivalent of three or four 00:03:27.520 --> 00:03:37.700 mountains in the course of pulling an all-nighter or two. It's intense. Far beyond almost all of our 00:03:37.700 --> 00:03:45.280 daily experience. Now the psalm we're looking at this morning is also intense. And it's vivid. 00:03:45.460 --> 00:03:51.920 Beyond most of our daily experience. Even the setting of the psalm is intense. It says it was 00:03:51.920 --> 00:03:57.340 written when David was in the wilderness of Judah. Now the wilderness of Judah is the land east of 00:03:57.340 --> 00:04:04.219 Jerusalem sloping down toward the Dead Sea. And it's a place with less than two inches of rain 00:04:04.219 --> 00:04:13.080 that fall every year. Summer temperatures above 100 degrees. It's so dry that the land is often cracked 00:04:13.080 --> 00:04:22.240 because the soil is so dry. And David was hiding out there most likely because his son Absalom had 00:04:22.240 --> 00:04:28.040 staged a coup and taken over the throne from him. And he was fleeing for his life. 00:04:28.040 --> 00:04:38.240 But even more than the setting or David's personal circumstances, we see in this psalm a vivid picture 00:04:38.240 --> 00:04:48.900 of biblical spirituality or what it looks like to seek after God and be satisfied in God. David begins 00:04:48.899 --> 00:04:56.899 by saying, Oh God, you are my God. Earnestly I seek you. My soul thirsts for you. My flesh faints for you. 00:04:57.479 --> 00:05:00.599 As in a dry and weary land where there's no water. 00:05:02.039 --> 00:05:04.439 David's life is oriented around pursuing God. 00:05:04.859 --> 00:05:07.839 The way that a runner's life is oriented around preparing 00:05:07.839 --> 00:05:13.279 for a marathon. From morning to night, everything that a serious runner does, 00:05:13.500 --> 00:05:18.000 from the food they eat, to their exercise regime, to their sleeping schedule, 00:05:18.199 --> 00:05:21.319 is oriented around the goal of training for the race. 00:05:22.219 --> 00:05:25.759 And in a similar way, David's life was oriented around seeking God 00:05:25.759 --> 00:05:28.039 from morning to night. 00:05:28.699 --> 00:05:31.339 He says in verse 1, Earnestly I seek you. 00:05:32.279 --> 00:05:34.159 The verse is sometimes translated, 00:05:34.160 --> 00:05:36.960 Early I will seek you. 00:05:37.840 --> 00:05:40.420 Either way, the point is that he's seeking God without delay, 00:05:40.980 --> 00:05:42.580 without procrastination, 00:05:42.980 --> 00:05:44.120 without hesitation, 00:05:44.960 --> 00:05:45.840 without distraction, 00:05:46.580 --> 00:05:47.860 without half-heartedness. 00:05:51.340 --> 00:05:52.200 Excuse me. 00:05:54.360 --> 00:05:55.660 When I was in college, 00:05:56.320 --> 00:05:57.540 one of the few groups of people 00:05:57.540 --> 00:06:00.600 who woke up early on a consistent basis 00:06:00.600 --> 00:06:02.400 were some of the varsity athletes 00:06:02.399 --> 00:06:04.879 who had early morning running or lifting 00:06:04.879 --> 00:06:06.779 or rowing sessions. 00:06:07.159 --> 00:06:09.239 And they organized their daily schedule 00:06:09.239 --> 00:06:11.000 around their commitment 00:06:11.000 --> 00:06:13.120 to pursuing their sport. 00:06:13.979 --> 00:06:15.439 They fit in their classes 00:06:15.439 --> 00:06:16.899 in that schedule 00:06:16.899 --> 00:06:18.620 and their training 00:06:18.620 --> 00:06:21.679 and went to bed at a reasonable hour. 00:06:22.259 --> 00:06:22.759 And as a result, 00:06:22.859 --> 00:06:23.679 they were more disciplined 00:06:23.679 --> 00:06:25.379 than most other students 00:06:25.379 --> 00:06:26.560 in how they spent their time. 00:06:26.859 --> 00:06:28.899 Because they had a driving passion 00:06:28.899 --> 00:06:31.500 around which the rest of their life 00:06:31.500 --> 00:06:32.360 was organized. 00:06:33.720 --> 00:06:34.540 And in a similar way, 00:06:34.620 --> 00:06:36.819 David's passion for seeking after God 00:06:36.819 --> 00:06:39.500 drives and motivates his life 00:06:39.500 --> 00:06:41.420 from morning to night. 00:06:42.420 --> 00:06:44.639 Verse 1 talks about seeking the Lord early. 00:06:45.379 --> 00:06:47.540 Verse 6 talks about late at night 00:06:47.540 --> 00:06:49.480 when he's laying in his bed 00:06:49.480 --> 00:06:50.379 in the middle of the night 00:06:50.379 --> 00:06:51.579 and he can't get to sleep. 00:06:52.620 --> 00:06:53.240 And he says, 00:06:53.399 --> 00:06:55.759 I remember you upon my bed 00:06:55.759 --> 00:06:57.920 and I meditate on you 00:06:57.920 --> 00:06:59.560 in the watches of the night. 00:06:59.560 --> 00:07:01.680 For David, 00:07:01.800 --> 00:07:03.839 God is the food that he eats, 00:07:04.339 --> 00:07:05.600 the water that he drinks, 00:07:06.160 --> 00:07:07.600 the air that he breathes, 00:07:08.079 --> 00:07:08.819 and the peace 00:07:08.819 --> 00:07:11.379 in which he can lie down and sleep. 00:07:12.579 --> 00:07:13.939 David's relationship with God 00:07:13.939 --> 00:07:14.560 is characterized 00:07:14.560 --> 00:07:15.920 both by intensity 00:07:15.920 --> 00:07:17.579 and by persistence. 00:07:18.699 --> 00:07:20.180 Like a person living in the desert, 00:07:21.019 --> 00:07:23.120 seeking after life-giving, 00:07:24.079 --> 00:07:26.259 refreshing, energizing water. 00:07:26.259 --> 00:07:28.459 If he doesn't find it, 00:07:28.519 --> 00:07:29.120 he'll perish. 00:07:30.519 --> 00:07:30.899 But you know, 00:07:30.939 --> 00:07:31.800 David isn't just 00:07:31.800 --> 00:07:36.300 making a one-time emergency request. 00:07:37.079 --> 00:07:38.620 He's not just turning to God 00:07:38.620 --> 00:07:40.219 out of desperate circumstances 00:07:40.219 --> 00:07:41.439 until his life 00:07:41.439 --> 00:07:43.099 gets smoothed out again. 00:07:44.379 --> 00:07:44.980 Verse 2 says, 00:07:45.079 --> 00:07:45.819 I've looked upon you 00:07:45.819 --> 00:07:46.599 in the sanctuary. 00:07:47.339 --> 00:07:47.899 In other words, 00:07:47.959 --> 00:07:49.300 in the tabernacle in Jerusalem 00:07:49.300 --> 00:07:50.699 when the people of God 00:07:50.699 --> 00:07:51.539 would gather together 00:07:51.539 --> 00:07:52.099 to worship 00:07:52.100 --> 00:07:53.760 and where he was king 00:07:53.760 --> 00:07:56.660 and where things were going well, 00:07:56.700 --> 00:07:56.920 he said, 00:07:57.000 --> 00:07:59.200 I have looked upon 00:07:59.200 --> 00:08:01.500 your power and glory. 00:08:02.200 --> 00:08:03.340 So the circumstances 00:08:03.340 --> 00:08:04.760 don't really matter 00:08:04.760 --> 00:08:06.860 whether David's all alone 00:08:06.860 --> 00:08:08.680 in the wilderness of Judah 00:08:08.680 --> 00:08:10.439 or whether he's surrounded 00:08:10.439 --> 00:08:11.780 by God's people 00:08:11.780 --> 00:08:13.379 in the city of Jerusalem. 00:08:14.080 --> 00:08:16.140 His life is focused around 00:08:16.140 --> 00:08:17.939 seeking after God. 00:08:19.140 --> 00:08:19.700 But you know, 00:08:19.740 --> 00:08:21.140 he doesn't just seek after God. 00:08:21.139 --> 00:08:22.120 He also finds 00:08:22.120 --> 00:08:24.319 great satisfaction in God. 00:08:24.560 --> 00:08:25.079 Verse 5 says, 00:08:25.219 --> 00:08:26.399 My soul will be satisfied 00:08:26.399 --> 00:08:29.060 as with fat and rich food 00:08:29.060 --> 00:08:30.959 and my mouth will praise you 00:08:30.959 --> 00:08:32.240 with joyful lips. 00:08:33.259 --> 00:08:35.199 Now literally that verse 5 00:08:35.199 --> 00:08:37.019 says my soul will be satisfied 00:08:37.019 --> 00:08:39.419 as with marrow and fatness. 00:08:40.639 --> 00:08:41.580 And now that phrase 00:08:41.580 --> 00:08:42.899 doesn't strike us 00:08:42.899 --> 00:08:44.299 in exactly the same way 00:08:44.299 --> 00:08:45.500 that it would have struck 00:08:45.500 --> 00:08:46.399 an ancient Israelite. 00:08:46.799 --> 00:08:48.179 Because we live in a culture 00:08:48.179 --> 00:08:50.439 that has an ambivalent relationship 00:08:50.439 --> 00:08:51.000 to fat. 00:08:52.139 --> 00:08:53.199 Now, in one sense, 00:08:53.299 --> 00:08:54.039 we do love fat. 00:08:54.580 --> 00:08:55.899 We probably eat too much of it. 00:08:56.600 --> 00:08:57.799 But in another sense, 00:08:57.939 --> 00:08:58.919 we always hear, 00:08:59.299 --> 00:09:00.740 we're constantly hearing messages 00:09:00.740 --> 00:09:02.059 that fat is bad for you 00:09:02.059 --> 00:09:04.240 and so you should buy skim milk 00:09:04.240 --> 00:09:05.439 instead of whole milk 00:09:05.439 --> 00:09:07.199 and buy chicken breasts 00:09:07.199 --> 00:09:08.899 that are 99% lean 00:09:08.899 --> 00:09:10.819 instead of drumsticks. 00:09:11.399 --> 00:09:11.840 Right? 00:09:12.179 --> 00:09:13.639 And all kinds of fat-free, 00:09:13.759 --> 00:09:14.600 low-fat products. 00:09:14.779 --> 00:09:16.179 But, although the diet trends 00:09:16.179 --> 00:09:16.899 are always changing 00:09:16.899 --> 00:09:17.460 and conflicting 00:09:17.460 --> 00:09:18.340 so you don't always hear 00:09:18.340 --> 00:09:19.080 the same advice 00:09:19.080 --> 00:09:20.800 depending on who you're listening to. 00:09:21.019 --> 00:09:22.300 But for an ancient Israelite, 00:09:23.120 --> 00:09:24.240 their daily food 00:09:24.240 --> 00:09:25.500 would have been bread 00:09:25.500 --> 00:09:26.840 and grains 00:09:26.840 --> 00:09:27.900 for the most part 00:09:27.900 --> 00:09:29.900 with maybe a little bit 00:09:29.900 --> 00:09:30.600 of olive oil 00:09:30.600 --> 00:09:31.900 or a little bit of 00:09:31.900 --> 00:09:33.100 very watered-down wine 00:09:33.100 --> 00:09:34.620 and some dried fruit. 00:09:34.620 --> 00:09:36.740 In some seasons of the year, 00:09:37.480 --> 00:09:38.679 they might have vegetables 00:09:38.679 --> 00:09:41.039 during certain growing seasons 00:09:41.039 --> 00:09:42.000 or harvest seasons 00:09:42.000 --> 00:09:43.899 or milk from sheep and goats. 00:09:44.440 --> 00:09:45.419 But for the most part, 00:09:45.879 --> 00:09:46.539 they ate bread. 00:09:47.639 --> 00:09:48.759 That's what sustained them 00:09:48.759 --> 00:09:49.980 from day to day. 00:09:51.019 --> 00:09:51.560 Now, meat, 00:09:51.700 --> 00:09:52.600 on the other hand, 00:09:52.940 --> 00:09:54.019 meat was a delicacy. 00:09:54.779 --> 00:09:55.820 Most people ate meat 00:09:55.820 --> 00:09:57.259 a few times a year. 00:09:58.039 --> 00:09:58.879 Maybe at weddings 00:09:58.879 --> 00:10:01.200 or at the major Jewish feasts 00:10:01.200 --> 00:10:02.899 or when an important guest 00:10:02.899 --> 00:10:04.240 came to your house. 00:10:04.860 --> 00:10:05.980 The only place 00:10:05.980 --> 00:10:07.200 where meat was served 00:10:07.200 --> 00:10:08.580 every single day of the year 00:10:08.580 --> 00:10:10.360 was the king's table. 00:10:11.720 --> 00:10:12.720 And so for most people, 00:10:13.100 --> 00:10:15.100 meat was a special treat. 00:10:16.100 --> 00:10:18.080 And they really enjoyed eating it. 00:10:19.480 --> 00:10:21.000 And in the Israelite culture, 00:10:21.159 --> 00:10:21.779 everybody knew 00:10:21.779 --> 00:10:23.080 that the best part of the meat 00:10:23.080 --> 00:10:25.539 was the fat and juicy parts. 00:10:25.539 --> 00:10:28.240 Because they weren't just tasty, 00:10:28.339 --> 00:10:29.259 they were satisfying. 00:10:30.099 --> 00:10:31.519 They made you feel full 00:10:31.519 --> 00:10:33.740 in a way that just eating bread 00:10:33.740 --> 00:10:36.500 and some vegetables wouldn't. 00:10:37.919 --> 00:10:39.539 And so David says here in verse 5, 00:10:39.599 --> 00:10:42.099 My soul finds such satisfaction 00:10:42.099 --> 00:10:43.399 in the Lord. 00:10:44.240 --> 00:10:45.399 It's like I've just eaten 00:10:45.399 --> 00:10:47.879 the best meal I could think of. 00:10:48.500 --> 00:10:50.519 The best meal known to man. 00:10:50.639 --> 00:10:52.279 I couldn't ask for anything else. 00:10:53.379 --> 00:10:54.339 I'm satisfied. 00:10:54.340 --> 00:10:56.100 I'm nourished. 00:10:56.340 --> 00:10:58.720 I'm strengthened to face the day. 00:10:58.840 --> 00:10:59.340 I'm gladdened. 00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:01.540 I have joy in my heart. 00:11:02.560 --> 00:11:04.440 That's the kind of deep satisfaction 00:11:04.440 --> 00:11:06.660 that he experienced in God. 00:11:07.340 --> 00:11:08.600 And then he goes on to say, 00:11:08.660 --> 00:11:09.820 My mouth will praise you 00:11:09.820 --> 00:11:11.160 with joyful lips. 00:11:12.100 --> 00:11:12.700 You know, isn't that 00:11:12.700 --> 00:11:13.860 what you naturally do 00:11:13.860 --> 00:11:15.960 when you have a great meal? 00:11:16.879 --> 00:11:17.120 Right? 00:11:17.139 --> 00:11:18.600 You want to tell somebody else 00:11:18.600 --> 00:11:21.100 and invite them to come with you 00:11:21.100 --> 00:11:22.720 to this awesome new restaurant 00:11:22.720 --> 00:11:23.639 that just opened, 00:11:23.940 --> 00:11:25.860 that has this awesome food. 00:11:26.759 --> 00:11:28.540 Or if you're at somebody else's house, 00:11:28.620 --> 00:11:30.220 you just start giving, 00:11:30.740 --> 00:11:33.200 gushing with compliments to the cook. 00:11:33.659 --> 00:11:34.899 Not just because you're trying 00:11:34.899 --> 00:11:35.560 to be polite, 00:11:36.100 --> 00:11:38.259 but because you're really enjoying 00:11:38.259 --> 00:11:39.759 the food that they've 00:11:39.759 --> 00:11:41.600 carefully prepared for you. 00:11:41.600 --> 00:11:44.700 And in the same way, 00:11:44.759 --> 00:11:45.540 when we're satisfied 00:11:45.540 --> 00:11:46.600 in the Lord, 00:11:46.680 --> 00:11:47.560 we praise Him 00:11:47.560 --> 00:11:49.060 not just because 00:11:49.060 --> 00:11:50.600 we're trying to be polite 00:11:50.600 --> 00:11:51.340 and do our duty 00:11:51.340 --> 00:11:53.740 and we feel like we have to, 00:11:54.180 --> 00:11:55.519 but because we want to. 00:11:56.560 --> 00:11:58.220 Because we're so satisfied in Him 00:11:58.220 --> 00:11:59.399 that we want to praise Him 00:11:59.399 --> 00:12:00.399 and we want to thank Him 00:12:00.399 --> 00:12:01.759 and we want to tell other people 00:12:01.759 --> 00:12:03.200 how awesome He is. 00:12:04.240 --> 00:12:05.500 And invite them 00:12:05.500 --> 00:12:06.980 to taste and see 00:12:06.980 --> 00:12:08.200 that He's good. 00:12:08.200 --> 00:12:11.180 So we see in this psalm 00:12:11.180 --> 00:12:12.100 this vivid picture 00:12:12.100 --> 00:12:13.300 of seeking God 00:12:13.300 --> 00:12:15.560 and being satisfied in God. 00:12:16.800 --> 00:12:17.580 Now, of course, 00:12:17.640 --> 00:12:19.620 the question that it raises for us 00:12:19.620 --> 00:12:21.960 is what about our relationship 00:12:21.960 --> 00:12:22.480 with God? 00:12:23.740 --> 00:12:25.600 Does it look anything like this? 00:12:28.320 --> 00:12:29.980 Does this characterize 00:12:29.980 --> 00:12:32.480 our approach toward God? 00:12:33.480 --> 00:12:35.340 Seeking and being satisfied in Him. 00:12:35.620 --> 00:12:36.680 Well, maybe you're here today. 00:12:36.679 --> 00:12:37.959 Maybe you're not a Christian. 00:12:38.659 --> 00:12:39.639 Or maybe you're not sure 00:12:39.639 --> 00:12:40.199 what you believe. 00:12:40.279 --> 00:12:41.239 Maybe you would say 00:12:41.239 --> 00:12:42.500 that you're a spiritual seeker. 00:12:43.500 --> 00:12:44.620 Let me challenge you 00:12:44.620 --> 00:12:45.879 with a question. 00:12:47.339 --> 00:12:48.419 Are you seeking God 00:12:48.419 --> 00:12:50.419 at your own pace 00:12:50.419 --> 00:12:51.959 and on your own terms? 00:12:53.179 --> 00:12:54.620 Are you seeking a God 00:12:54.620 --> 00:12:56.159 that fits you? 00:12:57.439 --> 00:12:58.959 A God who affirms you 00:12:58.959 --> 00:12:59.679 as you are 00:12:59.679 --> 00:13:01.259 and doesn't demand 00:13:01.259 --> 00:13:02.620 that you change 00:13:02.620 --> 00:13:03.819 in any way 00:13:03.819 --> 00:13:04.599 that you don't already 00:13:04.599 --> 00:13:05.359 want to change. 00:13:05.360 --> 00:13:08.100 If the God described 00:13:08.100 --> 00:13:09.379 in this psalm exists, 00:13:10.100 --> 00:13:11.139 He's not someone 00:13:11.139 --> 00:13:12.820 to simply be pursued 00:13:12.820 --> 00:13:13.940 at your own pace 00:13:13.940 --> 00:13:15.500 like a summer hobby 00:13:15.500 --> 00:13:17.539 or an extracurricular 00:13:17.539 --> 00:13:19.320 or an enrichment activity. 00:13:20.340 --> 00:13:21.279 This God is someone 00:13:21.279 --> 00:13:21.980 who calls you 00:13:21.980 --> 00:13:23.139 to reorient 00:13:23.139 --> 00:13:24.159 your whole life, 00:13:24.919 --> 00:13:25.659 your feeling, 00:13:26.200 --> 00:13:26.840 your thinking, 00:13:27.300 --> 00:13:28.039 your desires, 00:13:28.300 --> 00:13:28.860 your decisions 00:13:28.860 --> 00:13:29.620 around Him 00:13:29.620 --> 00:13:30.860 like a potential 00:13:30.860 --> 00:13:31.940 marriage partner 00:13:31.940 --> 00:13:33.420 even more. 00:13:33.419 --> 00:13:35.959 A long time ago, 00:13:36.860 --> 00:13:38.360 the Cambridge professor, 00:13:38.479 --> 00:13:39.039 C.S. Lewis, 00:13:39.719 --> 00:13:40.620 wrote the following. 00:13:41.279 --> 00:13:41.659 He said, 00:13:41.719 --> 00:13:42.519 people are reluctant 00:13:42.519 --> 00:13:44.179 to cross over 00:13:44.179 --> 00:13:45.679 from the notion 00:13:45.679 --> 00:13:47.419 of an abstract deity, 00:13:49.059 --> 00:13:50.539 an abstract idea 00:13:50.539 --> 00:13:51.139 of God 00:13:51.139 --> 00:13:52.059 to the living God. 00:13:52.939 --> 00:13:54.240 An abstract idea 00:13:54.240 --> 00:13:54.779 of God 00:13:54.779 --> 00:13:55.799 does nothing, 00:13:56.579 --> 00:13:57.360 demands nothing. 00:13:58.259 --> 00:13:58.839 He's there 00:13:58.839 --> 00:14:00.459 if you wish for Him, 00:14:00.980 --> 00:14:01.559 like a book 00:14:01.559 --> 00:14:02.339 on a shelf. 00:14:03.159 --> 00:14:04.379 He will not pursue you. 00:14:05.199 --> 00:14:05.899 But with the God 00:14:05.899 --> 00:14:06.479 of the Bible, 00:14:06.779 --> 00:14:07.459 it's different. 00:14:08.319 --> 00:14:08.699 He says, 00:14:08.779 --> 00:14:09.739 it is always shocking 00:14:09.739 --> 00:14:10.859 to meet life 00:14:10.859 --> 00:14:11.759 where we thought 00:14:11.759 --> 00:14:12.399 we were alone. 00:14:13.379 --> 00:14:14.199 Look, we say, 00:14:14.439 --> 00:14:15.359 it's alive. 00:14:16.500 --> 00:14:17.839 This is the very point 00:14:17.839 --> 00:14:19.139 at which so many people 00:14:19.139 --> 00:14:19.759 draw back. 00:14:20.399 --> 00:14:21.079 I would have done 00:14:21.079 --> 00:14:21.779 so myself 00:14:21.779 --> 00:14:22.859 if I could 00:14:22.859 --> 00:14:24.019 and proceed 00:14:24.019 --> 00:14:24.599 no further 00:14:24.599 --> 00:14:25.639 with Christianity. 00:14:26.500 --> 00:14:27.959 An impersonal God, 00:14:28.539 --> 00:14:29.199 well and good. 00:14:29.200 --> 00:14:31.200 a subject of God, 00:14:31.400 --> 00:14:32.280 of beauty, 00:14:32.420 --> 00:14:33.100 truth and goodness 00:14:33.100 --> 00:14:33.720 that exists 00:14:33.720 --> 00:14:34.840 in our own head. 00:14:35.640 --> 00:14:36.320 Better still, 00:14:37.379 --> 00:14:38.820 a formless life force 00:14:38.820 --> 00:14:39.759 surging through us, 00:14:39.800 --> 00:14:40.520 a vast power 00:14:40.520 --> 00:14:41.600 that we can tap into 00:14:41.600 --> 00:14:42.660 best of all. 00:14:43.560 --> 00:14:44.440 But God Himself, 00:14:45.540 --> 00:14:46.160 alive, 00:14:46.640 --> 00:14:47.560 pulling at the other end 00:14:47.560 --> 00:14:48.120 of the cord, 00:14:48.240 --> 00:14:49.080 perhaps approaching 00:14:49.080 --> 00:14:50.280 at an infinite speed, 00:14:50.580 --> 00:14:51.020 the hunter, 00:14:51.360 --> 00:14:51.820 the king, 00:14:52.100 --> 00:14:52.600 the husband, 00:14:52.940 --> 00:14:54.259 that is quite another matter. 00:14:55.640 --> 00:14:56.340 He says, 00:14:56.400 --> 00:14:57.160 there comes a moment 00:14:57.159 --> 00:14:58.860 when people who have been 00:14:58.860 --> 00:15:00.240 dabbling in religion, 00:15:01.860 --> 00:15:03.120 man's search for God, 00:15:03.879 --> 00:15:04.939 suddenly draw back, 00:15:05.639 --> 00:15:07.740 supposing we really found Him. 00:15:08.419 --> 00:15:09.240 We never meant it 00:15:09.240 --> 00:15:09.799 to come to that. 00:15:09.899 --> 00:15:10.360 Worse still, 00:15:10.459 --> 00:15:12.059 supposing He had found us. 00:15:13.659 --> 00:15:14.719 Let me urge you, 00:15:15.639 --> 00:15:16.699 do not draw back 00:15:16.699 --> 00:15:18.299 from the living God 00:15:18.299 --> 00:15:20.219 who is seeking after you. 00:15:21.039 --> 00:15:22.699 It can be the scariest thing 00:15:22.699 --> 00:15:23.179 in the world, 00:15:23.279 --> 00:15:24.299 but at the same time, 00:15:24.379 --> 00:15:25.079 it is potentially 00:15:25.080 --> 00:15:27.100 the most liberating thing 00:15:27.100 --> 00:15:28.040 in the world 00:15:28.040 --> 00:15:29.379 because the Bible 00:15:29.379 --> 00:15:30.100 seeks of a God 00:15:30.100 --> 00:15:31.200 who seeks us 00:15:31.200 --> 00:15:33.040 and who draws us 00:15:33.040 --> 00:15:34.240 to seek after Him, 00:15:34.840 --> 00:15:36.600 who puts an unquenchable thirst 00:15:36.600 --> 00:15:37.379 in our mouths 00:15:37.379 --> 00:15:39.520 that will only be satisfied 00:15:39.520 --> 00:15:40.700 in Him. 00:15:42.020 --> 00:15:42.700 Long ago, 00:15:43.360 --> 00:15:44.139 another man said, 00:15:44.220 --> 00:15:44.420 Lord, 00:15:44.680 --> 00:15:45.580 You have made us 00:15:45.580 --> 00:15:46.220 for Yourself 00:15:46.220 --> 00:15:47.639 and our hearts 00:15:47.639 --> 00:15:48.120 are restless 00:15:48.120 --> 00:15:49.700 until they find 00:15:49.700 --> 00:15:51.460 their rest in You. 00:15:52.480 --> 00:15:53.360 And Jesus Christ 00:15:53.360 --> 00:15:53.940 said, 00:15:53.940 --> 00:15:54.640 Come to Me, 00:15:55.880 --> 00:15:56.960 all you who are weary 00:15:56.960 --> 00:15:58.980 and heavy laden, 00:15:59.360 --> 00:16:00.720 and I will give you rest 00:16:00.720 --> 00:16:02.040 for your souls. 00:16:03.360 --> 00:16:04.420 So if you're seeking 00:16:04.420 --> 00:16:05.280 the truth, 00:16:06.160 --> 00:16:06.780 keep seeking 00:16:06.780 --> 00:16:08.480 until you find it. 00:16:09.920 --> 00:16:11.060 Seek Jesus 00:16:11.060 --> 00:16:14.160 because perhaps 00:16:14.160 --> 00:16:15.460 He is already seeking you 00:16:15.460 --> 00:16:17.140 and drawing you 00:16:17.140 --> 00:16:19.700 into a living relationship 00:16:19.700 --> 00:16:20.200 with Him. 00:16:20.200 --> 00:16:22.600 But now for those of us 00:16:22.600 --> 00:16:23.160 who are Christians, 00:16:24.200 --> 00:16:25.240 for those of us 00:16:25.240 --> 00:16:25.580 who would say, 00:16:25.680 --> 00:16:25.879 Yes, 00:16:25.980 --> 00:16:27.420 I believe in Jesus, 00:16:27.540 --> 00:16:28.240 I've come to Him. 00:16:29.040 --> 00:16:29.900 What about us? 00:16:31.420 --> 00:16:32.900 What do we seek after 00:16:32.900 --> 00:16:34.500 with intensity, 00:16:34.700 --> 00:16:35.320 with persistence? 00:16:35.560 --> 00:16:35.680 Well, 00:16:35.700 --> 00:16:36.320 many of us 00:16:36.320 --> 00:16:37.720 seek after success 00:16:37.720 --> 00:16:39.700 in our studies 00:16:39.700 --> 00:16:40.520 or in our career. 00:16:41.620 --> 00:16:41.980 Right? 00:16:42.020 --> 00:16:42.560 Especially here 00:16:42.560 --> 00:16:43.140 in New England, 00:16:43.360 --> 00:16:44.620 work and school 00:16:44.620 --> 00:16:45.740 demand a lot of time. 00:16:45.740 --> 00:16:48.460 They demand often 00:16:48.460 --> 00:16:49.659 not just weekdays, 00:16:50.159 --> 00:16:51.019 but also evenings 00:16:51.019 --> 00:16:51.960 and weekends 00:16:51.960 --> 00:16:53.399 and traveling away 00:16:53.399 --> 00:16:53.940 from home. 00:16:55.240 --> 00:16:56.100 They demand energy 00:16:56.100 --> 00:16:58.039 to develop new skills 00:16:58.039 --> 00:17:00.399 and face difficult situations 00:17:00.399 --> 00:17:02.200 and sometimes navigate 00:17:02.200 --> 00:17:03.460 difficult relationships 00:17:03.460 --> 00:17:04.200 with coworkers 00:17:04.200 --> 00:17:05.579 or fellow students. 00:17:06.259 --> 00:17:07.980 School demands money, too. 00:17:08.920 --> 00:17:09.120 Now, 00:17:09.180 --> 00:17:10.120 most of us are willing 00:17:10.120 --> 00:17:11.819 to meet those demands 00:17:11.819 --> 00:17:12.460 for time, 00:17:12.680 --> 00:17:12.960 energy, 00:17:12.960 --> 00:17:13.660 and even money 00:17:13.660 --> 00:17:14.799 because we really 00:17:14.799 --> 00:17:15.620 want to succeed 00:17:15.620 --> 00:17:17.559 in our work. 00:17:18.700 --> 00:17:19.640 Or many of us 00:17:19.640 --> 00:17:20.519 want to stay in shape 00:17:20.519 --> 00:17:22.380 or to get in shape. 00:17:22.720 --> 00:17:23.660 And so we're motivated 00:17:23.660 --> 00:17:24.519 to go to the gym 00:17:24.519 --> 00:17:25.579 early in the morning 00:17:25.579 --> 00:17:27.819 or to take long walks 00:17:27.819 --> 00:17:29.019 before the weather 00:17:29.019 --> 00:17:29.759 gets too hot 00:17:29.759 --> 00:17:31.079 or play a sport. 00:17:32.039 --> 00:17:33.460 We arrange our schedules 00:17:33.460 --> 00:17:34.779 around these things 00:17:34.779 --> 00:17:36.579 because we value them highly 00:17:36.579 --> 00:17:37.680 and we find joy 00:17:37.680 --> 00:17:39.039 when our health 00:17:39.039 --> 00:17:39.840 is improving. 00:17:41.120 --> 00:17:41.660 Some of us 00:17:41.660 --> 00:17:42.039 are invested 00:17:42.039 --> 00:17:43.119 in building a marriage 00:17:43.119 --> 00:17:44.839 or raising a family. 00:17:45.559 --> 00:17:46.420 Huge investments 00:17:46.420 --> 00:17:48.299 that are constantly demanding 00:17:48.299 --> 00:17:50.220 and at the same time 00:17:50.220 --> 00:17:51.539 immensely rewarding. 00:17:52.440 --> 00:17:53.480 And all of these things 00:17:53.480 --> 00:17:54.659 are worthy pursuits. 00:17:56.319 --> 00:17:57.980 But do we pursue God 00:17:57.980 --> 00:18:00.119 who is supremely worthy 00:18:00.119 --> 00:18:02.180 with even greater intensity 00:18:02.180 --> 00:18:04.079 and even greater persistence? 00:18:05.339 --> 00:18:06.579 Do we pursue God 00:18:06.579 --> 00:18:07.980 not just on the side, 00:18:08.759 --> 00:18:10.579 in addition to pursuing our work, 00:18:11.079 --> 00:18:11.960 pursuing our health, 00:18:12.039 --> 00:18:13.339 pursuing our relationships, 00:18:14.059 --> 00:18:16.259 but do we pursue our work 00:18:16.259 --> 00:18:18.039 and pursue our health 00:18:18.039 --> 00:18:19.700 and pursue our relationships 00:18:19.700 --> 00:18:21.139 in order to display 00:18:21.139 --> 00:18:22.299 the glory of God 00:18:22.299 --> 00:18:24.119 and out of thankfulness 00:18:24.119 --> 00:18:25.899 and love for Him 00:18:25.899 --> 00:18:27.879 who created all these things? 00:18:28.879 --> 00:18:30.920 Do we joyfully praise God 00:18:30.920 --> 00:18:32.079 and freely speak of Him 00:18:32.079 --> 00:18:32.680 to others 00:18:32.680 --> 00:18:34.000 because we found 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:36.039 such deep satisfaction in Him? 00:18:37.059 --> 00:18:38.059 No, for most of us, 00:18:38.059 --> 00:18:39.000 if we're honest, 00:18:40.179 --> 00:18:40.960 the answer is no. 00:18:42.119 --> 00:18:42.960 Or at least, 00:18:43.159 --> 00:18:43.960 not consistently. 00:18:44.720 --> 00:18:45.359 Maybe we have 00:18:45.359 --> 00:18:46.279 occasional bursts 00:18:46.279 --> 00:18:47.839 of spiritual intensity. 00:18:48.679 --> 00:18:49.839 We pray 00:18:49.839 --> 00:18:50.960 and seek God's help 00:18:50.960 --> 00:18:52.319 in a time of crisis 00:18:52.319 --> 00:18:53.659 followed by long periods 00:18:53.659 --> 00:18:54.579 of complacency 00:18:54.579 --> 00:18:56.339 when our life 00:18:56.339 --> 00:18:56.819 is going 00:18:56.819 --> 00:18:58.159 fairly smoothly. 00:18:59.440 --> 00:18:59.919 You know, 00:18:59.960 --> 00:19:00.480 if we think about 00:19:00.480 --> 00:19:01.720 our normal daily routine, 00:19:02.220 --> 00:19:03.039 from morning to night, 00:19:03.079 --> 00:19:04.339 we often go through it 00:19:04.339 --> 00:19:05.419 with little thought 00:19:05.419 --> 00:19:06.359 for God. 00:19:07.599 --> 00:19:07.720 Right? 00:19:08.159 --> 00:19:09.439 And it's hard. 00:19:09.559 --> 00:19:10.179 We drag ourselves 00:19:10.179 --> 00:19:11.099 out of bed in the morning, 00:19:11.619 --> 00:19:12.599 stumble into the shower, 00:19:12.740 --> 00:19:13.500 go through the motions, 00:19:13.639 --> 00:19:14.720 get ourselves out the door 00:19:14.720 --> 00:19:16.159 to work or to class 00:19:16.159 --> 00:19:17.220 or start taking care 00:19:17.220 --> 00:19:17.779 of the kids. 00:19:18.159 --> 00:19:19.059 Our days are busy, 00:19:19.399 --> 00:19:20.079 full of work, 00:19:20.179 --> 00:19:20.819 full of activity. 00:19:21.000 --> 00:19:21.500 If we can, 00:19:21.579 --> 00:19:22.459 we include some things 00:19:22.459 --> 00:19:23.579 that are pleasurable, 00:19:24.779 --> 00:19:25.459 whether it's a nice, 00:19:25.639 --> 00:19:26.639 a good cup of coffee, 00:19:27.139 --> 00:19:27.919 watching a movie 00:19:27.919 --> 00:19:28.579 or a play 00:19:28.579 --> 00:19:29.619 or getting together 00:19:29.619 --> 00:19:30.480 with some friends. 00:19:30.480 --> 00:19:31.940 And then finally, 00:19:32.579 --> 00:19:33.500 at the end of the day, 00:19:34.400 --> 00:19:35.160 we get into bed 00:19:35.160 --> 00:19:36.480 and fall asleep. 00:19:37.380 --> 00:19:38.140 And then if we can't 00:19:38.140 --> 00:19:39.200 fall asleep right away 00:19:39.200 --> 00:19:40.240 or if we wake up 00:19:40.240 --> 00:19:41.079 in the middle of the night, 00:19:41.519 --> 00:19:42.319 our thoughts range 00:19:42.319 --> 00:19:43.460 from all the things 00:19:43.460 --> 00:19:44.480 I need to do tomorrow, 00:19:45.299 --> 00:19:46.160 anxiety over 00:19:46.160 --> 00:19:47.380 difficult relationships, 00:19:47.980 --> 00:19:49.200 guilt from past failures, 00:19:49.819 --> 00:19:51.279 fear of future disappointments, 00:19:51.980 --> 00:19:53.640 frustration at our inability 00:19:53.640 --> 00:19:54.779 to get back to sleep 00:19:54.779 --> 00:19:55.839 and the prospect 00:19:55.839 --> 00:19:56.460 of going through 00:19:56.460 --> 00:19:58.079 another day tired. 00:19:58.079 --> 00:20:00.619 It's hard. 00:20:02.099 --> 00:20:03.679 Even just to live 00:20:03.679 --> 00:20:04.539 from day to day, 00:20:05.500 --> 00:20:06.759 to just make it. 00:20:08.619 --> 00:20:09.980 Then where does God 00:20:09.980 --> 00:20:10.899 fit into all this? 00:20:12.500 --> 00:20:12.679 Right? 00:20:12.720 --> 00:20:14.000 Maybe we want to follow God. 00:20:15.059 --> 00:20:16.039 We want Him to be 00:20:16.039 --> 00:20:16.779 the center of our life 00:20:16.779 --> 00:20:17.599 so we come to church 00:20:17.599 --> 00:20:18.079 on Sundays. 00:20:19.099 --> 00:20:20.419 Maybe we pray before meals 00:20:20.419 --> 00:20:22.299 or go to a small group 00:20:22.299 --> 00:20:23.199 in the middle of the week 00:20:23.199 --> 00:20:24.359 or spend a few minutes 00:20:24.359 --> 00:20:25.460 praying and reading 00:20:25.460 --> 00:20:26.460 the Bible in the morning 00:20:26.460 --> 00:20:27.980 at some time of day 00:20:27.980 --> 00:20:28.779 but still, 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:29.500 if we're honest, 00:20:29.579 --> 00:20:30.420 our life is far 00:20:30.420 --> 00:20:31.839 from being saturated 00:20:31.839 --> 00:20:34.759 with this seeking after God 00:20:34.759 --> 00:20:37.019 and being satisfied in Him. 00:20:38.120 --> 00:20:38.720 And that picture 00:20:38.720 --> 00:20:39.660 that we have in this psalm, 00:20:39.720 --> 00:20:40.279 it's sort of like 00:20:40.279 --> 00:20:40.720 the picture 00:20:40.720 --> 00:20:42.360 of the ultramarathon, 00:20:43.319 --> 00:20:44.519 135 miles 00:20:44.519 --> 00:20:45.039 through the middle 00:20:45.039 --> 00:20:45.579 of the desert. 00:20:46.099 --> 00:20:47.380 That's very admirable 00:20:47.380 --> 00:20:48.759 for those 81 people 00:20:48.759 --> 00:20:49.860 who could do it. 00:20:50.759 --> 00:20:52.039 And that's not something 00:20:52.039 --> 00:20:52.960 I am ever going 00:20:52.960 --> 00:20:53.680 to try to do. 00:20:53.680 --> 00:20:56.400 It just seems 00:20:56.400 --> 00:20:57.560 completely impossible 00:20:57.560 --> 00:20:58.620 and unrealistic 00:20:58.620 --> 00:20:59.759 for me 00:20:59.759 --> 00:21:00.799 in my circumstances. 00:21:03.380 --> 00:21:03.740 I mean, 00:21:03.820 --> 00:21:04.620 do you feel that way? 00:21:05.299 --> 00:21:06.580 I feel that way often. 00:21:08.539 --> 00:21:09.460 Our passion for God 00:21:09.460 --> 00:21:10.519 is like a leaky bucket. 00:21:11.799 --> 00:21:13.460 It's constantly losing water 00:21:13.460 --> 00:21:15.460 until it gets filled up again. 00:21:17.000 --> 00:21:17.779 Well, the good news 00:21:17.779 --> 00:21:18.900 is that this psalm 00:21:18.900 --> 00:21:19.820 doesn't just give us 00:21:19.819 --> 00:21:20.339 a picture 00:21:20.339 --> 00:21:22.259 of somebody else 00:21:22.259 --> 00:21:23.859 who is seeking God 00:21:23.859 --> 00:21:25.139 and being satisfied in Him. 00:21:25.859 --> 00:21:27.200 And it doesn't just give us 00:21:27.200 --> 00:21:27.819 a standard 00:21:27.819 --> 00:21:29.179 to measure ourselves against. 00:21:29.759 --> 00:21:30.980 That's what we've seen so far. 00:21:31.259 --> 00:21:31.779 A picture 00:21:31.779 --> 00:21:33.240 of someone seeking God 00:21:33.240 --> 00:21:34.559 and being satisfied in Him. 00:21:34.779 --> 00:21:35.279 A standard 00:21:35.279 --> 00:21:36.599 to measure ourselves against. 00:21:36.819 --> 00:21:37.579 The good news is 00:21:37.579 --> 00:21:38.839 this psalm points us 00:21:38.839 --> 00:21:40.259 to the resources 00:21:40.259 --> 00:21:41.099 that we need 00:21:41.099 --> 00:21:43.319 to experience this ourselves. 00:21:44.519 --> 00:21:45.659 To seek God 00:21:45.659 --> 00:21:47.059 and to be satisfied in Him 00:21:47.059 --> 00:21:48.339 on a daily basis. 00:21:48.339 --> 00:21:50.079 Now look down 00:21:50.079 --> 00:21:50.939 at what David says. 00:21:51.819 --> 00:21:52.659 We've looked mostly 00:21:52.659 --> 00:21:54.539 at the first half 00:21:54.539 --> 00:21:54.980 of the psalm, 00:21:55.039 --> 00:21:55.799 verses 1 through 6. 00:21:55.859 --> 00:21:56.240 But look down 00:21:56.240 --> 00:21:56.919 at what David says 00:21:56.919 --> 00:21:58.119 in verses 5 through 7. 00:21:58.539 --> 00:21:59.399 He starts by saying, 00:21:59.519 --> 00:22:00.579 my soul will be satisfied 00:22:00.579 --> 00:22:02.319 as with fat and rich food. 00:22:03.359 --> 00:22:03.980 He goes on, 00:22:04.019 --> 00:22:04.759 when I remember you 00:22:04.759 --> 00:22:05.299 on my bed. 00:22:05.339 --> 00:22:06.039 And then in verse 7 00:22:06.039 --> 00:22:06.519 he says, 00:22:06.879 --> 00:22:07.319 for, 00:22:08.720 --> 00:22:09.659 or because, 00:22:10.779 --> 00:22:11.959 you have been my help. 00:22:13.159 --> 00:22:13.899 In other words, 00:22:13.959 --> 00:22:14.579 the reason 00:22:14.579 --> 00:22:15.439 that David 00:22:15.439 --> 00:22:16.259 is satisfied 00:22:16.259 --> 00:22:16.980 in the Lord 00:22:16.980 --> 00:22:18.720 is because 00:22:18.720 --> 00:22:19.920 God has been 00:22:19.920 --> 00:22:20.579 His help 00:22:20.579 --> 00:22:21.660 in the past. 00:22:23.019 --> 00:22:23.960 And then look down 00:22:23.960 --> 00:22:24.500 at verse 8. 00:22:25.779 --> 00:22:26.240 David says, 00:22:26.319 --> 00:22:27.720 my soul clings to you, 00:22:28.460 --> 00:22:30.360 but your right hand 00:22:30.360 --> 00:22:32.299 upholds me. 00:22:33.660 --> 00:22:34.539 It's a picture 00:22:34.539 --> 00:22:36.200 of a fearful child 00:22:36.200 --> 00:22:37.799 holding on 00:22:37.799 --> 00:22:38.799 to his daddy's side 00:22:38.799 --> 00:22:39.740 for dear life. 00:22:41.039 --> 00:22:42.019 But his daddy 00:22:42.019 --> 00:22:43.079 has his right hand, 00:22:43.519 --> 00:22:44.640 his strong arm 00:22:44.640 --> 00:22:46.220 around him. 00:22:47.120 --> 00:22:47.660 And daddy 00:22:47.660 --> 00:22:48.280 will not let 00:22:48.280 --> 00:22:48.940 his child go. 00:22:49.640 --> 00:22:50.720 He holds him close. 00:22:51.940 --> 00:22:52.560 So David said, 00:22:52.620 --> 00:22:53.200 God has been 00:22:53.200 --> 00:22:54.680 my help in the past 00:22:54.680 --> 00:22:56.100 and God upholds me 00:22:56.100 --> 00:22:57.680 in the present. 00:22:58.759 --> 00:22:59.540 And then verse 9 00:22:59.540 --> 00:23:00.000 through 11, 00:23:00.100 --> 00:23:00.720 David speaks of 00:23:00.720 --> 00:23:01.340 God's promise 00:23:01.340 --> 00:23:01.980 for the future. 00:23:03.300 --> 00:23:03.800 He says, 00:23:03.860 --> 00:23:04.320 those who seek 00:23:04.320 --> 00:23:05.280 to destroy my life 00:23:05.280 --> 00:23:05.920 will go down 00:23:05.920 --> 00:23:06.880 into the depths 00:23:06.880 --> 00:23:07.420 of the earth. 00:23:08.120 --> 00:23:08.780 But the king 00:23:08.780 --> 00:23:09.900 will rejoice in God. 00:23:10.060 --> 00:23:10.580 In other words, 00:23:10.660 --> 00:23:11.300 David's enemies 00:23:11.300 --> 00:23:12.880 who were fighting 00:23:12.880 --> 00:23:13.940 against God's purpose 00:23:13.940 --> 00:23:14.680 would not have 00:23:14.680 --> 00:23:15.500 the last word. 00:23:16.559 --> 00:23:17.880 God will surely 00:23:17.880 --> 00:23:19.299 be victorious. 00:23:20.519 --> 00:23:21.440 So David points us 00:23:21.440 --> 00:23:22.640 to these three things 00:23:22.640 --> 00:23:26.400 that are the fuel 00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:27.940 for a life 00:23:27.940 --> 00:23:29.019 of seeking 00:23:29.019 --> 00:23:29.880 and being satisfied 00:23:29.880 --> 00:23:30.299 in God. 00:23:30.360 --> 00:23:31.000 These three things, 00:23:31.100 --> 00:23:32.120 God's help in the past, 00:23:32.440 --> 00:23:33.460 God's hand in the present, 00:23:33.740 --> 00:23:34.559 and God's promise 00:23:34.559 --> 00:23:35.180 for the future. 00:23:35.600 --> 00:23:36.500 And David experienced 00:23:36.500 --> 00:23:37.259 all these things. 00:23:37.480 --> 00:23:37.759 But you know, 00:23:37.860 --> 00:23:38.519 you and I 00:23:38.519 --> 00:23:39.360 can experience 00:23:39.360 --> 00:23:39.940 these things 00:23:39.940 --> 00:23:40.680 in an even 00:23:40.680 --> 00:23:42.340 fuller measure 00:23:42.339 --> 00:23:44.359 than David did. 00:23:46.659 --> 00:23:47.179 Because 00:23:47.179 --> 00:23:51.079 Jesus Christ 00:23:51.079 --> 00:23:52.119 came 00:23:52.119 --> 00:23:53.919 to give us 00:23:53.919 --> 00:23:55.199 these three things 00:23:55.199 --> 00:23:57.039 in an even 00:23:57.039 --> 00:23:57.799 more profound way 00:23:57.799 --> 00:23:58.179 than David 00:23:58.179 --> 00:23:59.039 ever could have seen. 00:24:00.459 --> 00:24:01.579 In Jesus Christ, 00:24:01.679 --> 00:24:02.039 we see 00:24:02.039 --> 00:24:03.379 that God has come 00:24:03.379 --> 00:24:04.419 to be 00:24:04.419 --> 00:24:05.679 our helper. 00:24:06.539 --> 00:24:07.919 That He has helped us 00:24:07.919 --> 00:24:08.839 in the past. 00:24:10.159 --> 00:24:10.980 And the Hebrew word, 00:24:10.980 --> 00:24:11.720 and you know, 00:24:11.779 --> 00:24:12.700 that doesn't just mean 00:24:12.700 --> 00:24:14.039 that He sort of 00:24:14.039 --> 00:24:15.579 threw you a few bones 00:24:15.579 --> 00:24:16.140 along the way. 00:24:16.360 --> 00:24:16.539 You know, 00:24:16.579 --> 00:24:17.039 sort of gave you 00:24:17.039 --> 00:24:17.940 a few nice things 00:24:17.940 --> 00:24:18.380 in life. 00:24:18.880 --> 00:24:19.839 But the word helper 00:24:19.839 --> 00:24:20.720 in Hebrew 00:24:20.720 --> 00:24:21.740 means someone 00:24:21.740 --> 00:24:23.440 who comes alongside you, 00:24:24.140 --> 00:24:25.660 who joins with you, 00:24:26.200 --> 00:24:27.740 who stands by you 00:24:27.740 --> 00:24:29.440 with unwavering loyalty, 00:24:29.900 --> 00:24:30.900 and does for you 00:24:30.900 --> 00:24:31.839 what you could not 00:24:31.839 --> 00:24:32.599 do for yourself. 00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:35.400 That's why it's described, 00:24:35.720 --> 00:24:36.339 used to describe 00:24:36.339 --> 00:24:37.000 a marriage partner 00:24:37.000 --> 00:24:38.799 in the Old Testament. 00:24:38.799 --> 00:24:40.200 as well as 00:24:40.200 --> 00:24:41.240 a military ally. 00:24:42.339 --> 00:24:42.720 Right? 00:24:42.859 --> 00:24:43.419 But the point is, 00:24:43.460 --> 00:24:44.119 this is exactly 00:24:44.119 --> 00:24:45.000 what Jesus did. 00:24:46.059 --> 00:24:46.839 Jesus came 00:24:46.839 --> 00:24:47.960 alongside us. 00:24:48.019 --> 00:24:48.839 He lived with us 00:24:48.839 --> 00:24:49.440 on this earth. 00:24:49.519 --> 00:24:50.379 He joined Himself 00:24:50.379 --> 00:24:51.039 to us. 00:24:51.599 --> 00:24:52.159 He took on 00:24:52.159 --> 00:24:52.919 our human nature. 00:24:53.899 --> 00:24:54.599 He was tempted 00:24:54.599 --> 00:24:55.339 in every way, 00:24:55.440 --> 00:24:56.299 just as we are. 00:24:57.480 --> 00:24:57.839 And yet, 00:24:57.879 --> 00:24:58.639 He never sinned. 00:24:59.960 --> 00:25:01.159 And He loved us 00:25:01.159 --> 00:25:03.059 and stood by us 00:25:03.059 --> 00:25:05.220 with unfailing loyalty. 00:25:05.220 --> 00:25:06.759 It says He loved 00:25:06.759 --> 00:25:07.819 His disciples 00:25:07.819 --> 00:25:09.079 to the end. 00:25:10.579 --> 00:25:11.500 Even to the point 00:25:11.500 --> 00:25:12.059 of dying 00:25:12.059 --> 00:25:14.000 for us on the cross. 00:25:14.880 --> 00:25:15.360 Right? 00:25:15.460 --> 00:25:16.059 Doing for us 00:25:16.059 --> 00:25:17.200 what we could never do 00:25:17.200 --> 00:25:18.900 for ourselves. 00:25:20.460 --> 00:25:21.279 And when Jesus 00:25:21.279 --> 00:25:22.200 died on the cross, 00:25:22.680 --> 00:25:23.920 He paid the price 00:25:23.920 --> 00:25:25.200 for our sin 00:25:25.200 --> 00:25:26.680 so that we might 00:25:26.680 --> 00:25:27.279 be forgiven 00:25:27.279 --> 00:25:28.819 and free 00:25:28.819 --> 00:25:29.779 from condemnation. 00:25:30.880 --> 00:25:32.240 Jesus became ours 00:25:32.240 --> 00:25:33.519 so that we might 00:25:33.519 --> 00:25:34.319 become His. 00:25:34.319 --> 00:25:36.439 so that we might 00:25:36.439 --> 00:25:37.139 be able to say 00:25:37.139 --> 00:25:38.099 God has been 00:25:38.099 --> 00:25:38.700 my helper. 00:25:39.399 --> 00:25:39.879 He has come 00:25:39.879 --> 00:25:40.779 alongside me. 00:25:41.480 --> 00:25:42.079 He has joined 00:25:42.079 --> 00:25:42.939 Himself to me 00:25:42.939 --> 00:25:44.159 in Jesus Christ 00:25:44.159 --> 00:25:44.759 and He has done 00:25:44.759 --> 00:25:45.399 for me what I could 00:25:45.399 --> 00:25:46.399 never do for myself. 00:25:47.720 --> 00:25:48.819 And He has stood 00:25:48.819 --> 00:25:49.460 by me with 00:25:49.460 --> 00:25:51.319 unfailing loyalty. 00:25:52.139 --> 00:25:53.159 Like a true 00:25:53.159 --> 00:25:54.099 friend. 00:25:54.960 --> 00:25:56.500 A true ally. 00:25:57.960 --> 00:25:59.259 A true helper. 00:26:00.139 --> 00:26:00.779 And when we see 00:26:00.779 --> 00:26:01.119 that, 00:26:01.960 --> 00:26:02.679 when we see the 00:26:02.679 --> 00:26:03.639 price that He paid, 00:26:04.319 --> 00:26:05.399 to become 00:26:05.399 --> 00:26:05.859 our helper, 00:26:06.859 --> 00:26:08.139 we see that it's 00:26:08.139 --> 00:26:09.740 so futile 00:26:09.740 --> 00:26:10.980 and foolish 00:26:10.980 --> 00:26:12.119 to live for ourselves. 00:26:13.439 --> 00:26:14.460 It's so empty 00:26:14.460 --> 00:26:15.220 to chase after 00:26:15.220 --> 00:26:16.059 things in this world 00:26:16.059 --> 00:26:16.460 that are just 00:26:16.460 --> 00:26:17.500 going to pass away 00:26:17.500 --> 00:26:21.279 and crave things 00:26:21.279 --> 00:26:22.179 that just satisfy 00:26:22.179 --> 00:26:22.879 us for a moment. 00:26:24.759 --> 00:26:26.059 And we see that 00:26:26.059 --> 00:26:27.099 He is worthy 00:26:27.099 --> 00:26:28.240 because He's the one 00:26:28.240 --> 00:26:30.279 who has stood by us 00:26:30.279 --> 00:26:32.259 more than anyone else. 00:26:32.259 --> 00:26:34.740 And so when we see 00:26:34.740 --> 00:26:35.879 that, we begin 00:26:35.879 --> 00:26:36.680 to have this desire 00:26:36.680 --> 00:26:37.500 to live for Him 00:26:37.500 --> 00:26:38.640 and to organize 00:26:38.640 --> 00:26:39.920 our schedule around Him 00:26:39.920 --> 00:26:43.059 and to orient 00:26:43.059 --> 00:26:44.019 our life around Him 00:26:44.019 --> 00:26:44.900 from early in the 00:26:44.900 --> 00:26:46.180 morning until the 00:26:46.180 --> 00:26:46.900 middle of the night. 00:26:47.279 --> 00:26:48.319 To seek Him 00:26:48.319 --> 00:26:49.000 with intensity 00:26:49.000 --> 00:26:50.119 and with persistence 00:26:50.119 --> 00:26:50.980 because He is 00:26:50.980 --> 00:26:52.180 our greatest ally 00:26:52.180 --> 00:26:53.440 and He has met 00:26:53.440 --> 00:26:54.220 our greatest need. 00:26:55.640 --> 00:26:56.359 So in Jesus 00:26:56.359 --> 00:26:56.980 we see that God 00:26:56.980 --> 00:26:57.519 has been our help 00:26:57.519 --> 00:26:57.980 in the past, 00:26:58.059 --> 00:26:58.480 but in Jesus 00:26:58.480 --> 00:26:59.339 we also see that 00:26:59.339 --> 00:27:00.359 God upholds us 00:27:00.359 --> 00:27:00.959 in the present. 00:27:02.579 --> 00:27:03.579 Through Jesus Christ 00:27:03.579 --> 00:27:04.699 we have a Father 00:27:04.699 --> 00:27:05.220 in Heaven 00:27:05.220 --> 00:27:07.159 who holds us 00:27:07.159 --> 00:27:08.199 in His mighty 00:27:08.199 --> 00:27:09.000 right hand 00:27:09.000 --> 00:27:11.439 and He will not 00:27:11.439 --> 00:27:12.319 let us go. 00:27:13.959 --> 00:27:15.319 He is holding you 00:27:15.319 --> 00:27:16.799 in the midst 00:27:16.799 --> 00:27:17.839 of sleepless nights, 00:27:18.819 --> 00:27:19.839 in the midst 00:27:19.839 --> 00:27:21.299 of oppressive heat, 00:27:22.379 --> 00:27:22.859 in the midst 00:27:22.859 --> 00:27:24.500 of a cancer diagnosis, 00:27:25.299 --> 00:27:26.500 in the midst 00:27:26.500 --> 00:27:27.439 of chronic pain, 00:27:27.440 --> 00:27:29.059 in the midst 00:27:29.059 --> 00:27:30.080 of a mental breakdown, 00:27:31.400 --> 00:27:31.980 in the midst 00:27:31.980 --> 00:27:32.680 of unemployment, 00:27:33.820 --> 00:27:34.259 in the midst 00:27:34.259 --> 00:27:34.840 of loneliness, 00:27:36.160 --> 00:27:36.779 in the midst 00:27:36.779 --> 00:27:37.539 of persecution, 00:27:38.500 --> 00:27:39.500 in the midst 00:27:39.500 --> 00:27:40.240 of all the other 00:27:40.240 --> 00:27:40.660 troubles 00:27:40.660 --> 00:27:42.840 that we experience 00:27:42.840 --> 00:27:43.539 in this world 00:27:43.539 --> 00:27:45.539 and all the deserts 00:27:45.539 --> 00:27:46.799 that we have 00:27:46.799 --> 00:27:47.380 to walk through. 00:27:48.960 --> 00:27:49.779 But Jesus said 00:27:49.779 --> 00:27:50.480 to His disciples, 00:27:51.180 --> 00:27:51.559 Peace 00:27:51.559 --> 00:27:53.240 I leave with you. 00:27:54.299 --> 00:27:54.980 My peace 00:27:54.980 --> 00:27:56.299 I give to you. 00:27:56.299 --> 00:27:57.899 I do not give 00:27:57.899 --> 00:27:58.379 to you 00:27:58.379 --> 00:27:59.859 as the world gives. 00:28:00.819 --> 00:28:02.119 Do not let your hearts 00:28:02.119 --> 00:28:03.099 be troubled 00:28:03.099 --> 00:28:05.839 and do not be afraid. 00:28:07.819 --> 00:28:09.039 Just as David says 00:28:09.039 --> 00:28:09.700 in verse 7, 00:28:10.799 --> 00:28:12.319 Rest in the shadow 00:28:12.319 --> 00:28:13.619 of His wings. 00:28:14.879 --> 00:28:16.279 He is holding you 00:28:16.279 --> 00:28:18.139 with His mighty 00:28:18.139 --> 00:28:19.799 right hand. 00:28:20.879 --> 00:28:22.019 In Jesus Christ, 00:28:22.119 --> 00:28:23.599 God upholds you 00:28:23.599 --> 00:28:24.299 in the present. 00:28:24.299 --> 00:28:25.399 And finally, 00:28:25.720 --> 00:28:26.460 in Jesus Christ 00:28:26.460 --> 00:28:27.419 we have God's promise 00:28:27.419 --> 00:28:28.079 for the future 00:28:28.079 --> 00:28:30.359 that everyone 00:28:30.359 --> 00:28:31.099 and everything 00:28:31.099 --> 00:28:33.220 that opposes God 00:28:33.220 --> 00:28:35.379 will be overthrown. 00:28:35.799 --> 00:28:36.659 That sin 00:28:36.659 --> 00:28:37.980 and Satan 00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:39.180 and death 00:28:39.180 --> 00:28:40.240 will not have 00:28:40.240 --> 00:28:41.000 the last word. 00:28:43.099 --> 00:28:44.539 We read this earlier 00:28:44.539 --> 00:28:46.559 from Revelation chapter 7. 00:28:47.579 --> 00:28:48.680 The promise 00:28:48.680 --> 00:28:49.379 that one day 00:28:49.379 --> 00:28:50.819 we will stand 00:28:50.819 --> 00:28:51.619 before the throne 00:28:51.619 --> 00:28:52.079 of God 00:28:52.079 --> 00:28:53.859 and serve Him 00:28:53.859 --> 00:28:54.539 day and night 00:28:54.539 --> 00:28:56.039 in the shelter 00:28:56.039 --> 00:28:56.919 of His presence. 00:28:57.399 --> 00:28:58.079 And on that day 00:28:58.079 --> 00:28:58.379 it says 00:28:58.379 --> 00:28:59.039 we will hunger 00:28:59.039 --> 00:29:00.019 no more 00:29:00.019 --> 00:29:01.799 nor thirst 00:29:01.799 --> 00:29:02.279 anymore 00:29:02.279 --> 00:29:05.259 because Jesus, 00:29:06.179 --> 00:29:06.759 the Lamb, 00:29:07.199 --> 00:29:07.579 in the midst 00:29:07.579 --> 00:29:08.099 of the throne, 00:29:08.399 --> 00:29:09.399 He will be our shepherd 00:29:09.399 --> 00:29:11.319 and He will guide us 00:29:11.319 --> 00:29:12.339 to springs 00:29:12.339 --> 00:29:13.099 of living water 00:29:13.099 --> 00:29:13.939 and God will wipe 00:29:13.939 --> 00:29:14.879 away every tear 00:29:14.879 --> 00:29:16.759 from our eyes. 00:29:16.759 --> 00:29:19.960 can you even imagine 00:29:19.960 --> 00:29:22.500 that God will come 00:29:22.500 --> 00:29:22.879 to you 00:29:22.879 --> 00:29:25.279 that He upholds you 00:29:25.279 --> 00:29:26.240 in His mighty right hand 00:29:26.240 --> 00:29:27.259 and He'll never let you go 00:29:27.259 --> 00:29:27.960 and He'll come to you 00:29:27.960 --> 00:29:28.799 with the tenderness 00:29:28.799 --> 00:29:31.019 of a mother 00:29:31.019 --> 00:29:33.039 wiping the tears 00:29:33.039 --> 00:29:34.960 from her child's face. 00:29:36.599 --> 00:29:37.940 And all our thirst 00:29:37.940 --> 00:29:39.799 and all our longing 00:29:39.799 --> 00:29:41.180 and all our seeking 00:29:41.180 --> 00:29:41.759 after God 00:29:41.759 --> 00:29:42.859 will be one day 00:29:42.859 --> 00:29:44.599 forever satisfied 00:29:44.599 --> 00:29:46.259 in His presence 00:29:46.259 --> 00:29:47.980 and will delight 00:29:47.980 --> 00:29:48.779 in Him 00:29:48.779 --> 00:29:50.379 for all eternity. 00:29:54.379 --> 00:29:55.719 This is what we have 00:29:55.719 --> 00:29:57.179 in Jesus Christ 00:29:57.179 --> 00:30:00.079 that gives us 00:30:00.079 --> 00:30:01.059 the fuel 00:30:01.059 --> 00:30:02.519 for a life 00:30:02.519 --> 00:30:03.000 of seeking 00:30:03.000 --> 00:30:04.240 and being satisfied 00:30:04.240 --> 00:30:05.500 in the Lord. 00:30:05.980 --> 00:30:06.879 And today we're 00:30:06.879 --> 00:30:07.799 just about to come 00:30:07.799 --> 00:30:08.579 to the Lord's table 00:30:08.579 --> 00:30:09.559 to celebrate communion. 00:30:10.679 --> 00:30:11.500 And as we do that 00:30:11.500 --> 00:30:12.000 we're invited 00:30:12.000 --> 00:30:12.980 to experience 00:30:12.980 --> 00:30:15.140 that future promise 00:30:15.140 --> 00:30:16.680 breaking into 00:30:16.680 --> 00:30:18.099 our present reality. 00:30:19.700 --> 00:30:20.400 So as we prepare 00:30:20.400 --> 00:30:21.620 to eat the bread 00:30:21.620 --> 00:30:23.539 and drink the cup together 00:30:23.539 --> 00:30:25.700 we're going to pray 00:30:25.700 --> 00:30:27.500 and ask that Jesus 00:30:27.500 --> 00:30:28.160 would come 00:30:28.160 --> 00:30:30.000 and dwell among us 00:30:30.000 --> 00:30:31.819 here by His Holy Spirit 00:30:31.819 --> 00:30:33.299 and even lift us up 00:30:33.299 --> 00:30:35.039 into His presence 00:30:35.039 --> 00:30:37.440 so that our souls 00:30:37.440 --> 00:30:38.400 would be satisfied 00:30:38.400 --> 00:30:39.819 and nourished 00:30:39.819 --> 00:30:40.920 and strengthened 00:30:40.920 --> 00:30:42.019 and glad 00:30:42.019 --> 00:30:42.920 and glad. 00:30:43.620 --> 00:30:44.759 Psalm 34 says 00:30:44.759 --> 00:30:45.480 taste and see 00:30:45.480 --> 00:30:46.740 that the Lord 00:30:46.740 --> 00:30:47.160 is good. 00:30:48.140 --> 00:30:48.779 Blessed are all 00:30:48.779 --> 00:30:49.600 who take refuge 00:30:49.600 --> 00:30:50.340 in Him. 00:30:51.080 --> 00:30:51.660 Let's pray. 00:31:01.380 --> 00:31:02.640 O merciful Lord 00:31:02.640 --> 00:31:05.840 we do not come 00:31:05.840 --> 00:31:07.120 to this 00:31:07.120 --> 00:31:08.120 your table 00:31:08.120 --> 00:31:10.000 trusting in our own 00:31:10.000 --> 00:31:10.440 righteousness 00:31:10.440 --> 00:31:12.460 but in your 00:31:12.460 --> 00:31:12.940 abundant 00:31:12.940 --> 00:31:14.200 and great 00:31:14.200 --> 00:31:15.319 mercies. 00:31:17.460 --> 00:31:18.359 Lord we are not 00:31:18.359 --> 00:31:18.900 even worthy 00:31:18.900 --> 00:31:20.920 to eat the crumbs 00:31:20.920 --> 00:31:21.660 under your table 00:31:21.660 --> 00:31:23.799 but you have come. 00:31:25.059 --> 00:31:25.779 You have been 00:31:25.779 --> 00:31:26.319 our help. 00:31:27.920 --> 00:31:28.900 You uphold us 00:31:28.900 --> 00:31:29.440 in the present 00:31:29.440 --> 00:31:31.400 and you have given us 00:31:31.400 --> 00:31:32.319 a glorious promise 00:31:32.319 --> 00:31:32.900 for the future. 00:31:34.279 --> 00:31:35.099 You delight 00:31:35.099 --> 00:31:35.859 in showing mercy. 00:31:37.140 --> 00:31:37.960 So grant us 00:31:37.960 --> 00:31:38.500 therefore 00:31:38.500 --> 00:31:39.359 gracious Lord 00:31:39.359 --> 00:31:41.160 so to eat this bread 00:31:41.160 --> 00:31:42.000 and drink this cup 00:31:42.000 --> 00:31:44.019 that we may evermore 00:31:44.019 --> 00:31:45.559 dwell in you 00:31:45.559 --> 00:31:47.220 and delight in you 00:31:47.220 --> 00:31:48.880 and desire you. 00:31:51.359 --> 00:31:52.400 For Jesus' sake. 00:31:53.259 --> 00:31:53.559 Amen.