WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.160 Psalm 42. 00:00:02.160 --> 00:00:10.740 As a dear pants for the flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 00:00:11.980 --> 00:00:15.200 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. 00:00:16.679 --> 00:00:19.059 When shall I come and appear before God? 00:00:20.580 --> 00:00:25.679 My tears have been my flood day and night, while they say to me all the day long, 00:00:26.260 --> 00:00:27.699 Where is your God? 00:00:27.699 --> 00:00:32.519 These things I remember as I pour out my soul, 00:00:32.960 --> 00:00:38.079 How I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God, 00:00:38.240 --> 00:00:42.920 With glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival. 00:00:44.920 --> 00:00:47.420 Why are you cast down, O my soul? 00:00:47.859 --> 00:00:50.200 And why are you in turmoil within me? 00:00:51.519 --> 00:00:57.539 Hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. 00:00:57.700 --> 00:01:04.079 My soul is cast down within me, therefore I remember you, 00:01:04.299 --> 00:01:07.520 From the land of Jordan and Hermon, from Mount Misa. 00:01:08.659 --> 00:01:11.900 Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls. 00:01:12.859 --> 00:01:15.780 All your breakers and your waves have gone over me. 00:01:17.680 --> 00:01:20.420 By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, 00:01:21.020 --> 00:01:25.600 And at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. 00:01:25.599 --> 00:01:29.159 I say to God, my rock, 00:01:29.399 --> 00:01:31.239 Why have you forgotten me? 00:01:32.280 --> 00:01:35.419 Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 00:01:36.759 --> 00:01:39.060 As with a deadly wound in my bones, 00:01:39.439 --> 00:01:40.959 My adversaries taunt me, 00:01:41.359 --> 00:01:42.939 While they say to me all the day long, 00:01:43.619 --> 00:01:45.199 Where is your God? 00:01:45.200 --> 00:01:50.760 Why are you cast down, O my soul? 00:01:51.640 --> 00:01:53.799 And why are you in turmoil within me? 00:01:55.040 --> 00:01:56.320 Hope in God, 00:01:56.879 --> 00:01:58.840 For I shall again praise him, 00:01:59.560 --> 00:02:01.560 My salvation and my God. 00:02:04.560 --> 00:02:06.260 Vindicate me, O God, 00:02:06.300 --> 00:02:09.480 And defend my cause against an ungodly people, 00:02:09.980 --> 00:02:12.480 From the deceitful and unjust man. 00:02:12.479 --> 00:02:13.359 Deliver me, 00:02:14.359 --> 00:02:17.159 For you are the God in whom I take refuge. 00:02:17.939 --> 00:02:19.280 Why have you rejected me? 00:02:20.560 --> 00:02:24.120 Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 00:02:26.019 --> 00:02:28.199 Send out your light and your truth. 00:02:28.879 --> 00:02:29.859 Let them lead me. 00:02:30.659 --> 00:02:33.379 Let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. 00:02:34.560 --> 00:02:36.739 Then I will go to the altar of God, 00:02:37.159 --> 00:02:38.799 To God my exceeding joy, 00:02:38.800 --> 00:02:41.300 And I will praise you with the lyre, 00:02:41.439 --> 00:02:42.080 O God, 00:02:42.280 --> 00:02:42.920 My God. 00:02:45.400 --> 00:02:46.980 Why are you cast down, 00:02:47.060 --> 00:02:47.719 O my soul? 00:02:47.860 --> 00:02:49.740 And why are you within turmoil within me? 00:02:50.800 --> 00:02:51.740 Hope in God, 00:02:52.460 --> 00:02:54.219 For I shall again praise him, 00:02:55.100 --> 00:02:57.120 My salvation and my God. 00:02:58.540 --> 00:03:00.340 This morning we jump into the Psalms, 00:03:00.400 --> 00:03:02.180 A series of five weeks. 00:03:03.320 --> 00:03:06.700 Now the Psalms to me are a wonderful go-to place, 00:03:06.699 --> 00:03:08.599 A regular go-to place, 00:03:09.199 --> 00:03:10.359 In the struggles of life. 00:03:12.459 --> 00:03:14.419 But I think that for lots of Christians, 00:03:14.560 --> 00:03:16.780 And I think maybe lots of Christians here even, 00:03:18.039 --> 00:03:21.359 The Psalms are unvisited, 00:03:22.019 --> 00:03:22.879 Unattractive, 00:03:24.259 --> 00:03:26.060 Unexplored foreign lands. 00:03:27.159 --> 00:03:27.679 They're hard, 00:03:27.819 --> 00:03:28.479 They're hard work. 00:03:28.479 --> 00:03:31.879 Ancient songs, 00:03:33.039 --> 00:03:33.539 And yet, 00:03:34.319 --> 00:03:35.459 So very suited, 00:03:35.879 --> 00:03:37.979 To our post-modern society. 00:03:39.759 --> 00:03:40.919 And they're so very suited, 00:03:40.979 --> 00:03:42.419 Because our post-modern society, 00:03:42.479 --> 00:03:43.060 Demands, 00:03:43.759 --> 00:03:45.079 Personal experience. 00:03:45.799 --> 00:03:47.280 It's all about experience. 00:03:48.339 --> 00:03:48.939 And you get, 00:03:49.239 --> 00:03:50.479 Experience in the Psalms, 00:03:50.620 --> 00:03:51.079 In spade, 00:03:51.219 --> 00:03:52.179 Spadefuls. 00:03:53.060 --> 00:03:55.299 The first concern for people in our society, 00:03:55.300 --> 00:03:58.100 Including a growing number of Christians, 00:03:58.240 --> 00:03:58.620 Might I add, 00:03:58.920 --> 00:03:59.939 Is not so much, 00:04:00.560 --> 00:04:01.580 Is something true? 00:04:02.900 --> 00:04:04.480 But the post-modern cry is, 00:04:04.560 --> 00:04:05.120 Does it work? 00:04:06.400 --> 00:04:07.280 Is it real? 00:04:11.160 --> 00:04:13.640 Will it deliver the experience I crave? 00:04:14.740 --> 00:04:15.160 Well again, 00:04:15.240 --> 00:04:15.780 I would say to you, 00:04:15.860 --> 00:04:18.139 The Psalms take us into the experience, 00:04:18.900 --> 00:04:20.740 The intense life struggles, 00:04:21.460 --> 00:04:22.500 Of the writers. 00:04:22.500 --> 00:04:25.720 They gave us a model, 00:04:26.100 --> 00:04:27.100 Of how to balance, 00:04:27.699 --> 00:04:28.379 At heart, 00:04:28.899 --> 00:04:29.379 And head, 00:04:30.120 --> 00:04:31.060 Emotions, 00:04:31.860 --> 00:04:32.680 And mind, 00:04:32.959 --> 00:04:33.500 And truth. 00:04:36.000 --> 00:04:37.339 Now when we read the Psalms, 00:04:37.439 --> 00:04:38.800 We easily identify, 00:04:39.720 --> 00:04:41.220 With the intense feelings, 00:04:41.459 --> 00:04:42.060 Of the writers. 00:04:44.800 --> 00:04:46.240 But one of the good things, 00:04:46.300 --> 00:04:46.839 About the Psalms, 00:04:46.920 --> 00:04:48.560 Is that the writers don't allow us, 00:04:48.620 --> 00:04:49.759 To sink into, 00:04:50.439 --> 00:04:52.339 A mindless emotionalism. 00:04:52.500 --> 00:04:54.439 That is, 00:04:54.699 --> 00:04:55.939 They don't allow us to, 00:04:56.399 --> 00:04:57.759 Having identified our feelings, 00:04:57.860 --> 00:04:59.480 Then become driven by our feelings, 00:05:00.199 --> 00:05:02.360 In the day-to-day struggles of life. 00:05:03.079 --> 00:05:05.259 Because the Psalmist will remind us, 00:05:05.899 --> 00:05:07.100 That our feelings, 00:05:07.420 --> 00:05:09.819 Are instructed by the truth of God's word, 00:05:10.480 --> 00:05:11.439 Of God's character, 00:05:11.899 --> 00:05:12.819 Of God's purpose. 00:05:14.240 --> 00:05:16.199 And I've put on the front of the bulletin this week, 00:05:16.600 --> 00:05:18.600 Something I hope might be helpful for you, 00:05:18.600 --> 00:05:20.139 As you think about how to read the Psalms. 00:05:20.139 --> 00:05:23.060 It's not an easy task, 00:05:23.459 --> 00:05:25.060 But it sure is a rewarding one, 00:05:26.259 --> 00:05:27.399 And well worth the effort. 00:05:28.639 --> 00:05:29.120 So, 00:05:29.300 --> 00:05:31.240 Let's jump into the subject this morning, 00:05:31.779 --> 00:05:32.740 Which I've called, 00:05:33.399 --> 00:05:34.459 Contrary to what was advertised, 00:05:34.599 --> 00:05:35.019 I've called it, 00:05:35.099 --> 00:05:36.180 Turmoil and joy. 00:05:38.879 --> 00:05:40.680 And I want to jump into the subject, 00:05:40.839 --> 00:05:41.379 With the question, 00:05:41.740 --> 00:05:43.699 How do you handle your feelings? 00:05:43.699 --> 00:05:49.099 I've got in the bulletin outline there, 00:05:49.240 --> 00:05:51.019 Three options that are fairly typical. 00:05:51.699 --> 00:05:51.939 So, 00:05:52.019 --> 00:05:54.479 Are you in the typical class of ignoring them? 00:05:56.699 --> 00:05:57.180 Now, 00:05:57.219 --> 00:05:58.819 Some Christians have actually been taught, 00:05:59.879 --> 00:06:02.379 That to acknowledge intense feelings, 00:06:03.419 --> 00:06:05.199 Is somehow or other unchristian. 00:06:06.579 --> 00:06:08.159 Somehow or other a sell out, 00:06:08.480 --> 00:06:10.000 To the mindset of the world. 00:06:10.000 --> 00:06:14.100 And so what they tend to do, 00:06:14.220 --> 00:06:15.480 Is they tend to ignore them. 00:06:16.519 --> 00:06:18.579 And they tend to push through their feelings, 00:06:18.819 --> 00:06:21.019 To do what they believe is right, 00:06:21.600 --> 00:06:22.920 Regardless of how they feel. 00:06:24.000 --> 00:06:24.959 That sort of stiff, 00:06:25.399 --> 00:06:26.699 British upper lip mentality. 00:06:30.279 --> 00:06:31.839 Perhaps you typically operate, 00:06:31.920 --> 00:06:32.899 According to your feelings. 00:06:32.899 --> 00:06:34.599 And again, 00:06:34.699 --> 00:06:35.919 There's a growing number of Christians, 00:06:36.079 --> 00:06:37.379 Who seem to be in this category. 00:06:38.659 --> 00:06:39.939 Many believe, 00:06:40.039 --> 00:06:40.699 They should be happy. 00:06:43.459 --> 00:06:44.319 That's the, 00:06:44.319 --> 00:06:46.379 Criteria of life. 00:06:50.279 --> 00:06:51.039 But then, 00:06:51.279 --> 00:06:52.620 They realize they're not happy. 00:06:55.019 --> 00:06:55.839 And so, 00:06:55.939 --> 00:06:57.319 They get locked into, 00:06:58.479 --> 00:07:00.879 Changing their external landscape, 00:07:01.039 --> 00:07:01.879 Or circumstances. 00:07:02.899 --> 00:07:04.379 Changing that for the better, 00:07:04.679 --> 00:07:05.620 In the hope that, 00:07:06.159 --> 00:07:07.060 It will change, 00:07:07.120 --> 00:07:08.279 Their internal landscape. 00:07:10.759 --> 00:07:12.500 Or how they feel on the inside. 00:07:15.939 --> 00:07:16.799 And so people, 00:07:16.899 --> 00:07:17.219 As I say, 00:07:17.299 --> 00:07:18.399 Who are driven by their emotions, 00:07:18.500 --> 00:07:19.319 Are often driven, 00:07:20.219 --> 00:07:20.759 Constantly, 00:07:20.899 --> 00:07:22.319 To change their circumstances, 00:07:22.859 --> 00:07:23.979 To ones that deliver, 00:07:24.219 --> 00:07:25.419 The experience they crave. 00:07:26.139 --> 00:07:27.199 Or perhaps you actually, 00:07:28.000 --> 00:07:29.299 Blame others for your feelings. 00:07:29.300 --> 00:07:31.540 So sometimes, 00:07:31.900 --> 00:07:32.960 Christians don't even take, 00:07:32.960 --> 00:07:34.340 Personal ownership of their feelings, 00:07:34.720 --> 00:07:35.759 Of their thinking and responses. 00:07:36.020 --> 00:07:36.040 So, 00:07:36.579 --> 00:07:38.180 How I feel is always a product, 00:07:38.280 --> 00:07:39.620 Of somebody else's actions. 00:07:41.300 --> 00:07:42.560 And if only somebody else, 00:07:42.699 --> 00:07:43.780 Would do the right thing by me, 00:07:44.040 --> 00:07:44.620 Then I, 00:07:44.780 --> 00:07:45.220 In turn, 00:07:45.660 --> 00:07:46.460 Will feel better. 00:07:47.019 --> 00:07:47.780 I'll feel the way, 00:07:47.860 --> 00:07:48.560 I need to feel, 00:07:48.680 --> 00:07:49.680 The way I want to feel. 00:07:49.680 --> 00:07:59.100 Now the writer of Psalm 42 and 43, 00:07:59.939 --> 00:08:01.420 Wrestles with this problem, 00:08:01.840 --> 00:08:02.840 At a really, 00:08:03.040 --> 00:08:04.040 Really personal level. 00:08:04.740 --> 00:08:05.620 He's wrestling with the issue, 00:08:05.720 --> 00:08:07.100 Of how to be God's person, 00:08:07.460 --> 00:08:08.660 When your heart, 00:08:09.220 --> 00:08:10.939 Is in total turmoil. 00:08:12.060 --> 00:08:12.819 In other words, 00:08:13.019 --> 00:08:13.759 When you're feeling, 00:08:13.860 --> 00:08:14.399 Really, 00:08:14.720 --> 00:08:15.319 Really awful. 00:08:15.960 --> 00:08:17.259 How do you be God's person? 00:08:18.139 --> 00:08:18.879 And be real. 00:08:18.879 --> 00:08:22.659 Now I'm treating the two Psalms as one, 00:08:22.980 --> 00:08:23.719 As one song, 00:08:24.519 --> 00:08:26.000 Because most likely, 00:08:26.100 --> 00:08:27.219 They were one unit originally, 00:08:28.459 --> 00:08:31.159 Or at least meant to be taken together originally, 00:08:31.560 --> 00:08:32.860 In terms of the themes. 00:08:34.200 --> 00:08:35.100 Psalm 43, 00:08:35.759 --> 00:08:37.620 Doesn't have a separate heading, 00:08:38.879 --> 00:08:40.379 And structurally, 00:08:40.720 --> 00:08:41.840 The two Psalms, 00:08:42.679 --> 00:08:44.139 Stand together as three units, 00:08:44.259 --> 00:08:45.220 Each with a chorus, 00:08:45.580 --> 00:08:46.240 Or a refrain. 00:08:46.240 --> 00:08:47.639 So chapter 40, 00:08:48.019 --> 00:08:49.399 Psalm 42 verse 5, 00:08:49.779 --> 00:08:51.139 Why are you cast down on my soul? 00:08:51.460 --> 00:08:52.299 And then verse 11, 00:08:52.419 --> 00:08:53.639 Why are you cast down on my soul? 00:08:53.740 --> 00:08:54.480 And then 43, 00:08:54.659 --> 00:08:54.879 Five, 00:08:54.960 --> 00:08:55.440 The same thing, 00:08:55.700 --> 00:08:57.100 Why are you cast down on my soul? 00:08:57.500 --> 00:08:58.500 So thematically, 00:08:58.879 --> 00:08:59.460 Structurally, 00:09:00.039 --> 00:09:01.460 And texturally, 00:09:02.159 --> 00:09:03.279 I'm going to take these three, 00:09:03.399 --> 00:09:04.840 Two Psalms together. 00:09:05.980 --> 00:09:06.299 Now, 00:09:07.460 --> 00:09:08.440 Looking at the content, 00:09:08.440 --> 00:09:10.680 It's patently obvious, 00:09:11.300 --> 00:09:12.760 That the writer was going through, 00:09:12.820 --> 00:09:14.660 A really awful, 00:09:14.900 --> 00:09:16.580 Time of turmoil, 00:09:16.660 --> 00:09:17.240 Of mind. 00:09:19.240 --> 00:09:20.660 Struggling to hold together, 00:09:21.460 --> 00:09:22.140 On the one hand, 00:09:22.180 --> 00:09:23.760 His belief that God loves him, 00:09:25.220 --> 00:09:26.660 While on the other hand, 00:09:26.660 --> 00:09:28.520 He feels so disconnected from God, 00:09:28.620 --> 00:09:29.280 So distant, 00:09:29.420 --> 00:09:30.440 So remote from God. 00:09:30.440 --> 00:09:30.520 But, 00:09:30.519 --> 00:09:36.480 He wants these two things to dovetail, 00:09:36.600 --> 00:09:36.720 But, 00:09:37.299 --> 00:09:38.579 In his current frame of mind, 00:09:38.939 --> 00:09:40.500 They just won't sit together, 00:09:40.579 --> 00:09:41.360 Let alone dovetail. 00:09:43.519 --> 00:09:43.960 Now, 00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:44.819 Some commentators, 00:09:45.059 --> 00:09:45.840 Have suggested, 00:09:46.639 --> 00:09:47.960 And that's where I originally went with, 00:09:48.079 --> 00:09:49.980 That the writer is in deep depression. 00:09:51.399 --> 00:09:52.840 But I actually have come to think, 00:09:53.059 --> 00:09:54.399 That that would be too narrow. 00:09:54.399 --> 00:09:54.480 Now, 00:09:56.179 --> 00:09:57.840 The reality is, 00:09:58.179 --> 00:09:59.779 That we all experience, 00:09:59.879 --> 00:10:01.860 Deep sadness from time to time. 00:10:03.340 --> 00:10:05.799 We all feel like we're in a hole, 00:10:06.720 --> 00:10:09.120 Slowly buried by the struggles of life. 00:10:11.360 --> 00:10:12.319 But that doesn't mean, 00:10:12.379 --> 00:10:13.399 We're clinically depressed. 00:10:14.679 --> 00:10:15.539 Even though, 00:10:15.879 --> 00:10:16.899 We might have some, 00:10:16.899 --> 00:10:18.399 Common symptoms with those, 00:10:18.460 --> 00:10:19.340 Who are clinically depressed. 00:10:19.539 --> 00:10:19.639 So, 00:10:19.799 --> 00:10:20.579 I'm just going for, 00:10:20.939 --> 00:10:21.779 A deep sadness, 00:10:21.919 --> 00:10:23.000 A turmoil of mind. 00:10:24.399 --> 00:10:28.319 So what does the writer do, 00:10:28.799 --> 00:10:29.720 As he feels, 00:10:30.120 --> 00:10:30.740 Bleak, 00:10:31.120 --> 00:10:31.740 And awful, 00:10:32.019 --> 00:10:32.659 On the inside? 00:10:33.720 --> 00:10:33.959 Well, 00:10:34.000 --> 00:10:35.220 Two major points this morning. 00:10:35.539 --> 00:10:35.799 First, 00:10:35.879 --> 00:10:37.539 He pours out his heart to God, 00:10:37.980 --> 00:10:39.279 With raw honesty. 00:10:40.959 --> 00:10:41.419 But, 00:10:41.519 --> 00:10:42.159 As I read the psalm, 00:10:42.240 --> 00:10:43.240 I believe it's not despair. 00:10:47.340 --> 00:10:48.740 The writer expresses, 00:10:48.740 --> 00:10:50.179 His deepest feelings, 00:10:50.980 --> 00:10:51.699 And at the same time, 00:10:51.759 --> 00:10:53.159 Gives structure to the song, 00:10:53.159 --> 00:10:55.219 Through a series of, 00:10:55.219 --> 00:10:56.399 Really confronting, 00:10:57.600 --> 00:10:57.980 Pictures. 00:11:00.779 --> 00:11:01.259 42, 00:11:01.519 --> 00:11:02.079 1-4, 00:11:03.079 --> 00:11:04.879 As a deer pants, 00:11:04.939 --> 00:11:05.959 For flowing streams, 00:11:06.519 --> 00:11:08.039 So pants my soul, 00:11:08.139 --> 00:11:08.360 For you, 00:11:08.459 --> 00:11:08.639 O God. 00:11:08.839 --> 00:11:10.299 My soul thirsts for God, 00:11:10.879 --> 00:11:11.679 For the living God. 00:11:12.240 --> 00:11:13.139 When shall I come, 00:11:13.179 --> 00:11:14.259 And appear before God? 00:11:15.199 --> 00:11:16.439 My tears, 00:11:16.559 --> 00:11:17.980 Have been my food, 00:11:18.279 --> 00:11:19.000 Day and night, 00:11:19.720 --> 00:11:20.879 While they say to me continually, 00:11:21.059 --> 00:11:21.879 Where is your God? 00:11:21.879 --> 00:11:28.100 He feels like a drought, 00:11:28.100 --> 00:11:29.600 Stricken animal, 00:11:30.500 --> 00:11:33.600 In thirsty desperation, 00:11:34.200 --> 00:11:35.179 Sniffing the air, 00:11:35.279 --> 00:11:36.019 For the smell, 00:11:36.220 --> 00:11:37.620 Of life sustaining water, 00:11:39.200 --> 00:11:40.620 Needing refreshment, 00:11:41.939 --> 00:11:43.679 Longing to be refreshed, 00:11:43.759 --> 00:11:45.320 As only God can refresh him, 00:11:45.320 --> 00:11:49.920 But there is no refreshment. 00:11:51.940 --> 00:11:53.100 The reality is, 00:11:53.160 --> 00:11:54.800 That God seems more and more remote. 00:11:55.379 --> 00:11:57.460 He feels as if he's lost touch with God. 00:11:58.440 --> 00:11:59.340 And that is something, 00:11:59.460 --> 00:12:00.720 So distressing to him, 00:12:00.760 --> 00:12:01.280 Verse 3, 00:12:01.760 --> 00:12:02.980 That he can't eat, 00:12:03.460 --> 00:12:04.640 He can't stop crying. 00:12:05.780 --> 00:12:07.300 The only thing that's on his menu, 00:12:07.940 --> 00:12:08.600 Is tears. 00:12:10.600 --> 00:12:11.940 That's a powerful picture, 00:12:12.040 --> 00:12:12.300 Isn't it? 00:12:12.299 --> 00:12:16.799 Even worse, 00:12:17.219 --> 00:12:17.799 Verse 3, 00:12:17.939 --> 00:12:18.879 The second half of verse 3, 00:12:18.919 --> 00:12:20.459 And I'm taking the they, 00:12:20.659 --> 00:12:21.039 In verse, 00:12:21.139 --> 00:12:22.079 The second half of verse 3, 00:12:22.479 --> 00:12:24.099 As not a reference to enemies, 00:12:24.359 --> 00:12:25.879 But a reference to his tears. 00:12:26.639 --> 00:12:27.079 I think, 00:12:27.179 --> 00:12:28.479 I think it's an internal thing. 00:12:28.879 --> 00:12:29.599 So in other words, 00:12:30.179 --> 00:12:31.659 When he's talked about they, 00:12:32.039 --> 00:12:33.439 Say to me continually, 00:12:33.559 --> 00:12:34.099 Where is your God? 00:12:34.279 --> 00:12:34.939 It's as if, 00:12:35.279 --> 00:12:35.979 He's feeling as if, 00:12:35.979 --> 00:12:37.839 His own tears are mocking him, 00:12:38.120 --> 00:12:39.219 Are ridiculing him, 00:12:39.219 --> 00:12:40.519 Are pushing him towards, 00:12:40.519 --> 00:12:41.899 Even darker thoughts. 00:12:43.759 --> 00:12:45.519 You don't feel connected to God, 00:12:45.579 --> 00:12:48.000 Because God's not there for you anymore. 00:12:50.100 --> 00:12:51.179 You're on your own. 00:12:52.699 --> 00:12:54.059 I think he's describing, 00:12:54.299 --> 00:12:55.679 A really intense, 00:12:56.399 --> 00:12:57.819 Internal heart struggle. 00:12:58.919 --> 00:12:59.399 But as I say, 00:12:59.439 --> 00:13:00.360 It's not yet despair. 00:13:00.360 --> 00:13:04.240 And then the picture changes, 00:13:04.320 --> 00:13:05.039 In verse 6, 00:13:08.139 --> 00:13:11.899 From the land of Jordan, 00:13:12.120 --> 00:13:13.080 And of Hermon, 00:13:13.440 --> 00:13:14.340 From Mount Mizar, 00:13:15.460 --> 00:13:16.580 Deep calls to deep, 00:13:16.620 --> 00:13:17.960 At the roar of your waterfalls, 00:13:18.060 --> 00:13:19.019 All your breakers, 00:13:19.100 --> 00:13:19.700 And your waves, 00:13:19.759 --> 00:13:20.539 Have gone over me. 00:13:20.539 --> 00:13:26.919 It seems like, 00:13:26.959 --> 00:13:27.919 He's changing picture, 00:13:28.059 --> 00:13:29.279 To the headwaters, 00:13:29.399 --> 00:13:30.339 Of the Jordan River, 00:13:30.500 --> 00:13:30.980 In spring. 00:13:31.219 --> 00:13:32.439 Now I haven't actually been there, 00:13:32.500 --> 00:13:33.779 But if you'd like to send me one day, 00:13:33.799 --> 00:13:34.679 To research this, 00:13:34.740 --> 00:13:35.399 I'd love to go. 00:13:36.099 --> 00:13:37.259 But it seems like, 00:13:37.319 --> 00:13:38.319 He's moved there, 00:13:38.399 --> 00:13:39.259 As a new picture. 00:13:40.199 --> 00:13:42.019 The headwaters of the Jordan River, 00:13:42.059 --> 00:13:42.480 In spring, 00:13:42.719 --> 00:13:43.959 With huge rapids, 00:13:44.099 --> 00:13:45.279 Fed by snow melt, 00:13:45.279 --> 00:13:47.360 From Mount Hermon. 00:13:48.659 --> 00:13:49.620 And the picture here, 00:13:49.620 --> 00:13:50.139 I think is, 00:13:50.639 --> 00:13:51.539 Which is in contrast, 00:13:51.639 --> 00:13:52.460 To the previous picture, 00:13:52.560 --> 00:13:53.399 Where he feels dry, 00:13:53.480 --> 00:13:53.899 And lifeless. 00:13:54.259 --> 00:13:54.860 Now he says, 00:13:55.000 --> 00:13:56.100 I feel like I'm drowning. 00:13:57.360 --> 00:13:58.000 Life's just, 00:13:58.240 --> 00:13:59.139 Sucking me under, 00:13:59.200 --> 00:14:00.379 Like a great whirlpool, 00:14:00.460 --> 00:14:00.960 In a rapid. 00:14:08.179 --> 00:14:09.019 And ultimately, 00:14:09.659 --> 00:14:10.220 He fears, 00:14:10.279 --> 00:14:11.720 It's sweeping him away to death. 00:14:16.000 --> 00:14:17.080 And the deep calling, 00:14:17.180 --> 00:14:18.399 To deep water, 00:14:18.600 --> 00:14:19.180 And darkness, 00:14:19.179 --> 00:14:20.000 And chaos, 00:14:20.279 --> 00:14:22.259 It's a fearful picture for him. 00:14:23.679 --> 00:14:24.459 As he feels, 00:14:24.519 --> 00:14:25.139 As if his life, 00:14:25.239 --> 00:14:26.099 Is so out of control, 00:14:26.219 --> 00:14:26.959 As if he feels, 00:14:27.099 --> 00:14:27.819 So disconnected, 00:14:27.979 --> 00:14:28.879 While he's out of control. 00:14:30.819 --> 00:14:32.039 And inexorably, 00:14:32.179 --> 00:14:32.659 Being swept, 00:14:32.899 --> 00:14:33.559 To his death. 00:14:36.799 --> 00:14:38.000 But it's even worse, 00:14:39.139 --> 00:14:40.139 Verses nine and ten, 00:14:40.199 --> 00:14:40.719 In that section, 00:14:40.819 --> 00:14:41.659 I say to my rock, 00:14:41.759 --> 00:14:42.179 My God, 00:14:42.179 --> 00:14:43.979 Why have you forgotten me? 00:14:44.859 --> 00:14:46.279 Why do I go mourning? 00:14:46.779 --> 00:14:47.939 Because of the oppression, 00:14:47.939 --> 00:14:48.500 Of the enemy. 00:14:49.039 --> 00:14:50.679 As with a deadly wound, 00:14:50.819 --> 00:14:51.579 In my bones, 00:14:52.039 --> 00:14:53.739 My adversaries taunt me. 00:14:54.939 --> 00:14:56.079 While they say to me continually, 00:14:56.219 --> 00:14:56.879 Where is your God? 00:14:56.879 --> 00:14:59.600 It seems like, 00:14:59.600 --> 00:15:00.820 It's even worse for him. 00:15:01.139 --> 00:15:02.320 He has to endure, 00:15:02.600 --> 00:15:03.500 The ridicule, 00:15:03.500 --> 00:15:05.179 Of those who oppose him. 00:15:05.600 --> 00:15:07.000 And I think what he's saying here, 00:15:07.159 --> 00:15:09.019 Is the pain of that, 00:15:09.259 --> 00:15:10.960 Is as excruciating, 00:15:11.100 --> 00:15:12.840 As an infection in your bone. 00:15:14.899 --> 00:15:16.340 It's opportunistic. 00:15:17.200 --> 00:15:17.800 And these, 00:15:18.280 --> 00:15:19.040 Who oppose him, 00:15:19.160 --> 00:15:19.780 Seem to have, 00:15:20.180 --> 00:15:21.139 Taken the opportunity, 00:15:21.480 --> 00:15:22.700 Of delighting, 00:15:22.780 --> 00:15:23.500 In his misery, 00:15:24.460 --> 00:15:25.980 And grief. 00:15:27.240 --> 00:15:28.060 And that in turn, 00:15:28.160 --> 00:15:28.379 I think, 00:15:28.440 --> 00:15:29.500 Is played into his, 00:15:29.740 --> 00:15:30.320 Darkest, 00:15:30.440 --> 00:15:31.639 Most terrifying thought, 00:15:31.720 --> 00:15:32.340 That God, 00:15:33.620 --> 00:15:34.500 As he describes here, 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:35.399 God, 00:15:35.540 --> 00:15:36.259 My rock, 00:15:37.040 --> 00:15:38.680 Has abandoned me. 00:15:45.180 --> 00:15:46.200 And with that, 00:15:46.340 --> 00:15:48.220 The last thing, 00:15:48.220 --> 00:15:49.420 That's solid in his life, 00:15:49.780 --> 00:15:50.200 Is gone. 00:15:55.600 --> 00:15:56.440 So these, 00:15:57.060 --> 00:15:58.759 Opposing forces, 00:15:58.899 --> 00:15:59.460 Whoever they are, 00:15:59.560 --> 00:16:00.660 Whether they're misguided friends, 00:16:00.780 --> 00:16:01.580 Or rank enemies, 00:16:02.960 --> 00:16:04.560 They're an excruciatingly, 00:16:04.620 --> 00:16:05.220 Painful reminder, 00:16:06.019 --> 00:16:07.019 Of his darkest thoughts, 00:16:07.480 --> 00:16:08.700 That God has indeed, 00:16:09.500 --> 00:16:10.160 Abandoned them. 00:16:10.879 --> 00:16:11.280 But again, 00:16:12.200 --> 00:16:13.060 Black thoughts, 00:16:13.860 --> 00:16:14.540 Dark thoughts, 00:16:14.620 --> 00:16:15.440 Are not the same, 00:16:15.540 --> 00:16:16.180 As despair. 00:16:16.340 --> 00:16:16.840 Here, 00:16:16.840 --> 00:16:22.440 43, 00:16:22.639 --> 00:16:23.180 One and two, 00:16:25.340 --> 00:16:26.160 Vindicate me, 00:16:26.300 --> 00:16:26.600 O God, 00:16:26.800 --> 00:16:27.300 O God, 00:16:27.879 --> 00:16:29.000 Defend my cause, 00:16:29.060 --> 00:16:30.300 Against an ungodly people, 00:16:30.500 --> 00:16:31.580 From the deceitful, 00:16:31.620 --> 00:16:32.879 And unjust man, 00:16:33.420 --> 00:16:34.139 Deliver me. 00:16:36.220 --> 00:16:36.720 Again, 00:16:36.840 --> 00:16:37.860 Hard to know precisely, 00:16:37.860 --> 00:16:39.360 But it seems to me, 00:16:39.360 --> 00:16:39.700 That he's, 00:16:39.700 --> 00:16:40.480 He's feeling, 00:16:40.480 --> 00:16:42.519 So disheartened, 00:16:43.399 --> 00:16:44.560 That his reputation, 00:16:44.560 --> 00:16:45.519 Has been destroyed, 00:16:45.820 --> 00:16:46.639 Here in this case, 00:16:46.720 --> 00:16:48.039 By misguided friends, 00:16:48.820 --> 00:16:49.779 Whose input, 00:16:49.779 --> 00:16:50.980 Has been ungodly, 00:16:51.500 --> 00:16:52.139 Untrue, 00:16:52.139 --> 00:16:53.319 Unjust, 00:16:53.319 --> 00:16:53.340 Unjust, 00:16:53.340 --> 00:16:55.019 Unhelpful, 00:16:55.019 --> 00:16:55.039 Unhelpful, 00:16:55.039 --> 00:16:55.059 Unhelpful, 00:16:55.059 --> 00:16:55.620 Unhelpful, 00:16:55.620 --> 00:16:58.419 Perhaps they suggested to him, 00:16:58.500 --> 00:16:59.580 That a true servant of God, 00:16:59.679 --> 00:17:00.759 Wouldn't feel, 00:17:01.240 --> 00:17:02.120 The way he was feeling, 00:17:02.639 --> 00:17:06.379 Or that a true servant of God, 00:17:06.480 --> 00:17:07.839 Would snap out of it, 00:17:07.920 --> 00:17:08.920 And rise above his feelings, 00:17:09.039 --> 00:17:09.980 And just get on with it, 00:17:09.980 --> 00:17:13.299 Or, 00:17:13.860 --> 00:17:14.740 Perhaps that his, 00:17:15.319 --> 00:17:16.319 Internal feelings, 00:17:16.579 --> 00:17:17.620 Were the result of, 00:17:17.799 --> 00:17:18.740 Unconfessed sin, 00:17:20.220 --> 00:17:21.680 Which is a really popular one, 00:17:21.740 --> 00:17:22.240 Among some, 00:17:22.400 --> 00:17:23.660 Groups of Christians today, 00:17:29.660 --> 00:17:30.380 Friends, 00:17:30.420 --> 00:17:31.740 These are graphic pictures, 00:17:32.960 --> 00:17:34.220 That describe, 00:17:35.620 --> 00:17:36.700 A situation, 00:17:36.839 --> 00:17:38.079 That's not foreign to us, 00:17:38.079 --> 00:17:40.480 But a situation, 00:17:40.619 --> 00:17:41.419 That through pictures, 00:17:41.539 --> 00:17:43.619 We also easily identify with, 00:17:44.939 --> 00:17:45.939 And feel the, 00:17:45.939 --> 00:17:47.079 Heaviness of, 00:17:47.259 --> 00:17:48.240 The awfulness of, 00:17:49.039 --> 00:17:49.919 And no doubt, 00:17:50.019 --> 00:17:51.199 Some of you here this morning, 00:17:51.399 --> 00:17:51.899 With myself, 00:17:52.019 --> 00:17:53.319 Will be feeling the reality of, 00:17:54.319 --> 00:17:57.359 This is me, 00:17:57.439 --> 00:17:57.899 You'll be saying, 00:17:58.519 --> 00:18:00.939 This is my struggle, 00:18:03.839 --> 00:18:04.079 Friends, 00:18:04.159 --> 00:18:04.799 The question then, 00:18:04.859 --> 00:18:06.859 To push back there is, 00:18:06.859 --> 00:18:09.319 Are you able to be honest, 00:18:09.319 --> 00:18:10.240 Before God, 00:18:10.399 --> 00:18:11.299 About how you feel, 00:18:13.259 --> 00:18:16.899 Even in your darkest moments, 00:18:17.899 --> 00:18:19.399 When you feel, 00:18:19.839 --> 00:18:20.819 He has forgotten you, 00:18:21.719 --> 00:18:22.479 When you feel, 00:18:22.899 --> 00:18:23.339 As if you, 00:18:23.439 --> 00:18:24.679 He's forgotten your situation, 00:18:25.240 --> 00:18:26.000 And when you feel, 00:18:26.079 --> 00:18:27.019 As if he's doing nothing, 00:18:27.139 --> 00:18:27.719 To help you, 00:18:27.720 --> 00:18:33.680 Or do you, 00:18:34.180 --> 00:18:35.920 Pretend you're doing okay, 00:18:36.680 --> 00:18:40.600 And you put on a brave face, 00:18:40.700 --> 00:18:41.279 In public, 00:18:42.279 --> 00:18:43.279 Again, 00:18:43.360 --> 00:18:44.339 Because you think it's wrong, 00:18:44.440 --> 00:18:45.079 For a Christian, 00:18:45.600 --> 00:18:46.500 To be in turmoil, 00:18:46.640 --> 00:18:47.079 Let alone, 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:48.740 Show that he's in turmoil, 00:18:48.920 --> 00:18:49.920 He or she's in turmoil, 00:18:49.920 --> 00:18:52.700 And can't admit, 00:18:53.299 --> 00:18:54.339 To, 00:18:55.279 --> 00:18:56.279 A sense of drowning, 00:18:56.279 --> 00:18:57.019 And tears, 00:18:57.579 --> 00:18:58.720 In your daily diet, 00:18:59.279 --> 00:19:01.599 And I tell you, 00:19:01.619 --> 00:19:02.200 For us blokes, 00:19:02.399 --> 00:19:03.339 That's a particularly, 00:19:03.339 --> 00:19:04.980 Tough point to get to, 00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:05.359 Isn't it? 00:19:05.839 --> 00:19:06.559 How many of us here, 00:19:06.660 --> 00:19:07.019 This morning, 00:19:07.539 --> 00:19:08.660 Would put our hands up, 00:19:08.680 --> 00:19:09.639 And say we're in that category, 00:19:09.980 --> 00:19:10.180 Look, 00:19:10.319 --> 00:19:11.019 When we're at home, 00:19:11.059 --> 00:19:11.440 On our own, 00:19:12.200 --> 00:19:13.379 The thing I want to do most, 00:19:13.440 --> 00:19:14.099 Is just cry, 00:19:18.740 --> 00:19:19.579 Alternatively, 00:19:20.819 --> 00:19:22.039 Instead of being honest, 00:19:22.079 --> 00:19:22.720 Before God, 00:19:22.720 --> 00:19:23.339 Christians, 00:19:23.720 --> 00:19:24.819 Grasp, 00:19:25.140 --> 00:19:26.779 All sorts of distractions, 00:19:27.240 --> 00:19:28.299 Means of escape, 00:19:28.920 --> 00:19:30.200 From their secret turmoil, 00:19:31.079 --> 00:19:31.779 And sadness, 00:19:32.519 --> 00:19:32.839 And so, 00:19:33.240 --> 00:19:34.539 People turn to alcohol, 00:19:35.500 --> 00:19:36.000 Drugs, 00:19:36.539 --> 00:19:37.079 Sport, 00:19:37.819 --> 00:19:38.900 Throw themselves into work, 00:19:39.420 --> 00:19:40.299 Take up new hobbies, 00:19:41.039 --> 00:19:41.640 Go shopping, 00:19:42.259 --> 00:19:42.819 Eat more, 00:19:43.660 --> 00:19:44.759 Go for pleasure, 00:19:45.400 --> 00:19:45.839 Holidays, 00:19:47.100 --> 00:19:47.579 Parties, 00:19:48.180 --> 00:19:49.519 And so the list goes on and on, 00:19:49.519 --> 00:19:51.639 There's numerous distractions, 00:19:52.200 --> 00:19:53.079 Around us, 00:19:53.799 --> 00:19:56.879 Which work quite well, 00:19:56.940 --> 00:19:58.400 As diversions in the short term, 00:19:59.839 --> 00:20:01.099 What I tell you is one, 00:20:01.160 --> 00:20:02.259 Who's tried a number of them, 00:20:04.079 --> 00:20:05.079 They don't work long term, 00:20:06.079 --> 00:20:07.639 We need something more satisfying, 00:20:07.900 --> 00:20:09.039 More substantial, 00:20:10.180 --> 00:20:11.339 To deal with those sort of feelings, 00:20:11.480 --> 00:20:11.859 Long term, 00:20:12.519 --> 00:20:17.579 We need to be honest with God, 00:20:17.579 --> 00:20:19.699 But again, 00:20:19.779 --> 00:20:20.519 Here we need to be careful, 00:20:20.619 --> 00:20:21.500 We need to be honest with God, 00:20:21.740 --> 00:20:23.299 Not simply because we're just, 00:20:23.299 --> 00:20:25.000 Getting things off her chest, 00:20:25.419 --> 00:20:26.639 Yelling as it were at God, 00:20:27.419 --> 00:20:31.839 But because we're telling the one person, 00:20:32.919 --> 00:20:34.539 Who can truly help us, 00:20:35.179 --> 00:20:35.740 In our turmoil, 00:20:36.740 --> 00:20:41.439 Well the second thing he does then, 00:20:41.759 --> 00:20:43.179 Is he moves towards the Lord, 00:20:43.919 --> 00:20:46.099 Seeking new delight in him, 00:20:46.099 --> 00:20:48.399 Not new circumstances, 00:20:48.619 --> 00:20:49.659 As I hope to be able to, 00:20:49.659 --> 00:20:51.740 Substantiate by looking at the verses, 00:20:51.919 --> 00:20:52.799 In a different way now, 00:20:53.599 --> 00:20:55.659 The chorus, 00:20:56.000 --> 00:20:57.159 Repeated three times, 00:20:57.919 --> 00:20:59.500 Is the writer's, 00:20:59.500 --> 00:21:00.899 Purposeful response, 00:21:01.119 --> 00:21:01.819 To his turmoil, 00:21:02.039 --> 00:21:03.459 Just let me read the chorus, 00:21:04.439 --> 00:21:05.559 Verse five of chapter, 00:21:05.819 --> 00:21:06.759 Of Psalm 42, 00:21:07.299 --> 00:21:09.459 Why are you cast down on my soul, 00:21:10.099 --> 00:21:12.259 And why are you in turmoil, 00:21:12.259 --> 00:21:13.259 Within me, 00:21:13.259 --> 00:21:15.319 Hope in God, 00:21:15.539 --> 00:21:16.740 Or that verse can actually, 00:21:16.819 --> 00:21:17.779 That word can actually mean, 00:21:18.200 --> 00:21:19.359 Wait on God, 00:21:20.319 --> 00:21:22.440 For I shall again praise him, 00:21:23.759 --> 00:21:24.579 My salvation, 00:21:25.259 --> 00:21:25.879 And my God, 00:21:25.920 --> 00:21:27.319 And that's repeated three times, 00:21:27.819 --> 00:21:30.839 And not only does it, 00:21:31.779 --> 00:21:33.259 Shape the writer's, 00:21:33.599 --> 00:21:34.879 Purposeful response, 00:21:35.339 --> 00:21:36.180 But I believe, 00:21:36.420 --> 00:21:38.000 It is the key, 00:21:38.160 --> 00:21:39.200 To him finding, 00:21:39.839 --> 00:21:41.160 Verse four of chapter 43, 00:21:41.160 --> 00:21:43.140 Exceeding joy, 00:21:44.160 --> 00:21:48.360 It's the key, 00:21:48.440 --> 00:21:49.620 To finding new joy, 00:21:49.700 --> 00:21:50.420 And contentment, 00:21:50.820 --> 00:21:52.140 In the midst of, 00:21:52.560 --> 00:21:53.540 Ongoing struggle, 00:21:54.480 --> 00:21:55.980 So two sub points here, 00:21:56.340 --> 00:21:57.019 First thing he does, 00:21:57.100 --> 00:21:57.920 Is force himself, 00:21:58.000 --> 00:21:58.900 To think clearly, 00:21:59.440 --> 00:22:02.160 Now, 00:22:02.340 --> 00:22:03.160 As I said earlier, 00:22:04.519 --> 00:22:05.440 Though realistic, 00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:06.340 About his feelings, 00:22:07.040 --> 00:22:08.420 He does not become, 00:22:09.019 --> 00:22:10.300 Feelings driven, 00:22:10.299 --> 00:22:15.460 Now our society, 00:22:15.559 --> 00:22:16.419 Lives by feelings, 00:22:16.619 --> 00:22:17.240 By and large, 00:22:18.519 --> 00:22:19.960 Do whatever makes you happy, 00:22:20.500 --> 00:22:21.200 Because happiness, 00:22:21.639 --> 00:22:23.159 Is what everybody deserves, 00:22:23.460 --> 00:22:24.059 Everybody needs, 00:22:24.659 --> 00:22:26.779 Now, 00:22:27.000 --> 00:22:28.039 That pathway, 00:22:28.159 --> 00:22:29.639 Our society gives us, 00:22:29.980 --> 00:22:31.539 Is incredibly destructive, 00:22:31.539 --> 00:22:35.659 But the writer, 00:22:36.420 --> 00:22:37.599 Chooses a different pathway, 00:22:38.659 --> 00:22:40.399 Choosing to force himself, 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:41.480 To think clearly, 00:22:41.819 --> 00:22:42.700 About God, 00:22:43.579 --> 00:22:44.420 And about himself, 00:22:44.579 --> 00:22:45.500 In relation to God, 00:22:46.000 --> 00:22:48.879 Verse five, 00:22:48.880 --> 00:22:52.440 It's as if, 00:22:53.280 --> 00:22:54.340 Up to this point, 00:22:54.820 --> 00:22:55.580 His feelings, 00:22:55.700 --> 00:22:56.860 Have tried to dictate, 00:22:56.860 --> 00:22:57.560 To him, 00:22:58.900 --> 00:23:01.160 But in the chorus, 00:23:01.840 --> 00:23:02.340 It's as if, 00:23:02.420 --> 00:23:03.280 He pushes back, 00:23:03.340 --> 00:23:04.140 Against his feelings, 00:23:05.140 --> 00:23:07.120 And dictates to them, 00:23:07.200 --> 00:23:09.940 In other words, 00:23:10.260 --> 00:23:11.460 He's taking himself, 00:23:11.460 --> 00:23:12.040 In hand, 00:23:12.140 --> 00:23:12.960 And he's talking, 00:23:13.220 --> 00:23:14.100 Firmly, 00:23:14.260 --> 00:23:14.880 And logically, 00:23:15.060 --> 00:23:15.540 To himself, 00:23:15.880 --> 00:23:16.520 In the midst, 00:23:16.580 --> 00:23:17.180 Of his turmoil, 00:23:17.180 --> 00:23:20.420 Yes, 00:23:20.740 --> 00:23:21.900 I am feeling, 00:23:21.940 --> 00:23:23.080 A loss of closeness, 00:23:23.180 --> 00:23:24.400 And connection with God, 00:23:25.100 --> 00:23:26.360 But no, 00:23:26.620 --> 00:23:28.000 That does not mean, 00:23:28.200 --> 00:23:29.340 That God has changed, 00:23:29.400 --> 00:23:30.400 His attitude to me, 00:23:31.500 --> 00:23:35.720 See, 00:23:35.840 --> 00:23:36.519 So often, 00:23:36.640 --> 00:23:37.400 Our emotions, 00:23:37.900 --> 00:23:39.160 Get the better of us, 00:23:39.940 --> 00:23:41.400 Because we stop, 00:23:41.640 --> 00:23:42.779 Thinking clearly, 00:23:43.200 --> 00:23:43.980 And logically, 00:23:45.019 --> 00:23:47.140 We drift, 00:23:47.180 --> 00:23:48.039 With our emotions, 00:23:49.160 --> 00:23:50.860 But the writer, 00:23:50.980 --> 00:23:51.779 Pushes through, 00:23:52.180 --> 00:23:53.160 His inner turmoil, 00:23:53.380 --> 00:23:54.299 Not ignoring it, 00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:55.600 Not bypassing it, 00:23:55.840 --> 00:23:57.120 But pushing through it, 00:23:57.660 --> 00:23:58.320 Recalling, 00:23:58.580 --> 00:23:59.240 The reality, 00:23:59.480 --> 00:24:00.200 Of his experience, 00:24:00.259 --> 00:24:00.580 Of God, 00:24:00.620 --> 00:24:01.180 In the past, 00:24:02.340 --> 00:24:03.039 And we'll go back, 00:24:03.120 --> 00:24:03.519 And have a look, 00:24:03.580 --> 00:24:04.880 At those first four verses again, 00:24:05.180 --> 00:24:06.200 In a different light now, 00:24:06.860 --> 00:24:07.920 And I would say to you, 00:24:07.980 --> 00:24:08.640 That as he talks, 00:24:08.700 --> 00:24:10.000 About his thirsting, 00:24:10.680 --> 00:24:12.060 With such passion, 00:24:12.200 --> 00:24:12.920 For the Lord, 00:24:13.420 --> 00:24:14.720 Then here's a man, 00:24:14.960 --> 00:24:15.480 And I assume, 00:24:15.480 --> 00:24:16.339 It's a man who wrote it, 00:24:16.559 --> 00:24:17.059 Maybe a woman, 00:24:17.319 --> 00:24:18.240 But here's a person, 00:24:18.819 --> 00:24:20.480 Who has obviously, 00:24:20.640 --> 00:24:21.559 Experienced, 00:24:21.680 --> 00:24:22.539 Close fellowship, 00:24:22.680 --> 00:24:23.019 With God, 00:24:23.059 --> 00:24:23.500 In the past, 00:24:23.759 --> 00:24:24.980 Only such a person, 00:24:25.339 --> 00:24:26.880 And only such a past experience, 00:24:27.019 --> 00:24:29.120 Could produce this picture, 00:24:29.240 --> 00:24:29.700 Of longing, 00:24:29.819 --> 00:24:30.420 And thirsting, 00:24:31.140 --> 00:24:33.400 Only the person, 00:24:33.500 --> 00:24:34.519 Who has drunk deeply, 00:24:34.940 --> 00:24:36.400 Of the life-giving water, 00:24:36.400 --> 00:24:37.000 Of God, 00:24:37.519 --> 00:24:39.099 Could now long for it, 00:24:39.579 --> 00:24:40.599 With such a passion, 00:24:40.740 --> 00:24:41.339 When it's missing, 00:24:41.339 --> 00:24:47.000 My soul thirsts, 00:24:47.000 --> 00:24:47.539 For God, 00:24:49.539 --> 00:24:54.000 For the living God, 00:24:54.000 --> 00:24:54.039 For the living God, 00:24:54.039 --> 00:25:01.119 There's a man, 00:25:01.240 --> 00:25:01.639 Or a woman, 00:25:01.740 --> 00:25:02.959 Who wants something back, 00:25:03.480 --> 00:25:04.619 That they once enjoyed, 00:25:05.579 --> 00:25:06.519 But now have lost, 00:25:07.359 --> 00:25:08.379 Or feel they've lost, 00:25:08.380 --> 00:25:11.540 Verse 4, 00:25:12.360 --> 00:25:13.960 These things I remember, 00:25:14.080 --> 00:25:15.320 As I pour out my soul, 00:25:16.000 --> 00:25:17.260 How I would go with a throng, 00:25:17.340 --> 00:25:18.540 And lead them in procession, 00:25:18.580 --> 00:25:19.260 To the house of God, 00:25:19.480 --> 00:25:20.480 With glad shouts, 00:25:20.600 --> 00:25:21.660 And songs of praise, 00:25:21.960 --> 00:25:23.540 A multitude keeping festival, 00:25:25.540 --> 00:25:26.740 He recalls the sweetness, 00:25:26.740 --> 00:25:28.840 Of leading the community, 00:25:28.840 --> 00:25:29.840 Of worshipping people, 00:25:29.940 --> 00:25:31.060 To the temple in Jerusalem, 00:25:32.040 --> 00:25:33.340 So it would possibly be, 00:25:33.400 --> 00:25:34.540 He was a temple leader, 00:25:34.660 --> 00:25:35.300 Of some sorts, 00:25:35.299 --> 00:25:37.419 But he certainly appears, 00:25:37.480 --> 00:25:37.940 To say here, 00:25:38.319 --> 00:25:40.119 He remembers well, 00:25:40.180 --> 00:25:41.220 The times when at the head, 00:25:41.259 --> 00:25:42.339 Of a great procession, 00:25:42.639 --> 00:25:44.019 As they celebrated festival, 00:25:44.399 --> 00:25:46.079 Which was tied to the exodus, 00:25:46.759 --> 00:25:48.200 And a celebration, 00:25:48.259 --> 00:25:49.279 Of God's purpose, 00:25:49.700 --> 00:25:50.379 In the exodus, 00:25:50.480 --> 00:25:51.599 Which was his commitment, 00:25:51.720 --> 00:25:52.639 To bringing his, 00:25:52.839 --> 00:25:54.659 Disconnected far away people, 00:25:54.759 --> 00:25:55.319 To himself, 00:25:56.019 --> 00:25:57.000 In a great act, 00:25:59.079 --> 00:25:59.259 He said, 00:25:59.319 --> 00:26:00.240 I remember that, 00:26:03.279 --> 00:26:04.399 Such joy, 00:26:05.299 --> 00:26:08.200 Such a good reminder, 00:26:08.680 --> 00:26:09.700 Of God's character, 00:26:09.779 --> 00:26:10.519 And God's purpose, 00:26:11.039 --> 00:26:11.519 42, 00:26:11.700 --> 00:26:11.960 8, 00:26:13.159 --> 00:26:14.180 He talks to himself, 00:26:14.299 --> 00:26:15.740 About God's covenant faithful, 00:26:15.859 --> 00:26:16.319 By day, 00:26:16.799 --> 00:26:17.259 Faithfulness, 00:26:17.399 --> 00:26:18.960 By day the Lord commands, 00:26:19.039 --> 00:26:19.980 His steadfast love, 00:26:20.059 --> 00:26:20.659 That's hesed, 00:26:21.180 --> 00:26:21.980 And at night, 00:26:22.079 --> 00:26:23.059 His song is with me, 00:26:23.819 --> 00:26:25.039 A prayer to the God, 00:26:25.839 --> 00:26:26.700 Of my life, 00:26:27.480 --> 00:26:30.740 He talks to himself, 00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:32.279 About God's covenant faithfulness, 00:26:32.279 --> 00:26:33.740 And constant personal care, 00:26:33.740 --> 00:26:34.720 For him in the past, 00:26:34.720 --> 00:26:36.000 Which in the past, 00:26:36.059 --> 00:26:36.259 He said, 00:26:36.500 --> 00:26:37.799 Has been every bit, 00:26:37.839 --> 00:26:38.539 As continuous, 00:26:38.920 --> 00:26:39.740 And dominating, 00:26:39.940 --> 00:26:41.380 As his tears now are, 00:26:42.380 --> 00:26:47.059 Whatever explains, 00:26:47.180 --> 00:26:48.120 My turmoil of mine, 00:26:48.180 --> 00:26:48.839 The writer said, 00:26:49.259 --> 00:26:50.360 It cannot be, 00:26:50.680 --> 00:26:51.700 That God has changed, 00:26:52.200 --> 00:26:57.000 43, 00:26:58.000 --> 00:26:58.880 3 and 4, 00:26:58.880 --> 00:27:00.660 Again, 00:27:00.660 --> 00:27:02.520 He conjures up, 00:27:02.600 --> 00:27:04.060 A picture of the exodus, 00:27:04.480 --> 00:27:05.600 Send out your light, 00:27:05.680 --> 00:27:06.380 And your truth, 00:27:07.020 --> 00:27:08.140 Let them lead me, 00:27:08.680 --> 00:27:09.580 Let them bring me, 00:27:09.640 --> 00:27:10.500 To your holy hill, 00:27:10.900 --> 00:27:11.860 And to your house, 00:27:12.340 --> 00:27:14.360 Then I will go, 00:27:14.480 --> 00:27:16.060 To the altar of God, 00:27:16.200 --> 00:27:17.800 To God my exceeding joy, 00:27:18.480 --> 00:27:19.420 And I will praise you, 00:27:19.520 --> 00:27:20.080 With a lyre, 00:27:20.320 --> 00:27:20.840 Oh God, 00:27:21.340 --> 00:27:22.040 My God, 00:27:22.039 --> 00:27:27.220 He reminds himself, 00:27:27.220 --> 00:27:28.279 Of how God, 00:27:28.819 --> 00:27:29.819 Led his people, 00:27:29.819 --> 00:27:31.079 Back from the wilderness, 00:27:32.119 --> 00:27:33.159 By his word, 00:27:33.319 --> 00:27:33.899 Through Moses, 00:27:34.759 --> 00:27:35.859 And by the cloud, 00:27:35.980 --> 00:27:37.000 Of pillar and fire, 00:27:37.379 --> 00:27:39.559 And again, 00:27:39.659 --> 00:27:40.259 The picture is, 00:27:40.339 --> 00:27:41.399 That God's purpose, 00:27:41.980 --> 00:27:43.420 Was to lead his people, 00:27:43.779 --> 00:27:45.279 Out of their awfulness, 00:27:45.279 --> 00:27:48.079 And back to safety, 00:27:48.240 --> 00:27:48.859 And security, 00:27:49.039 --> 00:27:50.019 And joy with him, 00:27:50.799 --> 00:27:51.639 In his place, 00:27:51.720 --> 00:27:52.519 Under his rule, 00:27:53.399 --> 00:27:56.099 And the writer longs for, 00:27:57.579 --> 00:27:59.160 And anticipates, 00:27:59.799 --> 00:28:01.200 A similar rehabilitation, 00:28:01.660 --> 00:28:02.420 In his own life, 00:28:02.500 --> 00:28:03.460 In his own experience, 00:28:04.460 --> 00:28:06.799 Because that's what God does, 00:28:06.879 --> 00:28:07.420 For his people, 00:28:08.200 --> 00:28:12.379 So he thinks clearly, 00:28:13.079 --> 00:28:14.079 And the second response, 00:28:14.160 --> 00:28:14.619 In turmoil, 00:28:14.619 --> 00:28:15.779 Is waiting patiently, 00:28:17.299 --> 00:28:18.719 So three times again, 00:28:18.779 --> 00:28:19.239 In the course, 00:28:19.339 --> 00:28:20.639 He says hope in God, 00:28:21.000 --> 00:28:22.000 Or as I've said before, 00:28:22.419 --> 00:28:24.000 That means wait for God, 00:28:24.139 --> 00:28:25.259 Can mean wait for God, 00:28:25.979 --> 00:28:26.739 Now wait for God, 00:28:26.799 --> 00:28:28.159 Doesn't mean sitting back, 00:28:28.199 --> 00:28:29.539 Until God fixes things, 00:28:30.159 --> 00:28:31.099 What it does mean, 00:28:31.519 --> 00:28:32.259 Is an act of, 00:28:32.519 --> 00:28:34.019 Entrusting of himself, 00:28:35.839 --> 00:28:37.579 In the midst of his turmoil, 00:28:38.719 --> 00:28:40.139 To God's grace, 00:28:40.379 --> 00:28:41.219 And God's care, 00:28:42.879 --> 00:28:43.719 Believing that, 00:28:43.720 --> 00:28:45.240 God will bring him, 00:28:45.240 --> 00:28:46.120 Through his misery, 00:28:46.519 --> 00:28:47.440 And return him, 00:28:47.819 --> 00:28:49.200 To a situation of joy, 00:28:49.339 --> 00:28:50.000 And praise, 00:28:50.100 --> 00:28:54.480 But as he anticipates, 00:28:54.559 --> 00:28:55.100 The future, 00:28:55.539 --> 00:28:58.100 As he anticipates, 00:28:58.160 --> 00:28:59.180 Future restoration, 00:28:59.180 --> 00:29:01.460 I think it's very clear, 00:29:01.460 --> 00:29:04.180 That his horizon now, 00:29:04.700 --> 00:29:06.340 Is completely filled, 00:29:07.019 --> 00:29:08.220 With nothing else, 00:29:08.600 --> 00:29:09.519 Than God himself, 00:29:10.519 --> 00:29:13.160 We're not hearing, 00:29:14.160 --> 00:29:15.200 A horizon filled, 00:29:15.279 --> 00:29:15.880 With the possibility, 00:29:15.980 --> 00:29:16.960 Of new circumstances, 00:29:16.960 --> 00:29:19.200 In fact, 00:29:19.920 --> 00:29:20.200 The fact, 00:29:20.200 --> 00:29:20.720 The fact, 00:29:20.960 --> 00:29:22.299 The song ends, 00:29:22.380 --> 00:29:23.200 With a repeat, 00:29:23.340 --> 00:29:24.360 Of the same old thing, 00:29:24.700 --> 00:29:25.980 Why are you cast down my soul, 00:29:26.240 --> 00:29:26.819 Suggests, 00:29:27.000 --> 00:29:28.720 That the turmoil continues, 00:29:28.720 --> 00:29:32.900 So it's not, 00:29:32.900 --> 00:29:34.039 Chained circumstances, 00:29:34.180 --> 00:29:34.579 Per se, 00:29:35.100 --> 00:29:37.120 But he now, 00:29:37.620 --> 00:29:39.940 Enters those circumstances, 00:29:39.940 --> 00:29:41.380 As a chained man, 00:29:42.240 --> 00:29:45.720 With his horizons, 00:29:45.900 --> 00:29:46.980 Filled with God, 00:29:48.100 --> 00:29:51.019 In the first couple of verses, 00:29:51.160 --> 00:29:51.980 I don't know whether it's just, 00:29:52.120 --> 00:29:53.100 The way that's written, 00:29:53.180 --> 00:29:54.100 Or whether it's deliberate, 00:29:54.099 --> 00:29:55.839 But in the first section, 00:29:55.959 --> 00:29:56.679 First four verses, 00:29:57.679 --> 00:29:58.579 The writer appears, 00:29:58.659 --> 00:30:00.199 To address God formally, 00:30:00.500 --> 00:30:01.000 Oh God, 00:30:02.039 --> 00:30:03.219 My soul pants for you, 00:30:03.299 --> 00:30:03.679 Oh God, 00:30:04.139 --> 00:30:05.539 My soul thirsts for God, 00:30:05.579 --> 00:30:06.359 For the living God, 00:30:08.079 --> 00:30:09.919 By the time you get to verse five, 00:30:10.819 --> 00:30:11.879 The language has become, 00:30:11.879 --> 00:30:13.039 Intensely personal, 00:30:13.480 --> 00:30:14.199 My God, 00:30:15.919 --> 00:30:19.699 My salvation God, 00:30:20.659 --> 00:30:21.539 Literally it is, 00:30:21.539 --> 00:30:27.059 And in verse eight, 00:30:27.180 --> 00:30:28.220 Of Psalm 42, 00:30:28.940 --> 00:30:29.700 It has become, 00:30:30.480 --> 00:30:30.819 God, 00:30:31.059 --> 00:30:31.839 My life, 00:30:32.960 --> 00:30:35.819 Who constantly, 00:30:35.819 --> 00:30:37.200 Demonstrates his covenant, 00:30:37.420 --> 00:30:38.440 Faithfulness and love, 00:30:39.240 --> 00:30:40.240 And in 42, 00:30:40.460 --> 00:30:40.799 Nine, 00:30:41.200 --> 00:30:41.899 It becomes, 00:30:42.460 --> 00:30:42.779 God, 00:30:42.920 --> 00:30:43.720 My rock, 00:30:46.259 --> 00:30:47.599 And in 43, 00:30:47.779 --> 00:30:47.920 Two, 00:30:48.119 --> 00:30:48.920 It is God, 00:30:49.039 --> 00:30:49.799 My refuge, 00:30:49.799 --> 00:30:51.940 And finally, 00:30:52.779 --> 00:30:54.240 In 43 verse four, 00:30:54.740 --> 00:30:55.740 It is God, 00:30:56.079 --> 00:30:57.339 My exceeding joy, 00:30:57.339 --> 00:31:05.180 What an incredible outcome, 00:31:07.079 --> 00:31:09.480 What an incredible confidence, 00:31:10.279 --> 00:31:11.940 In the midst of, 00:31:12.440 --> 00:31:14.519 Awful turmoil of mind, 00:31:14.519 --> 00:31:16.900 And so, 00:31:17.039 --> 00:31:17.900 Here's the picture, 00:31:18.859 --> 00:31:20.460 Even as he continues, 00:31:20.559 --> 00:31:20.900 With that, 00:31:21.160 --> 00:31:22.660 Intense questioning, 00:31:22.779 --> 00:31:23.240 Of his heart, 00:31:23.660 --> 00:31:24.139 Why, 00:31:24.420 --> 00:31:24.740 Why, 00:31:24.960 --> 00:31:25.379 Why, 00:31:25.379 --> 00:31:26.759 Why am I feeling so awful, 00:31:26.859 --> 00:31:27.960 Why is it like this, 00:31:28.500 --> 00:31:29.680 Why am I like this, 00:31:30.240 --> 00:31:31.440 As that is raging, 00:31:32.099 --> 00:31:32.680 Within him, 00:31:32.680 --> 00:31:36.100 The writer, 00:31:36.100 --> 00:31:36.120 The writer, 00:31:36.220 --> 00:31:37.180 Has actually matured, 00:31:37.700 --> 00:31:39.420 He's moved closer to God, 00:31:39.700 --> 00:31:41.340 He's got a new vision of God, 00:31:41.400 --> 00:31:42.480 A new confidence in God, 00:31:42.700 --> 00:31:43.360 And ultimately, 00:31:43.480 --> 00:31:44.720 A new joy in God, 00:31:45.720 --> 00:31:49.740 The two things have happened, 00:31:49.740 --> 00:31:50.620 Simultaneously, 00:31:50.620 --> 00:31:50.700 Simultaneously, 00:31:50.700 --> 00:31:50.720 Simultaneously, 00:31:50.720 --> 00:31:50.740 Simultaneously, 00:31:50.740 --> 00:31:54.799 Simultaneously, 00:31:54.799 --> 00:31:56.159 And I think, 00:31:56.339 --> 00:31:57.259 Now I could say, 00:31:57.680 --> 00:31:58.839 And you can challenge me, 00:31:58.919 --> 00:31:59.220 If you like, 00:31:59.279 --> 00:31:59.579 Afterwards, 00:32:01.019 --> 00:32:02.259 He doesn't need, 00:32:02.419 --> 00:32:04.359 The past experiences, 00:32:04.740 --> 00:32:05.720 To be repeated, 00:32:05.839 --> 00:32:07.339 As a proof of God's love for him, 00:32:07.819 --> 00:32:09.480 And as an evidence of his security, 00:32:10.139 --> 00:32:11.500 He doesn't need to have, 00:32:11.500 --> 00:32:13.419 The good old days of festival events, 00:32:13.419 --> 00:32:15.519 To reassure him in the turmoil, 00:32:16.720 --> 00:32:19.180 All he desires is God, 00:32:20.779 --> 00:32:23.240 And he knows this relationship, 00:32:23.240 --> 00:32:23.980 Is immediate, 00:32:24.599 --> 00:32:25.120 Real, 00:32:25.319 --> 00:32:26.220 And satisfying, 00:32:26.920 --> 00:32:29.099 He doesn't need, 00:32:29.319 --> 00:32:31.220 His circumstances to change, 00:32:31.880 --> 00:32:33.279 Because he has God, 00:32:33.359 --> 00:32:34.839 In his current circumstances, 00:32:35.740 --> 00:32:38.220 He doesn't need even, 00:32:38.279 --> 00:32:39.880 To be free from inner turmoil, 00:32:43.460 --> 00:32:45.039 Because he has God, 00:32:45.220 --> 00:32:46.680 In the midst of his inner turmoil, 00:32:47.160 --> 00:32:48.460 And that allows him, 00:32:48.539 --> 00:32:49.279 And frees him, 00:32:49.859 --> 00:32:51.059 To express joy, 00:32:51.299 --> 00:32:51.799 And praise, 00:32:51.900 --> 00:32:52.779 And thankfulness, 00:32:53.240 --> 00:32:54.299 To his Lord and Savior, 00:32:54.880 --> 00:32:55.819 Even as he, 00:32:56.259 --> 00:32:56.839 Continues, 00:32:57.359 --> 00:32:58.460 With that internal struggle, 00:33:00.859 --> 00:33:05.859 Now can I just say, 00:33:05.960 --> 00:33:06.380 A little bit, 00:33:07.259 --> 00:33:08.180 Autobiographically, 00:33:10.180 --> 00:33:11.099 That is the place, 00:33:11.220 --> 00:33:12.099 We want to aim for, 00:33:12.960 --> 00:33:14.920 Because try as we might, 00:33:14.980 --> 00:33:16.120 We won't get rid of the turmoil, 00:33:17.440 --> 00:33:18.799 You might get rid of one, 00:33:19.259 --> 00:33:20.240 Manifestation of it, 00:33:20.240 --> 00:33:21.299 But a new day, 00:33:21.299 --> 00:33:21.660 A new day will bring, 00:33:21.660 --> 00:33:22.660 A new form of turmoil, 00:33:22.660 --> 00:33:29.799 What we need, 00:33:29.880 --> 00:33:30.640 Is to find, 00:33:30.640 --> 00:33:32.259 God in the midst, 00:33:32.319 --> 00:33:32.980 Of our turmoil, 00:33:32.980 --> 00:33:36.460 And to be so connected, 00:33:36.460 --> 00:33:37.519 So connected to him, 00:33:38.140 --> 00:33:40.860 That we embrace the turmoil, 00:33:41.519 --> 00:33:43.200 Because we recognize, 00:33:43.380 --> 00:33:44.120 That that turmoil, 00:33:44.259 --> 00:33:45.000 Is the very thing, 00:33:45.059 --> 00:33:46.420 That has pushed us closer to God, 00:33:46.420 --> 00:33:46.500 But, 00:33:46.500 --> 00:33:50.819 It's counterintuitive, 00:33:50.940 --> 00:33:51.220 Isn't it? 00:33:52.880 --> 00:33:54.319 We think the best thing, 00:33:54.380 --> 00:33:55.579 Is to escape turmoil, 00:33:55.579 --> 00:33:58.259 But in fact, 00:33:58.460 --> 00:33:59.179 This guy, 00:33:59.480 --> 00:34:00.059 This writer, 00:34:00.759 --> 00:34:01.579 Has found, 00:34:01.659 --> 00:34:02.599 A new level, 00:34:02.639 --> 00:34:03.319 Of understanding, 00:34:03.439 --> 00:34:03.779 A new level, 00:34:03.839 --> 00:34:04.279 Of trust, 00:34:04.359 --> 00:34:04.939 And confidence, 00:34:05.059 --> 00:34:05.799 And joy in God, 00:34:06.240 --> 00:34:07.379 Through his turmoil, 00:34:07.379 --> 00:34:14.440 So his circumstances, 00:34:14.440 --> 00:34:15.119 Remain the same, 00:34:15.219 --> 00:34:16.340 The turmoil is relentless, 00:34:17.000 --> 00:34:18.319 But his perspective, 00:34:18.319 --> 00:34:19.679 Has shifted massively, 00:34:20.679 --> 00:34:21.679 As I say, 00:34:21.759 --> 00:34:22.679 He's grown spiritually, 00:34:22.779 --> 00:34:24.000 And now seems to embrace, 00:34:24.000 --> 00:34:24.980 His inner turmoil, 00:34:24.980 --> 00:34:27.119 Because it has brought him back, 00:34:27.780 --> 00:34:28.960 It has brought him the blessing, 00:34:29.099 --> 00:34:29.679 Of new joy, 00:34:29.740 --> 00:34:30.619 And commitment to the Lord, 00:34:32.360 --> 00:34:33.219 And friends, 00:34:33.260 --> 00:34:33.800 That model, 00:34:34.559 --> 00:34:35.820 That we have in Psalm 42, 00:34:35.960 --> 00:34:36.599 And 43, 00:34:37.340 --> 00:34:38.679 Is the same model, 00:34:38.800 --> 00:34:40.159 That comes to us in Jesus, 00:34:40.980 --> 00:34:42.059 Only supersized, 00:34:45.400 --> 00:34:46.420 If you want to know, 00:34:46.900 --> 00:34:49.920 About walking the road of turmoil, 00:34:51.119 --> 00:34:52.760 Then Jesus, 00:34:52.760 --> 00:34:54.199 Is the man to look to, 00:34:54.980 --> 00:34:58.059 As he approached his death, 00:34:58.740 --> 00:34:59.940 Jesus knew what it was, 00:35:00.000 --> 00:35:00.820 To feel that God, 00:35:00.900 --> 00:35:01.659 Had abandoned him, 00:35:01.940 --> 00:35:03.320 That God had withdrawn from him, 00:35:04.000 --> 00:35:04.900 That he was forgotten, 00:35:05.059 --> 00:35:05.559 And alone, 00:35:06.900 --> 00:35:08.139 Jesus knew what it was, 00:35:08.179 --> 00:35:08.800 To be taunted, 00:35:10.179 --> 00:35:11.599 To have people delight, 00:35:11.780 --> 00:35:12.619 In his predicament, 00:35:13.619 --> 00:35:18.340 Hebrews tells us, 00:35:18.460 --> 00:35:19.380 We have a great high priest, 00:35:19.440 --> 00:35:20.780 He understands our experience, 00:35:20.780 --> 00:35:23.160 And at the same time, 00:35:23.160 --> 00:35:23.960 In Jesus, 00:35:23.960 --> 00:35:25.680 There's no greater reminder, 00:35:26.200 --> 00:35:27.580 That God is determined, 00:35:27.740 --> 00:35:29.000 To bring us disconnected, 00:35:29.540 --> 00:35:30.380 Far away people, 00:35:30.500 --> 00:35:31.400 Close to himself, 00:35:32.200 --> 00:35:33.980 And to make them feel loved, 00:35:34.080 --> 00:35:34.580 And secure, 00:35:34.660 --> 00:35:35.440 We've seen it right through, 00:35:35.500 --> 00:35:36.240 Romans chapter 8, 00:35:36.280 --> 00:35:37.220 Over the last six weeks, 00:35:37.219 --> 00:35:40.559 And the gospel means, 00:35:40.759 --> 00:35:41.859 In a supersized way, 00:35:42.179 --> 00:35:43.599 That we get the very thing, 00:35:43.759 --> 00:35:44.500 That writer here, 00:35:44.659 --> 00:35:45.839 Is aspired to, 00:35:46.000 --> 00:35:47.659 We get it in spadefuls, 00:35:47.679 --> 00:35:48.239 In Christ, 00:35:49.159 --> 00:35:49.799 In Jesus, 00:35:49.899 --> 00:35:51.039 We get God himself, 00:35:51.539 --> 00:35:52.439 Guaranteed, 00:35:54.639 --> 00:35:56.799 And as we look forward to heaven, 00:35:57.079 --> 00:35:58.359 We get more of God, 00:35:59.219 --> 00:36:03.000 And we get pure joy, 00:36:03.079 --> 00:36:04.179 Without any of the turmoil, 00:36:04.179 --> 00:36:08.440 Well friends, 00:36:08.500 --> 00:36:09.099 Let me conclude, 00:36:09.299 --> 00:36:10.259 I've run out of time again, 00:36:10.319 --> 00:36:10.619 As usual, 00:36:10.759 --> 00:36:12.039 Let me conclude where I started, 00:36:13.359 --> 00:36:14.039 How are you going to deal, 00:36:14.119 --> 00:36:14.599 With your feelings? 00:36:17.139 --> 00:36:17.559 Well, 00:36:17.739 --> 00:36:19.179 You can ignore, 00:36:19.379 --> 00:36:19.799 And deny, 00:36:20.219 --> 00:36:20.940 Inner turmoil, 00:36:21.859 --> 00:36:22.899 And commit to, 00:36:22.899 --> 00:36:23.619 Taffing it out, 00:36:24.460 --> 00:36:25.779 Forcing yourself, 00:36:25.859 --> 00:36:26.719 To do the right thing, 00:36:27.619 --> 00:36:28.659 As a display, 00:36:28.779 --> 00:36:29.859 Of stoic obedience, 00:36:29.860 --> 00:36:34.400 Well, 00:36:34.599 --> 00:36:35.360 That might impress, 00:36:35.400 --> 00:36:36.079 People around you, 00:36:36.120 --> 00:36:36.900 But it's not a gospel, 00:36:37.140 --> 00:36:38.039 Shaped response, 00:36:39.039 --> 00:36:40.240 It's a new form, 00:36:40.280 --> 00:36:40.980 Of legalism, 00:36:42.340 --> 00:36:43.460 Where you actually think, 00:36:43.559 --> 00:36:44.660 Well if I can tough it out, 00:36:44.700 --> 00:36:45.680 If I can be like this, 00:36:46.400 --> 00:36:46.720 Then, 00:36:47.320 --> 00:36:48.579 Perhaps God will be impressed, 00:36:48.579 --> 00:36:48.940 With me, 00:36:49.079 --> 00:36:50.200 Or at least others around me, 00:36:50.240 --> 00:36:51.240 Will be impressed by me, 00:36:51.780 --> 00:36:54.220 You can simply, 00:36:54.380 --> 00:36:55.079 Give in to your feelings, 00:36:55.320 --> 00:36:56.320 And live in the light of them, 00:36:56.320 --> 00:36:58.880 Determined to reach, 00:36:59.019 --> 00:36:59.440 For whatever, 00:36:59.440 --> 00:37:01.440 Distraction appeals to you, 00:37:02.280 --> 00:37:04.080 Whatever eases your pain, 00:37:04.140 --> 00:37:04.900 And most quickly, 00:37:05.260 --> 00:37:06.400 Makes your life happy, 00:37:06.480 --> 00:37:06.840 And easy, 00:37:07.720 --> 00:37:08.980 That's a very real option, 00:37:09.120 --> 00:37:10.200 That lots of us go for, 00:37:11.039 --> 00:37:14.820 But that's not gospel shaped either, 00:37:15.600 --> 00:37:18.080 Because what it means is, 00:37:18.480 --> 00:37:19.500 That those distractions, 00:37:19.660 --> 00:37:20.380 You've reached for, 00:37:20.559 --> 00:37:22.059 Are actually more important to you, 00:37:22.059 --> 00:37:23.580 More fundamental in your life, 00:37:23.640 --> 00:37:24.260 Than God himself, 00:37:24.260 --> 00:37:31.740 Or you can play the victim, 00:37:32.640 --> 00:37:33.760 Convinced that your feelings, 00:37:33.860 --> 00:37:34.580 And circumstances, 00:37:34.740 --> 00:37:35.580 Are the fault of others, 00:37:36.220 --> 00:37:36.840 And you can focus, 00:37:36.960 --> 00:37:37.780 All your energies, 00:37:37.880 --> 00:37:39.180 On changing your circumstances, 00:37:39.580 --> 00:37:41.160 And seeking to vindicate yourself, 00:37:42.160 --> 00:37:46.980 And thereby, 00:37:47.680 --> 00:37:48.380 Think that you're going to, 00:37:48.380 --> 00:37:49.320 Relieve your turmoil, 00:37:50.940 --> 00:37:52.220 Many of us have walked down, 00:37:52.400 --> 00:37:53.800 That pathway a good distance, 00:37:54.260 --> 00:37:58.780 It's hardly a gospel shaped response, 00:37:59.580 --> 00:38:00.640 Because it's about me, 00:38:00.640 --> 00:38:06.100 The gospel response, 00:38:06.440 --> 00:38:08.900 Is to believe the gospel, 00:38:09.300 --> 00:38:10.780 More and more deeply, 00:38:11.640 --> 00:38:13.120 In the midst of turmoil, 00:38:14.740 --> 00:38:16.280 Rather than to seek, 00:38:16.680 --> 00:38:17.320 Escape, 00:38:18.320 --> 00:38:19.400 The struggles of our mind, 00:38:19.400 --> 00:38:24.260 And I think our lack of prayer, 00:38:24.960 --> 00:38:25.760 On the one hand, 00:38:25.840 --> 00:38:26.519 And our readiness, 00:38:27.519 --> 00:38:28.599 To embrace, 00:38:29.680 --> 00:38:31.139 Or reach for distractions, 00:38:32.579 --> 00:38:34.960 Show that we don't thirst for God, 00:38:35.440 --> 00:38:36.200 As we ought to, 00:38:37.539 --> 00:38:38.660 And therefore, 00:38:39.340 --> 00:38:40.980 We won't find the joy, 00:38:41.780 --> 00:38:43.380 And the experience we're craving, 00:38:43.380 --> 00:38:52.579 We settle for a pseudo, 00:38:52.820 --> 00:38:53.559 Savior, 00:38:54.559 --> 00:38:57.780 Something that appears, 00:38:57.840 --> 00:38:59.260 To satisfy our thirst now, 00:38:59.680 --> 00:39:00.380 Something that will, 00:39:00.940 --> 00:39:02.619 Appear to quieten our hearts, 00:39:04.260 --> 00:39:05.720 But something that becomes, 00:39:05.920 --> 00:39:06.860 More important to us then, 00:39:06.920 --> 00:39:07.340 Than God, 00:39:07.700 --> 00:39:10.380 Friends, 00:39:10.460 --> 00:39:11.019 The struggle, 00:39:11.539 --> 00:39:12.180 In our hearts, 00:39:12.340 --> 00:39:12.980 Is relentless, 00:39:12.980 --> 00:39:15.639 Make no mistake about that, 00:39:16.440 --> 00:39:17.820 But Jesus, 00:39:18.039 --> 00:39:19.320 Is the ultimate expression, 00:39:19.460 --> 00:39:20.260 Of God's commitment, 00:39:20.960 --> 00:39:21.559 To lead, 00:39:21.800 --> 00:39:22.920 His disconnected, 00:39:23.300 --> 00:39:24.260 Far away people, 00:39:24.900 --> 00:39:25.139 Home, 00:39:26.219 --> 00:39:30.000 He alone, 00:39:30.599 --> 00:39:31.740 Will be the true, 00:39:32.260 --> 00:39:32.740 Venture, 00:39:33.340 --> 00:39:34.280 Of your thirst, 00:39:34.559 --> 00:39:35.400 For real life, 00:39:36.300 --> 00:39:39.780 Come back to the very thing, 00:39:39.820 --> 00:39:41.179 I started in our post-modern world, 00:39:41.659 --> 00:39:42.800 Jesus is the one, 00:39:42.800 --> 00:39:44.200 Who will provide a life, 00:39:45.200 --> 00:39:46.600 A real life, 00:39:46.660 --> 00:39:47.640 That works, 00:39:49.180 --> 00:39:50.300 Experientially, 00:39:50.940 --> 00:39:51.780 And demonstrably, 00:39:52.180 --> 00:39:53.240 A life that works, 00:39:53.800 --> 00:39:54.900 In our otherwise, 00:39:55.060 --> 00:39:55.500 Broken, 00:39:55.960 --> 00:39:56.920 Dysfunctional world, 00:39:57.740 --> 00:40:00.660 Let me pray, 00:40:00.659 --> 00:40:02.399 Lord, 00:40:02.399 --> 00:40:02.699 Help us, 00:40:02.699 --> 00:40:02.940 Help us, 00:40:02.940 --> 00:40:05.839 To be honest, 00:40:05.839 --> 00:40:05.859 To be honest, 00:40:06.059 --> 00:40:07.179 About our feelings, 00:40:07.279 --> 00:40:08.460 And yet not driven by them, 00:40:09.099 --> 00:40:13.339 Help us Lord, 00:40:13.399 --> 00:40:14.460 To come to you, 00:40:14.539 --> 00:40:15.359 Through our feelings, 00:40:16.039 --> 00:40:16.739 Rather than, 00:40:18.119 --> 00:40:19.339 Become legalistic, 00:40:19.440 --> 00:40:20.440 In trying to deal with them, 00:40:20.779 --> 00:40:21.639 In our own strength, 00:40:21.699 --> 00:40:22.139 And resources, 00:40:23.139 --> 00:40:25.940 Help us Lord, 00:40:26.039 --> 00:40:27.219 To be gospel shaped, 00:40:27.219 --> 00:40:27.819 Honest, 00:40:28.179 --> 00:40:30.759 Honest, 00:40:30.759 --> 00:40:31.500 About our feelings, 00:40:32.500 --> 00:40:35.000 And yet finding you, 00:40:35.039 --> 00:40:35.759 In the midst of them, 00:40:36.679 --> 00:40:37.519 Not an escape, 00:40:38.099 --> 00:40:38.879 Not ignorance, 00:40:39.459 --> 00:40:40.159 Not ignoring, 00:40:41.159 --> 00:40:42.459 But a new focus, 00:40:42.519 --> 00:40:43.119 And confidence, 00:40:44.179 --> 00:40:44.779 Help us, 00:40:44.919 --> 00:40:45.099 We pray, 00:40:45.179 --> 00:40:45.779 In Jesus name, 00:40:45.780 --> 00:40:46.260 Amen.