So, joy to be with you this evening.
Thanks so much for all the very kind invitation.
!
Who or what do you put your trust in?
When times are difficult, when there is uncertainty, where do you turn for provision, for hope, for peace, for joy?
It's interesting, I haven't been around for that many general elections,
but in general it feels like each time the significance and the seriousness of the election is ever more important.
There's a sense in the culture that if an election does not go the way we want it to, then all will be lost.
Slate magazine ran an article looking at the history of the phrase,
most important election of our lifetime.
The earliest record they could find was in October 1805.
One amusing example of the saying being used was,
Greenfield Democrat Sun, a newspaper in Tennessee,
reported in 1923 that the most important election in the history of the county will take place,
where Green County will vote on resurfacing the roads.
One campaign manager for Barack Obama said he was regularly called up by Bill Clinton and told,
Every presidential election around the world is always a referendum on the future.
Now what Psalm 146 tells us is that that is not true.
That governments, politicians, the people, even ourselves, none of us hold the future.
God does.
Certainly elections and governments are important.
We should care about the state of our nation.
We should be praying for our next leader.
But ultimately, God is in control.
He rules.
He reigns.
And ultimately, whoever is in charge, whoever wins the election, isn't ultimately in charge.
And they cannot ultimately do what we most fundamentally need.
They cannot save us.
God reigns.
God rules.
And he does so with infinite wisdom and goodness.
And so we should put our hope and our trust in God.
So in Psalm 146, we're going to see three reasons why we should put our trust in God.
God is creator.
He is creator.
He is savior.
And he is king.
So firstly, God is creator.
Let's read verses 5 and 6.
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God,
who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in there.
We worship the God who created the universe, who holds it in his hands.
He uttered a word and creation came into being.
Nothing is outside of his control.
He sustains it.
He is the help that we have.
The one who brings us what we need to go on.
He's the one behind what we need because he has all resources in his hands.
He has all power.
Colossians 1, we read, not only did he make all things, all things were created through him and for him,
but that he is before all things and in him all things hold together.
I've read Economics University and it's often said, how do you summarize economics?
It's how to allocate finite resources with infinite ones.
God has infinite resources.
Because he creates all things out of nothing.
He is infinite.
He is eternal.
Yet we scramble around looking for help in places where they don't have the power
or the resources to give us what we need.
In all things, he's behind us, working together in his wisdom.
Now some here, you may just say, well, I don't, I definitely don't, I'm fairly ambivalent about politics.
I don't trust my trust in politicians.
I'm not like those people.
But don't we end up putting trust in ourselves?
I can do this.
I can make it.
I made this happen.
But see what God says in Deuteronomy 8.
You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the power to get wealth,
that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers as it is this day.
Our gifts are from God.
We are utterly dependent on God.
He's the one who gives us the ability to do what we need to do.
Because he's sovereign and overrules all things as creator.
We see this in Psalm 127, don't we?
Unless the Lord builds the house, the workers labour in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
That's not to say that help in this world is useless or can't do anything.
Or that politicians in elections are unimportant.
Rather, we need to trust the Lord.
And know that he is the one working behind all things.
He is the help behind the help.
Remember Jesus' words to Pilate.
You have no authority but that which is given from above.
I very easily forget this.
While I see what's going on in the world and I get frustrated.
We need to remember that God is in control.
He's sovereign.
He's the creator.
It's fairly known that anxiety and mental health issues are worse than ever before.
Particularly amongst young people.
And I can't help but think our nation's moving away.
I know Christians struggle with these things as well.
I can't help but think our nation's moving away from trusting in a sovereign creator hasn't helped.
As Spurgeon said, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which I lay my head.
The world does not have that pillow.
And this also means we can turn to God in prayer.
Perhaps a big way our nation's shifted is our lack of trust.
The fact that we don't turn to God in prayer.
Fascinating.
Famously, May 1940.
Dunkirk.
What happens?
The nation is called to prayer.
When it seems that all is lost.
Fast forward to 2020.
And the uncertainty and the chaos of COVID and nothing.
We're placing our trust elsewhere and even told it's too dangerous to worship God.
It was not essential.
When we have and know a sovereign God, we go to him in prayer.
It's been said the spiritual health of a church can be seen in its prayer.
But this isn't just a big national issue.
It's for the small issues in our lives too.
Nothing is too big or too small that we can't go to God in prayer for.
As one commentator put it, these verses.
A God who has the wisdom and power to create the universe certainly has the wisdom and power necessary for us to experience well-being in every area of our lives.
If we genuinely believe and know that God is creator and sovereign, then we would surely turn to him in prayer more.
We would go to the one who holds all things in his hands and trust in him.
So we can trust God because he is creator.
He is sovereign.
Secondly, God is savior.
Let's look back at those verses again.
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.
End of verse 6.
God is who keeps faith forever, who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets the prisoners free.
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down.
The Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the sojourners.
He upholds the widow and the fatherless.
God, being sovereign and creator, is also savior and redeemer.
Now these words in this passage are strikingly similar to Isaiah 61, which Jesus quotes in Luke 4.
It says,
As was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day and he stood up to read,
and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him.
He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and recovering of sight of the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.
He rolled up a scroll, gave it back to the attendant,
and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed upon him.
And he began to say to them,
Today, this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.
The fulfillment of all that's in this psalm is found in Jesus Christ,
the Son of God.
Jesus' name literally means,
Yahweh is salvation.
All of these images in Psalm 146 are pictures which Jesus performed in his earthly ministry.
He welcomed the oppressed,
he fed the 5,000,
he healed the blind.
All these were pictures of the great salvation that Jesus accomplished for us
by his death and resurrection and ascension.
One thing we always need to remember is that no politician,
no mere mortal man,
no one we look up to,
no one we admire,
can do what we most fundamentally need.
Our greatest need is salvation,
because our greatest problem is our sin.
And that's why we put our ultimate hope and trust in Christ,
because he is the only one who can deal with that
by taking the penalty that was due us,
going to the cross in our place,
when we deserved death and judgment.
He died that we might live,
and he did this because he loved us.
Whilst we were still sinners,
God's shown his love for us,
then this might die for us.
Only Christ could do this.
Only he could save us.
And so that's why verse 3,
put not your trust in princes,
in a son of man,
in whom there is no salvation.
Instead, we put our trust in the prince of peace,
the son of man,
in whom there is salvation.
There is no other name
by which we may be saved.
So whoever wins the leadership election,
whoever wins our next general election,
whoever wins whatever election,
they cannot save us.
But God chose us
before the foundation of the world
to be adopted into his family,
to stand before him,
holy and blameless.
The Holy Spirit works a miracle in our hearts,
opening our eyes,
taking out our cold,
dead hearts of stone
and turning them into hearts of flesh.
He makes us righteous.
The righteous ones.
The Lord,
verse 8,
the Lord loves the righteous.
The righteous there are his children.
That's us
that he loves.
His children
that he has bought
and that he is sanctifying.
And so that puts everything into perspective.
When faced with uncertainty and trials,
whatever we're going through,
we can remember
and hold on to the fact
that Jesus Christ,
the son of God,
died for us
so that we can stand forgiven.
And so he hasn't given us
a spirit of slavery
to fall back into fear.
He has given us
a spirit of adoption
as sons and daughters
by whom we cry,
Abba,
Father.
And so knowing God as Saviour
gives us perspective
and a reason to rejoice,
to trust in him.
And what's important here
is that not only
has Jesus made us righteous,
but by his spirit
he empowers us
to live holy lives.
And so trusting in God
as Saviour
is not only
knowing our need
for a Saviour
and trusting in that,
but also trusting God
that his ways
are better
and the way
he has called us
to live
is better.
But we would only
see that
if we know God
as Saviour
and that he is good.
Otherwise,
we end up making
the same mistake
as Eve,
doubting the goodness
of God,
listening to the serpent
say,
did God really
say.
As Christians,
our disobedience
can often be
because we think
whatever choice
we're wanting to make
will be better
than what God
has for us.
We doubt
that God's ways
are good.
But when we see
God as Saviour
and Father
who wants the best
for us
and follow him
in light of his love,
then we can come
to trust him
knowing that
obedience
is good.
We can sing
with the psalmist
in Psalm 19,
the law
of the Lord
is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The testimony
of the Lord
is sure,
making wise
the simple.
The precepts
of the Lord
are right,
rejoicing the heart.
The commandment
of the Lord
is pure,
enlightening the others.
We can only
sing that,
pray that,
if we know
that God
is good.
whatever situation
we're in,
we need to trust
God that
obedience to him
will always
be right.
So whether it's
the temptation
to lie
about something,
to cover up,
such as at work
or in your family,
downplaying your faith,
hiding what you believe
about a particular issue
in front of colleagues,
or entertaining
the idea
of dating
or marrying
a non-Christian
because of fear
of never marrying,
there are a million ways
where we can be tempted
to be disobedient
because in the moment
we think it is best.
But God is good.
Trusting and being
obedient to him
is always
the way
forward.
But we'll only
see that
if we taste
and see
that the Lord
is good.
Blessed is he
who takes refuge
in the Lord.
Now look at the end
of verse 6.
The Lord
who keeps
faith forever.
He is faithful.
He will do
what he has promised.
He won't leave us
or abandon us
even when we
make what seem
to be costly decisions
out of obedience
to him.
I can genuinely
say
the times
when I'm
the most delighted
in Christ
are the times
when I've been
under the most
pressure
or opposition.
A couple years ago
or two years ago
I
got into a bit
of trouble
because I
said the
denomination
that I'm a part of
should hold on
to orthodoxy
and drive out
false teachers.
Said it
with more words
and less nuanced.
and for whatever
reason
it got a bit
more response
than I had
or as we'd
been expecting.
It was for
Christian San.
and
I think
on the Sunday
it was discussed
on BBC Radio 4
at some point.
I think
I came here
which was
a blessing.
But
basically
a fundamentalist
figure
says the stuff.
and it
was a really
difficult time
and
lots of
criticism
lots of
opposition
from without
and from within
family
saying
you shouldn't
have said that
what you're
saying is wrong
you're being
hateful
and
lots of
pressure
and it was
in that moment
I can genuinely
say that I
was able to
praise God
and say
he is faithful.
So even
in the most
difficult times
God is faithful
he is with us
he sustains us.
As Jesus
says
in this world
you will have
trouble
but take
heart
he has
overcome
the world.
We have
eternal hope
that puts
everything in
perspective
as Paul says
for this
light
and momentary
affliction
is preparing
for us
an eternal
weight of
glory
beyond
all
comparison
as we
look not
to the
things
that are
seen
but to
the
things
that are
unseen
for the
things
that are
seen
are
transient
and
the
things
that are
unseen
are
eternal.
In the
gospel we
have all
we need
because we
have
Christ
because he
is our
saviour.
He has
rescued us
he has
given us
salvation
something
that no
other person
can do.
Others
might say
it's only
in Christ
that there
is no
condemnation.
So yes
we need to
pursue
holy lives.
Jesus
died
he predestined
us to be
conformed
to the
image of
his son.
He died
that we
may say
no to
ungodliness
but even
when we
fall
and slip
up
and make
mistakes
and sin
there is
no condemnation
for those
who are in
Christ Jesus.
Trusting God
also means
trusting that
that we are
forgiven
that there is
grace
so we can
trust God
because he
is our
sinner
he is
good.
Finally
God is
king.
Verse 10
the Lord
will reign
forever.
Your God
is Zion
to all
generations.
Christ is
ruling and
reigning
right now
and establishing
his kingdom.
He's already
established his
kingdom.
Nothing
can afford
his purposes.
no matter
how big
or powerful
or influential
whatever it is
in front of us
in our lives
God
still
reigns.
see the
contrast with
verse 4
when the
prince
departs
he returns
to the earth
on that
very day
his plans
perish.
Even those
we read about
in the history
books
and left
legacies
they still
died
and became
dust.
God's plans
will never
perish.
They will
come
to pass.
He is
king of
kings
and lord
of
lords.
So no
matter what
any power
ruler
or authority
or government
says or
promise
it is
ultimately
God who
reigns.
That's what
we see
in
this
psalm.
We see
it in
Psalm 2.
We see
it in
Romans 13.
All
authority
is his.
Or
Philippians 2.
God
has highly
exalted
Christ
bestowed
on him
the name
that is
above
every name
so that
at the
name of
Jesus
every knee
should
bow
in heaven
and on
earth
and under
the earth
and every
tongue
confess
that
Jesus
Christ
is
Lord
to the
glory
of God
the Father.
So one
day every
knee will
bow.
even
Liz
Truss
and
Rishi
Sinai
even
Joe
Biden
or
Putin
or
Zelensky
or Boris
Johnson
they will
all
bow
and whoever
becomes our
next
Prime Minister
it doesn't
change the
reality
that Christ
is King
and so
they will
bow
either
as sons
and daughters
or in fear
of God's
judgment
because it
will one
day come.
We see the
ultimate
destinies for
those who do
not trust in
him
and the
way of the
wicked
he brings
to Rory
at verse 9
but if we
know Christ
as our
Saviour
and King
as our
help
verse 4
verse 5
we are
blessed
we are
happy
we have
joy and
peace
God is
King
he rules
he reigns
he has
all power
so trust
him
we've seen
three reasons
why we should
put our trust
in God
he is
creator
he is
Saviour
he is
King
now just
two diagnostic
questions
for you
as we think
about
do you
trust in
the Lord
you may say
we do
how do you
respond when
things are
going badly
do you get
anxious and
worried
doubt God's
control and
sovereignty
doubt God's
goodness
perhaps you
get frustrated
I know that
I can
do you turn
to God
in prayer
or try
to find a
way through
it independently
in your own
strength
do you fall
into despair
as though all
is lost
do you turn
your eyes
on the things
that are wrong
do you forget
the rich blessings
that he has
lavished on us
in Christ
how do you
respond when
things are
going badly
secondly
how do you
respond when
things are
going well
do you think
it's your own
doing
that you have
achieved things
for yourself
are you
grateful and
thankful to
God
is your
happiness in
your circumstances
or in God
do you praise
and thank you
so two
diagnostic
questions
how do you
respond when
things are
going badly
how do you
respond when
things are
going well
so how can
we trust
in God
how can we
grow in trust
firstly we need to
meditate on God
and who he is
on his character
know the rich
goodness
of his character
hear his voice
in the words
of scripture
meditate on who
he is
this psalm
itself
is glorious
has glorious
truths
about who
he is
as we read
scripture
we are hearing
God
literally
speak to us
he is our
father
secondly
repent and pray
ask for forgiveness
for our lack of
trust
ask God
by his spirit
to give us
greater faith
and trust
in him
do we turn
to God
in all circumstances
Paul says
in the Philippines
do not be anxious
about anything
but in everything
by prayer
and supplication
with thanksgiving
let your requests
be known to God
one theologian
described prayerlessness
as practical
atheism
turn to God
in prayer
in the good
and the bad
i.e.
always turn to God
in prayer
and third
and finally
praise
the Lord
this is what we see
in this psalm
praise the Lord
oh my soul
I will praise
the Lord
as long as I live
I will sing
praises to my God
while I have
my being
notice the resolve
I will
this is the
first of the last
the five
hallelujah psalms
at the end
of the psalter
all of them
beginning and ending
with praise the Lord
hallelujah
all of the psalms
have been working
up to this point
of praise
just as all of
history
is working up
to this point
all of our lives
working up
to this point
praise the Lord
hallelujah
resolve
in the good
and the bad
as long as we
have our being
meaning as long
as we are alive
to sing praises
to our God
singing praises
to God
is not only
in response
to the trust
in God
but it builds
our trust
in God
praise the Lord
oh my soul
tell yourself
preach to yourself
implore yourself
to praise
and worship
God
because that
is ultimately
what we are
made for
Charles Ferdinand
commenting on these
verses
and I'll close
with this
wrote
when we praise
God
let us arouse
our innermost self
our central life
we have
but one soul
and if it be
saved from
eternal wrath
it is bound
to praise
its saviour
come
heart
mind
thoughts
come my
whole being
my soul
my all
be all
on flame
with joyful
adoration
up my brethren
lift up the song
praise ye the Lord
I shall not live here
forever
this mortal life
will find
finish in death
but while it lasts
I will lord
the Lord my God
I cannot tell
how long
or short
my life may be
but every hour
of it shall be
given
to the praises
of my God
while I live
our love
and while I breathe
our bless
the glorious
Jehovah
is my God
my own God
by covenant
and by blood
relationship
in Christ
Jesus
I have no being
apart from my God
therefore
I will not attempt
to enjoy my being
otherwise
than by singing
to his honour
twice the psalmist
says I will
we cannot be too firm
in the holy resolve
to praise God
for it is the chief end
of our living and being
that we should glorify God
and enjoy him
forever
Amen
Thank you.