WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.339 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.820 --> 00:00:10.519 Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us. 00:00:12.480 --> 00:00:17.100 Amen. You are getting me very, very excited. 00:00:17.719 --> 00:00:23.440 Right now and for tonight, 10,000 reasons to praise the Lord. 00:00:23.440 --> 00:00:29.000 I think we've about hit that number this morning that we've called out. 00:00:30.579 --> 00:00:32.740 But I'm going to give us a few more here. 00:00:32.859 --> 00:00:35.359 More reasons to come back to worship night. 00:00:35.520 --> 00:00:44.420 I hope by the time we're through this morning, you will be so overflowing and eager to come and praise God with us. 00:00:44.780 --> 00:00:46.100 Should be a great night. 00:00:46.939 --> 00:00:53.000 Can you even imagine coming in here on a Sunday morning and there's no music at all? 00:00:54.340 --> 00:00:57.679 No singing the whole service? 00:00:57.679 --> 00:01:00.820 Sermons over an hour long? 00:01:01.960 --> 00:01:02.219 Wow. 00:01:02.420 --> 00:01:04.379 See, I knew y'all would be excited about that. 00:01:05.299 --> 00:01:07.439 I can't even imagine that, right? 00:01:07.439 --> 00:01:20.359 But thankfully, thankfully God has actually in His Word told us that part of worshiping Him individually and together is to sing His praise. 00:01:21.599 --> 00:01:27.959 We've seen lots of other words and emotions that the Psalms direct us to sing. 00:01:27.959 --> 00:01:33.419 But we're talking this morning about a hymn of praise. 00:01:34.519 --> 00:01:41.459 Maybe you've wondered when in this series will we actually get to the type of Psalm that we all think about first. 00:01:41.459 --> 00:01:44.079 Well, today. 00:01:44.079 --> 00:01:56.059 Actually, these last five Psalms, not just 147, but 146 through 150, all begin and end with the Hebrew hallelujah. 00:01:57.419 --> 00:02:00.379 Which means, praise the Lord. 00:02:00.379 --> 00:02:02.339 We say it. 00:02:02.719 --> 00:02:04.259 We sing it. 00:02:04.719 --> 00:02:10.740 We read it now in God's Word and then we'll talk about why we sing. 00:02:11.120 --> 00:02:13.180 Psalm 147. 00:02:14.199 --> 00:02:15.319 Praise the Lord. 00:02:16.019 --> 00:02:18.659 For it is good to sing praises to our God. 00:02:18.979 --> 00:02:21.960 For it is pleasant and a song of praise is fitting. 00:02:23.219 --> 00:02:24.719 The Lord builds up Jerusalem. 00:02:24.919 --> 00:02:26.699 He gathers the outcasts of Israel. 00:02:26.699 --> 00:02:30.119 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 00:02:30.479 --> 00:02:32.500 He determines the number of the stars. 00:02:32.639 --> 00:02:34.419 He gives to all of them their names. 00:02:34.979 --> 00:02:37.819 Great is our Lord and abundant in power. 00:02:38.379 --> 00:02:40.780 His understanding is beyond measure. 00:02:41.679 --> 00:02:42.899 The Lord lifts up the humble. 00:02:43.039 --> 00:02:45.000 He casts the wicked to the ground. 00:02:46.019 --> 00:02:48.000 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving. 00:02:48.359 --> 00:02:50.379 Make melody to our God on the lyre. 00:02:50.699 --> 00:02:52.399 He covers the heavens with clouds. 00:02:52.560 --> 00:02:54.179 He prepares rain for the earth. 00:02:54.259 --> 00:02:55.979 He makes grass grow on the hills. 00:02:55.979 --> 00:03:00.119 He gives to the beasts their food and to the young ravens that cry. 00:03:01.239 --> 00:03:05.379 His delight is not in the strength of the horse nor his pleasure in the legs of a man. 00:03:05.599 --> 00:03:09.219 But the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him. 00:03:09.519 --> 00:03:13.919 In those who hope in his steadfast love. 00:03:15.079 --> 00:03:16.439 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem. 00:03:16.699 --> 00:03:17.919 Praise your God, O Zion. 00:03:18.299 --> 00:03:20.280 For he strengthens the bars of your gates. 00:03:20.599 --> 00:03:22.439 He blesses your children within you. 00:03:22.799 --> 00:03:24.259 He makes peace in your borders. 00:03:24.259 --> 00:03:26.239 He fills you with the finest of the wheat. 00:03:26.479 --> 00:03:28.199 He sends out his command to the earth. 00:03:28.259 --> 00:03:29.379 His word runs swiftly. 00:03:30.019 --> 00:03:31.319 He gives snow like wool. 00:03:31.419 --> 00:03:33.060 He scatters frost like ashes. 00:03:33.659 --> 00:03:36.399 He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs. 00:03:36.679 --> 00:03:38.919 Who can stand before his cold? 00:03:39.620 --> 00:03:42.120 He sends out his word and melts them. 00:03:42.519 --> 00:03:44.659 He makes his wind blow and the waters flow. 00:03:45.039 --> 00:03:46.519 He declares his word to Jacob. 00:03:46.620 --> 00:03:48.319 His statutes and rules to Israel. 00:03:48.659 --> 00:03:50.659 He has not dealt thus with any other nation. 00:03:50.659 --> 00:03:52.099 They do not know his rules. 00:03:52.780 --> 00:03:54.819 Praise the Lord. 00:03:55.259 --> 00:03:55.819 Let's pray. 00:03:57.319 --> 00:03:59.680 Father, we do praise you. 00:04:00.680 --> 00:04:02.419 We gather for that purpose. 00:04:02.740 --> 00:04:05.300 And we ask now that you would help our hearts. 00:04:05.840 --> 00:04:10.300 Help our very souls at the core of who we are. 00:04:11.419 --> 00:04:12.639 To praise you. 00:04:12.639 --> 00:04:21.060 Give us eyes to see your glory and worth in a fresh way this morning. 00:04:23.399 --> 00:04:24.959 Holy Spirit, show us. 00:04:26.719 --> 00:04:29.300 From the word of God, the glory of God. 00:04:30.300 --> 00:04:31.339 We ask in his name. 00:04:32.099 --> 00:04:32.339 Amen. 00:04:32.339 --> 00:04:32.459 Amen. 00:04:32.459 --> 00:04:39.219 Why do we sing? 00:04:40.079 --> 00:04:41.079 In the car? 00:04:41.519 --> 00:04:42.479 In the shower? 00:04:42.839 --> 00:04:46.579 Especially perhaps here as we gather together? 00:04:46.579 --> 00:04:48.759 Why do we sing? 00:04:49.899 --> 00:04:56.879 When I started to answer that question, I did what perhaps many of you would do as well. 00:04:56.879 --> 00:05:01.199 I thought first about how singing impacts me. 00:05:02.399 --> 00:05:07.959 I guess that self-focus is the air we breathe, isn't it? 00:05:08.120 --> 00:05:11.100 If I'm going to do something, what's in it for me? 00:05:11.860 --> 00:05:13.779 And we will get to that in just a minute. 00:05:14.959 --> 00:05:22.560 But this psalm helpfully reminds us that the primary reason that we sing praise to God 00:05:22.560 --> 00:05:24.720 is that he is worthy. 00:05:25.800 --> 00:05:28.399 Worthy of all praise. 00:05:28.620 --> 00:05:30.180 Look at verse 1. 00:05:30.680 --> 00:05:31.800 Praise the Lord. 00:05:32.399 --> 00:05:32.860 Hallelujah. 00:05:34.660 --> 00:05:35.180 Why? 00:05:37.319 --> 00:05:38.939 For it is good. 00:05:39.480 --> 00:05:40.420 It's right. 00:05:41.600 --> 00:05:42.879 It is pleasant. 00:05:42.879 --> 00:05:46.459 It reflects his beauty and glory. 00:05:48.279 --> 00:05:51.160 And a song of praise is fitting. 00:05:52.560 --> 00:05:58.079 In other words, whether it has any positive effects on us or not, 00:05:58.879 --> 00:06:05.139 praising God is always appropriate, deserved, and right. 00:06:06.220 --> 00:06:14.300 You know, the idea of worship means ascribing worth to someone or something. 00:06:15.540 --> 00:06:20.079 Many people are worthy of being celebrated, even in song. 00:06:20.079 --> 00:06:23.659 Our hearts often express worth in song, don't they? 00:06:23.879 --> 00:06:31.039 When you go to a party for someone, you sing happy birthday to you, to them. 00:06:32.000 --> 00:06:39.799 If you are deemed especially worthy of someone's affections, he may write you a love song or poem. 00:06:39.800 --> 00:06:41.800 That seems fitting. 00:06:43.500 --> 00:06:55.000 What is always fitting for our God, Yahweh, the faithful, personal, covenant-keeping, one true God of the Bible, 00:06:55.360 --> 00:06:57.759 is songs of praise. 00:06:58.040 --> 00:07:02.819 No matter what is going on in our lives or in our world, 00:07:02.819 --> 00:07:09.060 God is always and uniquely worthy of praise. 00:07:09.540 --> 00:07:14.779 He is worthy of praise for no other reason even than who he is. 00:07:15.699 --> 00:07:19.800 If you read through the Psalms alone, when they call us to praise God, 00:07:19.879 --> 00:07:24.459 they also tell us what he's like to inspire our praise. 00:07:24.459 --> 00:07:30.539 I just want you to marvel for a few minutes this morning at some of these descriptions of God. 00:07:30.839 --> 00:07:39.019 I'm going to go through quite a few aspects of God's great character for which we are told to praise him. 00:07:39.099 --> 00:07:41.599 Just in the Psalms alone, I'm not even going to go beyond that. 00:07:41.659 --> 00:07:42.539 We'd be here all day. 00:07:44.179 --> 00:07:49.479 Every one of these would be worthy of all the praise we could give. 00:07:49.480 --> 00:07:53.980 I just want you to ponder them as I read through some of them. 00:07:54.040 --> 00:07:55.160 Close your eyes if you like. 00:07:56.540 --> 00:07:59.640 He is great and greatly to be praised. 00:08:00.720 --> 00:08:06.480 Yes, he's the mighty one in total control who deserves not just a small compliment, 00:08:06.819 --> 00:08:09.379 but all the praise we can muster. 00:08:10.720 --> 00:08:15.100 In fact, he has been king of all the earth from everlasting. 00:08:15.759 --> 00:08:18.120 There is nothing in this universe. 00:08:18.120 --> 00:08:23.399 He has ever been unaware of or out of control of. 00:08:23.480 --> 00:08:26.899 He has always been and always will be in charge. 00:08:28.220 --> 00:08:34.779 God is robed in majesty, clothed in light, 00:08:35.259 --> 00:08:40.120 so amazingly bright that we can't look upon his glory, right? 00:08:41.580 --> 00:08:44.120 Splendid in his holiness. 00:08:44.340 --> 00:08:47.519 It's radiating out from the glorious light. 00:08:47.519 --> 00:08:50.960 He's utterly unlike anyone or anything else. 00:08:52.879 --> 00:08:56.720 And he's good to all. 00:08:58.379 --> 00:09:01.340 He is the essence of goodness. 00:09:01.720 --> 00:09:05.159 Good is good because it's like him. 00:09:05.159 --> 00:09:11.799 As the one in charge, we're told to praise him as the righteous judge. 00:09:11.799 --> 00:09:19.019 To the point we praise him that justice and righteousness are the foundation of his throne. 00:09:19.019 --> 00:09:24.639 You can absolutely count on his doing what is right. 00:09:24.639 --> 00:09:30.439 Whether you can see it or not, in the grand scheme, from his throne over the whole universe, 00:09:30.659 --> 00:09:34.299 outside of time, he judges justly. 00:09:35.379 --> 00:09:39.659 And yet, he's slow to anger. 00:09:39.659 --> 00:09:42.659 Oh, yes. 00:09:43.120 --> 00:09:45.120 Praise the Lord, right? 00:09:45.439 --> 00:09:51.740 If he was eager to pour out his just wrath, to let off some steam, 00:09:52.019 --> 00:09:54.219 we wouldn't stand a chance. 00:09:55.100 --> 00:09:56.579 But he's patient. 00:09:56.580 --> 00:10:01.500 His very nature is forgiving. 00:10:03.420 --> 00:10:07.540 Yes, an answer to all of our sins. 00:10:08.560 --> 00:10:14.040 In fact, the Psalms repeatedly praise God for his steadfast love. 00:10:14.520 --> 00:10:18.240 They say the earth is full of it and it's better than life itself. 00:10:18.240 --> 00:10:23.560 Praise him that he keeps his promises to love, to provide. 00:10:24.399 --> 00:10:31.340 His very nature is love you can count on never to let you down and never to let you go. 00:10:31.620 --> 00:10:35.560 It's abounding, rushing out from his deepest heart, 00:10:35.759 --> 00:10:40.039 out through every pore of his being, steadfast love. 00:10:41.080 --> 00:10:44.820 So that he is abundant in mercy. 00:10:44.820 --> 00:10:48.080 Praise him. 00:10:48.160 --> 00:10:50.820 His mercy is more than our sins. 00:10:51.940 --> 00:10:55.220 It stretches to reach us when we're far off. 00:10:55.420 --> 00:10:59.280 It keeps coming when we're at our weakest, when we're at our worst. 00:10:59.440 --> 00:11:01.000 There's more mercy. 00:11:01.180 --> 00:11:05.940 And as a result, he's a stronghold for the oppressed. 00:11:07.400 --> 00:11:11.380 As amazingly great and awesome as he is, 00:11:11.379 --> 00:11:15.740 he is always a safe place to run. 00:11:16.279 --> 00:11:18.419 Whenever life hurts, we can run to him. 00:11:18.480 --> 00:11:20.460 His love never fails. 00:11:22.039 --> 00:11:25.299 So the psalmist praises Yahweh as his rock, 00:11:25.539 --> 00:11:29.539 his fortress, his deliverer, his shield. 00:11:30.179 --> 00:11:32.919 This God is utterly reliable. 00:11:32.919 --> 00:11:38.599 He's constantly protecting us, powerfully fighting for us. 00:11:38.979 --> 00:11:43.639 Nothing and no one can change his great character. 00:11:44.259 --> 00:11:51.459 In fact, as great as he is, praise him that he is faithful to all generations. 00:11:53.139 --> 00:11:57.919 All these glorious attributes of his character have been true since eternity past. 00:11:57.919 --> 00:12:04.019 They've shown up in relationship with his people for thousands and thousands of years. 00:12:04.339 --> 00:12:09.360 And they will never, ever change or diminish or stop. 00:12:09.719 --> 00:12:11.079 Praise the Lord, right? 00:12:12.259 --> 00:12:14.579 Praise the Lord. 00:12:16.399 --> 00:12:22.159 Isn't someone like that worthy of our songs of praise? 00:12:22.159 --> 00:12:23.159 Praise the Lord. 00:12:23.159 --> 00:12:28.699 And we haven't even gotten to all the things this glorious God has done. 00:12:28.959 --> 00:12:29.980 I get to keep going. 00:12:30.339 --> 00:12:34.120 His great deeds demonstrate his great character. 00:12:35.120 --> 00:12:35.860 Just a few. 00:12:36.120 --> 00:12:41.059 Consider his power and creativity in creation from this psalm. 00:12:41.139 --> 00:12:43.199 He determines the number of the stars. 00:12:44.219 --> 00:12:46.279 He gives to all of them their names. 00:12:46.399 --> 00:12:48.600 He covers the heavens with clouds. 00:12:48.799 --> 00:12:51.179 He prepares rain for the earth. 00:12:51.179 --> 00:12:52.219 Verse 16. 00:12:52.339 --> 00:12:54.019 He gives snow like wool. 00:12:54.120 --> 00:12:55.959 He scatters frost like ashes. 00:12:56.099 --> 00:12:59.199 He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs. 00:12:59.379 --> 00:13:01.519 Who can stand before his cold? 00:13:01.979 --> 00:13:04.620 And he sends out his word and melts them. 00:13:05.000 --> 00:13:08.279 He makes his wind blow and the waters flow. 00:13:08.599 --> 00:13:12.120 This is like Elsa like you can't imagine. 00:13:12.579 --> 00:13:15.019 It's beyond spinning out the ice. 00:13:15.019 --> 00:13:18.019 And then all he has to do is blow and it melts away. 00:13:18.019 --> 00:13:23.639 We can't even comprehend the number of stars in our galaxy. 00:13:23.639 --> 00:13:32.759 And he names the stars in all the galaxies and holds them in his hand. 00:13:33.699 --> 00:13:34.580 All of them. 00:13:34.580 --> 00:13:39.400 The universe at times humbles me. 00:13:39.520 --> 00:13:40.600 I hope it does you. 00:13:41.600 --> 00:13:45.960 Just knocks me to my knees at the powerful winds of a storm. 00:13:46.740 --> 00:13:49.100 The loud clash of thunder. 00:13:49.300 --> 00:13:51.920 The glorious majesty of the mountains. 00:13:52.040 --> 00:13:54.420 How about the sunrise at the beach? 00:13:54.419 --> 00:14:02.079 And y'all he powerfully spoke all of those into existence. 00:14:02.579 --> 00:14:09.179 How great and majestic and beautiful must he be? 00:14:09.179 --> 00:14:14.679 Consider his gracious acts of redemption. 00:14:15.939 --> 00:14:16.419 Verse 2. 00:14:17.239 --> 00:14:18.399 The Lord builds up Jerusalem. 00:14:18.559 --> 00:14:20.439 He gathers the outcasts of Israel. 00:14:20.779 --> 00:14:23.939 He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds. 00:14:24.239 --> 00:14:26.259 The Lord lifts up the humble. 00:14:27.139 --> 00:14:35.099 Can he even begin to imagine all of the grace and love and forgiveness and mercy 00:14:35.100 --> 00:14:38.720 he has shown through generation after generation. 00:14:39.040 --> 00:14:41.620 He remembers his covenant forever. 00:14:43.360 --> 00:14:48.100 When he leads his people through the Red Sea, they sing songs of praise. 00:14:48.740 --> 00:14:54.200 When he sends his son to the cross, immediately hymns of praise are written 00:14:54.200 --> 00:14:57.420 and we're still singing them and we're writing more of them. 00:14:57.419 --> 00:15:03.539 Other psalms praise him for raising the poor from the dust. 00:15:04.199 --> 00:15:07.000 Lifting the needy from the ash heap. 00:15:07.139 --> 00:15:09.759 Giving the barren woman a home. 00:15:10.339 --> 00:15:12.419 Oh, how he loves. 00:15:12.500 --> 00:15:14.339 Do you hear it over and over? 00:15:16.639 --> 00:15:20.000 Consider here his incredible deeds to sustain day by day. 00:15:20.879 --> 00:15:21.399 Verse 9. 00:15:21.519 --> 00:15:25.299 He gives to the beasts their food, to the young ravens that cry. 00:15:25.419 --> 00:15:26.240 Verse 13. 00:15:26.240 --> 00:15:28.360 He strengthens the bars of your gates. 00:15:28.460 --> 00:15:30.080 He blesses your children within you. 00:15:30.340 --> 00:15:31.779 He makes peace in your borders. 00:15:31.919 --> 00:15:33.639 He fills you with the finest of the wheat. 00:15:33.940 --> 00:15:35.360 He sends out his command to the earth. 00:15:35.440 --> 00:15:37.259 His word runs swiftly. 00:15:37.879 --> 00:15:39.940 Elsewhere, he gives food to the hungry. 00:15:40.560 --> 00:15:42.180 He watches over the sojourners. 00:15:42.539 --> 00:15:44.720 He upholds the widow and the fatherless. 00:15:44.940 --> 00:15:48.240 He upholds all who are falling and raises all who are bowed down. 00:15:48.620 --> 00:15:51.259 He satisfies the desire of every living thing. 00:15:52.039 --> 00:15:55.139 Y'all, that's a lot of people held in his heart 00:15:55.139 --> 00:15:58.179 and in his hand day by day. 00:15:58.259 --> 00:15:58.699 Isn't it? 00:15:59.419 --> 00:16:05.299 That is a tremendous creation being sustained by the word of his power. 00:16:05.299 --> 00:16:13.079 So, so many reasons to praise God for what he has done. 00:16:14.659 --> 00:16:20.659 And the psalm tells us these deeds are so great that we must sing. 00:16:20.659 --> 00:16:25.159 When I cry out and God delivers me from the mire. 00:16:25.500 --> 00:16:28.299 He sets my feet on a rock. 00:16:28.439 --> 00:16:28.539 Right? 00:16:28.659 --> 00:16:29.519 And what else? 00:16:30.219 --> 00:16:37.120 And he puts a new song in my mouth. 00:16:37.120 --> 00:16:40.799 It's a song of praise to our God. 00:16:41.580 --> 00:16:46.279 In fact, so many reasons for praise that people don't seem to be enough. 00:16:46.560 --> 00:16:51.500 The psalms depict singing trees, singing hills, singing mountains, 00:16:51.679 --> 00:16:53.960 and rivers clapping their hands. 00:16:54.320 --> 00:16:55.940 I don't even know rivers had hands. 00:16:56.240 --> 00:17:00.720 But they're clapping them in praise of God because he is great 00:17:00.720 --> 00:17:04.859 and greatly to be praised and all creation joins in. 00:17:04.859 --> 00:17:07.759 You remember when people were singing praise to him 00:17:07.759 --> 00:17:11.979 and others told Jesus, tell him to stop praising you. 00:17:12.500 --> 00:17:13.639 What did Jesus say? 00:17:15.099 --> 00:17:18.279 If they stop singing praise to me, 00:17:18.799 --> 00:17:23.459 these very stones will cry out. 00:17:24.339 --> 00:17:27.699 Friends, we better be singing his praises 00:17:27.699 --> 00:17:29.899 because if we leave it to the stones, 00:17:29.899 --> 00:17:34.000 you know that the tunes will all be rock and roll. 00:17:34.819 --> 00:17:38.259 And that, yes, that was as good as I thought it was going to be. 00:17:38.539 --> 00:17:38.880 Amen. 00:17:41.799 --> 00:17:44.240 Don't, I said that just so you'll remember. 00:17:44.460 --> 00:17:46.460 Don't leave it to the stones. 00:17:49.960 --> 00:17:53.519 It is our job to praise him. 00:17:54.079 --> 00:17:56.420 And all of creation joins in. 00:17:56.420 --> 00:18:01.580 If you're not convinced to sing praise to God by the direction of the psalms, 00:18:02.240 --> 00:18:05.940 one last reality to reflect on this morning. 00:18:06.200 --> 00:18:11.440 My dad taught me that music is the language of heaven. 00:18:13.340 --> 00:18:16.259 Yes, God tells us to sing praise to him. 00:18:16.960 --> 00:18:21.740 And when we get a glimpse of what's happening in the throne room of heaven, 00:18:21.740 --> 00:18:26.880 if you could pull back and peek around the corner right now this morning 00:18:26.880 --> 00:18:28.660 into the throne room of heaven, 00:18:28.980 --> 00:18:31.279 how do all of those there who are perfect, 00:18:31.740 --> 00:18:36.299 how do they respond in the presence of our glorious God? 00:18:37.960 --> 00:18:41.339 The chorus begins with four living creatures 00:18:41.339 --> 00:18:44.059 who day and night sing, 00:18:44.559 --> 00:18:47.960 holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty 00:18:47.960 --> 00:18:50.920 who was and is and is to come. 00:18:51.140 --> 00:18:52.720 And 24 elders worship, 00:18:53.059 --> 00:18:55.360 saying, worthy are you, our Lord and God, 00:18:55.460 --> 00:18:58.259 to receive glory and honor and power. 00:18:58.460 --> 00:18:59.860 For you created all things, 00:18:59.920 --> 00:19:02.620 and by your will they existed and were created. 00:19:03.259 --> 00:19:05.059 And when they look up and see the Lamb, 00:19:05.340 --> 00:19:07.460 together they sing more of his worth. 00:19:07.600 --> 00:19:09.240 Worthy are you to take the scroll 00:19:09.240 --> 00:19:10.680 and to open its seals, 00:19:10.819 --> 00:19:11.759 for you were slain, 00:19:12.039 --> 00:19:14.460 and by your blood you ransomed people for God 00:19:14.460 --> 00:19:18.240 from every tribe and language and people and nation. 00:19:18.240 --> 00:19:21.920 And this chorus builds as they're joined by myriads 00:19:21.920 --> 00:19:25.079 and myriads of angels singing loudly, 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:27.360 worthy is the Lamb who was slain 00:19:27.360 --> 00:19:30.539 to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might 00:19:30.539 --> 00:19:33.220 and honor and glory and blessing. 00:19:33.579 --> 00:19:35.940 And taking up the cue from myriads of angels 00:19:35.940 --> 00:19:39.120 are every creature in heaven and earth 00:19:39.120 --> 00:19:40.740 and under the earth and in the sea 00:19:40.740 --> 00:19:43.240 singing to him who sits on the throne 00:19:43.240 --> 00:19:45.579 and to the Lamb be blessing and honor 00:19:45.579 --> 00:19:48.680 and glory and might forever and ever. 00:19:49.039 --> 00:19:52.539 And finally, as this great crescendo builds, 00:19:52.759 --> 00:19:54.599 a voice of a great multitude, 00:19:55.279 --> 00:19:57.099 like the roar of many waters 00:19:57.099 --> 00:20:00.660 and the sound of mighty peals of thunder 00:20:00.660 --> 00:20:02.740 crying out, hallelujah, 00:20:03.339 --> 00:20:07.220 salvation and glory and power belongs to our God, 00:20:07.339 --> 00:20:09.299 for his judgments are true and just. 00:20:09.620 --> 00:20:12.200 Hallelujah for the Lord our God, 00:20:12.200 --> 00:20:14.000 the Almighty reigns. 00:20:14.200 --> 00:20:17.660 Let us rejoice and exalt and give him the glory. 00:20:19.940 --> 00:20:22.120 Heaven agrees. 00:20:23.500 --> 00:20:26.200 There's nothing more fitting, 00:20:26.759 --> 00:20:28.960 more pleasant, 00:20:29.920 --> 00:20:31.259 more good 00:20:31.259 --> 00:20:33.840 than singing praise 00:20:33.840 --> 00:20:38.000 to the God who is greatly to be praised. 00:20:38.000 --> 00:20:40.000 He is worthy. 00:20:40.000 --> 00:20:40.500 He is worthy. 00:20:40.839 --> 00:20:41.099 Amen? 00:20:44.740 --> 00:20:46.180 But we're living 00:20:46.180 --> 00:20:50.980 in the midst of a crisis 00:20:50.980 --> 00:20:53.839 of worth and worship. 00:20:54.740 --> 00:20:58.980 Let me tell you what I would say to describe that. 00:20:59.880 --> 00:21:01.519 Imagine, if you will, 00:21:02.160 --> 00:21:05.000 that thieves break into Target overnight. 00:21:05.000 --> 00:21:05.799 Overnight. 00:21:05.799 --> 00:21:06.319 Okay? 00:21:06.799 --> 00:21:08.299 It's a big heist. 00:21:08.759 --> 00:21:08.880 Okay? 00:21:09.339 --> 00:21:12.160 They disable the alarms. 00:21:12.700 --> 00:21:16.779 They stay in the store undetected for several hours. 00:21:17.319 --> 00:21:21.359 And they leave and take absolutely nothing with them. 00:21:22.940 --> 00:21:26.359 Instead, what they do is they run around all over the store 00:21:26.359 --> 00:21:31.099 swapping price tags and barcodes on different items. 00:21:31.099 --> 00:21:33.240 They do that all night. 00:21:33.319 --> 00:21:34.759 They swap things all over the store. 00:21:35.039 --> 00:21:36.659 So tomorrow morning, 00:21:36.919 --> 00:21:38.779 when you go in to Target, 00:21:39.059 --> 00:21:41.099 what happens before anyone notices 00:21:41.099 --> 00:21:45.279 is that a new flat screen smart TV is $5 00:21:45.279 --> 00:21:48.399 and a new pair of socks is $500. 00:21:49.839 --> 00:21:53.699 A package of filet mignon steaks is $1 00:21:53.699 --> 00:21:55.879 and a pack of gum is $50. 00:21:55.880 --> 00:22:02.700 The Star Wars Superstar Destroyer Lego set, 00:22:02.940 --> 00:22:05.280 bigger than you can fit in the trunk of your car, 00:22:05.660 --> 00:22:06.320 is $10. 00:22:07.760 --> 00:22:13.160 And the tiny little box of baby Legos, $1,800. 00:22:15.560 --> 00:22:16.360 What? 00:22:19.140 --> 00:22:23.100 The thieves are making out great. 00:22:23.099 --> 00:22:25.839 How many TVs would you buy at $5? 00:22:27.899 --> 00:22:30.019 And all they had to do 00:22:30.019 --> 00:22:33.980 was swap some price tags and barcodes, 00:22:34.719 --> 00:22:37.500 change what things were worth, 00:22:37.980 --> 00:22:40.000 and they'd do a lot of damage, right? 00:22:41.659 --> 00:22:45.019 Our culture has told us 00:22:45.019 --> 00:22:48.639 that we can determine what's valuable, 00:22:49.379 --> 00:22:50.579 what's worthy. 00:22:50.579 --> 00:22:52.439 We can do that for ourselves. 00:22:52.559 --> 00:22:53.519 Everybody can. 00:22:54.179 --> 00:22:55.179 In a sense, 00:22:55.379 --> 00:22:57.399 we've all been allowed in 00:22:57.399 --> 00:22:59.460 to swap price tags 00:22:59.460 --> 00:23:00.579 with the impression 00:23:00.579 --> 00:23:02.019 that it won't hurt anyone. 00:23:04.079 --> 00:23:05.799 What's really worthy? 00:23:07.799 --> 00:23:10.960 A good friend who is there for you 00:23:10.960 --> 00:23:12.619 over the long haul? 00:23:13.500 --> 00:23:15.639 Or fitting in with the in crowd? 00:23:15.640 --> 00:23:20.100 Impressive personal experiences 00:23:20.100 --> 00:23:23.340 or enriching the lives of others? 00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:27.560 Loving parents 00:23:27.560 --> 00:23:32.020 or people who make you feel cool and comfortable? 00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:35.980 What's really worthy? 00:23:37.240 --> 00:23:40.460 The God of the universe? 00:23:41.759 --> 00:23:42.819 Knowing Him? 00:23:43.500 --> 00:23:44.720 Walking with Him? 00:23:45.279 --> 00:23:48.139 Praising Him forever and ever? 00:23:49.900 --> 00:23:53.519 Or being who you want to be? 00:23:54.519 --> 00:23:56.400 Doing what makes you feel good? 00:23:56.500 --> 00:23:58.960 Ringing everything you can out of life 00:23:58.960 --> 00:24:00.819 in this world every day you get. 00:24:03.980 --> 00:24:06.620 That's a crisis, I say. 00:24:07.960 --> 00:24:12.079 Because if we're not clear on what's worthy, 00:24:12.480 --> 00:24:15.600 how in the world do you live a life 00:24:15.600 --> 00:24:17.900 with any sort of purpose 00:24:17.900 --> 00:24:19.519 for what's really worthwhile? 00:24:20.640 --> 00:24:24.559 How would you know what's worth living your life for each day? 00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:27.819 In this world where people have switched values up, 00:24:28.119 --> 00:24:31.240 the values of God's kingdom seem upside down, 00:24:31.480 --> 00:24:34.079 and we often struggle to discern for ourselves 00:24:34.079 --> 00:24:36.079 what's really worthy, don't we? 00:24:37.240 --> 00:24:40.319 Quite often, our lives and our lips 00:24:40.319 --> 00:24:43.799 don't praise the God who is most worthy. 00:24:45.139 --> 00:24:48.059 Our hearts need help. 00:24:48.059 --> 00:24:53.579 We sing to help our hearts 00:24:53.579 --> 00:24:55.919 as well as to honor our God. 00:24:57.659 --> 00:25:00.500 C.S. Lewis, in his Abolition of Man, 00:25:00.919 --> 00:25:04.099 writes about what he calls men without chests, 00:25:04.639 --> 00:25:08.500 people, all of us who need emotions 00:25:08.500 --> 00:25:13.059 organized by trained habit into stable sentiments. 00:25:13.059 --> 00:25:15.940 What he means, I dare say, 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:21.399 is we need hearts that value correctly, 00:25:22.599 --> 00:25:27.460 that see price tags put back on the correct items, 00:25:27.639 --> 00:25:31.179 that recognize what is really worthy. 00:25:31.559 --> 00:25:34.379 We desperately need hearts like that. 00:25:34.579 --> 00:25:36.940 That's what it would mean to love God 00:25:36.940 --> 00:25:38.839 with our whole hearts, right? 00:25:39.700 --> 00:25:42.419 Lewis, agreeing with Aristotle, writes, 00:25:42.420 --> 00:25:46.360 the transition from thinking to doing 00:25:46.360 --> 00:25:49.420 in nearly all men at all moments 00:25:49.420 --> 00:25:54.279 needs to be assisted by the appropriate states of feeling. 00:25:55.920 --> 00:25:58.420 If we're going to invest our lives 00:25:58.420 --> 00:26:00.460 in worthwhile pursuits, 00:26:00.720 --> 00:26:02.600 if we're going to spend our energies 00:26:02.600 --> 00:26:04.519 on the truly valuable, 00:26:04.740 --> 00:26:08.380 if we're going to sing to the truly praiseworthy, 00:26:08.380 --> 00:26:11.320 our hearts, our deepest affections, 00:26:11.320 --> 00:26:14.540 our deepest affections must be set right. 00:26:15.200 --> 00:26:20.200 Find what is lovely and excellent and praiseworthy 00:26:20.200 --> 00:26:22.320 and think about such things. 00:26:22.740 --> 00:26:25.000 This sets our minds right, 00:26:25.540 --> 00:26:26.780 Philippians 4 says. 00:26:27.980 --> 00:26:30.780 If we sing about such things, 00:26:31.160 --> 00:26:34.680 we help set our hearts right. 00:26:34.680 --> 00:26:38.340 So we sing praise to God, 00:26:38.700 --> 00:26:41.100 not only because He is worthy, 00:26:41.680 --> 00:26:42.460 and He is, 00:26:43.220 --> 00:26:46.220 but also to direct our hearts 00:26:46.220 --> 00:26:49.759 towards God's worth, 00:26:50.019 --> 00:26:53.660 to draw them back from the worthless idols 00:26:53.660 --> 00:26:56.380 that they tend to chase after. 00:26:56.500 --> 00:26:57.860 What things do we sing about? 00:26:57.900 --> 00:27:00.820 We sing about bodies looking good. 00:27:00.819 --> 00:27:03.960 We sing about unrestrained violence 00:27:03.960 --> 00:27:05.579 and self-indulgence. 00:27:05.799 --> 00:27:09.240 We sing about football and touchdowns. 00:27:09.439 --> 00:27:12.500 We sing about all of those things. 00:27:13.220 --> 00:27:15.439 And sometimes, because we do, 00:27:15.539 --> 00:27:16.679 we begin to think 00:27:16.679 --> 00:27:19.779 that those things are more worthy 00:27:19.779 --> 00:27:21.659 of our heart's affections 00:27:21.659 --> 00:27:24.819 than the incomparable God 00:27:25.500 --> 00:27:26.980 that we've been talking about 00:27:26.980 --> 00:27:28.139 from His Word this morning. 00:27:28.140 --> 00:27:32.920 Henry Scugel wrote centuries ago, 00:27:34.680 --> 00:27:37.680 the worth and excellency of a soul 00:27:37.680 --> 00:27:39.440 is to be measured 00:27:39.440 --> 00:27:42.980 by the object of His love. 00:27:44.440 --> 00:27:45.420 How do you know 00:27:45.420 --> 00:27:47.020 whether you truly are 00:27:47.020 --> 00:27:48.140 at your innermost person? 00:27:49.040 --> 00:27:50.000 Who that is, 00:27:50.000 --> 00:27:52.800 is excellent and on track? 00:27:52.880 --> 00:27:53.500 How do you know? 00:27:55.500 --> 00:27:56.580 What do you love? 00:27:56.579 --> 00:28:01.259 Do you see the most worthy 00:28:01.259 --> 00:28:03.939 as the most worthy? 00:28:04.740 --> 00:28:08.319 That will set the course of your life. 00:28:09.720 --> 00:28:11.379 That's why we sing, 00:28:12.559 --> 00:28:13.879 I'd rather have Jesus 00:28:13.879 --> 00:28:16.079 than silver or gold, 00:28:16.339 --> 00:28:17.659 houses or lands, 00:28:17.939 --> 00:28:19.179 worldwide fame, 00:28:19.419 --> 00:28:20.519 men's applause, 00:28:20.819 --> 00:28:24.419 anything this world affords today. 00:28:24.420 --> 00:28:27.279 That may not be always 00:28:27.279 --> 00:28:29.100 the emotion of my heart 00:28:29.100 --> 00:28:30.259 when I stand before 00:28:30.259 --> 00:28:31.660 a tempting decision, 00:28:32.620 --> 00:28:33.680 but I'm singing 00:28:33.680 --> 00:28:36.400 to shape my heart that way. 00:28:37.580 --> 00:28:39.180 I may feel like 00:28:39.180 --> 00:28:40.279 much of my life 00:28:40.279 --> 00:28:41.620 is lived for me, 00:28:41.759 --> 00:28:42.580 for my goals, 00:28:42.700 --> 00:28:43.400 my comfort, 00:28:43.740 --> 00:28:44.539 my success, 00:28:44.759 --> 00:28:46.019 but I sing 00:28:46.019 --> 00:28:47.500 all for Jesus, 00:28:47.960 --> 00:28:49.400 all for Jesus, 00:28:49.600 --> 00:28:50.460 all my thoughts 00:28:50.460 --> 00:28:51.800 and words and doings, 00:28:51.799 --> 00:28:53.019 all my days 00:28:53.019 --> 00:28:54.419 and all my hours 00:28:54.419 --> 00:28:56.819 because I want 00:28:56.819 --> 00:28:58.220 more and more 00:28:58.220 --> 00:29:00.180 to live for Him 00:29:00.180 --> 00:29:03.680 because it helps me remember 00:29:03.680 --> 00:29:05.139 when I don't want 00:29:05.139 --> 00:29:07.099 to enter into conversation, 00:29:07.240 --> 00:29:08.000 it's not convenient 00:29:08.000 --> 00:29:09.500 to talk to one of those 00:29:09.500 --> 00:29:10.419 three people 00:29:10.419 --> 00:29:12.480 that I'm praying for this year 00:29:12.480 --> 00:29:13.559 like you are, 00:29:13.619 --> 00:29:14.500 that I want them 00:29:14.500 --> 00:29:15.700 to come to know Jesus. 00:29:15.700 --> 00:29:17.440 it reminds me 00:29:17.440 --> 00:29:19.080 that I'm here for Him, 00:29:19.580 --> 00:29:21.539 not for my schedule 00:29:21.539 --> 00:29:22.480 and agenda. 00:29:23.039 --> 00:29:23.200 Y'all, 00:29:23.299 --> 00:29:24.319 I struggle 00:29:24.319 --> 00:29:26.160 to start those conversations, 00:29:27.039 --> 00:29:28.840 but by God's grace, 00:29:29.019 --> 00:29:30.059 it's happening. 00:29:30.720 --> 00:29:31.259 Some, 00:29:31.840 --> 00:29:32.519 it's starting. 00:29:32.860 --> 00:29:35.220 If my affections are right, 00:29:35.640 --> 00:29:37.580 they help my actions. 00:29:38.240 --> 00:29:39.539 What is the object 00:29:39.539 --> 00:29:42.700 of my soul's love? 00:29:42.700 --> 00:29:46.840 God tells us 00:29:46.840 --> 00:29:47.900 to train our hearts 00:29:47.900 --> 00:29:49.420 with our songs, 00:29:49.519 --> 00:29:50.019 to do that 00:29:50.019 --> 00:29:50.819 for one another. 00:29:51.019 --> 00:29:53.019 Ephesians chapter 5, 00:29:54.259 --> 00:29:55.700 addressing one another 00:29:55.700 --> 00:29:56.759 in psalms 00:29:56.759 --> 00:29:57.440 and hymns 00:29:57.440 --> 00:29:58.660 and spiritual songs, 00:29:58.980 --> 00:30:00.019 singing and making melody 00:30:00.019 --> 00:30:00.440 to the Lord 00:30:00.440 --> 00:30:01.080 with your heart. 00:30:01.539 --> 00:30:03.120 In Colossians chapter 3, 00:30:03.220 --> 00:30:04.620 it's a similar idea. 00:30:04.880 --> 00:30:05.720 The word of Christ 00:30:05.720 --> 00:30:06.299 is going to dwell 00:30:06.299 --> 00:30:07.140 in you richly 00:30:07.140 --> 00:30:08.180 as you teach 00:30:08.180 --> 00:30:09.539 and admonish one another 00:30:09.539 --> 00:30:10.259 in all wisdom, 00:30:10.680 --> 00:30:11.720 singing psalms 00:30:11.720 --> 00:30:12.440 and hymns 00:30:12.440 --> 00:30:13.920 and spiritual songs. 00:30:14.600 --> 00:30:15.080 Yes, 00:30:15.140 --> 00:30:16.180 we sing first 00:30:16.180 --> 00:30:16.860 and primarily 00:30:16.860 --> 00:30:17.700 to God, 00:30:17.820 --> 00:30:19.320 but God directs us also 00:30:19.320 --> 00:30:20.660 to sing to one another 00:30:20.660 --> 00:30:22.299 to call our hearts back 00:30:22.299 --> 00:30:24.019 to what is truly worthy 00:30:24.019 --> 00:30:25.160 because our hearts 00:30:25.160 --> 00:30:26.120 are prone to wander, 00:30:26.279 --> 00:30:26.559 yes? 00:30:27.640 --> 00:30:28.539 Because our hearts 00:30:28.539 --> 00:30:29.580 need to be tuned 00:30:29.580 --> 00:30:31.039 in order to sing 00:30:31.039 --> 00:30:32.039 God's grace. 00:30:34.240 --> 00:30:35.360 Notice how this psalm 00:30:35.360 --> 00:30:36.900 briefly turns its attention 00:30:36.900 --> 00:30:37.680 not merely 00:30:37.680 --> 00:30:38.779 to praising God, 00:30:39.519 --> 00:30:40.740 but at the same time 00:30:40.740 --> 00:30:41.400 to the emotions 00:30:41.400 --> 00:30:43.079 of our hearts. 00:30:43.220 --> 00:30:44.200 Verse 7, 00:30:44.660 --> 00:30:45.900 sing to the Lord 00:30:45.900 --> 00:30:48.259 with thanksgiving. 00:30:48.839 --> 00:30:50.620 Not just what to do outwardly, 00:30:50.759 --> 00:30:52.039 what's happening in here, 00:30:52.339 --> 00:30:53.059 thanksgiving. 00:30:53.279 --> 00:30:54.799 What an appropriate emotion, 00:30:54.940 --> 00:30:55.140 right? 00:30:55.400 --> 00:30:56.539 In light of all 00:30:56.539 --> 00:30:58.059 that God has done for us, 00:30:58.519 --> 00:31:00.319 for the gracious gift 00:31:00.319 --> 00:31:02.160 of relationship with Him, 00:31:02.259 --> 00:31:03.680 eternal salvation, 00:31:03.880 --> 00:31:04.299 we sing, 00:31:04.700 --> 00:31:05.220 thank you, 00:31:05.220 --> 00:31:07.120 Jesus for the blood. 00:31:08.519 --> 00:31:09.819 For His daily provision 00:31:09.819 --> 00:31:11.240 and His faithful care, 00:31:11.600 --> 00:31:12.079 we sing, 00:31:12.400 --> 00:31:14.920 great is Thy faithfulness, 00:31:15.180 --> 00:31:16.400 O God my Father. 00:31:19.400 --> 00:31:20.400 Then verse 11, 00:31:20.880 --> 00:31:21.779 as we sing, 00:31:22.039 --> 00:31:23.460 we realize God's delight 00:31:23.460 --> 00:31:25.380 is in those who fear Him. 00:31:25.700 --> 00:31:27.220 We grow in appropriate awe 00:31:27.880 --> 00:31:28.759 of Him 00:31:28.759 --> 00:31:30.360 as majestic creator 00:31:30.360 --> 00:31:31.860 and sovereign king 00:31:31.860 --> 00:31:33.500 and gracious redeemer. 00:31:33.500 --> 00:31:36.019 how great thou art. 00:31:36.680 --> 00:31:38.059 Doesn't singing that 00:31:38.059 --> 00:31:39.119 help your heart 00:31:39.119 --> 00:31:40.140 in ways that listening 00:31:40.140 --> 00:31:41.220 to me talk doesn't? 00:31:42.339 --> 00:31:43.880 Doesn't it move you 00:31:43.880 --> 00:31:44.619 in a different way? 00:31:44.720 --> 00:31:45.799 Doesn't it touch 00:31:45.799 --> 00:31:47.339 something different in you? 00:31:47.599 --> 00:31:49.059 God gives His people 00:31:49.059 --> 00:31:50.519 songs to sing 00:31:50.519 --> 00:31:51.700 to that end 00:31:51.700 --> 00:31:52.480 because He cares 00:31:52.480 --> 00:31:53.240 about our hearts. 00:31:55.160 --> 00:31:55.799 Finally, 00:31:55.900 --> 00:31:56.359 our hope. 00:31:59.079 --> 00:31:59.700 Friends, 00:31:59.779 --> 00:32:01.019 we hope in a lot of things, 00:32:01.160 --> 00:32:01.500 don't we? 00:32:01.500 --> 00:32:04.500 Can we be honest 00:32:04.500 --> 00:32:05.359 about that for a minute? 00:32:07.140 --> 00:32:07.819 They include 00:32:07.819 --> 00:32:08.839 our own strengths 00:32:08.839 --> 00:32:09.519 and abilities. 00:32:09.700 --> 00:32:11.079 Verse 10 warns about that. 00:32:13.000 --> 00:32:14.400 Our own experiences 00:32:14.400 --> 00:32:15.140 and pleasures, 00:32:15.380 --> 00:32:16.220 our own possessions 00:32:16.220 --> 00:32:17.500 and comforts. 00:32:18.319 --> 00:32:20.019 But we need 00:32:20.019 --> 00:32:21.180 our hearts 00:32:21.180 --> 00:32:22.180 to hope 00:32:22.180 --> 00:32:24.400 in one place. 00:32:25.720 --> 00:32:26.799 In God 00:32:26.799 --> 00:32:29.039 and His steadfast love 00:32:29.039 --> 00:32:29.940 that endures 00:32:29.940 --> 00:32:31.279 forever. 00:32:32.680 --> 00:32:34.419 That's really hard, 00:32:34.759 --> 00:32:35.259 isn't it? 00:32:36.440 --> 00:32:37.440 Moment by moment 00:32:37.440 --> 00:32:38.500 to have your hope 00:32:38.500 --> 00:32:39.639 set there. 00:32:40.019 --> 00:32:41.279 And so we sing 00:32:41.279 --> 00:32:42.339 of the day 00:32:42.339 --> 00:32:43.519 when our faith 00:32:43.519 --> 00:32:44.559 is made sight 00:32:44.559 --> 00:32:45.759 and the clouds 00:32:45.759 --> 00:32:46.899 are rolled back 00:32:46.899 --> 00:32:47.599 as a scroll 00:32:47.599 --> 00:32:48.460 and the trump 00:32:48.460 --> 00:32:49.039 resounds 00:32:49.039 --> 00:32:49.919 and the Lord 00:32:49.919 --> 00:32:50.480 descends 00:32:50.480 --> 00:32:51.440 and it is well 00:32:51.440 --> 00:32:52.599 with my soul. 00:32:53.180 --> 00:32:53.799 I am bound 00:32:53.799 --> 00:32:56.579 bound for the promised land 00:32:56.579 --> 00:32:59.079 where we will feast 00:32:59.079 --> 00:33:00.440 in the house 00:33:00.440 --> 00:33:01.500 of Zion. 00:33:01.859 --> 00:33:03.119 We will sing 00:33:03.119 --> 00:33:04.539 with our hearts 00:33:04.539 --> 00:33:05.819 restored. 00:33:07.279 --> 00:33:09.059 And we call our hearts 00:33:09.059 --> 00:33:10.240 as we do. 00:33:10.659 --> 00:33:12.359 We shape our hearts 00:33:12.359 --> 00:33:14.079 as we sing those songs 00:33:14.079 --> 00:33:15.039 to hope 00:33:15.039 --> 00:33:16.079 there 00:33:16.079 --> 00:33:17.359 and in Him 00:33:17.359 --> 00:33:18.639 rather than hoping 00:33:18.639 --> 00:33:19.220 and feeling 00:33:19.220 --> 00:33:20.220 better now 00:33:20.220 --> 00:33:20.799 or finding fulfillment 00:33:20.799 --> 00:33:21.940 fulfillment here. 00:33:22.220 --> 00:33:23.899 No, it's in Jesus. 00:33:27.899 --> 00:33:29.139 I remember talking 00:33:29.139 --> 00:33:31.220 with Delilah Harris. 00:33:31.879 --> 00:33:32.819 Some of you know her. 00:33:34.779 --> 00:33:35.460 Precious 00:33:35.460 --> 00:33:37.579 early Southwood member 00:33:37.579 --> 00:33:39.659 who was widowed 00:33:39.659 --> 00:33:41.240 for many years 00:33:41.240 --> 00:33:44.019 before just a few years ago 00:33:44.019 --> 00:33:44.619 herself 00:33:44.619 --> 00:33:45.619 going home 00:33:45.619 --> 00:33:46.480 to be with Jesus. 00:33:48.399 --> 00:33:49.859 I remember a conversation 00:33:49.859 --> 00:33:53.519 where she said 00:33:53.519 --> 00:33:54.399 how much she struggled 00:33:54.399 --> 00:33:55.500 with loneliness. 00:33:57.399 --> 00:33:58.240 We talked about 00:33:58.240 --> 00:33:59.299 how she battled that 00:33:59.299 --> 00:33:59.939 and maintained 00:33:59.939 --> 00:34:01.539 this hope in God 00:34:01.539 --> 00:34:02.819 that she seemed to have. 00:34:02.879 --> 00:34:04.039 She prayed so much. 00:34:06.079 --> 00:34:06.979 She said for her 00:34:06.979 --> 00:34:08.440 if she could only 00:34:08.440 --> 00:34:10.779 sing an old hymn 00:34:10.779 --> 00:34:12.000 when she didn't 00:34:12.000 --> 00:34:13.319 feel like it 00:34:13.319 --> 00:34:16.759 it would remind her 00:34:16.759 --> 00:34:19.019 of who God was 00:34:19.019 --> 00:34:20.599 and that 00:34:20.599 --> 00:34:21.259 and that He was 00:34:21.259 --> 00:34:22.500 really there 00:34:22.500 --> 00:34:23.539 with her 00:34:23.539 --> 00:34:25.000 that He really 00:34:25.000 --> 00:34:26.039 loved her 00:34:26.039 --> 00:34:26.340 and that 00:34:26.340 --> 00:34:27.579 all the time 00:34:27.579 --> 00:34:28.219 as the song 00:34:28.219 --> 00:34:28.860 she loved went 00:34:28.860 --> 00:34:29.739 He was walking 00:34:29.739 --> 00:34:30.960 and talking 00:34:30.960 --> 00:34:32.739 with her 00:34:32.739 --> 00:34:35.119 and I can still 00:34:35.119 --> 00:34:35.860 hear her saying 00:34:35.860 --> 00:34:38.139 that's true 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:40.300 that is true 00:34:40.300 --> 00:34:42.360 He will do it. 00:34:42.360 --> 00:34:45.460 some of you 00:34:45.460 --> 00:34:45.920 have told me 00:34:45.920 --> 00:34:47.099 you struggle 00:34:47.099 --> 00:34:47.620 to sing 00:34:47.620 --> 00:34:48.180 when you're 00:34:48.180 --> 00:34:49.620 really hurting 00:34:49.620 --> 00:34:51.880 a couple of our 00:34:51.880 --> 00:34:52.500 older members 00:34:52.500 --> 00:34:53.880 have told me 00:34:53.880 --> 00:34:55.460 that's part of why 00:34:55.460 --> 00:34:56.320 they love being 00:34:56.320 --> 00:34:56.840 here 00:34:56.840 --> 00:34:58.140 so much 00:34:58.140 --> 00:34:59.480 with God's people 00:34:59.480 --> 00:35:00.660 to worship 00:35:00.660 --> 00:35:02.440 they don't like 00:35:02.440 --> 00:35:03.280 to hear their own 00:35:03.280 --> 00:35:03.780 voice 00:35:03.780 --> 00:35:05.300 singing alone 00:35:05.300 --> 00:35:06.519 perhaps off pitch 00:35:06.519 --> 00:35:09.719 but you come 00:35:09.719 --> 00:35:10.059 here 00:35:10.059 --> 00:35:12.280 and others 00:35:12.280 --> 00:35:12.860 can sing 00:35:12.860 --> 00:35:13.539 with you 00:35:13.539 --> 00:35:16.280 even for you 00:35:16.280 --> 00:35:18.380 when you can't 00:35:18.380 --> 00:35:19.599 you come here 00:35:19.599 --> 00:35:21.539 and the amen 00:35:21.539 --> 00:35:23.639 the hallelujah 00:35:23.639 --> 00:35:24.960 sounds 00:35:24.960 --> 00:35:26.199 from God's 00:35:26.199 --> 00:35:26.820 people 00:35:26.820 --> 00:35:27.519 again 00:35:27.519 --> 00:35:28.599 and helps 00:35:28.599 --> 00:35:29.579 your heart 00:35:29.579 --> 00:35:30.699 point 00:35:30.699 --> 00:35:31.599 again 00:35:31.599 --> 00:35:32.920 to true north 00:35:32.920 --> 00:35:34.880 the God 00:35:34.880 --> 00:35:35.599 who is worthy 00:35:35.599 --> 00:35:37.139 who is great 00:35:37.139 --> 00:35:38.619 and greatly 00:35:38.619 --> 00:35:40.220 to be praised 00:35:40.220 --> 00:35:42.639 Father 00:35:42.639 --> 00:35:44.300 we bow 00:35:44.300 --> 00:35:45.000 before you 00:35:45.000 --> 00:35:45.619 in worship 00:35:45.619 --> 00:35:49.860 we praise you 00:35:49.860 --> 00:35:50.659 because you are 00:35:50.659 --> 00:35:51.700 greater than our 00:35:51.700 --> 00:35:53.039 minds can comprehend 00:35:53.039 --> 00:35:53.740 this morning 00:35:53.740 --> 00:35:57.760 you're here with us 00:35:57.760 --> 00:35:59.200 inhabiting the praises 00:35:59.200 --> 00:36:00.000 of your people 00:36:00.000 --> 00:36:03.440 you're with brothers 00:36:03.440 --> 00:36:04.000 and sisters 00:36:04.000 --> 00:36:04.460 of ours 00:36:04.460 --> 00:36:05.199 who are not here 00:36:05.199 --> 00:36:05.719 this morning 00:36:05.719 --> 00:36:07.179 and are broken 00:36:07.179 --> 00:36:07.719 hearted 00:36:07.719 --> 00:36:10.480 and you're meeting 00:36:10.480 --> 00:36:11.019 them there 00:36:11.019 --> 00:36:14.820 how great you are 00:36:14.820 --> 00:36:17.440 how awesome 00:36:17.440 --> 00:36:18.940 is your name 00:36:18.940 --> 00:36:21.619 forgive us 00:36:21.619 --> 00:36:22.260 for forgetting 00:36:22.260 --> 00:36:24.800 put a new song 00:36:24.800 --> 00:36:25.980 in our mouth 00:36:25.980 --> 00:36:27.619 a hymn of praise 00:36:27.619 --> 00:36:28.300 to our God 00:36:28.300 --> 00:36:29.300 may we not merely 00:36:29.300 --> 00:36:30.280 sing it this morning 00:36:30.280 --> 00:36:31.260 may we not 00:36:31.260 --> 00:36:32.280 merely gather 00:36:32.280 --> 00:36:33.180 and sing it 00:36:33.180 --> 00:36:33.720 tonight 00:36:33.720 --> 00:36:35.620 give us 00:36:35.620 --> 00:36:36.500 hearts 00:36:36.500 --> 00:36:37.240 to sing 00:36:37.240 --> 00:36:38.740 moment by moment 00:36:38.740 --> 00:36:39.580 in our lowest 00:36:39.580 --> 00:36:40.860 and darkest places 00:36:40.860 --> 00:36:42.980 from the mountaintops 00:36:42.980 --> 00:36:44.100 your praise 00:36:44.100 --> 00:36:46.000 we worship you 00:36:46.000 --> 00:36:46.660 Lord Jesus 00:36:46.660 --> 00:36:48.160 and pray in your name 00:36:48.160 --> 00:36:49.120 amen 00:36:49.120 --> 00:36:53.300 for more information 00:36:53.300 --> 00:36:54.560 visit us online 00:36:54.560 --> 00:36:55.620 at southwood.org 00:36:59.300 --> 00:37:16.760 the 00:37:16.760 --> 00:37:17.320 there 00:37:17.320 --> 00:37:26.280 you