You are going to face trials at some time in your life. The valley will look different for all of us.
Scripture Text
Psalm 73
Main Points or Ideas
Declaration:
Asaph declares this truth.
He wants you to consider these things so that you won’t doubt the goodness of God.
Do you believe God is good?
Because of their prosperity, they live out more sins.
They turn their arrogance toward God.
It is hard when you are trying to follow the Lord and things are difficult, but when you look at the wicked, things are easy for them.
There are times that feel like nothing goes right no matter how hard you try.
Leadership Lessons
Speak truthfully about your circumstances (vs. 15).
Asaph is honest about his trials.
He understands that those trials are happening because we live in a sin-cursed world.
God will work it out in the end, that doesn’t mean that you have to call that “good.”
Don’t lie about God in your circumstances.
Submit to all of Scripture and not just your inability to put a circumstance together.
Go to church (vs. 16-17).
How are you going to make it through the valley if you are not surrounded by God’s people and see God’s perspective on your life?
Being surrounded by God’s people has a way of guarding your soul against coming to the wrong conclusions.
Consider God’s future plan, not just your present circumstances (vs. 18-20).
When the wicked fall, it’s fast.
Don’t accuse God on the basis of something that in the eternal view is just a vapor.
Guard against bitterness to God and envy toward others (vs. 21-22).
People watch how you live and how you live is how you lead even if you’re not in ministry.
When you’re wound up about something, you will regret it eventually and you will lead others too.
Rest in God’s presence (vs. 23-24).
God is with you.
God has not fallen asleep watching your life.
Nothing is more comfortable than God’s presence.
God’s presence is what gives you strength.
No matter how hard your life is, God has not forgotten you.
Make God your refuge (vs. 27-28).
What are you making your refuge?
We hope in the Lord. We hope for good things. Don’t get that flipped around.
Never make good things your refuge.
Conclusion
How you live as an example, is how you’re going to lead others through valleys.
