Sermon Notes
Some through the water, some through the flood, some through the fire, but all through the blood. Some through great sorrow, but God gives us a song in the night season and all the day long.—George Young, God Leads His Dear Children
We may not what know what the reason for your suffering is, but we know what the reason for your suffering isn’t … it isn’t because God doesn’t love us.—Timothy Keller
Key Question: Do you make God your refuge or try to create your own? (v.1-3)
Three “Upward” Insights
Don’t despair! Make God Your Refuge!
1. Theological: God is in control (v. 4-6)
2. Practical: A crisis is an opportunity to learn and grow (v. 5a)
Also see:
These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.—1 Peter 1:7 (NLT)
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.—Genesis 50:20
And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.—Romans 8:28 (ESV)
Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends will betray you and have you arrested; and some of you will be killed. And everyone will hate you because you are mine and are called by my name. But not a hair of your head will perish!—Luke 21:16-18
3. Spiritual: God is drawing us into his presence (v. 7)
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Small Group Discussion Questions:
1. How do the first 3 verses relate to what our society experiences today? Explain verse 3 in your own words.
2. What difference to David do you think it makes to begin with the phrase “In the Lord I take refuge”?
3. What does it mean to have the Lord “examine” or “test” you? Share a time when a crisis helped you grow.
4. Take a look at verse 4. How does knowing God is on the throne give you confidence in your heart? How does knowing God is in his temple (which is now in the human heart - see 1 Cor. 3:16) give you peace in your heart?
5. Read and meditate on Psalm 121. Conclude in prayer.
