When I've been betrayed - Eric Geiger | Mariners Church

Welcome, Mariners Church. It's a Welcome, Mariners Church. It's a blessing to worship with you today. And blessing to worship with you today. And blessing to worship with you today. And if you're joining us for the first time, if you're joining us for the first time, if you're joining us for the first time, we're so glad that you're here. We'd we're so glad that you're here. We'd we're so glad that you're here. We'd love to connect with you, get to know love to connect with you, get to know love to connect with you, get to know you more, and pray for you. Please take you more, and pray for you. Please take you more, and pray for you. Please take a moment to fill out the connect card in a moment to fill out the connect card in a moment to fill out the connect card in the chat or visit the chat or visit the chat or visit marinersurch.org/connect. marinersurch.org/connect. marinersurch.org/connect. Now, let's join in worship together. I believe there [music] is one I believe there [music] is one salvation, salvation, salvation, one doorway that leads to life, one one doorway that leads to life, one one doorway that leads to life, one [music] redemption, one confession. I [music] redemption, one confession. I [music] redemption, one confession. I believe in the name of Jesus Christ. >> I believe in the crucifixion.

>> I believe in the crucifixion. By his blood, I have been set [music] By his blood, I have been set [music] By his blood, I have been set [music] free. I believe in the resurrection. free. I believe in the resurrection. free. I believe in the resurrection. Hallelujah. His life is death. [music] [music] All praise to God the Father. All praise to God the Father. All praise to God the Father. All [music] praise to Christ the son. All [music] praise to Christ the son. All [music] praise to Christ the son. All praise to the Holy Spirit. All praise to the Holy Spirit. All praise to the Holy Spirit. Our God has [music] overcome. Our God has [music] overcome. Our God has [music] overcome. The king who was and is never will be. The king who was and is never will be. The king who was and is never will be. [music] [music] [music] In Jesus mighty name. I believe. In Jesus mighty name. I believe. In Jesus mighty name. I believe. [music] I believe. I believe. >> I [music] believe in the hope of heaven. >> I [music] believe in the hope of heaven. He's preparing a place for me far He's preparing a place for me far He's preparing a place for me far [music] beyond what imagine. He's [music] beyond what imagine. He's [music] beyond what imagine. He's effortless. [music] >> All praise to God the Father. [music]

>> All praise to God the Father. [music] All praise to Christ. All praise to Christ. All praise to Christ. All [music] praise to the Holy Spirit. [music] [music] There is never will be There is never will be There is never will be in Jesus mighty [music and singing] in Jesus mighty [music and singing] in Jesus mighty [music and singing] name. I believe I believe. I believe. Oh, I will never be [music] ashamed of the I will never be [music] ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. gospel of Jesus Christ. gospel of Jesus Christ. How [music] could I ever walk away from How [music] could I ever walk away from How [music] could I ever walk away from the one who saved my life? the one who saved my life? the one who saved my life? No, I [music] never be ashamed of the No, I [music] never be ashamed of the No, I [music] never be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. gospel of Jesus Christ. gospel of Jesus Christ. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> How can I ever walk away from the one >> How can I ever walk away from the one >> How can I ever walk away from the one who save my life who save my life who save my life [music] [music] [music] to God the Father. All praise to Christ to God the Father. All praise to Christ to God the Father. All praise to Christ [music] the Son.

[music] the Son. [music] the Son. All praise to Holy Spirit. All praise to Holy Spirit. All praise to Holy Spirit. Our [music] God has overcome. Our [music] God has overcome. Our [music] God has overcome. The King will be will be [music] Jesus mighty name. Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Heat. [music] Yeah. [music] Jesus. Yeah. [music] Jesus. [singing] I don't [music] have to wonder.

I don't [music] have to wonder. You know what you're doing. So why would [music] I worry it all? So why would [music] I worry it all? You're faithful to the high. You're faithful to the high. You're faithful to the high. Everything [music] I need. Everything I Everything [music] I need. Everything I Everything [music] I need. Everything I need. My father has it. My father need. My father has it. My father need. My father has it. My father [music] has it. Every single time the [music] has it. Every single time the [music] has it. Every single time the Lord [music] will proide. Lord [music] will proide. Lord [music] will proide. My father has it. My mother has [music] you hold it all together. [music] you hold it all together. [music] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Look at the [music] sparrow. Look at the [music] sparrow. Ling for nothing. >> [music]

>> [music] >> You hold it all together, Lord. [music] [music] Seek first the kingom and its treasures. Seek first the kingom and its treasures. Seek first the kingom and its treasures. Everything else it will [music] be Everything else it will [music] be Everything else it will [music] be added. All that I needed. added. All that I needed. added. All that I needed. [music] [music] [music] I know the Lord will provide. I know the Lord will provide. I know the Lord will provide. Yes, [music] you will. Yes, [music] you will. Yes, [music] you will. Oh my god. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. [music and singing] [music and singing] Heat. Heat Heat [music] up up here. [music] [music] Yeah.

[music] Yeah. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. A thousand [music] generations A thousand [music] generations falling [singing] down in worship falling [singing] down in worship falling [singing] down in worship to sing the song of ages [music] to sing the song of ages [music] to sing the song of ages [music] to the lamb. And all who've gone before us and all And all who've gone before us and all who will [music] believe who will [music] believe who will [music] believe sing the song [singing] of ages to the sing the song [singing] of ages to the sing the song [singing] of ages to the lamb.

lamb. lamb. [music] [music] [music] Your name is the highest. And your name Your name is the highest. And your name Your name is the highest. And your name is the greatest in your name. It stands is the greatest in your name. It stands is the greatest in your name. It stands above all. [music] All thrones and dominions and all All thrones and dominions and all [music] powers and positionings. It's [music] powers and positionings. It's [music] powers and positionings. It's your name that stands above your name that stands above your name that stands above [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] them all. And the angels cry, them all. And the angels cry, them all. And the angels cry, "Holy, [music] "Holy, [music] "Holy, [music] all creation [singing] all creation [singing] all creation [singing] cries, cries, cries, holy, [music] holy, [music] holy, [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] you were lifted high, you were lifted high, you were lifted high, holy, [music] holy forever. holy forever. [music] If you've [music] been forgiven If you've [music] been forgiven and if you've been redeemed, [music] and if you've been redeemed, [music] and if you've been redeemed, [music] sing a song forever to live. If [music] sing a song forever to live. If [music] sing a song forever to live. If [music] you walk in freedom and if you walk in you walk in freedom and if you walk in you walk in freedom and if you walk in freedom freedom freedom and if [music] you bear his name, and if [music] you bear his name, and if [music] you bear his name, sing a song forever to sing a song forever to sing a song forever to [music] [music] [music] sing the song forever and amen.

sing the song forever and amen. sing the song forever and amen. And the angels [music] And the angels [music] And the angels [music] cry. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Holy. [music] [music] Your name is the highest. Your name is Your name is the highest. Your name is Your name is the highest. Your name is is the [music] greatest in your name. It is the [music] greatest in your name. It is the [music] greatest in your name. It stands above them all. We praise [music] stands above them all. We praise [music] stands above them all. We praise [music] you, Jesus.

you, Jesus. you, Jesus. all all all and dominions and all [music] powers and and dominions and all [music] powers and and dominions and all [music] powers and positions. It's your name positions. It's your name positions. It's your name stand above all. We sing your name. stand above all. We sing your name. stand above all. We sing your name. [music] Your name is the highest. Your [music] Your name is the highest. Your [music] Your name is the highest. Your name is name is name is your [music] name. >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. Holy Holy [music] [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. You will always be You will always be You will always be holy Amen. Worshiping together is such a Amen. Worshiping together is such a gift. My name is Aaron and I serve as gift. My name is Aaron and I serve as gift. My name is Aaron and I serve as the lead pastor of Mariners's Mission the lead pastor of Mariners's Mission the lead pastor of Mariners's Mission Viejo. If you're watching from Southern Viejo. If you're watching from Southern Viejo. If you're watching from Southern California, I'd love to invite you to California, I'd love to invite you to California, I'd love to invite you to join us to any of our 12 locations. I'd join us to any of our 12 locations. I'd join us to any of our 12 locations. I'd like to personally invite you to join me like to personally invite you to join me like to personally invite you to join me at Mariners's Mission VJO if you live in at Mariners's Mission VJO if you live in at Mariners's Mission VJO if you live in the area. You can learn more through the the area. You can learn more through the the area. You can learn more through the link below. I'm excited to celebrate link below. I'm excited to celebrate link below. I'm excited to celebrate with all of you about something with all of you about something with all of you about something incredible that happened last weekend.

incredible that happened last weekend. incredible that happened last weekend. Across all of our congregations, [music] Across all of our congregations, [music] Across all of our congregations, [music] 466 people put their faith in Jesus and 466 people put their faith in Jesus and 466 people put their faith in Jesus and said, "I believe." It is amazing to see said, "I believe." It is amazing to see said, "I believe." It is amazing to see how God is at work drawing new sons and how God is at work drawing new sons and how God is at work drawing new sons and daughters to himself. Now, if you're new daughters to himself. Now, if you're new daughters to himself. Now, if you're new to Mariners or have been a part of our to Mariners or have been a part of our to Mariners or have been a part of our community for a while and are looking to community for a while and are looking to community for a while and are looking to go deeper with others, I invite you to go deeper with others, I invite you to go deeper with others, I invite you to join our next session of Rooted join our next session of Rooted join our next session of Rooted launching the week of August 23rd. launching the week of August 23rd. launching the week of August 23rd. Rooted is a 10-week small groupoup Rooted is a 10-week small groupoup Rooted is a 10-week small groupoup experience that will help you get experience that will help you get experience that will help you get connected to God, the church, and your connected to God, the church, and your connected to God, the church, and your purpose. Together with 10 to 15 people, purpose. Together with 10 to 15 people, purpose. Together with 10 to 15 people, you'll learn more about God and his word you'll learn more about God and his word you'll learn more about God and his word while forming deep relationships with while forming deep relationships with while forming deep relationships with others. We have groups for men and women others. We have groups for men and women others. We have groups for men and women and couples. You can sign up for Rooted and couples. You can sign up for Rooted and couples. You can sign up for Rooted online by time zone or at any one of our online by time zone or at any one of our online by time zone or at any one of our congregations through the link below. congregations through the link below. congregations through the link below. We're also excited to share that Eric's We're also excited to share that Eric's We're also excited to share that Eric's new book, The Rooted Leader, will be new book, The Rooted Leader, will be new book, The Rooted Leader, will be released this week. Whether you lead released this week. Whether you lead released this week. Whether you lead within the marketplace, at home, or in within the marketplace, at home, or in within the marketplace, at home, or in ministry, the need for strong leadership ministry, the need for strong leadership ministry, the need for strong leadership has never been clearer. We look forward has never been clearer. We look forward has never been clearer. We look forward to seeing how God will use this book to to seeing how God will use this book to to seeing how God will use this book to encourage and help Christian leaders encourage and help Christian leaders encourage and help Christian leaders wherever they serve. You can pick up a wherever they serve. You can pick up a wherever they serve. You can pick up a copy at the Mariners's bookstore or copy at the Mariners's bookstore or copy at the Mariners's bookstore or online. Many of you remember our study online. Many of you remember our study online. Many of you remember our study of Nehemiah where Eric shared a lot of of Nehemiah where Eric shared a lot of of Nehemiah where Eric shared a lot of the insights from this book. And now we the insights from this book. And now we the insights from this book. And now we get to see people around the world be get to see people around the world be get to see people around the world be blessed and encouraged by this blessed and encouraged by this blessed and encouraged by this incredible resource. Please join me in incredible resource. Please join me in incredible resource. Please join me in praying for everyone who will receive a praying for everyone who will receive a praying for everyone who will receive a copy.

copy. copy. Heavenly Father, we pray for every Heavenly Father, we pray for every Heavenly Father, we pray for every single person that receives the copy of single person that receives the copy of single person that receives the copy of this book that they would be impacted, this book that they would be impacted, this book that they would be impacted, that they would be inspired and that they would be inspired and that they would be inspired and encouraged to lead the way in which you encouraged to lead the way in which you encouraged to lead the way in which you led Nehemiah to do so. Bless them in the led Nehemiah to do so. Bless them in the led Nehemiah to do so. Bless them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the name of the Father, the Son, and the name of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. Amen. Now, in 3 weeks, we will Spirit. Amen. Now, in 3 weeks, we will Spirit. Amen. Now, in 3 weeks, we will begin a new series through the last book begin a new series through the last book begin a new series through the last book of the Bible, Revelation. Before we join of the Bible, Revelation. Before we join of the Bible, Revelation. Before we join Eric for today's message, here's a first Eric for today's message, here's a first Eric for today's message, here's a first look. look. look. The last book of the Bible describes the The last book of the Bible describes the The last book of the Bible describes the [music] end of evil and the end of the [music] end of evil and the end of the [music] end of evil and the end of the world as we know it. It has fascinated world as we know it. It has fascinated world as we know it. It has fascinated people for centuries, driving fear in people for centuries, driving fear in people for centuries, driving fear in some and confusion in others. But the some and confusion in others. But the some and confusion in others. But the first hearers didn't receive this first hearers didn't receive this first hearers didn't receive this message with fear. They received [music] message with fear. They received [music] message with fear. They received [music] it with comfort, with hope. Because at it with comfort, with hope. Because at it with comfort, with hope. Because at the center of revelation is Jesus. the center of revelation is Jesus. the center of revelation is Jesus. [music] The one who is with us, the one [music] The one who is with us, the one [music] The one who is with us, the one who keeps his promises, the one who who keeps his promises, the one who who keeps his promises, the one who conquers, and the one who will make conquers, and the one who will make conquers, and the one who will make [music] everything new. Join us for our [music] everything new. Join us for our [music] everything new. Join us for our new teaching series as we study the book new teaching series as we study the book new teaching series as we study the book of Revelation.

Hey, welcome to Mariners Church. I'm so Hey, welcome to Mariners Church. I'm so glad you are with us today. If we glad you are with us today. If we glad you are with us today. If we haven't met, my name is Eric. I'm the haven't met, my name is Eric. I'm the haven't met, my name is Eric. I'm the senior pastor here. You just saw the senior pastor here. You just saw the senior pastor here. You just saw the trailer for a teaching series that we trailer for a teaching series that we trailer for a teaching series that we launched in 3 weeks. We're going to launched in 3 weeks. We're going to launched in 3 weeks. We're going to study the book of Revelation. This book study the book of Revelation. This book study the book of Revelation. This book has fascinated people for centuries. For has fascinated people for centuries. For has fascinated people for centuries. For some people, it's scary, like the sci-fi some people, it's scary, like the sci-fi some people, it's scary, like the sci-fi section of the Bible. For others, it's section of the Bible. For others, it's section of the Bible. For others, it's confusing. But really, it shouldn't be confusing. But really, it shouldn't be confusing. But really, it shouldn't be either one of those. The book of either one of those. The book of either one of those. The book of Revelation is about comfort and hope Revelation is about comfort and hope Revelation is about comfort and hope because we see that Jesus is in charge because we see that Jesus is in charge because we see that Jesus is in charge of everything, and he's controlling how of everything, and he's controlling how of everything, and he's controlling how everything is going to end. It's really everything is going to end. It's really everything is going to end. It's really good news for the people of God. I hope good news for the people of God. I hope good news for the people of God. I hope you'll join us for this teaching series you'll join us for this teaching series you'll join us for this teaching series that we begin in three weeks. Now, if that we begin in three weeks. Now, if that we begin in three weeks. Now, if some of you are in Southern California some of you are in Southern California some of you are in Southern California and you join us online and you've and you join us online and you've and you join us online and you've thought about attending one of our thought about attending one of our thought about attending one of our congregations, this would be a great congregations, this would be a great congregations, this would be a great weekend to come. I'm inviting you to weekend to come. I'm inviting you to weekend to come. I'm inviting you to come to one of our congregations that at come to one of our congregations that at come to one of our congregations that at the beginning of the series, which is the beginning of the series, which is the beginning of the series, which is the second weekend in September. And for the second weekend in September. And for the second weekend in September. And for you who are on Mariners online and are you who are on Mariners online and are you who are on Mariners online and are hosted here community, we love you so hosted here community, we love you so hosted here community, we love you so much and I know that you're going to be much and I know that you're going to be much and I know that you're going to be encouraged as we study the book of encouraged as we study the book of encouraged as we study the book of Revelation together. But today, I'm Revelation together. But today, I'm Revelation together. But today, I'm going to continue in our teaching series going to continue in our teaching series going to continue in our teaching series when life doesn't make sense. And we're when life doesn't make sense. And we're when life doesn't make sense. And we're going to talk about relational pain and going to talk about relational pain and going to talk about relational pain and strife and betrayal, which is a common strife and betrayal, which is a common strife and betrayal, which is a common reality that we face in this world. When reality that we face in this world. When reality that we face in this world. When I first moved my family to Nashville, I I first moved my family to Nashville, I I first moved my family to Nashville, I was the senior vice president at a was the senior vice president at a was the senior vice president at a publishing company and I'd been there publishing company and I'd been there publishing company and I'd been there only a couple of months. And there was only a couple of months. And there was only a couple of months. And there was this guy that I worked alongside who this guy that I worked alongside who this guy that I worked alongside who told me, "Man, we're in this. This the told me, "Man, we're in this. This the told me, "Man, we're in this. This the season you're about to go through, Eric, season you're about to go through, Eric, season you're about to go through, Eric, is going to be challenging with some of is going to be challenging with some of is going to be challenging with some of the leadership decisions that you have

the leadership decisions that you have the leadership decisions that you have to make, but I got your back. We're in to make, but I got your back. We're in to make, but I got your back. We're in this." I was out at dinner one night this." I was out at dinner one night this." I was out at dinner one night with Kay, my wife, and another guy that with Kay, my wife, and another guy that with Kay, my wife, and another guy that I had just hired, and I had just moved I had just hired, and I had just moved I had just hired, and I had just moved him to Nashville. So, him and his wife him to Nashville. So, him and his wife him to Nashville. So, him and his wife were at dinner with Kay and me. My phone were at dinner with Kay and me. My phone were at dinner with Kay and me. My phone rings. I pick it up and it's the cuz the rings. I pick it up and it's the cuz the rings. I pick it up and it's the cuz the dinner was was ending and I checked and dinner was was ending and I checked and dinner was was ending and I checked and it was the guy who told me, "I've got it was the guy who told me, "I've got it was the guy who told me, "I've got your back no matter what." So, I step your back no matter what." So, I step your back no matter what." So, I step aside from the table and I say, "Hello, aside from the table and I say, "Hello, aside from the table and I say, "Hello, hello." And no, and I can hear talking hello." And no, and I can hear talking hello." And no, and I can hear talking in the background. I say, "Yo, it's yo, in the background. I say, "Yo, it's yo, in the background. I say, "Yo, it's yo, what's up?" We're ready for the person what's up?" We're ready for the person what's up?" We're ready for the person to start talking. And I realized, I to start talking. And I realized, I to start talking. And I realized, I don't even know how this happened if he don't even know how this happened if he don't even know how this happened if he said my name and it just dialed me, but said my name and it just dialed me, but said my name and it just dialed me, but he was in a conversation with someone he was in a conversation with someone he was in a conversation with someone else about me, not talking to me. They else about me, not talking to me. They else about me, not talking to me. They they didn't even realize that they had they didn't even realize that they had they didn't even realize that they had called me. And it was so painful. This called me. And it was so painful. This called me. And it was so painful. This guy who told me he has my back no matter guy who told me he has my back no matter guy who told me he has my back no matter what. I was hearing him talk poorly what. I was hearing him talk poorly what. I was hearing him talk poorly about me to someone else. And I was so about me to someone else. And I was so about me to someone else. And I was so just conflicted with what do I do? Do I just conflicted with what do I do? Do I just conflicted with what do I do? Do I yell to try to shake up the convo? Do I yell to try to shake up the convo? Do I yell to try to shake up the convo? Do I keep listening so I know everything?

keep listening so I know everything? keep listening so I know everything? And I just hung up because it got too And I just hung up because it got too And I just hung up because it got too painful. Some of you know the pain of painful. Some of you know the pain of painful. Some of you know the pain of that kind of betrayal. I've had people that kind of betrayal. I've had people that kind of betrayal. I've had people tell me that they've had screenshots of tell me that they've had screenshots of tell me that they've had screenshots of text they've sent sent back to them on text they've sent sent back to them on text they've sent sent back to them on accident and essentially they can tell accident and essentially they can tell accident and essentially they can tell that that screenshot was me meant to be that that screenshot was me meant to be that that screenshot was me meant to be for some group text or some other one for some group text or some other one for some group text or some other one and they realize that people are talking and they realize that people are talking and they realize that people are talking about me and not to me. Betrayal. Now, about me and not to me. Betrayal. Now, about me and not to me. Betrayal. Now, for some of you, you have had far worse for some of you, you have had far worse for some of you, you have had far worse kinds of betrayal and relational pain kinds of betrayal and relational pain kinds of betrayal and relational pain than that. But it's one of the reasons than that. But it's one of the reasons than that. But it's one of the reasons there's so many songs in our culture there's so many songs in our culture there's so many songs in our culture about the pain of relationships. Taylor about the pain of relationships. Taylor about the pain of relationships. Taylor Swift and Bad Blood. Did you think we'd Swift and Bad Blood. Did you think we'd Swift and Bad Blood. Did you think we'd be fine? Still got scars on my back from be fine? Still got scars on my back from be fine? Still got scars on my back from your knife. So, don't think it's in the your knife. So, don't think it's in the your knife. So, don't think it's in the past. These kinds of wounds, they last past. These kinds of wounds, they last past. These kinds of wounds, they last and they last. The wound of betrayal. and they last. The wound of betrayal. and they last. The wound of betrayal. She says, "It last and it last." traitor She says, "It last and it last." traitor She says, "It last and it last." traitor Olivia Rodrigo. She writes or sings, "It Olivia Rodrigo. She writes or sings, "It Olivia Rodrigo. She writes or sings, "It took you two weeks to go off and date took you two weeks to go off and date took you two weeks to go off and date her. Guess you didn't cheat, but you're her. Guess you didn't cheat, but you're her. Guess you didn't cheat, but you're still you're still a traitor." Referring still you're still a traitor." Referring still you're still a traitor." Referring to the pain of being betrayed. Kendrick to the pain of being betrayed. Kendrick to the pain of being betrayed. Kendrick Lamar in his whacked out murals. See, Lamar in his whacked out murals. See, Lamar in his whacked out murals. See, talks about the pain of even fans talks about the pain of even fans talks about the pain of even fans turning their back on him and friends.

turning their back on him and friends. turning their back on him and friends. Yesterday, somebody whacked out my Yesterday, somebody whacked out my Yesterday, somebody whacked out my mural. That energy will make you want to mural. That energy will make you want to mural. That energy will make you want to move to Europe, but it's regular for me. move to Europe, but it's regular for me. move to Europe, but it's regular for me. Yeah, that's for sure. The love and hate Yeah, that's for sure. The love and hate Yeah, that's for sure. The love and hate is definitely without a cure. And then is definitely without a cure. And then is definitely without a cure. And then he says,"Ive done lost plenty of he says,"Ive done lost plenty of he says,"Ive done lost plenty of friends." And he actually knows friends." And he actually knows friends." And he actually knows [clears throat] the number 16 to be [clears throat] the number 16 to be [clears throat] the number 16 to be specific. There's so many songs about specific. There's so many songs about specific. There's so many songs about the relational pain that people wrestle the relational pain that people wrestle the relational pain that people wrestle with in this life. We're in a teaching with in this life. We're in a teaching with in this life. We're in a teaching series when life doesn't make sense. And series when life doesn't make sense. And series when life doesn't make sense. And often times the pain doesn't make sense. often times the pain doesn't make sense. often times the pain doesn't make sense. What we've been doing and we're going to What we've been doing and we're going to What we've been doing and we're going to do today is we've been looking at a do today is we've been looking at a do today is we've been looking at a psalm that addresses a moment when life psalm that addresses a moment when life psalm that addresses a moment when life doesn't make sense. And we've also been doesn't make sense. And we've also been doesn't make sense. And we've also been looking at the context or the story looking at the context or the story looking at the context or the story beneath the psalm. And today we're going beneath the psalm. And today we're going beneath the psalm. And today we're going to be in Psalm 55 in a couple of to be in Psalm 55 in a couple of to be in Psalm 55 in a couple of moments. It's a psalm that David prays moments. It's a psalm that David prays moments. It's a psalm that David prays when he's in a an intense season of when he's in a an intense season of when he's in a an intense season of being betrayed. It's really a being betrayed. It's really a being betrayed. It's really a heartbreaking psalm. This is David. heartbreaking psalm. This is David. heartbreaking psalm. This is David. We've been tracking with him over four We've been tracking with him over four We've been tracking with him over four weeks now. We saw him in his 20s when he weeks now. We saw him in his 20s when he weeks now. We saw him in his 20s when he was at his best, hiding in caves, and was at his best, hiding in caves, and was at his best, hiding in caves, and yet people were trying to kill him and yet people were trying to kill him and yet people were trying to kill him and he was praying to God. Then we saw last he was praying to God. Then we saw last he was praying to God. Then we saw last week after he became king at age 30, week after he became king at age 30, week after he became king at age 30, makes an absolute mess of his life and makes an absolute mess of his life and makes an absolute mess of his life and he then asks God for forgiveness and God he then asks God for forgiveness and God he then asks God for forgiveness and God shows up with his mercy and his grace.

shows up with his mercy and his grace. shows up with his mercy and his grace. Now this is later in David's life and Now this is later in David's life and Now this is later in David's life and there's two people who have been close there's two people who have been close there's two people who have been close to him who are going to betray him. Let to him who are going to betray him. Let to him who are going to betray him. Let me give you the context. It's found in 2 me give you the context. It's found in 2 me give you the context. It's found in 2 Samuel 15 all the way through 18. And Samuel 15 all the way through 18. And Samuel 15 all the way through 18. And the two people are Ahital and Abselum. the two people are Ahital and Abselum. the two people are Ahital and Abselum. Now, let me explain who these people Now, let me explain who these people Now, let me explain who these people are. Ahel was someone that David trusted are. Ahel was someone that David trusted are. Ahel was someone that David trusted big time. He is known as a wise big time. He is known as a wise big time. He is known as a wise counselor to David. He's was always in counselor to David. He's was always in counselor to David. He's was always in the room for lots of decisions. He knew the room for lots of decisions. He knew the room for lots of decisions. He knew all of the stories of David's greatest all of the stories of David's greatest all of the stories of David's greatest victories and also his biggest defeats, victories and also his biggest defeats, victories and also his biggest defeats, his greatest wins as a person and yet his greatest wins as a person and yet his greatest wins as a person and yet his deep character struggles. And David his deep character struggles. And David his deep character struggles. And David trusted a Hitifh. And this is what the trusted a Hitifh. And this is what the trusted a Hitifh. And this is what the scripture says about him. Now the advice scripture says about him. Now the advice scripture says about him. Now the advice of Ahit gave in those days was like of Ahit gave in those days was like of Ahit gave in those days was like someone asking about a word from God. In someone asking about a word from God. In someone asking about a word from God. In other words, when this guy talked, other words, when this guy talked, other words, when this guy talked, everyone listened and David trusted him everyone listened and David trusted him everyone listened and David trusted him big time. But if you if you read in the big time. But if you if you read in the big time. But if you if you read in the genealogies, you you'll actually uncover genealogies, you you'll actually uncover genealogies, you you'll actually uncover something that might give a reason why something that might give a reason why something that might give a reason why this guy is going to end up betraying this guy is going to end up betraying this guy is going to end up betraying David. Hit a son named Eliam, who was David. Hit a son named Eliam, who was David. Hit a son named Eliam, who was one of David's mightier warriors. And one of David's mightier warriors. And one of David's mightier warriors. And Eliam had a daughter and that daughter's Eliam had a daughter and that daughter's Eliam had a daughter and that daughter's name was Basheba.

Possibly some of you may say surely Possibly some of you may say surely Ahital was bitter towards David because Ahital was bitter towards David because Ahital was bitter towards David because David ended up as you know after he had David ended up as you know after he had David ended up as you know after he had slept with Basheba had her husband Uriah slept with Basheba had her husband Uriah slept with Basheba had her husband Uriah killed messed up an entire family. I killed messed up an entire family. I killed messed up an entire family. I mean surely this impacted how a Hitifh mean surely this impacted how a Hitifh mean surely this impacted how a Hitifh viewed David. So there's a Hitful and viewed David. So there's a Hitful and viewed David. So there's a Hitful and then there's another man who's actually then there's another man who's actually then there's another man who's actually one of David's sons named Abselum. Now one of David's sons named Abselum. Now one of David's sons named Abselum. Now Abselum and David had an estrange Abselum and David had an estrange Abselum and David had an estrange relationship for many years. The the relationship for many years. The the relationship for many years. The the context of this is it's just a context of this is it's just a context of this is it's just a heartbreaking, tragic, deeply evil heartbreaking, tragic, deeply evil heartbreaking, tragic, deeply evil story. Another one of David's sons took story. Another one of David's sons took story. Another one of David's sons took se sexually took advantage of one of se sexually took advantage of one of se sexually took advantage of one of Abselum's sisters. And Abselum was so Abselum's sisters. And Abselum was so Abselum's sisters. And Abselum was so frustrated that David didn't step in and frustrated that David didn't step in and frustrated that David didn't step in and and bring discipline and vengeance. And and bring discipline and vengeance. And and bring discipline and vengeance. And so Abselum brought vengeance himself and so Abselum brought vengeance himself and so Abselum brought vengeance himself and murdered the rapist which was also one murdered the rapist which was also one murdered the rapist which was also one of David's sons. So Abselum, one of of David's sons. So Abselum, one of of David's sons. So Abselum, one of David's sons, murdered another one of David's sons, murdered another one of David's sons, murdered another one of David's sons. At that point, Abselum David's sons. At that point, Abselum David's sons. At that point, Abselum fled and he left on he he lived in a fled and he left on he he lived in a fled and he left on he he lived in a different place for three years. People different place for three years. People different place for three years. People finally convinced him to come home. He finally convinced him to come home. He finally convinced him to come home. He came back to the same city where David came back to the same city where David came back to the same city where David lived, but for two years they didn't lived, but for two years they didn't lived, but for two years they didn't talk at all. And then they had some kind talk at all. And then they had some kind talk at all. And then they had some kind of hollow reunion that was forced. But of hollow reunion that was forced. But of hollow reunion that was forced. But for five years they were completely for five years they were completely for five years they were completely isolated, separated, estranged. So you isolated, separated, estranged. So you isolated, separated, estranged. So you know the pain of arangement. David and know the pain of arangement. David and know the pain of arangement. David and his son Abselum were estranged from each his son Abselum were estranged from each his son Abselum were estranged from each other for 5 years. Now at this point other for 5 years. Now at this point other for 5 years. Now at this point when Abselum comes back to the city when Abselum comes back to the city when Abselum comes back to the city where David lives, Abselum starts trying where David lives, Abselum starts trying where David lives, Abselum starts trying to get people to follow him instead of to get people to follow him instead of to get people to follow him instead of his dad, the king David. And so Abselum

his dad, the king David. And so Abselum his dad, the king David. And so Abselum would stand outside of the city gates would stand outside of the city gates would stand outside of the city gates and when people would come with their and when people would come with their and when people would come with their problems, Abselum would say something problems, Abselum would say something problems, Abselum would say something like this. You know the the king doesn't like this. You know the the king doesn't like this. You know the the king doesn't really care about your problem. I do. really care about your problem. I do. really care about your problem. I do. Why don't you share your struggle with Why don't you share your struggle with Why don't you share your struggle with me and I will help you. If only somebody me and I will help you. If only somebody me and I will help you. If only somebody like me was in the position of authority like me was in the position of authority like me was in the position of authority like David is. And the scripture says like David is. And the scripture says like David is. And the scripture says that by doing this Abselum stole the that by doing this Abselum stole the that by doing this Abselum stole the hearts of the men of Israel. So over hearts of the men of Israel. So over hearts of the men of Israel. So over time more and more people wanted to time more and more people wanted to time more and more people wanted to follow Abselum and they didn't want to follow Abselum and they didn't want to follow Abselum and they didn't want to find they didn't want to follow David. find they didn't want to follow David. find they didn't want to follow David. Now things get really complex. Abselum Now things get really complex. Abselum Now things get really complex. Abselum actually sends for a Hitifh to come and actually sends for a Hitifh to come and actually sends for a Hitifh to come and be on his team. And so David's top be on his team. And so David's top be on his team. And so David's top adviser and one of David's sons, they adviser and one of David's sons, they adviser and one of David's sons, they actually get together to go against actually get together to go against actually get together to go against David. This is 2 Samuel 15:12. Abselum David. This is 2 Samuel 15:12. Abselum David. This is 2 Samuel 15:12. Abselum sent for David's adviser, Ahital. So the sent for David's adviser, Ahital. So the sent for David's adviser, Ahital. So the conspiracy grew strong and the people conspiracy grew strong and the people conspiracy grew strong and the people supporting Abselum continued to supporting Abselum continued to supporting Abselum continued to increase. So at this point, David finds increase. So at this point, David finds increase. So at this point, David finds out what is about to happen. And surely out what is about to happen. And surely out what is about to happen. And surely David thinks that a Hital and Abselum, David thinks that a Hital and Abselum, David thinks that a Hital and Abselum, they're going to come into the palace.

they're going to come into the palace. they're going to come into the palace. They're going to attack David. They're They're going to attack David. They're They're going to attack David. They're going to overthrow him. Abselum wants going to overthrow him. Abselum wants going to overthrow him. Abselum wants him dead. And that David is going to be him dead. And that David is going to be him dead. And that David is going to be killed and dethroned. And so David once killed and dethroned. And so David once killed and dethroned. And so David once again goes on the run, but this time again goes on the run, but this time again goes on the run, but this time it's not from the former king who was it's not from the former king who was it's not from the former king who was wanting to kill him. It's his own son. wanting to kill him. It's his own son. wanting to kill him. It's his own son. Here's what the scripture says. This is Here's what the scripture says. This is Here's what the scripture says. This is going to lead us to the psalm. David, he going to lead us to the psalm. David, he going to lead us to the psalm. David, he was he was leaving his palace. He was was he was leaving his palace. He was was he was leaving his palace. He was leaving Jerusalem. He was climbing the leaving Jerusalem. He was climbing the leaving Jerusalem. He was climbing the slope of the Mount of Olives, weeping as slope of the Mount of Olives, weeping as slope of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he ascended. His head was covered and he he ascended. His head was covered and he he ascended. His head was covered and he was walking barefoot. That's how fast he was walking barefoot. That's how fast he was walking barefoot. That's how fast he had to leave. He was walking barefoot. had to leave. He was walking barefoot. had to leave. He was walking barefoot. All of the people with him covered their All of the people with him covered their All of the people with him covered their heads and went up weeping as they heads and went up weeping as they heads and went up weeping as they ascended. Then someone reported to ascended. Then someone reported to ascended. Then someone reported to David, "Ahal is among the conspirators David, "Ahal is among the conspirators David, "Ahal is among the conspirators with Abselum." So David knows that all with Abselum." So David knows that all with Abselum." So David knows that all of these people are against him. He of these people are against him. He of these people are against him. He feels completely betrayed. Lord David feels completely betrayed. Lord David feels completely betrayed. Lord David pleaded, "Please turn the council of a pleaded, "Please turn the council of a pleaded, "Please turn the council of a of a hit into foolishness." Now many of a hit into foolishness." Now many of a hit into foolishness." Now many scholars believe this is the context for scholars believe this is the context for scholars believe this is the context for Psalm 55, which is a psalm prayed when Psalm 55, which is a psalm prayed when Psalm 55, which is a psalm prayed when you are in the sting of betrayal or when you are in the sting of betrayal or when you are in the sting of betrayal or when it seems like relationships that matter it seems like relationships that matter it seems like relationships that matter to you have completely fallen apart.

to you have completely fallen apart. to you have completely fallen apart. When you are living with the fallout and When you are living with the fallout and When you are living with the fallout and you you're carrying bitterness because you you're carrying bitterness because you you're carrying bitterness because you were mistreated. What do you do when you were mistreated. What do you do when you were mistreated. What do you do when life doesn't make sense? When life doesn't make sense? When life doesn't make sense? When relationships seem to be completely relationships seem to be completely relationships seem to be completely falling apart. This is God's word. We're falling apart. This is God's word. We're falling apart. This is God's word. We're going to read from Psalm 55. We're going going to read from Psalm 55. We're going going to read from Psalm 55. We're going to read the first eight verses and then to read the first eight verses and then to read the first eight verses and then we're going to read the last several we're going to read the last several we're going to read the last several verses. This is God's word. This is the verses. This is God's word. This is the verses. This is God's word. This is the prayer of David. God, listen to my prayer of David. God, listen to my prayer of David. God, listen to my prayer and do not hide from my plea for prayer and do not hide from my plea for prayer and do not hide from my plea for help. Pay attention to me and answer me. help. Pay attention to me and answer me. help. Pay attention to me and answer me. I am restless and in turmoil with my I am restless and in turmoil with my I am restless and in turmoil with my complaint, because of the enemy's words, complaint, because of the enemy's words, complaint, because of the enemy's words, because of the pressure of the wicked, because of the pressure of the wicked, because of the pressure of the wicked, for they bring down disaster on me and for they bring down disaster on me and for they bring down disaster on me and harass me in anger. My heart shuddters harass me in anger. My heart shuddters harass me in anger. My heart shuddters within me. Tears of death sweep over me. within me. Tears of death sweep over me. within me. Tears of death sweep over me. Fear and trembling grip me. Horror has Fear and trembling grip me. Horror has Fear and trembling grip me. Horror has overwhelmed me. I said, "If if only I overwhelmed me. I said, "If if only I overwhelmed me. I said, "If if only I had wings like a dove, I would fly away had wings like a dove, I would fly away had wings like a dove, I would fly away and find rest. How far away I would and find rest. How far away I would and find rest. How far away I would flee. I would stay in the wilderness. I flee. I would stay in the wilderness. I flee. I would stay in the wilderness. I would hurry to my shelter from the would hurry to my shelter from the would hurry to my shelter from the raging wind and the storms." We're raging wind and the storms." We're raging wind and the storms." We're seeing the pain of betrayal. But now, seeing the pain of betrayal. But now, seeing the pain of betrayal. But now, let's go to the very end of the psalm.

let's go to the very end of the psalm. let's go to the very end of the psalm. This is God's word, verse 22 and 23. This is God's word, verse 22 and 23. This is God's word, verse 22 and 23. This psalm is called a mascul, which is This psalm is called a mascul, which is This psalm is called a mascul, which is a teaching psalm, and we really get to a teaching psalm, and we really get to a teaching psalm, and we really get to the teaching at the end. Cast your the teaching at the end. Cast your the teaching at the end. Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain burden on the Lord, and he will sustain burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous you. He will never allow the righteous you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. God, you will bring them to be shaken. God, you will bring them to be shaken. God, you will bring them down to the pit of destruction. Men of down to the pit of destruction. Men of down to the pit of destruction. Men of bloodshed and treachery will not live bloodshed and treachery will not live bloodshed and treachery will not live out half their days. But I will trust in out half their days. But I will trust in out half their days. But I will trust in you. This is God's word. you. This is God's word. you. This is God's word. What do you do when relationships have What do you do when relationships have What do you do when relationships have gone so painful? When you've been gone so painful? When you've been gone so painful? When you've been betrayed? I want to pull out some betrayed? I want to pull out some betrayed? I want to pull out some learnings from this psalm. We definitely learnings from this psalm. We definitely learnings from this psalm. We definitely see that betrayal is so painful that it see that betrayal is so painful that it see that betrayal is so painful that it makes you want to fly away. Some of you makes you want to fly away. Some of you makes you want to fly away. Some of you know the feeling that David describes. know the feeling that David describes. know the feeling that David describes. He says of the pain, he's restless. He says of the pain, he's restless. He says of the pain, he's restless. He's in turmoil. And this is why because He's in turmoil. And this is why because He's in turmoil. And this is why because of the enemy's words, because people are of the enemy's words, because people are of the enemy's words, because people are speaking negatively about him, things speaking negatively about him, things speaking negatively about him, things that are not true. Because the pressure that are not true. Because the pressure that are not true. Because the pressure of the wicked, they want to bring down of the wicked, they want to bring down of the wicked, they want to bring down disaster on me. They harass me in anger.

disaster on me. They harass me in anger. disaster on me. They harass me in anger. David is speaking of the pain of being David is speaking of the pain of being David is speaking of the pain of being betrayed and it's so deep and some of betrayed and it's so deep and some of betrayed and it's so deep and some of you know this pain of relational trauma you know this pain of relational trauma you know this pain of relational trauma and strife and betrayal that his heart and strife and betrayal that his heart and strife and betrayal that his heart shutters and terrors of death sweep over shutters and terrors of death sweep over shutters and terrors of death sweep over him. This is an intense psalm. And then him. This is an intense psalm. And then him. This is an intense psalm. And then David says, "If only I had wings like a David says, "If only I had wings like a David says, "If only I had wings like a dove, I would fly away and find rest." dove, I would fly away and find rest." dove, I would fly away and find rest." Oh, how far I would. How far I would fly Oh, how far I would. How far I would fly Oh, how far I would. How far I would fly away. Some of you know this feeling. away. Some of you know this feeling. away. Some of you know this feeling. Maybe you're in a meeting at the office Maybe you're in a meeting at the office Maybe you're in a meeting at the office and there is such tension tension in the and there is such tension tension in the and there is such tension tension in the room and someone who once you felt you room and someone who once you felt you room and someone who once you felt you could trust, you no longer feel you can could trust, you no longer feel you can could trust, you no longer feel you can trust and you just want to fly away. You trust and you just want to fly away. You trust and you just want to fly away. You just want to fly away from the meeting just want to fly away from the meeting just want to fly away from the meeting or perhaps you're at dinner with with or perhaps you're at dinner with with or perhaps you're at dinner with with loved ones and the tension has gotten so loved ones and the tension has gotten so loved ones and the tension has gotten so thick and and there's just been mistrust thick and and there's just been mistrust thick and and there's just been mistrust after mistrust or betrayal after after mistrust or betrayal after after mistrust or betrayal after betrayal and you just wish that you betrayal and you just wish that you betrayal and you just wish that you could fly away. Some of you, you'll run could fly away. Some of you, you'll run could fly away. Some of you, you'll run into someone who's hurt you at school or into someone who's hurt you at school or into someone who's hurt you at school or at the shopping market. And in that in at the shopping market. And in that in at the shopping market. And in that in that moment when your eyes connect, you that moment when your eyes connect, you that moment when your eyes connect, you you just wish you could fly away. You you just wish you could fly away. You you just wish you could fly away. You just don't want this relational pain any just don't want this relational pain any just don't want this relational pain any longer at all. And this is how David longer at all. And this is how David longer at all. And this is how David feels. He wants to fly away. He wants to feels. He wants to fly away. He wants to feels. He wants to fly away. He wants to get away. But the pain doesn't go away.

get away. But the pain doesn't go away. get away. But the pain doesn't go away. As much as he wants to get away, the As much as he wants to get away, the As much as he wants to get away, the pain doesn't go away. And the pain doesn't go away. And the pain doesn't go away. And the bitterness, if you are wrestling with bitterness, if you are wrestling with bitterness, if you are wrestling with bitterness towards how you've been bitterness towards how you've been bitterness towards how you've been treated, the bitterness doesn't go away. treated, the bitterness doesn't go away. treated, the bitterness doesn't go away. I want you to notice these next several I want you to notice these next several I want you to notice these next several verses. This is verse 12- 14. We did not verses. This is verse 12- 14. We did not verses. This is verse 12- 14. We did not read this together, but let me point it read this together, but let me point it read this together, but let me point it out. Now, this is why the relational out. Now, this is why the relational out. Now, this is why the relational pain is so damaging because it's not an pain is so damaging because it's not an pain is so damaging because it's not an enemy who's hurt you. It's a friend who enemy who's hurt you. It's a friend who enemy who's hurt you. It's a friend who has hurt you. The source of the pain is has hurt you. The source of the pain is has hurt you. The source of the pain is what makes the pain even more painful. what makes the pain even more painful. what makes the pain even more painful. And for David, this is what he said. And for David, this is what he said. And for David, this is what he said. It's not an enemy who insults me. It's not an enemy who insults me. It's not an enemy who insults me. Otherwise, I could bear it. If it was Otherwise, I could bear it. If it was Otherwise, I could bear it. If it was someone who's supposed to be against me, someone who's supposed to be against me, someone who's supposed to be against me, I could I wouldn't love it, but I could I could I wouldn't love it, but I could I could I wouldn't love it, but I could live with it. It's not a foe who rises live with it. It's not a foe who rises live with it. It's not a foe who rises up against me. Otherwise, I could hide up against me. Otherwise, I could hide up against me. Otherwise, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man who is my from him. But it is you, a man who is my from him. But it is you, a man who is my peer, my companion, my good friend. We peer, my companion, my good friend. We peer, my companion, my good friend. We used to have close fellowship. We walked used to have close fellowship. We walked used to have close fellowship. We walked with the crowd into the house of God. with the crowd into the house of God. with the crowd into the house of God. Now, notice this is really fascinating. Now, notice this is really fascinating. Now, notice this is really fascinating. And some of you have had this kind of And some of you have had this kind of And some of you have had this kind of pain. David is praying a prayer to God pain. David is praying a prayer to God pain. David is praying a prayer to God and in the middle of the prayer, he and in the middle of the prayer, he and in the middle of the prayer, he starts talking to the person. He's starts talking to the person. He's starts talking to the person. He's praying to God and then he he's so praying to God and then he he's so praying to God and then he he's so frustrated he he speaks aloud to the frustrated he he speaks aloud to the frustrated he he speaks aloud to the person who's not even there in the person who's not even there in the person who's not even there in the moment. It's you, a man who is my peer, moment. It's you, a man who is my peer, moment. It's you, a man who is my peer, my companion and good friend. So, he's my companion and good friend. So, he's my companion and good friend. So, he's praying to God, but the pain is so praying to God, but the pain is so praying to God, but the pain is so severe that even in the middle of the severe that even in the middle of the severe that even in the middle of the prayer, he interrupts himself and starts prayer, he interrupts himself and starts prayer, he interrupts himself and starts talking to the other person.

talking to the other person. talking to the other person. If you've had that experience, you're If you've had that experience, you're If you've had that experience, you're not alone. David, a man after God after not alone. David, a man after God after not alone. David, a man after God after God's own heart, had that experience. In God's own heart, had that experience. In God's own heart, had that experience. In other words, if you are in moments where other words, if you are in moments where other words, if you are in moments where you're praying and you're trying so much you're praying and you're trying so much you're praying and you're trying so much to focus on God, but the pang of of pain to focus on God, but the pang of of pain to focus on God, but the pang of of pain hits you and you're reminded of how hits you and you're reminded of how hits you and you're reminded of how someone hurt you and betrayed you and someone hurt you and betrayed you and someone hurt you and betrayed you and you just think about that person for a you just think about that person for a you just think about that person for a moment. That's David right here. And moment. That's David right here. And moment. That's David right here. And maybe you felt guilty about that. No, maybe you felt guilty about that. No, maybe you felt guilty about that. No, I'm trying to focus on God and I think I'm trying to focus on God and I think I'm trying to focus on God and I think of that person. David, it's what he did. of that person. David, it's what he did. of that person. David, it's what he did. And the pain of betrayal, it lasts. And the pain of betrayal, it lasts. And the pain of betrayal, it lasts. Later in the psalm, David will say that Later in the psalm, David will say that Later in the psalm, David will say that it's morning, noon, and night. He it it's morning, noon, and night. He it it's morning, noon, and night. He it doesn't leave him at all. It's constant. doesn't leave him at all. It's constant. doesn't leave him at all. It's constant. And some of you know that constant And some of you know that constant And some of you know that constant relational disappointment, that strife, relational disappointment, that strife, relational disappointment, that strife, that betrayal, it just is with you all that betrayal, it just is with you all that betrayal, it just is with you all the time. And what I've learned as a the time. And what I've learned as a the time. And what I've learned as a pastor, when it overwhelms you and your pastor, when it overwhelms you and your pastor, when it overwhelms you and your bitterness starts to overtake you, even bitterness starts to overtake you, even bitterness starts to overtake you, even death of the person you're bitter death of the person you're bitter death of the person you're bitter towards doesn't remove the bitterness. towards doesn't remove the bitterness. towards doesn't remove the bitterness. People have been surprised about that. People have been surprised about that. People have been surprised about that. that they have thought if this person that they have thought if this person that they have thought if this person would die then it will finally go away.

would die then it will finally go away. would die then it will finally go away. But if you are bitter towards someone if But if you are bitter towards someone if But if you are bitter towards someone if that person dies the bitterness doesn't that person dies the bitterness doesn't that person dies the bitterness doesn't die with the person. That's how painful die with the person. That's how painful die with the person. That's how painful the bitterness can start to corrode your the bitterness can start to corrode your the bitterness can start to corrode your entire life. This is David. He's praying entire life. This is David. He's praying entire life. This is David. He's praying to God and yet in the moment he starts to God and yet in the moment he starts to God and yet in the moment he starts thinking about the person who has thinking about the person who has thinking about the person who has betrayed him so much. Now thankfully betrayed him so much. Now thankfully betrayed him so much. Now thankfully this is not the end of the psalm. Now we this is not the end of the psalm. Now we this is not the end of the psalm. Now we appreciate the psalm. We we I appreciate appreciate the psalm. We we I appreciate appreciate the psalm. We we I appreciate it. I appreciate the brutal honesty of it. I appreciate the brutal honesty of it. I appreciate the brutal honesty of David. And I love that God places this David. And I love that God places this David. And I love that God places this in the scripture that when you are in in the scripture that when you are in in the scripture that when you are in the depths of relational pain and you've the depths of relational pain and you've the depths of relational pain and you've been hurt or betrayed that you can bring been hurt or betrayed that you can bring been hurt or betrayed that you can bring your struggles to God and even in the your struggles to God and even in the your struggles to God and even in the middle of your prayer, if you start middle of your prayer, if you start middle of your prayer, if you start thinking of the person that God doesn't thinking of the person that God doesn't thinking of the person that God doesn't scold David here, God rejoices that scold David here, God rejoices that scold David here, God rejoices that David is bringing his pain to him. But David is bringing his pain to him. But David is bringing his pain to him. But this is not the end of the psalm and it this is not the end of the psalm and it this is not the end of the psalm and it shouldn't be the end for you either. shouldn't be the end for you either. shouldn't be the end for you either. David doesn't want to have his David doesn't want to have his David doesn't want to have his bitterness completely dominate and bitterness completely dominate and bitterness completely dominate and control him. And you don't want that control him. And you don't want that control him. And you don't want that either. The person dies and you still either. The person dies and you still either. The person dies and you still carry bitterness. You don't want the carry bitterness. You don't want the carry bitterness. You don't want the bitterness to ruin all of your joy and bitterness to ruin all of your joy and bitterness to ruin all of your joy and all of your peace. This is why the psalm all of your peace. This is why the psalm all of your peace. This is why the psalm doesn't end here. And this is what makes doesn't end here. And this is what makes doesn't end here. And this is what makes the psalm a teaching psalm. Notice verse the psalm a teaching psalm. Notice verse the psalm a teaching psalm. Notice verse 23 and 24. Cast your burden on the Lord 23 and 24. Cast your burden on the Lord 23 and 24. Cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you. He will never and he will sustain you. He will never and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. God, allow the righteous to be shaken. God, allow the righteous to be shaken. God, you will bring them down to the pit of you will bring them down to the pit of you will bring them down to the pit of destruction. Men of bloodshed and destruction. Men of bloodshed and destruction. Men of bloodshed and treachery will not live out hath their treachery will not live out hath their treachery will not live out hath their days, but I will trust in you. He says

days, but I will trust in you. He says days, but I will trust in you. He says that the betrayal he carries is a that the betrayal he carries is a that the betrayal he carries is a burden. We want to fly away when we've burden. We want to fly away when we've burden. We want to fly away when we've been hurt, but we can't because the pain been hurt, but we can't because the pain been hurt, but we can't because the pain is with us. We can't make it go away. We is with us. We can't make it go away. We is with us. We can't make it go away. We want to fly away, but we can't make it want to fly away, but we can't make it want to fly away, but we can't make it go away. It's a burden. It's a burden. go away. It's a burden. It's a burden. go away. It's a burden. It's a burden. And with the burden, you have two And with the burden, you have two And with the burden, you have two choices. You can carry the burden or you choices. You can carry the burden or you choices. You can carry the burden or you can do what David says here. This is the can do what David says here. This is the can do what David says here. This is the teaching part of the psalm. You can cast teaching part of the psalm. You can cast teaching part of the psalm. You can cast your burden. You can carry or you can your burden. You can carry or you can your burden. You can carry or you can cast. You can carry your burden or you cast. You can carry your burden or you cast. You can carry your burden or you can cast. I'm sorry I um can't spell the can cast. I'm sorry I um can't spell the can cast. I'm sorry I um can't spell the word cast correctly. You can carry your word cast correctly. You can carry your word cast correctly. You can carry your burden or you can cast your burden. burden or you can cast your burden. burden or you can cast your burden. That's your two choices. You can carry That's your two choices. You can carry That's your two choices. You can carry it or you can cast it. One of the it or you can cast it. One of the it or you can cast it. One of the exercises at the gym that people have us exercises at the gym that people have us exercises at the gym that people have us do now is the farmer's carry, which is do now is the farmer's carry, which is do now is the farmer's carry, which is the older I get, I'm, you know, over 50 the older I get, I'm, you know, over 50 the older I get, I'm, you know, over 50 now and supposedly grip strength matters now and supposedly grip strength matters now and supposedly grip strength matters the older I get. But the farmer's carry, the older I get. But the farmer's carry, the older I get. But the farmer's carry, I mean, you're grabbing these big kettle I mean, you're grabbing these big kettle I mean, you're grabbing these big kettle bells and we're walking around the block bells and we're walking around the block bells and we're walking around the block and it's it's it's painful, but I hear and it's it's it's painful, but I hear and it's it's it's painful, but I hear it's important, so I keep doing it. But it's important, so I keep doing it. But it's important, so I keep doing it. But to carry a heavy kettle bell all around to carry a heavy kettle bell all around to carry a heavy kettle bell all around the entire block, the the wrist will the entire block, the the wrist will the entire block, the the wrist will hurt, the the forearms will hurt, the hurt, the the forearms will hurt, the hurt, the the forearms will hurt, the the elbow will hurt. I mean, it's the elbow will hurt. I mean, it's the elbow will hurt. I mean, it's painful, but I'm carrying it. And I'm painful, but I'm carrying it. And I'm painful, but I'm carrying it. And I'm carrying it cuz it's supposed to be good carrying it cuz it's supposed to be good carrying it cuz it's supposed to be good for me. But I would never want to carry for me. But I would never want to carry for me. But I would never want to carry that all day. Some of you are carrying that all day. Some of you are carrying that all day. Some of you are carrying bitterness continually and it's damaging bitterness continually and it's damaging bitterness continually and it's damaging your soul. It's ruining you. You can

your soul. It's ruining you. You can your soul. It's ruining you. You can carry or you can cast. But notice what carry or you can cast. But notice what carry or you can cast. But notice what David says here. It's really important. David says here. It's really important. David says here. It's really important. He doesn't just say cast. He's not just He doesn't just say cast. He's not just He doesn't just say cast. He's not just saying just forget. This is not this is saying just forget. This is not this is saying just forget. This is not this is not trit. This is not hey, I know you've not trit. This is not hey, I know you've not trit. This is not hey, I know you've been hurt. just let it go. Just move on. been hurt. just let it go. Just move on. been hurt. just let it go. Just move on. That is not at all what David is That is not at all what David is That is not at all what David is teaching. That's not what David has teaching. That's not what David has teaching. That's not what David has experienced. He says cast your burden on experienced. He says cast your burden on experienced. He says cast your burden on the Lord. He's not saying just let it go the Lord. He's not saying just let it go the Lord. He's not saying just let it go and it's going to go into nothingness. and it's going to go into nothingness. and it's going to go into nothingness. No, he's saying you must cast your No, he's saying you must cast your No, he's saying you must cast your burden on the Lord. The only way that burden on the Lord. The only way that burden on the Lord. The only way that the bitterness that the pain's not going the bitterness that the pain's not going the bitterness that the pain's not going to turn into bitterness and the to turn into bitterness and the to turn into bitterness and the bitterness is not going to destroy you bitterness is not going to destroy you bitterness is not going to destroy you is if you cast your pain on him. The is if you cast your pain on him. The is if you cast your pain on him. The only way the burden that you're carrying only way the burden that you're carrying only way the burden that you're carrying because you've been betrayed and hurt, because you've been betrayed and hurt, because you've been betrayed and hurt, the only way this doesn't ruin you is if the only way this doesn't ruin you is if the only way this doesn't ruin you is if you cast the burden. Because if you you cast the burden. Because if you you cast the burden. Because if you carry the burden, the burden is going to carry the burden, the burden is going to carry the burden, the burden is going to become bitterness. And the bitterness is become bitterness. And the bitterness is become bitterness. And the bitterness is going to ruin you. So, you must cast the going to ruin you. So, you must cast the going to ruin you. So, you must cast the burden on him. Eric, that sounds really burden on him. Eric, that sounds really burden on him. Eric, that sounds really trit and easy to say. Just cast the trit and easy to say. Just cast the trit and easy to say. Just cast the burden. I don't know how to do that. How burden. I don't know how to do that. How burden. I don't know how to do that. How does that actually work?

does that actually work? does that actually work? Well, some have said things like, you've Well, some have said things like, you've Well, some have said things like, you've heard it. Forgive and forget. heard it. Forgive and forget. heard it. Forgive and forget. Eric, Eric, here's what you need to do. Eric, Eric, here's what you need to do. Eric, Eric, here's what you need to do. Just forgive and forget Just forgive and forget Just forgive and forget has never worked for me. I've been has never worked for me. I've been has never worked for me. I've been unable to forget. I forgive, but I have unable to forget. I forgive, but I have unable to forget. I forgive, but I have a I can't forget. I think this statement a I can't forget. I think this statement a I can't forget. I think this statement forgive and forget makes no sense to me. forgive and forget makes no sense to me. forgive and forget makes no sense to me. Do you know that if a rap song comes up Do you know that if a rap song comes up Do you know that if a rap song comes up from the from the late 80s and I had it from the from the late 80s and I had it from the from the late 80s and I had it playing in my car in high school, I playing in my car in high school, I playing in my car in high school, I still can know every word from 30 plus still can know every word from 30 plus still can know every word from 30 plus years ago straight out of Compton. Young years ago straight out of Compton. Young years ago straight out of Compton. Young brother devil mother smother your mother brother devil mother smother your mother brother devil mother smother your mother make your sister think I love her. I make your sister think I love her. I make your sister think I love her. I mean I can quote West Coast rap or if a mean I can quote West Coast rap or if a mean I can quote West Coast rap or if a Beaty Boy song comes on. Now here's a Beaty Boy song comes on. Now here's a Beaty Boy song comes on. Now here's a little story I got to tell about three little story I got to tell about three little story I got to tell about three bad brothers you know so well it started bad brothers you know so well it started bad brothers you know so well it started way back in history. I can quote all of way back in history. I can quote all of way back in history. I can quote all of these lyrics and these lyrics were not these lyrics and these lyrics were not these lyrics and these lyrics were not lyrics that were super meaningful to me. lyrics that were super meaningful to me. lyrics that were super meaningful to me. And you know what psychologists tell us? And you know what psychologists tell us? And you know what psychologists tell us? That a painful moment actually will be That a painful moment actually will be That a painful moment actually will be stamped into your heart and your mind stamped into your heart and your mind stamped into your heart and your mind more so. So if I can't forget lyrics more so. So if I can't forget lyrics more so. So if I can't forget lyrics from 30 years ago, how am I going to from 30 years ago, how am I going to from 30 years ago, how am I going to forget when pain has hit me? Forgive and forget when pain has hit me? Forgive and forget when pain has hit me? Forgive and forget doesn't work. So what what do you forget doesn't work. So what what do you forget doesn't work. So what what do you do? If Eric, if you're not going to do? If Eric, if you're not going to do? If Eric, if you're not going to forgive and forget, then do you what's forgive and forget, then do you what's forgive and forget, then do you what's the what's the alternative? Forgive and the what's the alternative? Forgive and the what's the alternative? Forgive and remember? I mean, if you're not going to remember? I mean, if you're not going to remember? I mean, if you're not going to forgive and forget, do you forgive and forgive and forget, do you forgive and forgive and forget, do you forgive and remember? Yes.

remember? Yes. remember? Yes. The only way that the bitterness doesn't The only way that the bitterness doesn't The only way that the bitterness doesn't destroy you after you've been harmed is destroy you after you've been harmed is destroy you after you've been harmed is to forgive and remember your to forgive and remember your to forgive and remember your forgiveness. forgiveness. forgiveness. To forgive To forgive To forgive and remember your forgiveness. and remember your forgiveness. and remember your forgiveness. See, when you forgive and then remember See, when you forgive and then remember See, when you forgive and then remember that Christ has forgiven you from that Christ has forgiven you from that Christ has forgiven you from everything you've ever done, if you've everything you've ever done, if you've everything you've ever done, if you've received his mercy and his grace, then received his mercy and his grace, then received his mercy and his grace, then your heart is constantly refreshed and your heart is constantly refreshed and your heart is constantly refreshed and you're enabled to forgive. You cannot you're enabled to forgive. You cannot you're enabled to forgive. You cannot forgive. I cannot forgive unless my forgive. I cannot forgive unless my forgive. I cannot forgive unless my heart is overwhelmed with how God has heart is overwhelmed with how God has heart is overwhelmed with how God has forgiven me because of what Jesus has forgiven me because of what Jesus has forgiven me because of what Jesus has done for me on the cross when he died in done for me on the cross when he died in done for me on the cross when he died in my place to remove all of my sin. I my place to remove all of my sin. I my place to remove all of my sin. I betrayed him. I turned my back on him. I betrayed him. I turned my back on him. I betrayed him. I turned my back on him. I spoke ill of him. I was wrong towards spoke ill of him. I was wrong towards spoke ill of him. I was wrong towards him. I rebelled against him and he him. I rebelled against him and he him. I rebelled against him and he absorbed in his flesh all of my sin. He absorbed in his flesh all of my sin. He absorbed in his flesh all of my sin. He forgave me much more than what I've forgave me much more than what I've forgave me much more than what I've forgiven somebody else for. So the only forgiven somebody else for. So the only forgiven somebody else for. So the only way that my heart will want to forgive way that my heart will want to forgive way that my heart will want to forgive is if not if I forget, but if I is if not if I forget, but if I is if not if I forget, but if I remember. So you forgive and you remember. So you forgive and you remember. So you forgive and you remember his forgiveness.

remember his forgiveness. remember his forgiveness. I finally hung up the phone. I finally hung up the phone. I finally hung up the phone. Just Just Just pained. Could barely sleep that night. pained. Could barely sleep that night. pained. Could barely sleep that night. waking up every 30 minutes or 45 minutes waking up every 30 minutes or 45 minutes waking up every 30 minutes or 45 minutes with pain in the side, wondering what to with pain in the side, wondering what to with pain in the side, wondering what to do next, praying and asking God for do next, praying and asking God for do next, praying and asking God for wisdom. So, I went several days later to wisdom. So, I went several days later to wisdom. So, I went several days later to the person who accidentally called me the person who accidentally called me the person who accidentally called me and was talking negatively about me on and was talking negatively about me on and was talking negatively about me on the phone. and I this person's a the phone. and I this person's a the phone. and I this person's a Christian and I confronted this person Christian and I confronted this person Christian and I confronted this person and this person apologized and asked for and this person apologized and asked for and this person apologized and asked for forgiveness and I expressed forgiveness forgiveness and I expressed forgiveness forgiveness and I expressed forgiveness and I bet that person rarely thought and I bet that person rarely thought and I bet that person rarely thought about that moment again. about that moment again. about that moment again. But me, even though I forgave, it was But me, even though I forgave, it was But me, even though I forgave, it was hard to forget. hard to forget. hard to forget. I was in a meeting, I would remember it. I was in a meeting, I would remember it. I was in a meeting, I would remember it. I'm driving home from work and I would I'm driving home from work and I would I'm driving home from work and I would remember it. Forgive and forget. I can't remember it. Forgive and forget. I can't remember it. Forgive and forget. I can't forget it. And so what I started to do forget it. And so what I started to do forget it. And so what I started to do was anytime that pain hit and I was anytime that pain hit and I was anytime that pain hit and I remembered how I I believe I was remembered how I I believe I was remembered how I I believe I was mistreated, how I when I remembered it, mistreated, how I when I remembered it, mistreated, how I when I remembered it, when it hit, I would remind myself that when it hit, I would remind myself that when it hit, I would remind myself that Christ forgave me of much more. Anytime Christ forgave me of much more. Anytime Christ forgave me of much more. Anytime that I was reminded of the pain, I would that I was reminded of the pain, I would that I was reminded of the pain, I would remind myself, Lord Jesus, thank you remind myself, Lord Jesus, thank you remind myself, Lord Jesus, thank you that you forgave me of everything. every that you forgave me of everything. every that you forgave me of everything. every time it hit. Lord Jesus, thank you for time it hit. Lord Jesus, thank you for time it hit. Lord Jesus, thank you for your mercy that has covered all of my your mercy that has covered all of my your mercy that has covered all of my sin. See, the only way that you can cast sin. See, the only way that you can cast sin. See, the only way that you can cast the burden of bitterness on him is if the burden of bitterness on him is if the burden of bitterness on him is if your heart is overwhelmed that Jesus has

your heart is overwhelmed that Jesus has your heart is overwhelmed that Jesus has cast all of your sins away from you. In cast all of your sins away from you. In cast all of your sins away from you. In fact, the scripture says this in Micah fact, the scripture says this in Micah fact, the scripture says this in Micah 7:1 19 about God, you will cast all our 7:1 19 about God, you will cast all our 7:1 19 about God, you will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. This is sins into the depths of the sea. This is sins into the depths of the sea. This is beautiful because the same word there beautiful because the same word there beautiful because the same word there for cast is the same word that David for cast is the same word that David for cast is the same word that David uses when he says cast all of your uses when he says cast all of your uses when he says cast all of your burdens on him. Same exact word cast burdens on him. Same exact word cast burdens on him. Same exact word cast your burdens on him. Same word Micah your burdens on him. Same word Micah your burdens on him. Same word Micah chapter 7, God has cast all of your sins chapter 7, God has cast all of your sins chapter 7, God has cast all of your sins into the depths of the sea. And so when into the depths of the sea. And so when into the depths of the sea. And so when you remember that God has cast all of you remember that God has cast all of you remember that God has cast all of your sin away from you, that is when you your sin away from you, that is when you your sin away from you, that is when you are able to cast your burden and your are able to cast your burden and your are able to cast your burden and your bitterness and the pain that you're bitterness and the pain that you're bitterness and the pain that you're carrying on him. Corey Tinboom, I love carrying on him. Corey Tinboom, I love carrying on him. Corey Tinboom, I love what she wrote. When we confess our what she wrote. When we confess our what she wrote. When we confess our sins, God cast them into the deepest sins, God cast them into the deepest sins, God cast them into the deepest ocean, gone forever. I believe God then ocean, gone forever. I believe God then ocean, gone forever. I believe God then places a sign out there that says, "No places a sign out there that says, "No places a sign out there that says, "No fishing allowed." That this is how God fishing allowed." That this is how God fishing allowed." That this is how God has treated us. That he's taken our sin has treated us. That he's taken our sin has treated us. That he's taken our sin and he's cast them into the ocean and he and he's cast them into the ocean and he and he's cast them into the ocean and he doesn't go searching for those any doesn't go searching for those any doesn't go searching for those any longer. And so, the only way that I can longer. And so, the only way that I can longer. And so, the only way that I can forgive someone with that kind of forgive someone with that kind of forgive someone with that kind of forgiving love is if I remember what God forgiving love is if I remember what God forgiving love is if I remember what God has done to me. then I can cast and I has done to me. then I can cast and I has done to me. then I can cast and I don't go look for it. And when the pain don't go look for it. And when the pain don't go look for it. And when the pain hits again, I cast and I don't go look hits again, I cast and I don't go look hits again, I cast and I don't go look for it because my heart is overwhelmed for it because my heart is overwhelmed for it because my heart is overwhelmed with what God has done for me. Now, I with what God has done for me. Now, I with what God has done for me. Now, I want you to notice how David ends the want you to notice how David ends the want you to notice how David ends the psalm. He ends it with this. But I will psalm. He ends it with this. But I will psalm. He ends it with this. But I will trust in you. I will trust in you. Now,

trust in you. I will trust in you. Now, trust in you. I will trust in you. Now, David does not say, "I David does not say, "I David does not say, "I have not been taken advantage of. I have have not been taken advantage of. I have have not been taken advantage of. I have not been wronged." David is not excusing not been wronged." David is not excusing not been wronged." David is not excusing how he's being mistreated. Now, I'm how he's being mistreated. Now, I'm how he's being mistreated. Now, I'm surely David's not perfect. We know from surely David's not perfect. We know from surely David's not perfect. We know from all the account of his life, he hasn't all the account of his life, he hasn't all the account of his life, he hasn't looked perfectly, but in this account, looked perfectly, but in this account, looked perfectly, but in this account, David is walking away as the king David is walking away as the king David is walking away as the king barefoot with all of the people weeping barefoot with all of the people weeping barefoot with all of the people weeping because how he's being mistreated. And because how he's being mistreated. And because how he's being mistreated. And he doesn't say, "What's been done to he doesn't say, "What's been done to he doesn't say, "What's been done to me?" Oh, well, it's no big deal. it. But me?" Oh, well, it's no big deal. it. But me?" Oh, well, it's no big deal. it. But what David is doing is he's saying, "I'm what David is doing is he's saying, "I'm what David is doing is he's saying, "I'm trusting in you, God, that you're the trusting in you, God, that you're the trusting in you, God, that you're the one who's going to bring justice. I'm one who's going to bring justice. I'm one who's going to bring justice. I'm trusting you to handle the situation. trusting you to handle the situation. trusting you to handle the situation. I'm not the one who's ultimately going I'm not the one who's ultimately going I'm not the one who's ultimately going to carry it." Now, I want to make a an to carry it." Now, I want to make a an to carry it." Now, I want to make a an important distinction between important distinction between important distinction between forgiveness and reconciliation. forgiveness and reconciliation. forgiveness and reconciliation. Because some of you are you have Because some of you are you have Because some of you are you have forgiven and perhaps you're wrestling forgiven and perhaps you're wrestling forgiven and perhaps you're wrestling with do I still have a relationship with with do I still have a relationship with with do I still have a relationship with this person who has been so cruel to me this person who has been so cruel to me this person who has been so cruel to me who's brought deep pain into my life who who's brought deep pain into my life who who's brought deep pain into my life who is who has betrayed me should I Eric are is who has betrayed me should I Eric are is who has betrayed me should I Eric are you saying cast my care and then trust you saying cast my care and then trust you saying cast my care and then trust the person again fully I'm not saying the person again fully I'm not saying the person again fully I'm not saying that there is a difference between that there is a difference between that there is a difference between forgiveness and restoration forgiveness forgiveness and restoration forgiveness forgiveness and restoration forgiveness is on you and if you don't forgive then is on you and if you don't forgive then is on you and if you don't forgive then you're going to be plagued with you're going to be plagued with you're going to be plagued with bitterness that's going to corrode your bitterness that's going to corrode your bitterness that's going to corrode your heart and and that person might have heart and and that person might have heart and and that person might have even moved on and you're the one who's even moved on and you're the one who's even moved on and you're the one who's struggling if you don't forgive. So you struggling if you don't forgive. So you struggling if you don't forgive. So you must forgive so that you are cleansed must forgive so that you are cleansed must forgive so that you are cleansed and so that you are free. But and so that you are free. But and so that you are free. But reconciliation is not on you.

reconciliation is not on you. reconciliation is not on you. Reconciliation is on the person or Reconciliation is on the person or Reconciliation is on the person or sometimes on both for there to be sometimes on both for there to be sometimes on both for there to be repentance. There is no reconciliation repentance. There is no reconciliation repentance. There is no reconciliation without repentance. And so if the person without repentance. And so if the person without repentance. And so if the person has harmed you and betrayed you, you has harmed you and betrayed you, you has harmed you and betrayed you, you should forgive. But if there hasn't been should forgive. But if there hasn't been should forgive. But if there hasn't been repentance, there's nothing in the repentance, there's nothing in the repentance, there's nothing in the scripture that is requiring you to place scripture that is requiring you to place scripture that is requiring you to place yourself in a position where you're yourself in a position where you're yourself in a position where you're going to be harmed again in that way. going to be harmed again in that way. going to be harmed again in that way. Repentance is a prerequisite for Repentance is a prerequisite for Repentance is a prerequisite for reconciliation. Forgiveness is on those reconciliation. Forgiveness is on those reconciliation. Forgiveness is on those of us who belong to him because he's of us who belong to him because he's of us who belong to him because he's forgiven us for everything. So you must forgiven us for everything. So you must forgiven us for everything. So you must forgive. You must cast your care on him, forgive. You must cast your care on him, forgive. You must cast your care on him, your burden on him. It's so hard to your burden on him. It's so hard to your burden on him. It's so hard to forgive. How can I possibly forgive? forgive. How can I possibly forgive? forgive. How can I possibly forgive? If you understand the whole story of the If you understand the whole story of the If you understand the whole story of the scripture that there's another king who scripture that there's another king who scripture that there's another king who comes to the same exact hill that David comes to the same exact hill that David comes to the same exact hill that David walked barefoot in weeping. We read that walked barefoot in weeping. We read that walked barefoot in weeping. We read that he was on the Mount of Olives. I've been he was on the Mount of Olives. I've been he was on the Mount of Olives. I've been there before in Israel, right outside of there before in Israel, right outside of there before in Israel, right outside of the main area of Jerusalem. The Mount of the main area of Jerusalem. The Mount of the main area of Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives actually leads to the Garden of Olives actually leads to the Garden of Olives actually leads to the Garden of Gethsemane. David the king walked that Gethsemane. David the king walked that Gethsemane. David the king walked that area barefoot weeping as he was being area barefoot weeping as he was being area barefoot weeping as he was being betrayed. A thousand plus years later, betrayed. A thousand plus years later, betrayed. A thousand plus years later, Jesus the Christ walked that same area Jesus the Christ walked that same area Jesus the Christ walked that same area and he was betrayed by one of his best and he was betrayed by one of his best and he was betrayed by one of his best friends, Judas Scariat, in the same friends, Judas Scariat, in the same friends, Judas Scariat, in the same exact area, the Mount of Olives to the exact area, the Mount of Olives to the exact area, the Mount of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane is where Judas Garden of Gethsemane is where Judas Garden of Gethsemane is where Judas brought the religious leaders and turned brought the religious leaders and turned brought the religious leaders and turned Jesus in. Jesus in that garden was

Jesus in. Jesus in that garden was Jesus in. Jesus in that garden was weeping just as David the king was weeping just as David the king was weeping just as David the king was weeping. Jesus was then led by these weeping. Jesus was then led by these weeping. Jesus was then led by these evil men to his crucifixion where he evil men to his crucifixion where he evil men to his crucifixion where he died on the cross for us. Jesus did not died on the cross for us. Jesus did not died on the cross for us. Jesus did not die for his own sins. He has no sins to die for his own sins. He has no sins to die for his own sins. He has no sins to die for. He died for our sins. Unlike die for. He died for our sins. Unlike die for. He died for our sins. Unlike David, Jesus the Christ is the absolute David, Jesus the Christ is the absolute David, Jesus the Christ is the absolute perfect king. Yet, he's gracious and perfect king. Yet, he's gracious and perfect king. Yet, he's gracious and kind. And one of the very first kind. And one of the very first kind. And one of the very first statements that Jesus made from the statements that Jesus made from the statements that Jesus made from the cross, do you remember what it is? cross, do you remember what it is? cross, do you remember what it is? Father, forgive them. Father, forgive. Father, forgive them. Father, forgive. Father, forgive them. Father, forgive. Jesus, in the midst of absorbing in his Jesus, in the midst of absorbing in his Jesus, in the midst of absorbing in his flesh all of our sin, is praying for the flesh all of our sin, is praying for the flesh all of our sin, is praying for the forgiveness of the people who are forgiveness of the people who are forgiveness of the people who are crucifying him. Jesus brings forgiveness crucifying him. Jesus brings forgiveness crucifying him. Jesus brings forgiveness through his death to all of us who trust through his death to all of us who trust through his death to all of us who trust in him. We look at Jesus, the ultimate in him. We look at Jesus, the ultimate in him. We look at Jesus, the ultimate king, the everlasting king, and the king king, the everlasting king, and the king king, the everlasting king, and the king of kings and lord of lords, who knows of kings and lord of lords, who knows of kings and lord of lords, who knows the pain of betrayal, who walked the the pain of betrayal, who walked the the pain of betrayal, who walked the same place that David, who also wept same place that David, who also wept same place that David, who also wept tears after being betrayed, and yet tears after being betrayed, and yet tears after being betrayed, and yet offers forgiveness for all who will offers forgiveness for all who will offers forgiveness for all who will trust in him. That is how your heart is trust in him. That is how your heart is trust in him. That is how your heart is melted. It's not by the example of King melted. It's not by the example of King melted. It's not by the example of King David. We look at his prayer and we David. We look at his prayer and we David. We look at his prayer and we resonate because we've had those same resonate because we've had those same resonate because we've had those same thoughts. But the way that you can cast thoughts. But the way that you can cast thoughts. But the way that you can cast your burden on him is if your heart is your burden on him is if your heart is your burden on him is if your heart is overwhelmed with how Jesus has treated overwhelmed with how Jesus has treated overwhelmed with how Jesus has treated you, pursued you, and forgiven you. He you, pursued you, and forgiven you. He you, pursued you, and forgiven you. He has cast your sin into the deepest depth has cast your sin into the deepest depth has cast your sin into the deepest depth of the sea. And there's a sign there of the sea. And there's a sign there of the sea. And there's a sign there that says, "No fishing allowed." And

that says, "No fishing allowed." And that says, "No fishing allowed." And then he commands you to you to cast to then he commands you to you to cast to then he commands you to you to cast to cast your burdens on him because he cast your burdens on him because he cast your burdens on him because he cares for you to cast your burdens to cares for you to cast your burdens to cares for you to cast your burdens to him not into emptiness but to him. So him not into emptiness but to him. So him not into emptiness but to him. So forgive forgive forgive and remember your forgiveness. Forgive and remember your forgiveness. Forgive and remember your forgiveness. Forgive by remembering your forgiveness. We have by remembering your forgiveness. We have by remembering your forgiveness. We have people from our church who would love to people from our church who would love to people from our church who would love to pray with you because I know what we're pray with you because I know what we're pray with you because I know what we're talking about today is such a heavy talking about today is such a heavy talking about today is such a heavy subject, relational pain and strife and subject, relational pain and strife and subject, relational pain and strife and betrayal. And so, some of you would betrayal. And so, some of you would betrayal. And so, some of you would benefit from someone from our team benefit from someone from our team benefit from someone from our team praying with you now for your heart to praying with you now for your heart to praying with you now for your heart to be overwhelmed with God's forgiveness be overwhelmed with God's forgiveness be overwhelmed with God's forgiveness and for you to be able to not let and for you to be able to not let and for you to be able to not let bitterness destroy you. If you would bitterness destroy you. If you would bitterness destroy you. If you would like to receive prayer, text prayer to like to receive prayer, text prayer to like to receive prayer, text prayer to the number on your screen now. We're the number on your screen now. We're the number on your screen now. We're going to worship together. And as we do, going to worship together. And as we do, going to worship together. And as we do, why don't you reach out for prayer and why don't you reach out for prayer and why don't you reach out for prayer and let us pray for you this week. let us pray for you this week. let us pray for you this week. remember your forgiveness so you'll be remember your forgiveness so you'll be remember your forgiveness so you'll be enabled to forgive others. Let's worship enabled to forgive others. Let's worship enabled to forgive others. Let's worship together.

Everything [music] changed. Everything [music] changed. It's getting harder to recognize It's getting harder to recognize It's getting harder to recognize the person I was the person I was the person I was before I encountered [music] Christ. I before I encountered [music] Christ. I before I encountered [music] Christ. I don't walk like I used to. I don't talk don't walk like I used to. I don't talk don't walk like I used to. I don't talk [music] like I used to. [music] like I used to. [music] like I used to. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed [music] from the I've been washed [music] from the I've been washed [music] from the inside. inside. inside. Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu. [singing] [music] [music] [music] Hallelu. I know it was the blood. Could have only I know it was the blood. Could have only [music] been the blood. [music] been the blood. [music] been the blood. Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] [music] [music] I know it was the blood. Could have only I know it was the blood. Could have only I know it was the blood. Could have only [music] been the word. [music] been the word. [music] been the word. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, I could have only been I [music] cannot explain I [music] cannot explain that nothing's more real than this. In that nothing's more real than this. In that nothing's more real than this. In the presence of God.

the presence of God. the presence of God. Oh, my heart experience. [music] Oh, my heart experience. [music] Oh, my heart experience. [music] In my shame in the wayside In my shame in the wayside In my shame in the wayside and my sin of the most high [music] God. and my sin of the most high [music] God. and my sin of the most high [music] God. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. I'll be wash [music] from high. >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] wash away. wash away. [music] Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

[music] Nothing but the blood of Jesus. [music] Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Nothing but the blood of Jesus. [music] Nothing but the blood of Jesus. [music] Nothing but the blood of Jesus. [music] It's never been about performance It's never been about performance It's never been about performance perfection. perfection. perfection. A striving [music] for acceptance. Let A striving [music] for acceptance. Let A striving [music] for acceptance. Let me tell you, it's only [music] by the me tell you, it's only [music] by the me tell you, it's only [music] by the blood. blood. blood. It's never been about deserve. It's a gift that's free [music] to give. It's a gift that's free [music] to give. Let me tell you, it's only by the blood. Let me tell you, it's only by the blood. Let me tell you, it's only by the blood. [music] [music] [music] Does anybody want to be Does anybody want to be Does anybody want to be [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat.

[music] [music] Heat. Heat. No, it was the blood. Could have only No, it was the blood. Could have only been [music] the blood. been [music] the blood. been [music] the blood. Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] [music] [music] No, it was the blood. Could have only No, it was the blood. Could have only No, it was the blood. Could have only been [music] the blood. I'm going to pray a prayer of blessing I'm going to pray a prayer of blessing over you. I do want to ask you to over you. I do want to ask you to over you. I do want to ask you to consider between now and the launch of consider between now and the launch of consider between now and the launch of our Revelation series, who's someone you our Revelation series, who's someone you our Revelation series, who's someone you can invite because such an an intriguing can invite because such an an intriguing can invite because such an an intriguing book. I mean, it is a book that people book. I mean, it is a book that people book. I mean, it is a book that people really love to look into. But the hero really love to look into. But the hero really love to look into. But the hero of the book of Revelation is Jesus. And of the book of Revelation is Jesus. And of the book of Revelation is Jesus. And Jesus is who the people who you love Jesus is who the people who you love Jesus is who the people who you love need to hear about. So who is someone need to hear about. So who is someone need to hear about. So who is someone that you can invite to join you at one that you can invite to join you at one that you can invite to join you at one of our congregations if you live in of our congregations if you live in of our congregations if you live in Southern California or that you can just Southern California or that you can just Southern California or that you can just grab the link and share the link with?

grab the link and share the link with? grab the link and share the link with? We start that in three weeks. I We start that in three weeks. I We start that in three weeks. I encourage you to invite someone to join encourage you to invite someone to join encourage you to invite someone to join you. Will you extend your hands? Father, you. Will you extend your hands? Father, you. Will you extend your hands? Father, I pray over your sons and daughters. I I pray over your sons and daughters. I I pray over your sons and daughters. I ask that you bless them. Remind them of ask that you bless them. Remind them of ask that you bless them. Remind them of your grace this new week of your your grace this new week of your your grace this new week of your forgiveness and your tender mercy. cause forgiveness and your tender mercy. cause forgiveness and your tender mercy. cause your face to shine on them in the name your face to shine on them in the name your face to shine on them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy of the Father, the Son, and the Holy of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.