When I am angered - Eric Geiger | Mariners Church

That video is so exciting for me to That video is so exciting for me to watch and I I know it's exciting for you watch and I I know it's exciting for you watch and I I know it's exciting for you as well. You have been a part of seeing as well. You have been a part of seeing as well. You have been a part of seeing God's church multiply throughout God's church multiply throughout God's church multiply throughout Southern California. You who have been Southern California. You who have been Southern California. You who have been generous with your giving, because of generous with your giving, because of generous with your giving, because of your generosity, we are launching new your generosity, we are launching new your generosity, we are launching new congregations in Southern California and congregations in Southern California and congregations in Southern California and every time we do, people meet Jesus, every time we do, people meet Jesus, every time we do, people meet Jesus, families are restored, communities are families are restored, communities are families are restored, communities are served. It's really, really beautiful. served. It's really, really beautiful. served. It's really, really beautiful. And I'm excited about this weekend And I'm excited about this weekend And I'm excited about this weekend because we're announcing the next two because we're announcing the next two because we're announcing the next two Mariners congregations and some of you Mariners congregations and some of you Mariners congregations and some of you live live live where we're launching and we want to we where we're launching and we want to we where we're launching and we want to we want to have church with you in your want to have church with you in your want to have church with you in your community. We know you love your city, community. We know you love your city, community. We know you love your city, we love your city. We're excited about we love your city. We're excited about we love your city. We're excited about launching a Mariners congregation right launching a Mariners congregation right launching a Mariners congregation right where you are. And so our next two, where you are. And so our next two, where you are. And so our next two, which will will have Christmas services which will will have Christmas services which will will have Christmas services and then in January we'll officially and then in January we'll officially and then in January we'll officially launch as a congregation, Tustin and launch as a congregation, Tustin and launch as a congregation, Tustin and Fullerton/La Mirada. So Tustin and then Fullerton/La Mirada. So Tustin and then Fullerton/La Mirada. So Tustin and then the Fullerton La Mirada area. the Fullerton La Mirada area. the Fullerton La Mirada area. We're so excited. We're building a team We're so excited. We're building a team We're so excited. We're building a team right now that's going to launch these right now that's going to launch these right now that's going to launch these congregations right where you are. I congregations right where you are. I congregations right where you are. I want to introduce the lead pastors and want to introduce the lead pastors and want to introduce the lead pastors and their wives to you. This is Aaron their wives to you. This is Aaron their wives to you. This is Aaron O'Pague and his wife Krista. They are O'Pague and his wife Krista. They are O'Pague and his wife Krista. They are going to lead Mariners Tustin and this going to lead Mariners Tustin and this going to lead Mariners Tustin and this is Kevin Naylor and his wife Ali and is Kevin Naylor and his wife Ali and is Kevin Naylor and his wife Ali and they're going to lead Mariners La they're going to lead Mariners La they're going to lead Mariners La Mirada/Fullerton.

Mirada/Fullerton. Mirada/Fullerton. And so these leaders are amazing, we're And so these leaders are amazing, we're And so these leaders are amazing, we're so excited, our church is behind them so excited, our church is behind them so excited, our church is behind them and we can't wait to see what God does and we can't wait to see what God does and we can't wait to see what God does in these areas. If you live in one of in these areas. If you live in one of in these areas. If you live in one of these cities or close to one of these these cities or close to one of these these cities or close to one of these cities, we would love for you to be a cities, we would love for you to be a cities, we would love for you to be a part. And so if you'll go to the website part. And so if you'll go to the website part. And so if you'll go to the website that we have listed right here, you can that we have listed right here, you can that we have listed right here, you can sign up for information, you can come to sign up for information, you can come to sign up for information, you can come to an informational meeting, you can just an informational meeting, you can just an informational meeting, you can just get on the email address list and where get on the email address list and where get on the email address list and where we send you news about what is coming to we send you news about what is coming to we send you news about what is coming to your your way. We would love for you to your your way. We would love for you to your your way. We would love for you to be a part. But before I jump into our be a part. But before I jump into our be a part. But before I jump into our teaching, let's spend a moment and pray teaching, let's spend a moment and pray teaching, let's spend a moment and pray over these leaders and the launch of over these leaders and the launch of over these leaders and the launch of these new congregations. Will you pray these new congregations. Will you pray these new congregations. Will you pray with me? with me? with me? God, thank you for this opportunity. God, thank you for this opportunity. God, thank you for this opportunity. We're so excited to serve these cities We're so excited to serve these cities We're so excited to serve these cities and I pray for the launch of these and I pray for the launch of these and I pray for the launch of these congregations. I pray for Aaron and congregations. I pray for Aaron and congregations. I pray for Aaron and Kevin and their families that you'll Kevin and their families that you'll Kevin and their families that you'll bless them, that you'll fill them with bless them, that you'll fill them with bless them, that you'll fill them with wisdom and passion for these cities. I wisdom and passion for these cities. I wisdom and passion for these cities. I pray that you'll provide just the right pray that you'll provide just the right pray that you'll provide just the right leaders that come alongside them for the leaders that come alongside them for the leaders that come alongside them for the launch of these new congregations. We launch of these new congregations. We launch of these new congregations. We can't wait to see what you're going to can't wait to see what you're going to can't wait to see what you're going to do. In your name I pray. Amen. do. In your name I pray. Amen. do. In your name I pray. Amen. Super exciting. I'm so glad that you Super exciting. I'm so glad that you Super exciting. I'm so glad that you were a part. Well, we are continuing our were a part. Well, we are continuing our were a part. Well, we are continuing our in our teaching series when life doesn't in our teaching series when life doesn't in our teaching series when life doesn't make sense. The Oxford word of the year make sense. The Oxford word of the year make sense. The Oxford word of the year in 2025 in 2025 in 2025 was 67. It actually it was not. But, was 67. It actually it was not. But, was 67. It actually it was not. But, that was the dictionary.com word of the that was the dictionary.com word of the that was the dictionary.com word of the year. The Oxford word of the year, which year. The Oxford word of the year, which year. The Oxford word of the year, which I guess is somewhat related, is rage I guess is somewhat related, is rage I guess is somewhat related, is rage bait. Rage bait was the word of the year bait. Rage bait was the word of the year bait. Rage bait was the word of the year in 2025 according to Oxford. The reason in 2025 according to Oxford. The reason in 2025 according to Oxford. The reason is because it tripled in use. People is because it tripled in use. People is because it tripled in use. People were using the term because all of us

were using the term because all of us were using the term because all of us have been baited with some rage bait have been baited with some rage bait have been baited with some rage bait online. You know what rage bait is? It's online. You know what rage bait is? It's online. You know what rage bait is? It's when something pops up on social media when something pops up on social media when something pops up on social media or on a website and the whole intent is or on a website and the whole intent is or on a website and the whole intent is to get you to engage because if you to get you to engage because if you to get you to engage because if you engage, you're staying the platform engage, you're staying the platform engage, you're staying the platform longer. Now, I want to remind you that longer. Now, I want to remind you that longer. Now, I want to remind you that you are not the customer of the you are not the customer of the you are not the customer of the platform. You are the product because platform. You are the product because platform. You are the product because your eyeballs are then sold to your eyeballs are then sold to your eyeballs are then sold to advertisers. And so, these platforms advertisers. And so, these platforms advertisers. And so, these platforms know that if they can get you to stay on know that if they can get you to stay on know that if they can get you to stay on the platform longer, that makes you a the platform longer, that makes you a the platform longer, that makes you a more valuable sell to the real customer. more valuable sell to the real customer. more valuable sell to the real customer. The This should make you angry that your The This should make you angry that your The This should make you angry that your eyeballs are exploited with anger and eyeballs are exploited with anger and eyeballs are exploited with anger and rage bait and rage bait. You perhaps rage bait and rage bait. You perhaps rage bait and rage bait. You perhaps have seen this happen before. You wake have seen this happen before. You wake have seen this happen before. You wake up in the morning and you see a video on up in the morning and you see a video on up in the morning and you see a video on social media and it pulls anger to the social media and it pulls anger to the social media and it pulls anger to the surface, which that then serves you up surface, which that then serves you up surface, which that then serves you up another video of someone telling you another video of someone telling you another video of someone telling you that if you weren't angry enough at the that if you weren't angry enough at the that if you weren't angry enough at the last video, then something's wrong with last video, then something's wrong with last video, then something's wrong with you. You scroll down to the comments and you. You scroll down to the comments and you. You scroll down to the comments and you see BigMike784 Mom's Basement you see BigMike784 Mom's Basement you see BigMike784 Mom's Basement debating with uh debating with uh debating with uh FatJoe77 FatJoe77 FatJoe77 and they're fighting in the comments and they're fighting in the comments and they're fighting in the comments about the video and you go into your about the video and you go into your about the video and you go into your breakfast filled with rage and anger.

breakfast filled with rage and anger. breakfast filled with rage and anger. This is rage bait. This is rage bait. This is rage bait. Now, the problem with rage bait is it Now, the problem with rage bait is it Now, the problem with rage bait is it causes people to be filled with anything causes people to be filled with anything causes people to be filled with anything and everything. And if we're angry about and everything. And if we're angry about and everything. And if we're angry about everything, then we really have everything, then we really have everything, then we really have forgotten the perspective about being forgotten the perspective about being forgotten the perspective about being angry at the things that should anger angry at the things that should anger angry at the things that should anger us. It all gets lumped together. Being us. It all gets lumped together. Being us. It all gets lumped together. Being angry about an unwise thing a celebrity angry about an unwise thing a celebrity angry about an unwise thing a celebrity said or a bad call in a game or said or a bad call in a game or said or a bad call in a game or somebody's take on a movie. That's somebody's take on a movie. That's somebody's take on a movie. That's different than being angered at real different than being angered at real different than being angered at real injustices in the world that actually injustices in the world that actually injustices in the world that actually bring pain to people. But rage bait has bring pain to people. But rage bait has bring pain to people. But rage bait has confused it all together. There are some confused it all together. There are some confused it all together. There are some things that should anger us. Injustices things that should anger us. Injustices things that should anger us. Injustices in the world when people are mistreated. in the world when people are mistreated. in the world when people are mistreated. You can be angered when you have been You can be angered when you have been You can be angered when you have been mistreated. Or perhaps sometimes you are mistreated. Or perhaps sometimes you are mistreated. Or perhaps sometimes you are angry just by the brokenness of this angry just by the brokenness of this angry just by the brokenness of this world. world. world. Sometimes when we are angry, the source Sometimes when we are angry, the source Sometimes when we are angry, the source is really clear. We know it's this is really clear. We know it's this is really clear. We know it's this person who's wronged us or wronged person who's wronged us or wronged person who's wronged us or wronged someone else. But sometimes the the someone else. But sometimes the the someone else. But sometimes the the source of our anger isn't really clear source of our anger isn't really clear source of our anger isn't really clear because it's just the reality of living because it's just the reality of living because it's just the reality of living in a world that's broken and bent out of in a world that's broken and bent out of in a world that's broken and bent out of shape.

shape. shape. Some of you are in the midst of grief Some of you are in the midst of grief Some of you are in the midst of grief right now and you perhaps have heard of right now and you perhaps have heard of right now and you perhaps have heard of the the five stages of grief. It's a the the five stages of grief. It's a the the five stages of grief. It's a popular model that is used in counseling popular model that is used in counseling popular model that is used in counseling that says anger is the second stage of that says anger is the second stage of that says anger is the second stage of grief. Maybe you're in a broken grief. Maybe you're in a broken grief. Maybe you're in a broken relationship right now and you've been relationship right now and you've been relationship right now and you've been betrayed and first you denied it and now betrayed and first you denied it and now betrayed and first you denied it and now you're in stage two and you're you're you're in stage two and you're you're you're in stage two and you're you're justifiably angry because how you've justifiably angry because how you've justifiably angry because how you've been wronged. been wronged. been wronged. Or perhaps something is just wrong with Or perhaps something is just wrong with Or perhaps something is just wrong with this world and and at first you tried to this world and and at first you tried to this world and and at first you tried to look the other way, but now it's really look the other way, but now it's really look the other way, but now it's really impacting you and you're filled with impacting you and you're filled with impacting you and you're filled with with anger. with anger. with anger. I remember when my dad several years ago I remember when my dad several years ago I remember when my dad several years ago before he passed away was diagnosed with before he passed away was diagnosed with before he passed away was diagnosed with ALS. I at first was in denial. I My dad ALS. I at first was in denial. I My dad ALS. I at first was in denial. I My dad was the strongest person I knew and I was the strongest person I knew and I was the strongest person I knew and I thought that surely he's going to find a thought that surely he's going to find a thought that surely he's going to find a way to to beat this or to at least delay way to to beat this or to at least delay way to to beat this or to at least delay this. I was in denial a bit. And then this. I was in denial a bit. And then this. I was in denial a bit. And then when my parents would come out to visit when my parents would come out to visit when my parents would come out to visit and I saw my father's body deteriorating and I saw my father's body deteriorating and I saw my father's body deteriorating and he had to be pushed around in a and he had to be pushed around in a and he had to be pushed around in a wheelchair and he would spend his visits wheelchair and he would spend his visits wheelchair and he would spend his visits and he loved when I would take him to and he loved when I would take him to and he loved when I would take him to different places in Southern California different places in Southern California different places in Southern California and and and push him around. And I'm and and and push him around. And I'm and and and push him around. And I'm really thankful for that time. When I really thankful for that time. When I really thankful for that time. When I look at these pictures, I'm thankful for look at these pictures, I'm thankful for look at these pictures, I'm thankful for the the great time with my father and the the great time with my father and the the great time with my father and the great conversations we had. But I'm the great conversations we had. But I'm the great conversations we had. But I'm also filled with anger of the cruelty of also filled with anger of the cruelty of also filled with anger of the cruelty of a disease like ALS. The cruelty of that a disease like ALS. The cruelty of that a disease like ALS. The cruelty of that disease that just brings havoc into this disease that just brings havoc into this disease that just brings havoc into this world. So there is an anger that's world. So there is an anger that's world. So there is an anger that's unlike rage bait. There is an anger that unlike rage bait. There is an anger that unlike rage bait. There is an anger that is righteous.

is righteous. is righteous. But how do we deal with our anger? Cuz But how do we deal with our anger? Cuz But how do we deal with our anger? Cuz it's possible to actually have righteous it's possible to actually have righteous it's possible to actually have righteous anger towards an injustice or towards anger towards an injustice or towards anger towards an injustice or towards the brokenness and the bent out shape of the brokenness and the bent out shape of the brokenness and the bent out shape of this world, but then handle that anger this world, but then handle that anger this world, but then handle that anger in an unrighteous way. in an unrighteous way. in an unrighteous way. So how do we handle our anger? So how do we handle our anger? So how do we handle our anger? There are people who have suggested There are people who have suggested There are people who have suggested multiple ways. Some some said, "Hey, multiple ways. Some some said, "Hey, multiple ways. Some some said, "Hey, don't let it out." But then research don't let it out." But then research don't let it out." But then research over the years has said suppressing your over the years has said suppressing your over the years has said suppressing your anger is actually really bad for you. anger is actually really bad for you. anger is actually really bad for you. There's so many scholarly articles that There's so many scholarly articles that There's so many scholarly articles that say if you don't let your anger out, if say if you don't let your anger out, if say if you don't let your anger out, if you just push it down and try to get rid you just push it down and try to get rid you just push it down and try to get rid of your anger because you don't want to of your anger because you don't want to of your anger because you don't want to lose your temper cuz if you lose your lose your temper cuz if you lose your lose your temper cuz if you lose your temper, you'll lose your credibility at temper, you'll lose your credibility at temper, you'll lose your credibility at work or you'll lose your credibility work or you'll lose your credibility work or you'll lose your credibility with other people. So just push it down. with other people. So just push it down. with other people. So just push it down. But the articles the scholarly articles But the articles the scholarly articles But the articles the scholarly articles say that suppression of anger actually say that suppression of anger actually say that suppression of anger actually can bring about cardiovasc- can bring about cardiovasc- can bring about cardiovasc- cardiovascular damage, can damage cardiovascular damage, can damage cardiovascular damage, can damage relationships and your emotional health. relationships and your emotional health. relationships and your emotional health. That burying your anger isn't really That burying your anger isn't really That burying your anger isn't really best. best. best. David Palason was a Christian counselor David Palason was a Christian counselor David Palason was a Christian counselor and he said that buried anger is rarely and he said that buried anger is rarely and he said that buried anger is rarely dead anger.

dead anger. dead anger. So what do we do with our anger? So what do we do with our anger? So what do we do with our anger? Suppressing it doesn't work. It's not Suppressing it doesn't work. It's not Suppressing it doesn't work. It's not helpful. helpful. helpful. And so some then perhaps thought, "Well, And so some then perhaps thought, "Well, And so some then perhaps thought, "Well, let me express anger. Let me just get it let me express anger. Let me just get it let me express anger. Let me just get it out. I grew up being told that if you out. I grew up being told that if you out. I grew up being told that if you want Don't suppress it. That's bad for want Don't suppress it. That's bad for want Don't suppress it. That's bad for you. You'll implode. And so, express it. you. You'll implode. And so, express it. you. You'll implode. And so, express it. May Maybe you had that advice. You know, May Maybe you had that advice. You know, May Maybe you had that advice. You know, be Mike Tyson against some pillows and be Mike Tyson against some pillows and be Mike Tyson against some pillows and just let it out. But actually, recent just let it out. But actually, recent just let it out. But actually, recent research says that the more we express research says that the more we express research says that the more we express our anger, we actually become more our anger, we actually become more our anger, we actually become more angry. angry. angry. So, this is challenging. I Don't So, this is challenging. I Don't So, this is challenging. I Don't suppress it. But if you express it, you suppress it. But if you express it, you suppress it. But if you express it, you become even angrier? become even angrier? become even angrier? There was a study done by O- Ohio State There was a study done by O- Ohio State There was a study done by O- Ohio State University. 600 college students had University. 600 college students had University. 600 college students had people write against their point of people write against their point of people write against their point of view. So, 600 college students all did a view. So, 600 college students all did a view. So, 600 college students all did a paper where they articulated an ethical paper where they articulated an ethical paper where they articulated an ethical viewpoint. And then they all had viewpoint. And then they all had viewpoint. And then they all had somebody who pretended to be against somebody who pretended to be against somebody who pretended to be against them and go against their viewpoint. them and go against their viewpoint. them and go against their viewpoint. These 600 students were put into three These 600 students were put into three These 600 students were put into three groups. And of the three groups, the groups. And of the three groups, the groups. And of the three groups, the first group, they were told as they first group, they were told as they first group, they were told as they punched a bag to think of the person who punched a bag to think of the person who punched a bag to think of the person who critiqued them.

critiqued them. critiqued them. The second group was told to punch a The second group was told to punch a The second group was told to punch a bag, but they were not given the prompt bag, but they were not given the prompt bag, but they were not given the prompt to think of the person who critiqued to think of the person who critiqued to think of the person who critiqued them. them. them. And the third group, they were not given And the third group, they were not given And the third group, they were not given any prompts or any punching bags. any prompts or any punching bags. any prompts or any punching bags. Of the three groups, which of these Of the three groups, which of these Of the three groups, which of these three groups do you think reported three groups do you think reported three groups do you think reported escalated anger? escalated anger? escalated anger? You already know the answer. You already know the answer. You already know the answer. It was the group that was thinking about It was the group that was thinking about It was the group that was thinking about the critique as they were punching the the critique as they were punching the the critique as they were punching the bag. The reason you know the answer is bag. The reason you know the answer is bag. The reason you know the answer is because you live in the social media era because you live in the social media era because you live in the social media era where you have seen people online to where you have seen people online to where you have seen people online to express anger, express anger, express anger, and the expression turns them into an and the expression turns them into an and the expression turns them into an angrier person, and they're more and angrier person, and they're more and angrier person, and they're more and more angry. You've seen it. And sadly, more angry. You've seen it. And sadly, more angry. You've seen it. And sadly, I've seen this in my own life as well. I've seen this in my own life as well. I've seen this in my own life as well. I remember one evening sitting with a I remember one evening sitting with a I remember one evening sitting with a friend and recounting some anger about friend and recounting some anger about friend and recounting some anger about how someone had hurt me. how someone had hurt me. how someone had hurt me. And I I loved the beginning of the And I I loved the beginning of the And I I loved the beginning of the conversation because my friend was conversation because my friend was conversation because my friend was validating my feelings. Like, yeah. Oh, validating my feelings. Like, yeah. Oh, validating my feelings. Like, yeah. Oh, yeah. And I'm Oh, yeah? Well, what about yeah. And I'm Oh, yeah? Well, what about yeah. And I'm Oh, yeah? Well, what about this? And I would just The more I this? And I would just The more I this? And I would just The more I shared, it felt cathartic for a little shared, it felt cathartic for a little shared, it felt cathartic for a little bit.

bit. bit. But at the end of the evening, my anger But at the end of the evening, my anger But at the end of the evening, my anger was actually greater. Every part of the was actually greater. Every part of the was actually greater. Every part of the conversation was throwing more wood on conversation was throwing more wood on conversation was throwing more wood on the fire of my own anger. the fire of my own anger. the fire of my own anger. So, suppression of your anger isn't So, suppression of your anger isn't So, suppression of your anger isn't healthy or helpful, but expression of healthy or helpful, but expression of healthy or helpful, but expression of your anger isn't either. What do we do your anger isn't either. What do we do your anger isn't either. What do we do with our anger? with our anger? with our anger? We're going to look at a psalm today We're going to look at a psalm today We're going to look at a psalm today that is really instructive. A psalm that that is really instructive. A psalm that that is really instructive. A psalm that is mixed anger and grief together. is mixed anger and grief together. is mixed anger and grief together. And there's a lot to learn in this And there's a lot to learn in this And there's a lot to learn in this psalm. It's a actually a it's it's a psalm. It's a actually a it's it's a psalm. It's a actually a it's it's a psalm that is rarely taught because the psalm that is rarely taught because the psalm that is rarely taught because the end of the psalm is presents a a end of the psalm is presents a a end of the psalm is presents a a theological question. So, some people theological question. So, some people theological question. So, some people wrestle with the psalm. And so, perhaps wrestle with the psalm. And so, perhaps wrestle with the psalm. And so, perhaps you've never heard this psalm taught, you've never heard this psalm taught, you've never heard this psalm taught, but there's actually some great wisdom but there's actually some great wisdom but there's actually some great wisdom for us to look at in the psalm. So, for us to look at in the psalm. So, for us to look at in the psalm. So, Psalm 137. This is God's word. Psalm 137. This is God's word. Psalm 137. This is God's word. By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept. When we remembered Zion, down and wept. When we remembered Zion, down and wept. When we remembered Zion, there we hung up our lyres on the poplar there we hung up our lyres on the poplar there we hung up our lyres on the poplar trees. For our captors there asked us trees. For our captors there asked us trees. For our captors there asked us for songs, and our tormentors for for songs, and our tormentors for for songs, and our tormentors for rejoicing. Sing us one of the songs of rejoicing. Sing us one of the songs of rejoicing. Sing us one of the songs of Zion. This is God's word. Let me stop Zion. This is God's word. Let me stop Zion. This is God's word. Let me stop here. I want to explain to you what's here. I want to explain to you what's here. I want to explain to you what's happening in this text. Clearly, the happening in this text. Clearly, the happening in this text. Clearly, the context is is evident. This is by the context is is evident. This is by the context is is evident. This is by the rivers of Babylon, when God's people rivers of Babylon, when God's people rivers of Babylon, when God's people remembered Zion. Zion is Jerusalem. And remembered Zion. Zion is Jerusalem. And remembered Zion. Zion is Jerusalem. And so, we know from the context of the so, we know from the context of the so, we know from the context of the psalm exactly what is taking place.

psalm exactly what is taking place. psalm exactly what is taking place. God's people have been dragged away into God's people have been dragged away into God's people have been dragged away into Babylonian captivity. So, they sit by Babylonian captivity. So, they sit by Babylonian captivity. So, they sit by the rivers of Babylon. The reason the rivers of Babylon. The reason the rivers of Babylon. The reason they're dragged away into Babylonian they're dragged away into Babylonian they're dragged away into Babylonian captivity is God had told his people captivity is God had told his people captivity is God had told his people when he brought them into the promised when he brought them into the promised when he brought them into the promised land after he had rescued them from land after he had rescued them from land after he had rescued them from Egyptian slavery, that if you worship Egyptian slavery, that if you worship Egyptian slavery, that if you worship me, you'll enjoy this land, but if you me, you'll enjoy this land, but if you me, you'll enjoy this land, but if you worship other little g gods, I'm going worship other little g gods, I'm going worship other little g gods, I'm going to remove you from this land. to remove you from this land. to remove you from this land. And they continually worshipped things And they continually worshipped things And they continually worshipped things other than God. So God removed them from other than God. So God removed them from other than God. So God removed them from the land. This is what he did. The 12 the land. This is what he did. The 12 the land. This is what he did. The 12 tribes of Israel were divided into two tribes of Israel were divided into two tribes of Israel were divided into two kingdoms, the northern kingdom. The kingdoms, the northern kingdom. The kingdoms, the northern kingdom. The Assyrians came in and attacked them and Assyrians came in and attacked them and Assyrians came in and attacked them and dragged them away. The southern kingdom, dragged them away. The southern kingdom, dragged them away. The southern kingdom, which included Zion and Jerusalem, the which included Zion and Jerusalem, the which included Zion and Jerusalem, the Babylonians went in and attacked them. Babylonians went in and attacked them. Babylonians went in and attacked them. And the Babylonians were ruthless. They And the Babylonians were ruthless. They And the Babylonians were ruthless. They burned down homes. They destroyed the burned down homes. They destroyed the burned down homes. They destroyed the temple. They grabbed the leaders of temple. They grabbed the leaders of temple. They grabbed the leaders of Jerusalem and they executed them Jerusalem and they executed them Jerusalem and they executed them publicly. And like was very common in publicly. And like was very common in publicly. And like was very common in ancient war, it's horrific what they ancient war, it's horrific what they ancient war, it's horrific what they did. They tried to destroy the entire did. They tried to destroy the entire did. They tried to destroy the entire next generation. And so they took little next generation. And so they took little next generation. And so they took little kids and and smashed their heads against kids and and smashed their heads against kids and and smashed their heads against rocks. This was common in ancient rocks. This was common in ancient rocks. This was common in ancient warfare so that an entire generation warfare so that an entire generation warfare so that an entire generation would be gone so that no one else could would be gone so that no one else could would be gone so that no one else could rise up and take vengeance against the rise up and take vengeance against the rise up and take vengeance against the Babylonians. The Babylonians then Babylonians. The Babylonians then Babylonians. The Babylonians then dragged the the what they viewed as the dragged the the what they viewed as the dragged the the what they viewed as the top people into captivity so they could top people into captivity so they could top people into captivity so they could benefit from their intellect and their benefit from their intellect and their benefit from their intellect and their expertise. And so the writer of this expertise. And so the writer of this expertise. And so the writer of this Psalm is one of the people who's dragged Psalm is one of the people who's dragged Psalm is one of the people who's dragged away. He's by the rivers of Babylon and away. He's by the rivers of Babylon and away. He's by the rivers of Babylon and he sat down and he wept. He wept.

he sat down and he wept. He wept. he sat down and he wept. He wept. And the weeping And the weeping And the weeping surely had some surely had some surely had some internal internal internal disappointment, frustration with himself disappointment, frustration with himself disappointment, frustration with himself and his people that we had abandoned and his people that we had abandoned and his people that we had abandoned God. God kept his promise. And so the God. God kept his promise. And so the God. God kept his promise. And so the weeping was some self-reflection of I weeping was some self-reflection of I weeping was some self-reflection of I have I fallen we fallen. Why did we Why have I fallen we fallen. Why did we Why have I fallen we fallen. Why did we Why were we not faithful to our God? But were we not faithful to our God? But were we not faithful to our God? But also some of the weeping surely was also some of the weeping surely was also some of the weeping surely was the anger at how these people, his the anger at how these people, his the anger at how these people, his people, had been treated by the people, had been treated by the people, had been treated by the Babylonians. They sat down and they Babylonians. They sat down and they Babylonians. They sat down and they wept. And notice what happens next. He wept. And notice what happens next. He wept. And notice what happens next. He says that we hung up our our lyres on says that we hung up our our lyres on says that we hung up our our lyres on the popular tree. It's an instrument. the popular tree. It's an instrument. the popular tree. It's an instrument. And he's saying we're not we're not And he's saying we're not we're not And he's saying we're not we're not going to sing anymore. I I'm not going to sing anymore. I I'm not going to sing anymore. I I'm not singing. I'm so sad right now. I I don't singing. I'm so sad right now. I I don't singing. I'm so sad right now. I I don't want to sing. I'm filled with grief and want to sing. I'm filled with grief and want to sing. I'm filled with grief and anger." anger." anger." There's a song that we sometimes sing There's a song that we sometimes sing There's a song that we sometimes sing here at Mariners that the the chorus here at Mariners that the the chorus here at Mariners that the the chorus goes, "You're never going to let me goes, "You're never going to let me goes, "You're never going to let me down. You're never going to let me down. You're never going to let me down. You're never going to let me down."

down." down." And there's times where And there's times where And there's times where I have struggled to sing that chorus. I have struggled to sing that chorus. I have struggled to sing that chorus. Because I've been in a moment that's Because I've been in a moment that's Because I've been in a moment that's really painful and it feels as if God's really painful and it feels as if God's really painful and it feels as if God's letting me down. letting me down. letting me down. And now I've tried to sing and I've sung And now I've tried to sing and I've sung And now I've tried to sing and I've sung in a way of God, "Help me to remember in a way of God, "Help me to remember in a way of God, "Help me to remember this is true. That even though it feels this is true. That even though it feels this is true. That even though it feels like in this moment things are not what like in this moment things are not what like in this moment things are not what they should be, that in the big whole they should be, that in the big whole they should be, that in the big whole picture, you've got me. That in the big picture, you've got me. That in the big picture, you've got me. That in the big whole picture, you're doing a beautiful whole picture, you're doing a beautiful whole picture, you're doing a beautiful work. But it feels like right now, God, work. But it feels like right now, God, work. But it feels like right now, God, I'm struggling to sing, 'You're never I'm struggling to sing, 'You're never I'm struggling to sing, 'You're never going to let me down.' Cuz I feel right going to let me down.' Cuz I feel right going to let me down.' Cuz I feel right now let down. That's That's this now let down. That's That's this now let down. That's That's this moment." Angered with everything that's moment." Angered with everything that's moment." Angered with everything that's happening, filled with grief. We're happening, filled with grief. We're happening, filled with grief. We're hanging up our lyres. We're not playing hanging up our lyres. We're not playing hanging up our lyres. We're not playing an instrument right now. We're not an instrument right now. We're not an instrument right now. We're not singing. And also they hung up their singing. And also they hung up their singing. And also they hung up their lyres in defiance because their lyres in defiance because their lyres in defiance because their tormentors Oh, this is horrible. Their tormentors Oh, this is horrible. Their tormentors Oh, this is horrible. Their tormentors were saying, "Hey, hey, why tormentors were saying, "Hey, hey, why tormentors were saying, "Hey, hey, why don't you sing something for us?

don't you sing something for us? don't you sing something for us? Sing to your God. Hey, where is your God Sing to your God. Hey, where is your God Sing to your God. Hey, where is your God now? You lost. We destroyed your temple. now? You lost. We destroyed your temple. now? You lost. We destroyed your temple. We're taking you to Babylon. Sing one of We're taking you to Babylon. Sing one of We're taking you to Babylon. Sing one of your songs." And so they hung up their your songs." And so they hung up their your songs." And so they hung up their lyres in defiance, but it feels like in lyres in defiance, but it feels like in lyres in defiance, but it feels like in this moment that evil is winning. And this moment that evil is winning. And this moment that evil is winning. And when it feels as if evil is winning, when it feels as if evil is winning, when it feels as if evil is winning, there is anger here. Let's keep reading there is anger here. Let's keep reading there is anger here. Let's keep reading in the Psalm. in the Psalm. in the Psalm. "How can we sing the Lord's song on "How can we sing the Lord's song on "How can we sing the Lord's song on foreign soil?" So they're now in foreign soil?" So they're now in foreign soil?" So they're now in Babylon. I sat down down by the waters Babylon. I sat down down by the waters Babylon. I sat down down by the waters of Babylon. How can I sing what I used of Babylon. How can I sing what I used of Babylon. How can I sing what I used to sing in the temple? How can I sing it to sing in the temple? How can I sing it to sing in the temple? How can I sing it here? "If I forget you, Jerusalem, may here? "If I forget you, Jerusalem, may here? "If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May my my right hand forget its skill. May my my right hand forget its skill. May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt I do not remember you, if I do not exalt I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem as my greatest joy. This is Jerusalem as my greatest joy. This is Jerusalem as my greatest joy. This is God's word. He's pledging here to God's word. He's pledging here to God's word. He's pledging here to Jerusalem. He's saying, "God, I want to Jerusalem. He's saying, "God, I want to Jerusalem. He's saying, "God, I want to remember we worshipped you in that great remember we worshipped you in that great remember we worshipped you in that great city." Jerusalem was supposed to be at city." Jerusalem was supposed to be at city." Jerusalem was supposed to be at this point in history a city that this point in history a city that this point in history a city that blessed all nations. blessed all nations. blessed all nations. And here they are dragged away into And here they are dragged away into And here they are dragged away into Babylonian captivity. Now, little little Babylonian captivity. Now, little little Babylonian captivity. Now, little little hint, we actually know that the city of hint, we actually know that the city of hint, we actually know that the city of Jerusalem ends up blessing Jerusalem ends up blessing Jerusalem ends up blessing because of who was crucified in the city because of who was crucified in the city because of who was crucified in the city of Jerusalem and then rescues people to of Jerusalem and then rescues people to of Jerusalem and then rescues people to himself from every tribe, tongue, and himself from every tribe, tongue, and himself from every tribe, tongue, and nation. That is Jesus the Christ. But nation. That is Jesus the Christ. But nation. That is Jesus the Christ. But right here, before Jesus arrives, this right here, before Jesus arrives, this right here, before Jesus arrives, this is in the Old Testament, they are in is in the Old Testament, they are in is in the Old Testament, they are in Babylon and they're saying, "I am Babylon and they're saying, "I am Babylon and they're saying, "I am struggling so much. I I pledge my struggling so much. I I pledge my struggling so much. I I pledge my loyalty to Jerusalem even though I'm in loyalty to Jerusalem even though I'm in loyalty to Jerusalem even though I'm in Babylon." And he says, "I I Babylon." And he says, "I I Babylon." And he says, "I I If I don't If I forget you, Jerusalem,

If I don't If I forget you, Jerusalem, If I don't If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill," may my right hand forget its skill," may my right hand forget its skill," meaning I I shouldn't be able to even meaning I I shouldn't be able to even meaning I I shouldn't be able to even play my instrument, "and my tongue stick play my instrument, "and my tongue stick play my instrument, "and my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth," that I won't to the roof of my mouth," that I won't to the roof of my mouth," that I won't be able to sing. If I don't praise you, be able to sing. If I don't praise you, be able to sing. If I don't praise you, I don't want to sing at all, is what I don't want to sing at all, is what I don't want to sing at all, is what he's saying. he's saying. he's saying. Okay, now, Okay, now, Okay, now, the end of the Psalm is a challenging the end of the Psalm is a challenging the end of the Psalm is a challenging read. In fact, some atheist will use read. In fact, some atheist will use read. In fact, some atheist will use these texts to say to Christians, "What these texts to say to Christians, "What these texts to say to Christians, "What is this? What is this that you believe is this? What is this that you believe is this? What is this that you believe about your God?" But I have committed about your God?" But I have committed about your God?" But I have committed tonight shield you from the challenging tonight shield you from the challenging tonight shield you from the challenging passages of scripture, but to help you passages of scripture, but to help you passages of scripture, but to help you explain uh to help you see them, to explain uh to help you see them, to explain uh to help you see them, to explain them to you. So, let's see the explain them to you. So, let's see the explain them to you. So, let's see the end of the Psalm. end of the Psalm. end of the Psalm. "Remember, Lord, what the said "Remember, Lord, what the said "Remember, Lord, what the said that day." So, he's referring to the day that day." So, he's referring to the day that day." So, he's referring to the day when they were dragged away into when they were dragged away into when they were dragged away into captivity. "Remember, Lord, what the captivity. "Remember, Lord, what the captivity. "Remember, Lord, what the said that day at Jerusalem, said that day at Jerusalem, said that day at Jerusalem, 'Destroy it, destroy it down to its 'Destroy it, destroy it down to its 'Destroy it, destroy it down to its foundations.' foundations.' foundations.' Daughter Babylon, doomed to destruction, Daughter Babylon, doomed to destruction, Daughter Babylon, doomed to destruction, this is the challenging verse. Happy is this is the challenging verse. Happy is this is the challenging verse. Happy is the one who pays you back what you have the one who pays you back what you have the one who pays you back what you have done to us. Happy is he who takes your done to us. Happy is he who takes your done to us. Happy is he who takes your little ones and dashes them against the little ones and dashes them against the little ones and dashes them against the rocks.

rocks. rocks. Now, let me explain this text to you. Now, let me explain this text to you. Now, let me explain this text to you. Notice that there are two cities that Notice that there are two cities that Notice that there are two cities that the author of this Psalm talks about. the author of this Psalm talks about. the author of this Psalm talks about. It's the and Babylon. Now, the It's the and Babylon. Now, the It's the and Babylon. Now, the they should have defended they should have defended they should have defended Jerusalem, Israel, as Israel was being Jerusalem, Israel, as Israel was being Jerusalem, Israel, as Israel was being attacked. Let me show you on an ancient attacked. Let me show you on an ancient attacked. Let me show you on an ancient map. Edom is just south of Israel. Edom map. Edom is just south of Israel. Edom map. Edom is just south of Israel. Edom came from Esau. Israel came from Jacob. came from Esau. Israel came from Jacob. came from Esau. Israel came from Jacob. If you remember way back in the Old If you remember way back in the Old If you remember way back in the Old Testament, Jacob had 12 sons, that Testament, Jacob had 12 sons, that Testament, Jacob had 12 sons, that became the 12 tribes of Israel, but became the 12 tribes of Israel, but became the 12 tribes of Israel, but Jacob had a brother named Esau. And so, Jacob had a brother named Esau. And so, Jacob had a brother named Esau. And so, they they're they're kind of they're they they're they're kind of they're they they're they're kind of they're they're related. These these people they're related. These these people they're related. These these people groups are related. And Israel thought groups are related. And Israel thought groups are related. And Israel thought that when Babylon comes and attacks that that when Babylon comes and attacks that that when Babylon comes and attacks that Edom will perhaps defend Babylon, but Edom will perhaps defend Babylon, but Edom will perhaps defend Babylon, but defend Israel against Babylon. But, defend Israel against Babylon. But, defend Israel against Babylon. But, that's not what Edom does. Look at the that's not what Edom does. Look at the that's not what Edom does. Look at the text. Edom actually says, "Destroy it text. Edom actually says, "Destroy it text. Edom actually says, "Destroy it down to its foundations." down to its foundations." down to its foundations." And then there is Babylon. And I've And then there is Babylon. And I've And then there is Babylon. And I've already shared what Babylon did when already shared what Babylon did when already shared what Babylon did when Babylon moved into Israel and dragged Babylon moved into Israel and dragged Babylon moved into Israel and dragged people away that they people away that they people away that they they tried to destroy an entire they tried to destroy an entire they tried to destroy an entire generation. It was ancient warfare, and generation. It was ancient warfare, and generation. It was ancient warfare, and it was disgusting and evil as children it was disgusting and evil as children it was disgusting and evil as children were slaughtered.

were slaughtered. were slaughtered. And so, now that some scholars say this And so, now that some scholars say this And so, now that some scholars say this is just a raw, honest prayer saying, is just a raw, honest prayer saying, is just a raw, honest prayer saying, "God, would you please do to them what "God, would you please do to them what "God, would you please do to them what they did to us. Happy is the one who they did to us. Happy is the one who they did to us. Happy is the one who pays you back what you've done to us. pays you back what you've done to us. pays you back what you've done to us. Happy is he who takes your little ones Happy is he who takes your little ones Happy is he who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rocks." Now, and dashes them against the rocks." Now, and dashes them against the rocks." Now, some scholars say that this phrase, some scholars say that this phrase, some scholars say that this phrase, "Happy," "Happy," "Happy," it could also be translated "right." it could also be translated "right." it could also be translated "right." I'm not saying this softens the I'm not saying this softens the I'm not saying this softens the intensity of this verse, intensity of this verse, intensity of this verse, but it would be right if the people who but it would be right if the people who but it would be right if the people who did this to us, if they had the same did this to us, if they had the same did this to us, if they had the same level of judgment and justice and wrath level of judgment and justice and wrath level of judgment and justice and wrath poured out on them is what is what he's poured out on them is what is what he's poured out on them is what is what he's saying. saying. saying. Now, Now, Now, what he's not saying, the reason this is what he's not saying, the reason this is what he's not saying, the reason this is actually I believe a helpful passage in actually I believe a helpful passage in actually I believe a helpful passage in the scripture, the psalmist is not the scripture, the psalmist is not the scripture, the psalmist is not saying, saying, saying, "I'm going to go to Edom and I'm going "I'm going to go to Edom and I'm going "I'm going to go to Edom and I'm going to bring destruction." to bring destruction." to bring destruction." He's not saying, "I'm in Babylon and I'm He's not saying, "I'm in Babylon and I'm He's not saying, "I'm in Babylon and I'm filled with anger. I'm going to destroy filled with anger. I'm going to destroy filled with anger. I'm going to destroy these people." No, notice what he says these people." No, notice what he says these people." No, notice what he says at the very beginning of this verse, at the very beginning of this verse, at the very beginning of this verse, verse seven. "Remember, Lord. Remember, verse seven. "Remember, Lord. Remember, verse seven. "Remember, Lord. Remember, Lord." He is not expressing his anger.

Lord." He is not expressing his anger. Lord." He is not expressing his anger. He's not walking throughout Babylon just He's not walking throughout Babylon just He's not walking throughout Babylon just filled with rage and yelling at filled with rage and yelling at filled with rage and yelling at everybody, but he's also not suppressing everybody, but he's also not suppressing everybody, but he's also not suppressing his anger. We know he's not suppressing his anger. We know he's not suppressing his anger. We know he's not suppressing his anger cuz he actually wrote a psalm, his anger cuz he actually wrote a psalm, his anger cuz he actually wrote a psalm, but he's not in Babylon just expressing but he's not in Babylon just expressing but he's not in Babylon just expressing his anger to everyone. No, he's his anger to everyone. No, he's his anger to everyone. No, he's addressing his anger by remembering God addressing his anger by remembering God addressing his anger by remembering God and trusting that God's going to be the and trusting that God's going to be the and trusting that God's going to be the one who who brings vengeance. I'm I I one who who brings vengeance. I'm I I one who who brings vengeance. I'm I I trust God that some kind of way you're trust God that some kind of way you're trust God that some kind of way you're going to make things right. going to make things right. going to make things right. He's not saying he's going to make He's not saying he's going to make He's not saying he's going to make things right. He's saying, "God, will things right. He's saying, "God, will things right. He's saying, "God, will you remember and will you make things you remember and will you make things you remember and will you make things right?" That's the intensity of the right?" That's the intensity of the right?" That's the intensity of the prayer. "Will you cause these people to prayer. "Will you cause these people to prayer. "Will you cause these people to have wrath and judgment because of the have wrath and judgment because of the have wrath and judgment because of the evil the injustice that they've done? evil the injustice that they've done? evil the injustice that they've done? Will you please remember your people, Will you please remember your people, Will you please remember your people, God?" is what he's praying. God?" is what he's praying. God?" is what he's praying. We, the modern reader, struggle with We, the modern reader, struggle with We, the modern reader, struggle with divine vengeance. We struggle with a divine vengeance. We struggle with a divine vengeance. We struggle with a prayer like this, "God, bring vengeance. prayer like this, "God, bring vengeance. prayer like this, "God, bring vengeance. I'm not taking vengeance into my hands. I'm not taking vengeance into my hands. I'm not taking vengeance into my hands. I'm not the one who's doing this, but I'm not the one who's doing this, but I'm not the one who's doing this, but I'm asking you to bring vengeance." The I'm asking you to bring vengeance." The I'm asking you to bring vengeance." The modern reader struggles with this.

modern reader struggles with this. modern reader struggles with this. Miroslav Volf is a professor at Yale, Miroslav Volf is a professor at Yale, Miroslav Volf is a professor at Yale, and he says that if you struggle with and he says that if you struggle with and he says that if you struggle with the understanding that God is one day the understanding that God is one day the understanding that God is one day going to judge or one day is going to going to judge or one day is going to going to judge or one day is going to bring judgment. If you struggle with bring judgment. If you struggle with bring judgment. If you struggle with that, it's because you grew up in a that, it's because you grew up in a that, it's because you grew up in a suburb suburb suburb and you haven't had any challenges in and you haven't had any challenges in and you haven't had any challenges in your life. You haven't seen injustices your life. You haven't seen injustices your life. You haven't seen injustices that really affect you. But, if you grew that really affect you. But, if you grew that really affect you. But, if you grew up where Miroslav Volf grew up in up where Miroslav Volf grew up in up where Miroslav Volf grew up in Croatia, a war-torn zone where families Croatia, a war-torn zone where families Croatia, a war-torn zone where families he knew had children slaughtered and and he knew had children slaughtered and and he knew had children slaughtered and and wives and sisters raped, if you grew up wives and sisters raped, if you grew up wives and sisters raped, if you grew up in a place where there were such in a place where there were such in a place where there were such horrific injustices, Miroslav Volf says, horrific injustices, Miroslav Volf says, horrific injustices, Miroslav Volf says, "You need to know. You need You long for "You need to know. You need You long for "You need to know. You need You long for God to be a god of justice, because if God to be a god of justice, because if God to be a god of justice, because if he's not, then you're tempted to take it he's not, then you're tempted to take it he's not, then you're tempted to take it the sword up yourself." The only way the sword up yourself." The only way the sword up yourself." The only way that you won't express anger in an that you won't express anger in an that you won't express anger in an unrighteous way is if you believe that unrighteous way is if you believe that unrighteous way is if you believe that God one day is going to settle the God one day is going to settle the God one day is going to settle the score, that God one day is going to make score, that God one day is going to make score, that God one day is going to make everything right and new.

everything right and new. everything right and new. So, how do you address your anger? What So, how do you address your anger? What So, how do you address your anger? What do you do with your anger? You don't You do you do with your anger? You don't You do you do with your anger? You don't You don't suppress it? You don't express it? don't suppress it? You don't express it? don't suppress it? You don't express it? What do we learn from this Psalm? This What do we learn from this Psalm? This What do we learn from this Psalm? This Psalm is intense, but realize that the Psalm is intense, but realize that the Psalm is intense, but realize that the psalmist is saying, "I'm not the one psalmist is saying, "I'm not the one psalmist is saying, "I'm not the one who's making it right. I'm not the one who's making it right. I'm not the one who's making it right. I'm not the one who's settling the score." who's settling the score." who's settling the score." Here's what you learn. Because you're Here's what you learn. Because you're Here's what you learn. Because you're going to have anger at being mistreated, going to have anger at being mistreated, going to have anger at being mistreated, you're going to have anger just with a you're going to have anger just with a you're going to have anger just with a broken and fallen world. Don't suppress broken and fallen world. Don't suppress broken and fallen world. Don't suppress or express your anger. or express your anger. or express your anger. Address your anger. Address your anger. Address your anger. Don't suppress it. Don't suppress it. Don't suppress it. Just don't express it. Just don't express it. Just don't express it. But address it. But address it. But address it. Address it. It's here. Address it. Address it. It's here. Address it. Address it. It's here. Address it. And you address your anger by releasing And you address your anger by releasing And you address your anger by releasing to God the right to settle the score. to God the right to settle the score. to God the right to settle the score. You address your anger by releasing to You address your anger by releasing to You address your anger by releasing to him him him that it's on him to be the one who makes that it's on him to be the one who makes that it's on him to be the one who makes everything right, that you aren't the everything right, that you aren't the everything right, that you aren't the one who's going to settle the score. one who's going to settle the score. one who's going to settle the score. Now, please listen. I am not saying that Now, please listen. I am not saying that Now, please listen. I am not saying that means to not call the police. I'm not means to not call the police. I'm not means to not call the police. I'm not saying that doesn't mean to um put safe saying that doesn't mean to um put safe saying that doesn't mean to um put safe boundaries around yourself. You should boundaries around yourself. You should boundaries around yourself. You should be wise when it comes to boundaries, and be wise when it comes to boundaries, and be wise when it comes to boundaries, and we should be people who allow the the we should be people who allow the the we should be people who allow the the system that God has placed in our system that God has placed in our system that God has placed in our country to do the work of justice when country to do the work of justice when country to do the work of justice when when it can.

when it can. when it can. But, it does mean that you are not But, it does mean that you are not But, it does mean that you are not carrying around with you the burden and carrying around with you the burden and carrying around with you the burden and the pressure that you have to watch over the pressure that you have to watch over the pressure that you have to watch over everything to be sure that that person everything to be sure that that person everything to be sure that that person pays. No. No. pays. No. No. pays. No. No. You release to God. Remember, Lord, You release to God. Remember, Lord, You release to God. Remember, Lord, remember I'm going to address my anger remember I'm going to address my anger remember I'm going to address my anger by releasing to you. by releasing to you. by releasing to you. So, you don't suppress. You don't So, you don't suppress. You don't So, you don't suppress. You don't express. You address by releasing to express. You address by releasing to express. You address by releasing to him. And what's fascinating about this him. And what's fascinating about this him. And what's fascinating about this text as we know text as we know text as we know clearly after this Psalm was written clearly after this Psalm was written clearly after this Psalm was written that God did bring justice to Babylon. that God did bring justice to Babylon. that God did bring justice to Babylon. God's people were dragged away into God's people were dragged away into God's people were dragged away into Babylonian captivity. Babylon was a Babylonian captivity. Babylon was a Babylonian captivity. Babylon was a superpower, and then one night it superpower, and then one night it superpower, and then one night it happened real quickly. Persia attacked happened real quickly. Persia attacked happened real quickly. Persia attacked Babylon, and Babylon fell. Babylon, and Babylon fell. Babylon, and Babylon fell. Babylon fell. Babylon fell. Babylon fell. Babylon didn't last. Babylon is gone. It Babylon didn't last. Babylon is gone. It Babylon didn't last. Babylon is gone. It fell. fell. fell. But, here's what's interesting when you But, here's what's interesting when you But, here's what's interesting when you study the whole scripture. study the whole scripture. study the whole scripture. We're actually going to see this in We're actually going to see this in We're actually going to see this in coming weeks as we study the Book of coming weeks as we study the Book of coming weeks as we study the Book of Revelation. Babylon in the Bible is a Revelation. Babylon in the Bible is a Revelation. Babylon in the Bible is a place, but it's also a pattern.

place, but it's also a pattern. place, but it's also a pattern. It's a place. It's a real place. It's a It's a place. It's a real place. It's a It's a place. It's a real place. It's a real place right here where God's people real place right here where God's people real place right here where God's people were dragged away into Babylonian were dragged away into Babylonian were dragged away into Babylonian captivity, but it's also a pattern. It's captivity, but it's also a pattern. It's captivity, but it's also a pattern. It's a pattern in scripture of the evil of a pattern in scripture of the evil of a pattern in scripture of the evil of this world that is a rebellion against this world that is a rebellion against this world that is a rebellion against God. And the evil of this world brings God. And the evil of this world brings God. And the evil of this world brings pain to us and can cause us to have pain to us and can cause us to have pain to us and can cause us to have anger. And oftentimes that anger is a anger. And oftentimes that anger is a anger. And oftentimes that anger is a righteous anger. And we ask, like people righteous anger. And we ask, like people righteous anger. And we ask, like people in Revelation ask, "How long, oh Lord, in Revelation ask, "How long, oh Lord, in Revelation ask, "How long, oh Lord, will this last? How long will it seem will this last? How long will it seem will this last? How long will it seem that Babylon is victorious?" The that Babylon is victorious?" The that Babylon is victorious?" The psalmist right here in Psalm 137 is psalmist right here in Psalm 137 is psalmist right here in Psalm 137 is asking, "How long?" The psalmist in the asking, "How long?" The psalmist in the asking, "How long?" The psalmist in the Psalms multiple times, "How long, oh Psalms multiple times, "How long, oh Psalms multiple times, "How long, oh Lord? How long is this world going to be Lord? How long is this world going to be Lord? How long is this world going to be crooked and bent out of shape? How long crooked and bent out of shape? How long crooked and bent out of shape? How long is it going to seem like evil wins? How is it going to seem like evil wins? How is it going to seem like evil wins? How long? This is so wrong. How long does long? This is so wrong. How long does long? This is so wrong. How long does this last? You get to the book of this last? You get to the book of this last? You get to the book of Revelation, you're actually going to see Revelation, you're actually going to see Revelation, you're actually going to see Babylon again. Babylon, the pattern of Babylon again. Babylon, the pattern of Babylon again. Babylon, the pattern of this world, and you're going to see this world, and you're going to see this world, and you're going to see martyrs in the book of Revelation ask, martyrs in the book of Revelation ask, martyrs in the book of Revelation ask, "How long? How long is it going to "How long? How long is it going to "How long? How long is it going to last?" Well, just like we see in the Old last?" Well, just like we see in the Old last?" Well, just like we see in the Old Testament that Babylon falls, in the Testament that Babylon falls, in the Testament that Babylon falls, in the book of Revelation, you're going to see book of Revelation, you're going to see book of Revelation, you're going to see Babylon fall again because Christ is the Babylon fall again because Christ is the Babylon fall again because Christ is the victorious one who is going to end evil victorious one who is going to end evil victorious one who is going to end evil for good and is going to make everything for good and is going to make everything for good and is going to make everything right and new for the sons and daughters right and new for the sons and daughters right and new for the sons and daughters of God. There is really good news coming of God. There is really good news coming of God. There is really good news coming for you. One day, Babylon, the pattern, for you. One day, Babylon, the pattern, for you. One day, Babylon, the pattern, is fully gone as Jesus, the resurrected is fully gone as Jesus, the resurrected is fully gone as Jesus, the resurrected savior, the conquering king, is going to savior, the conquering king, is going to savior, the conquering king, is going to make everything right and new. I'm so make everything right and new. I'm so make everything right and new. I'm so excited to study the book of Revelation excited to study the book of Revelation excited to study the book of Revelation with you. We'll begin studying together with you. We'll begin studying together with you. We'll begin studying together in 2 weeks. But, the best example you in 2 weeks. But, the best example you in 2 weeks. But, the best example you can look to

can look to can look to of how do I not suppress my anger and of how do I not suppress my anger and of how do I not suppress my anger and just chaotically express it, but how do just chaotically express it, but how do just chaotically express it, but how do I address it? The best example for you I address it? The best example for you I address it? The best example for you to look at is what God how God the to look at is what God how God the to look at is what God how God the Father sent God the Son, Jesus the Father sent God the Son, Jesus the Father sent God the Son, Jesus the Christ, here for you. It's the best Christ, here for you. It's the best Christ, here for you. It's the best example. example. example. See, God, because he's holy, has See, God, because he's holy, has See, God, because he's holy, has righteous anger against sin. righteous anger against sin. righteous anger against sin. Because sin dishonors him and evil hurts Because sin dishonors him and evil hurts Because sin dishonors him and evil hurts people, image bearers, people he created people, image bearers, people he created people, image bearers, people he created in his image. He's angered at sin. He's in his image. He's angered at sin. He's in his image. He's angered at sin. He's angered at injustices. God hates sin, angered at injustices. God hates sin, angered at injustices. God hates sin, but he loves people. but he loves people. but he loves people. So, what did God do to address his So, what did God do to address his So, what did God do to address his anger? anger? anger? He didn't suppress it. He didn't suppress it. He didn't suppress it. He didn't just chaotically express it. He didn't just chaotically express it. He didn't just chaotically express it. No, to address the holy anger that God No, to address the holy anger that God No, to address the holy anger that God the Father has, God the Father sent the Father has, God the Father sent the Father has, God the Father sent Jesus the Son to this earth to die for Jesus the Son to this earth to die for Jesus the Son to this earth to die for us. He lived perfectly on our behalf so us. He lived perfectly on our behalf so us. He lived perfectly on our behalf so that he could be the perfect sacrifice. that he could be the perfect sacrifice. that he could be the perfect sacrifice. He then placed himself on the cross so He then placed himself on the cross so He then placed himself on the cross so that all of the anger against sin, all that all of the anger against sin, all that all of the anger against sin, all of the holy wrath against sin could be of the holy wrath against sin could be of the holy wrath against sin could be poured out on Jesus, God the Son, the poured out on Jesus, God the Son, the poured out on Jesus, God the Son, the perfect sacrifice, so that there would perfect sacrifice, so that there would perfect sacrifice, so that there would be no more holy anger to be poured out be no more holy anger to be poured out be no more holy anger to be poured out on us. Jesus suffered the full price for on us. Jesus suffered the full price for on us. Jesus suffered the full price for our sin, so we don't suffer at all.

our sin, so we don't suffer at all. our sin, so we don't suffer at all. Jesus paid for our sin in full. He Jesus paid for our sin in full. He Jesus paid for our sin in full. He absorbed in his flesh the holy anger, absorbed in his flesh the holy anger, absorbed in his flesh the holy anger, the righteous anger of God, so there's the righteous anger of God, so there's the righteous anger of God, so there's no more anger left for you. This is God no more anger left for you. This is God no more anger left for you. This is God addressing anger in a way that blesses addressing anger in a way that blesses addressing anger in a way that blesses you, because you then become his son and you, because you then become his son and you, because you then become his son and his daughter. his daughter. his daughter. Augustine, the early church father, Augustine, the early church father, Augustine, the early church father, said, said, said, "It takes a sinner "It takes a sinner "It takes a sinner an eternity in hell an eternity in hell an eternity in hell to satisfy the holy wrath of the Father. to satisfy the holy wrath of the Father. to satisfy the holy wrath of the Father. Or Or Or it takes Jesus 6 hours on the cross." it takes Jesus 6 hours on the cross." it takes Jesus 6 hours on the cross." Give me Jesus. Give me Jesus. Give me Jesus. Thank you, Jesus, Thank you, Jesus, Thank you, Jesus, for absorbing all of my sin and the for absorbing all of my sin and the for absorbing all of my sin and the punishment that was due my sin. We see a punishment that was due my sin. We see a punishment that was due my sin. We see a perfect example in Jesus of addressing, perfect example in Jesus of addressing, perfect example in Jesus of addressing, not suppressing or just expressing, but not suppressing or just expressing, but not suppressing or just expressing, but addressing the heart of anger. And addressing the heart of anger. And addressing the heart of anger. And because Jesus has made you his, you because Jesus has made you his, you because Jesus has made you his, you don't have to live with the pressure of don't have to live with the pressure of don't have to live with the pressure of settling the score.

settling the score. settling the score. You can know that he says vengeance is You can know that he says vengeance is You can know that he says vengeance is mine, that it's not on you to settle the mine, that it's not on you to settle the mine, that it's not on you to settle the score and make everything right, that score and make everything right, that score and make everything right, that the same one who entered this world to the same one who entered this world to the same one who entered this world to die on the cross to remove all your sin die on the cross to remove all your sin die on the cross to remove all your sin and your shame is the same one who one and your shame is the same one who one and your shame is the same one who one day is going to return and make day is going to return and make day is going to return and make everything right and new. So, don't everything right and new. So, don't everything right and new. So, don't suppress, don't chaotically express, but suppress, don't chaotically express, but suppress, don't chaotically express, but address by constantly releasing address by constantly releasing address by constantly releasing ownership of vengeance to him, by ownership of vengeance to him, by ownership of vengeance to him, by constantly entrusting to him that you constantly entrusting to him that you constantly entrusting to him that you know he's the one who's going to make know he's the one who's going to make know he's the one who's going to make everything right, that you ask him to everything right, that you ask him to everything right, that you ask him to remember you. So, you have anger? Bring remember you. So, you have anger? Bring remember you. So, you have anger? Bring your anger to him. God, remember me. And your anger to him. God, remember me. And your anger to him. God, remember me. And God, I release to you God, I release to you God, I release to you that you're the one who's going to make that you're the one who's going to make that you're the one who's going to make everything right and new. everything right and new. everything right and new. Lord Jesus, I pray over your sons and Lord Jesus, I pray over your sons and Lord Jesus, I pray over your sons and daughters. daughters. daughters. I pray that you will cause anger not to I pray that you will cause anger not to I pray that you will cause anger not to destroy them. destroy them. destroy them. But that they will release their anger But that they will release their anger But that they will release their anger to you, to you, to you, the one who loves them and died for the one who loves them and died for the one who loves them and died for them.

them. them. That they'll That they'll That they'll release to you the responsibility of release to you the responsibility of release to you the responsibility of settling the score. That you're the one settling the score. That you're the one settling the score. That you're the one who one day is going to make everything who one day is going to make everything who one day is going to make everything right and new. right and new. right and new. Thank you, Jesus, for your great love Thank you, Jesus, for your great love Thank you, Jesus, for your great love for us. In your name I pray. Amen. for us. In your name I pray. Amen. for us. In your name I pray. Amen. Let's worship together now. Hey, I'm so glad that you joined us for Hey, I'm so glad that you joined us for our service today. our service today. our service today. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And I hope and pray that God used this >> And I hope and pray that God used this >> And I hope and pray that God used this message to encourage you right where you message to encourage you right where you message to encourage you right where you are. are. are. I'd love if you hit the subscribe I'd love if you hit the subscribe I'd love if you hit the subscribe button, cuz then you could [music] get button, cuz then you could [music] get button, cuz then you could [music] get the next alert for whenever we have the next alert for whenever we have the next alert for whenever we have services and when that we ever offer services and when that we ever offer services and when that we ever offer content here on [music] YouTube. So, content here on [music] YouTube. So, content here on [music] YouTube. So, subscribe and join us for Mariners subscribe and join us for Mariners subscribe and join us for Mariners online.