Mclean Bible Church || Sunday Live Stream

>> Good morning, [music] MLAN Bible Church. >> Good morning, [music] MLAN Bible Church. Can you stand on your feet and give God Can you stand on your feet and give God Can you stand on your feet and give God a handcuff of praise? Come on. You can a handcuff of praise? Come on. You can a handcuff of praise? Come on. You can do better than that. Come on. Can we do better than that. Come on. Can we do better than that. Come on. Can we give the King of Kings and the Lord of give the King of Kings and the Lord of give the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords a handcuff of praise if you're Lords a handcuff of praise if you're Lords a handcuff of praise if you're excited [music] to be in the presence of excited [music] to be in the presence of excited [music] to be in the presence of the Lord? Let me hear you make some the Lord? Let me hear you make some the Lord? Let me hear you make some noise for Jesus. Come on. Come on. You noise for Jesus. Come on. Come on. You noise for Jesus. Come on. Come on. You can do better than that. Come on. The can do better than that. Come on. The can do better than that. Come on. The Bible says, "Let everything that has Bible says, "Let everything that has Bible says, "Let everything that has breath praise ye the Lord." Come on. breath praise ye the Lord." Come on. breath praise ye the Lord." Come on. [music] Come on. You with me like this? [music] Come on. You with me like this? [music] Come on. You with me like this? Come on. There's [music] nobody greater than the There's [music] nobody greater than the man that we serve. We call him Jesus. man that we serve. We call him Jesus. man that we serve. We call him Jesus. Come on. Come on. Come on. There's nobody [music] There's nobody [music] There's nobody [music] greater. There we go. Come on. greater. There we go. Come on. greater. There we go. Come on. [music] If you know the word, sing it [music] If you know the word, sing it [music] If you know the word, sing it with me. Come on. Keep clapping. I've with me. Come on. Keep clapping. I've with me. Come on. Keep clapping. I've seen [singing] many places and many seen [singing] many places and many seen [singing] many places and many [music] [music] [music] faces I've come to know. Come on. faces I've come to know. Come on. faces I've come to know. Come on. Times I've created. [music and singing] Times I've created. [music and singing] Times I've created. [music and singing] Sweet drink I've tasted. They come and Sweet drink I've tasted. They come and Sweet drink I've tasted. They come and go. [singing] go. [singing] go. [singing] Come on, let's sing this next part Come on, let's sing this next part Come on, let's sing this next part together.

together. together. >> But [music] there was a treasure poured >> But [music] there was a treasure poured >> But [music] there was a treasure poured without [singing] without [singing] without [singing] measure over the earth. measure over the earth. measure over the earth. >> A light that shines [music] so [singing] >> A light that shines [music] so [singing] >> A light that shines [music] so [singing] bright. bright. bright. >> A light that's so bright it out shines >> A light that's so bright it out shines >> A light that's so bright it out shines [music] the [singing] brightest lights [music] the [singing] brightest lights [music] the [singing] brightest lights of no greater friend. of no greater friend. of no greater friend. >> No greater friend. Let me see a clap. No >> No greater friend. Let me see a clap. No >> No greater friend. Let me see a clap. No greater peace [music and singing] I greater peace [music and singing] I greater peace [music and singing] I know. No greater hope I know. No greater know. No greater hope I know. No greater know. No greater hope I know. No greater joy [music] I know I can search high joy [music] I know I can search high joy [music] I know I can search high [singing] and low and everywhere [music] [singing] and low and everywhere [music] [singing] and low and everywhere [music] I go. No greater river flows than I go. No greater river flows than I go. No greater river flows than [music] you. [music] you. [music] you. >> Come on clap your hands right there. >> Come on clap your hands right there. >> Come on clap your hands right there. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. I know it's early, but come on. Come on. I know it's early, but come on. Come on. I know it's early, but come on. Let's praise the king that woke you up. Let's praise the king that woke you up. Let's praise the king that woke you up. Come on. He's [music] our great Come on. He's [music] our great Come on. He's [music] our great inspiration. Let's sing it. inspiration. Let's sing it. inspiration. Let's sing it. >> My great [singing] inspiration >> My great [singing] inspiration >> My great [singing] inspiration heart's motivation [music] heart's motivation [music] heart's motivation [music] still comes from you. Yeah. No one more still comes from you. Yeah. No one more still comes from you. Yeah. No one more forgiving. No [music] one [singing] more forgiving. No [music] one [singing] more forgiving. No [music] one [singing] more forgiving. forgiving. forgiving. No one more healing. [music] No one more healing. [music] No one more healing. [music] No one more true.

No one more true. No one more true. >> Come on. Your love is a treasure. You >> Come on. Your love is a treasure. You >> Come on. Your love is a treasure. You know it. know it. know it. >> Your love is [singing and music] a >> Your love is [singing and music] a >> Your love is [singing and music] a treasure poured without measure over the treasure poured without measure over the treasure poured without measure over the earth. He's a light that shines earth. He's a light that shines earth. He's a light that shines [music and singing] so bright. [music and singing] so bright. [music and singing] so bright. >> A light so bright. It outshines the >> A light so bright. It outshines the >> A light so bright. It outshines the brightest. Lights of no greater bread. brightest. Lights of no greater bread. brightest. Lights of no greater bread. No [music] greater friend I know. No No [music] greater friend I know. No No [music] greater friend I know. No greater peace I know. No greater [music] greater peace I know. No greater [music] greater peace I know. No greater [music] hope I know. No greater joy I know. I hope I know. No greater joy I know. I hope I know. No greater joy I know. I can search high and low and [music] can search high and low and [music] can search high and low and [music] everywhere I go. No greater river flows. everywhere I go. No greater river flows. everywhere I go. No greater river flows. Thank you, Jesus. Come on. >> Come on. He's great and greatly [music] >> Come on. He's great and greatly [music] to be praised. A great God deserves a to be praised. A great God deserves a to be praised. A great God deserves a great praise. Let's sing to him. Come great praise. Let's sing to him. Come great praise. Let's sing to him. Come on. So with all [music] my heart I lift on. So with all [music] my heart I lift on. So with all [music] my heart I lift you up. You say you up. You say you up. You say >> with all my heart I lift. >> with all my heart I lift. >> with all my heart I lift. >> Come on a little bit louder. With all my >> Come on a little bit louder. With all my >> Come on a little bit louder. With all my soul I lift you up. soul I lift you up. soul I lift you up. >> With all my soul I [singing] lift you >> With all my soul I [singing] lift you >> With all my soul I [singing] lift you up. up. up. >> Come on. With all my strength I lift you >> Come on. With all my strength I lift you >> Come on. With all my strength I lift you up.

up. up. >> With all my strength. >> With all my strength. >> With all my strength. >> Come on. We're singing to him. And with >> Come on. We're singing to him. And with >> Come on. We're singing to him. And with all I [music] am I lift you up. all I [music] am I lift you up. all I [music] am I lift you up. >> I am louder. Come on. >> I am louder. Come on. >> I am louder. Come on. >> And with all my heart I [music] lift you >> And with all my heart I [music] lift you >> And with all my heart I [music] lift you up. up. up. >> With all my [singing] heart I lift you >> With all my [singing] heart I lift you >> With all my [singing] heart I lift you up. up. up. >> And with all my soul [music] I lift you >> And with all my soul [music] I lift you >> And with all my soul [music] I lift you up. up. up. >> With all my soul I lift you up. And with >> With all my soul I lift you up. And with >> With all my soul I lift you up. And with all my strength, I lift you up. all my strength, I lift you up. all my strength, I lift you up. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] >> With all my strength, I lift you up. >> With all my strength, I lift you up. >> With all my strength, I lift you up. >> And with all I am, I lift you up. Come >> And with all I am, I lift you up. Come >> And with all I am, I lift you up. Come on. on. on. >> All I am, [music] I lift you. No greater >> All I am, [music] I lift you. No greater >> All I am, [music] I lift you. No greater friend I know. No greater peace I know. friend I know. No greater peace I know. friend I know. No greater peace I know. No greater [music] hope I know. No No greater [music] hope I know. No No greater [music] hope I know. No greater joy I know. I can search high greater joy I know. I can search high greater joy I know. I can search high and low. And everywhere [music] I go, no and low. And everywhere [music] I go, no and low. And everywhere [music] I go, no greater river flows than greater river flows than greater river flows than [music and singing] you, Jesus. No [music and singing] you, Jesus. No [music and singing] you, Jesus. No greater love. No greater love I know. greater love. No greater love I know. greater love. No greater love I know. >> Strength. >> Strength. >> Strength. >> No greater strength [music and singing] >> No greater strength [music and singing] >> No greater strength [music and singing] I know. I know. I know. >> No greater way. >> No greater way. >> No greater way. >> No greater way I know. >> No greater way I know. >> No greater way I know. >> The greatest name. >> The greatest name. >> The greatest name. >> No greater name I know. [music] >> No greater name I know. [music] >> No greater name I know. [music] >> I search higher. >> I search higher. >> I search higher. >> I search higher [singing] than >> I search higher [singing] than >> I search higher [singing] than >> everywhere I go. >> everywhere I go. >> everywhere I go. >> Everywhere I go. >> Everywhere I go. >> Everywhere I go. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> No greater river [music and singing] >> No greater river [music and singing] >> No greater river [music and singing] flow than you.

flow than you. flow than you. >> Let's try this. >> Let's try this. >> Let's try this. >> If he's gater, [music] >> If he's gater, [music] >> If he's gater, [music] >> let him be greater. >> let him be greater. >> let him be greater. >> Let him be greater. >> Let him be greater. >> Let him be greater. >> If he's stronger, >> If he's stronger, >> If he's stronger, >> be stronger. >> be stronger. >> be stronger. >> Let him be stronger. >> Let him be stronger. >> Let him be stronger. >> Let him be stronger. If he's higher, >> Let him be stronger. If he's higher, >> Let him be stronger. If he's higher, >> if he's higher, [music] >> if he's higher, [music] >> if he's higher, [music] >> let him be higher. >> let him be higher. >> let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be [music] higher. >> Let him be [music] higher. >> Let him be [music] higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. [singing] >> Let him be higher. [singing] >> Let him be higher. [singing] >> If he's greater, >> If he's greater, >> If he's greater, >> if he's greater, >> if he's greater, >> if he's greater, >> let him be greater. >> let him be greater. >> let him be greater. >> Let him be greater. >> Let him be greater. >> Let him be greater. >> If he's stronger, >> If he's stronger, >> If he's stronger, >> if he's stronger, [music] >> if he's stronger, [music] >> if he's stronger, [music] >> let him be stronger. >> let him be stronger. >> let him be stronger. >> Let him be stronger. >> Let him be stronger. >> Let him be stronger. >> If he's higher, >> If he's higher, >> If he's higher, >> if he's higher, [music] >> if he's higher, [music] >> if he's higher, [music] >> let him be higher. >> let him be higher. >> let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Be higher. >> Be higher. >> Be higher. >> Let him be higher. [music and singing] >> Let him be higher. [music and singing] >> Let him be higher. [music and singing] >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. is greater. >> Let him be higher. is greater. >> Let him be higher. is greater. >> It be greater. >> It be greater. >> It be greater. >> Let him be greater. >> Let him be greater. >> Let him be greater. >> Let it be greater. >> Let it be greater. >> Let it be greater. >> Come on, clap up my church. [music] Can >> Come on, clap up my church. [music] Can >> Come on, clap up my church. [music] Can we give God a great praise? Come on. If we give God a great praise? Come on. If we give God a great praise? Come on. If you were praising me, that would be you were praising me, that would be you were praising me, that would be okay. But can we praise the King of okay. But can we praise the King of okay. But can we praise the King of Kings [music] and the Lord of Lords? Kings [music] and the Lord of Lords? Kings [music] and the Lord of Lords? Come on. There's no other name greater Come on. There's no other name greater Come on. There's no other name greater than his name. Amen. Amen. Good morning than his name. Amen. Amen. Good morning than his name. Amen. Amen. Good morning and welcome to MLAN Bible Church. I'm and welcome to MLAN Bible Church. I'm and welcome to MLAN Bible Church. I'm Jarius and I'm here on staff and it's so Jarius and I'm here on staff and it's so Jarius and I'm here on staff and it's so good to be worship with you. You already good to be worship with you. You already good to be worship with you. You already know what time it is. Look at the person know what time it is. Look at the person know what time it is. Look at the person next to you and say, "It's so good to next to you and say, "It's so good to next to you and say, "It's so good to see you."

see you." see you." Come on and try looking at the other Come on and try looking at the other Come on and try looking at the other person with a smile and say, "It's so person with a smile and say, "It's so person with a smile and say, "It's so good to see you." Get out of your rose good to see you." Get out of your rose good to see you." Get out of your rose and go meet a new brother or sister in and go meet a new brother or sister in and go meet a new brother or sister in Christ. Christ. Christ. [music] Again, good morning, MLAN Bible Church.

Again, good morning, MLAN Bible Church. I'm happy to be here and I hope you I'm happy to be here and I hope you I'm happy to be here and I hope you [music] are, too. If you're grateful for [music] are, too. If you're grateful for [music] are, too. If you're grateful for God's grace and mercy, can we give him God's grace and mercy, can we give him God's grace and mercy, can we give him some praise this morning? [music] Amen. Well, where would we be without Amen. Well, where would we be without our Lord? Can you sing this [music] with our Lord? Can you sing this [music] with our Lord? Can you sing this [music] with me? Your hand in part [music and singing] Your hand in part [music and singing] of my whole life from the [music] start. of my whole life from the [music] start. of my whole life from the [music] start. Jesus, you Jesus, you Jesus, you have [singing] always [music] been with have [singing] always [music] been with have [singing] always [music] been with me. No matter [music] No matter [music] where [singing] where [singing] where [singing] I was, I was, I was, you found a way to show up. you found a way to show up. you found a way to show up. Jesus, [singing] you Jesus, [singing] you Jesus, [singing] you have always been with me. Oh, there's never a season, never Oh, there's never a season, never [singing] a [music] place where I am [singing] a [music] place where I am [singing] a [music] place where I am alone. Where you don't show your face.

alone. Where you don't show your face. alone. Where you don't show your face. Right here I remember. How [singing] Right here I remember. How [singing] Right here I remember. How [singing] could I forget? Your faithfulness could I forget? Your faithfulness could I forget? Your faithfulness has never left me wet. has never left me wet. has never left me wet. Would [singing] I be without you? Would [singing] I be without you? Would [singing] I be without you? would [music] I be without your love? would [music] I be without your love? would [music] I be without your love? I'm amazed [singing] I'm amazed [singing] I'm amazed [singing] by all you've [music] done. Oh Jesus, [singing] Oh Jesus, [singing] where where where would I be [music] without you? Where would I be [music] without you? Where would I be [music] without you? Where would I be [singing] without your love? would I be [singing] without your love? would I be [singing] without your love? [music] [music] [music] I can't say thank you enough. All of [music] the ways you [singing] All of [music] the ways you [singing] say say say pull me out of the grave. [music] Jesus, [singing] Jesus, [singing] you you you have always been [music] for me.

And though [music and singing] my life And though [music and singing] my life is the proof is the proof is the proof that you can make anything [singing] that you can make anything [singing] that you can make anything [singing] good, good, good, Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] you you you have [singing] always been [music] for have [singing] always been [music] for have [singing] always been [music] for me. Where [singing and music] Where [singing and music] would I be without you? Where would I be without you? Where would I be without you? Where would I [music and singing] be without would I [music and singing] be without would I [music and singing] be without your love? your love? your love? I'm amazed by all you've done. Oh Jesus, where Oh Jesus, where would I [music and singing] be without would I [music and singing] be without would I [music and singing] be without you? Where you? Where you? Where would I [music] be without your would I [music] be without your would I [music] be without your [singing] love? [singing] love? [singing] love? I can't say thank you enough. [singing] I can't say thank you enough. [singing] I can't say thank you enough. [singing] [music] [music] [music] Oh, there's never a season, never Oh, there's never a season, never Oh, there's never a season, never [singing] a place where I am alone. [singing] a place where I am alone. [singing] a place where I am alone. [music] Where you don't show your face.

[music] Where you don't show your face. [music] Where you don't show your face. Right here I remember. [singing] How Right here I remember. [singing] How Right here I remember. [singing] How could I forget? Your faithfulness could I forget? Your faithfulness could I forget? Your faithfulness has never left me. There's [music] never has never left me. There's [music] never has never left me. There's [music] never a season, never [singing] a place where a season, never [singing] a place where a season, never [singing] a place where I am alone. Where you don't show your I am alone. Where you don't show your I am alone. Where you don't show your face. [music] face. [music] face. [music] Right here [singing] I remember. How Right here [singing] I remember. How Right here [singing] I remember. How could I forget? Your faithfulness could I forget? Your faithfulness could I forget? Your faithfulness [music] [music] [music] has never left [singing] me. There's has never left [singing] me. There's has never left [singing] me. There's never a season, never a [music] place never a season, never a [music] place never a season, never a [music] place where I am [singing] alone. Where you where I am [singing] alone. Where you where I am [singing] alone. Where you don't show your face. [music] Right here don't show your face. [music] Right here don't show your face. [music] Right here I remember. How could I forget? Your I remember. How could I forget? Your I remember. How could I forget? Your faithfulness [music and singing] faithfulness [music and singing] faithfulness [music and singing] has never left me. Where has never left me. Where has never left me. Where would [music] I be [singing] without would [music] I be [singing] without would [music] I be [singing] without you? Where you? Where you? Where would [music] I be without your love? would [music] I be without your love? would [music] I be without your love? I'm [music and singing] amazed by all I'm [music and singing] amazed by all I'm [music and singing] amazed by all you've done.

Oh Jesus, where [music and singing] Oh Jesus, where [music and singing] would I be without you? Where would I be without you? Where would I be without you? Where would I be [singing] would I be [singing] would I be [singing] without your love? without your love? without your love? I can't [music and singing] say thank I can't [music and singing] say thank I can't [music and singing] say thank you enough. you enough. you enough. Oh, I can't say thank you enough. Oh, I can't say thank you enough. Oh, I can't say thank you enough. [singing] [singing] [singing] Oh, I can't say thank you [music] Oh, I can't say thank you [music] Oh, I can't say thank you [music] enough. [singing] is [music and singing] where I lay it is [music and singing] where I lay it down every bird and every crown. [music] down every bird and every crown. [music] down every bird and every crown. [music] This [singing] is my surrender.

This [singing] is my surrender. This [singing] is my surrender. This is my surrender. This is my surrender. This is my surrender. Here is where I Here is where I Here is where I >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> lay it down. Every lie and every doubt. >> lay it down. Every lie and every doubt. >> lay it down. Every lie and every doubt. This [music and singing] is my This [music and singing] is my This [music and singing] is my surrender. to do whatever you want to, to do whatever you want to, to do [singing] whatever you want to. to do [singing] whatever you want to. to do [singing] whatever you want to. And I will make room for you to do whatever [music and singing] you to do whatever [music and singing] you want to want to want to to do whatever you want to. Here [music] is where [singing] I lay it Here [music] is where [singing] I lay it down. Every burden, every cloud. This is down. Every burden, every cloud. This is down. Every burden, every cloud. This is my [music and singing] surrender.

my [music and singing] surrender. my [music and singing] surrender. This is my surrender. This is my surrender. This is my surrender. Here [singing] is where I lay it down. Here [singing] is where I lay it down. Here [singing] is where I lay it down. Every lie [music] and every doubt. Every lie [music] and every doubt. Every lie [music] and every doubt. [singing] This is my surrender. So do whatever [music and singing] you So do whatever [music and singing] you want to want to want to to do whatever you want to. [music] to do whatever you want to. [music] to do whatever you want to. [music] And I will make room for you [music] to do whatever you want to. to do whatever you want to. to do whatever [music] you want to. Shake up the ground of all my [music] Shake up the ground of all my [music] traditions. Break down the walls of all traditions. Break down the walls of all traditions. Break down the walls of all my religion. Your [music and singing] my religion. Your [music and singing] my religion. Your [music and singing] way is better.

way is better. way is better. Your way is better. Your way is better. Your way is better. Shake up [music] the ground of all my Shake up [music] the ground of all my Shake up [music] the ground of all my tradition. [singing] Break down the tradition. [singing] Break down the tradition. [singing] Break down the walls of all my religion. Your way is walls of all my religion. Your way is walls of all my religion. Your way is better. [music] Your [singing] way is better. Your [singing] way is better. Shake [music] up the ground of all my Shake [music] up the ground of all my Shake [music] up the ground of all my [singing] tradition. Break down the [singing] tradition. Break down the [singing] tradition. Break down the walls of all my [music] religion. walls of all my [music] religion. walls of all my [music] religion. [singing] Your way is better. [singing] Your way is better. [singing] Your way is better. [music] You're always better. [music] You're always better. [music] You're always better. Shake up the ground for my tradition. Shake up the ground for my tradition. Shake up the ground for my tradition. Break down [music] the walls for my Break down [music] the walls for my Break down [music] the walls for my religion. Your way is there. [singing] religion. Your way is there. [singing] religion. Your way is there. [singing] [music] [music] [music] Your way is there. Your way is there. Your way is there. And I will make room for you. And I will make room for you. And I will make room for you. >> [music] >> to do whatever [singing] you want to. >> to do whatever [singing] you want to. to do whatever [music] you want to.

to do whatever [music] you want to. to do whatever [music] you want to. And I will make room for you. And I will make room for you. And I will make room for you. [music] Just do whatever [singing] you want to. Just do whatever [singing] you want to. Just do whatever [music] you want to. Just do whatever [music] you want to. Just do whatever [music] you want to. I will make room [music] I will make room [music] I will make room [music] for you to do whatever you want to do whatever you want to do whatever [singing] you want. I will make room I will make room for you. Your way is better. Your way is better. His way is better. [music and singing] >> Your way is better, Lord.

>> Your way is better, Lord. Your way is better. Your way is better. Your way is better. My life [singing] is not my own. My life [singing] is not my own. My life [singing] is not my own. To you I belong. To you I belong. To you I belong. I give myself [music] I give myself to I give myself [music] I give myself to I give myself [music] I give myself to you. Come on. Can we sing that? you. Come on. Can we sing that? you. Come on. Can we sing that? My life is not. My life is not. My life is not. >> Come on, church. To you. [music] >> Come on, church. To you. [music] >> Come on, church. To you. [music] >> Come on. I give myself I give myself >> Come on. I give myself I give myself >> Come on. I give myself I give myself [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] to you. Come on. Can we lift our hands to you. Come on. Can we lift our hands to you. Come on. Can we lift our hands as a sign of surrender just with me? as a sign of surrender just with me? as a sign of surrender just with me? Come on. My life is not [music] Come on. My life is not [music] Come on. My life is not [music] my [singing] own. Come on. To you I my [singing] own. Come on. To you I my [singing] own. Come on. To you I belong. belong. belong. I give [music and singing] myself I give I give [music and singing] myself I give I give [music and singing] myself I give myself to you. One last time. My life is myself to you. One last time. My life is myself to you. One last time. My life is not my own. not my own. not my own. My life is not my own. My life is not my own. My life is not my own. >> To you [singing] >> To you [singing] >> To you [singing] I belong. [music] I belong. [music] I belong. [music] >> Yes Lord. I give myself I give myself >> Yes Lord. I give myself I give myself >> Yes Lord. I give myself I give myself [singing] [singing] [singing] to you. One time the chorus. I give to you. One time the chorus. I give to you. One time the chorus. I give myself away.

only for you, Lord. [singing] only for you, Lord. [singing] I give myself [music] away I give myself [music] away I give myself [music] away so you [singing] so you [singing] so you [singing] can use me. So, Father in heaven, we can use me. So, Father in heaven, we can use me. So, Father in heaven, we surrender our lives. We surrender our surrender our lives. We surrender our surrender our lives. We surrender our hearts to you, Lord. We make room for hearts to you, Lord. We make room for hearts to you, Lord. We make room for you, Lord, to do whatever you want you, Lord, to do whatever you want you, Lord, to do whatever you want [music] to, Lord. Your steadfast love is [music] to, Lord. Your steadfast love is [music] to, Lord. Your steadfast love is better than life itself. So, Lord, we better than life itself. So, Lord, we better than life itself. So, Lord, we give you everything. So Lord, [music] we give you everything. So Lord, [music] we give you everything. So Lord, [music] we ask you to just take over our lives, ask you to just take over our lives, ask you to just take over our lives, take over our minds, be with us take over our minds, be with us take over our minds, be with us everywhere we go. Lord, you are our everywhere we go. Lord, you are our everywhere we go. Lord, you are our everything. We lift you high. We honor everything. We lift you high. We honor everything. We lift you high. We honor you. We praise you. In Jesus name we you. We praise you. In Jesus name we you. We praise you. In Jesus name we pray. [music] Amen. Let's give God some pray. [music] Amen. Let's give God some pray. [music] Amen. Let's give God some praise. Come on. Thank you for praise. Come on. Thank you for praise. Come on. Thank you for worshiping with us. You guys may be worshiping with us. You guys may be worshiping with us. You guys may be seated. >> Well, good morning church and welcome. I >> Well, good morning church and welcome. I especially want to welcome those of you especially want to welcome those of you especially want to welcome those of you who are visiting or this is the first who are visiting or this is the first who are visiting or this is the first time you've been here in a really long time you've been here in a really long time you've been here in a really long time. We want to invite you to a very time. We want to invite you to a very time. We want to invite you to a very brief meeting. Right after the service, brief meeting. Right after the service, brief meeting. Right after the service, across the lobby in the in the room with across the lobby in the in the room with across the lobby in the in the room with the glass walls is our NBC connect where the glass walls is our NBC connect where the glass walls is our NBC connect where you can learn more about NBC and know you can learn more about NBC and know you can learn more about NBC and know how you can get better connected as well how you can get better connected as well how you can get better connected as well as just learn about the various as just learn about the various as just learn about the various ministries that are happening here. And ministries that are happening here. And ministries that are happening here. And in a church this size, I know for even in a church this size, I know for even in a church this size, I know for even the people who have been attending for a the people who have been attending for a the people who have been attending for a long time, it can it can be easy to be long time, it can it can be easy to be long time, it can it can be easy to be unknown. You can come in and you can unknown. You can come in and you can unknown. You can come in and you can come out and people don't really know come out and people don't really know come out and people don't really know who you are. And we this is exactly why who you are. And we this is exactly why who you are. And we this is exactly why we have church groups. Our church groups we have church groups. Our church groups we have church groups. Our church groups create a space where people can move create a space where people can move create a space where people can move from being just a face in the crowd to from being just a face in the crowd to from being just a face in the crowd to re being truly known and loved and cared re being truly known and loved and cared re being truly known and loved and cared for. And so what happens in our rows on

for. And so what happens in our rows on for. And so what happens in our rows on Sundays actually grows deeper in the Sundays actually grows deeper in the Sundays actually grows deeper in the homes of church groups where we have homes of church groups where we have homes of church groups where we have church groups during the week. And so if church groups during the week. And so if church groups during the week. And so if that is of interest to you, we want to that is of interest to you, we want to that is of interest to you, we want to invite you today to hang out in the invite you today to hang out in the invite you today to hang out in the lobby after service because we have our lobby after service because we have our lobby after service because we have our group connect. And one of the things group connect. And one of the things group connect. And one of the things that I think is so encouraging about that I think is so encouraging about that I think is so encouraging about church groups, I'll just share from my church groups, I'll just share from my church groups, I'll just share from my own life. You get to know people in a own life. You get to know people in a own life. You get to know people in a deeper, more meaningful way. And you deeper, more meaningful way. And you deeper, more meaningful way. And you actually become friends with the people actually become friends with the people actually become friends with the people who you're sitting in the rows with. And who you're sitting in the rows with. And who you're sitting in the rows with. And so even this past weekend, my husband so even this past weekend, my husband so even this past weekend, my husband and I on Friday night got invited to a and I on Friday night got invited to a and I on Friday night got invited to a very spontaneous birthday party for our very spontaneous birthday party for our very spontaneous birthday party for our church group, for a member in our church church group, for a member in our church church group, for a member in our church group. And we spent the evening there. group. And we spent the evening there. group. And we spent the evening there. And both of us left saying that is a And both of us left saying that is a And both of us left saying that is a great way to spend a Friday night. And great way to spend a Friday night. And great way to spend a Friday night. And so it's not just that that that so it's not just that that that so it's not just that that that relationship, it's also spiritual growth relationship, it's also spiritual growth relationship, it's also spiritual growth and even bearing one another's burdens. and even bearing one another's burdens. and even bearing one another's burdens. Those things happen in church groups. I Those things happen in church groups. I Those things happen in church groups. I know they happen in our church group and know they happen in our church group and know they happen in our church group and I know they happen in the the various I know they happen in the the various I know they happen in the the various church groups across our location. So if church groups across our location. So if church groups across our location. So if you are saying, "Yeah, I want that. I you are saying, "Yeah, I want that. I you are saying, "Yeah, I want that. I want to be I want to go from just being want to be I want to go from just being want to be I want to go from just being a face in the crowd to being actually a face in the crowd to being actually a face in the crowd to being actually known and involved in people's lives."

known and involved in people's lives." known and involved in people's lives." Today's your day. So hang out in the Today's your day. So hang out in the Today's your day. So hang out in the lobby. There's the group connect out lobby. There's the group connect out lobby. There's the group connect out there and you can hear about the various there and you can hear about the various there and you can hear about the various church groups that have openings and church groups that have openings and church groups that have openings and maybe even visit one this week. So maybe even visit one this week. So maybe even visit one this week. So that's for that's today right after that's for that's today right after that's for that's today right after service. Also in our lobby is our uh service. Also in our lobby is our uh service. Also in our lobby is our uh there's a table for our grief share there's a table for our grief share there's a table for our grief share support group. And our grief share support group. And our grief share support group. And our grief share support group is a group for people who support group is a group for people who support group is a group for people who have experienced a death in their family have experienced a death in their family have experienced a death in their family or a very close loved one. and they're or a very close loved one. and they're or a very close loved one. and they're feeling very distressed about that as feeling very distressed about that as feeling very distressed about that as that grief often does land on us so that grief often does land on us so that grief often does land on us so heavy and so hard and often times you heavy and so hard and often times you heavy and so hard and often times you can feel like I don't know what to do or can feel like I don't know what to do or can feel like I don't know what to do or who to talk to. Well, I'm here to tell who to talk to. Well, I'm here to tell who to talk to. Well, I'm here to tell you that having faith does not mean we you that having faith does not mean we you that having faith does not mean we have to be emotionally disconnected that have to be emotionally disconnected that have to be emotionally disconnected that we can actually feel the feelings that we can actually feel the feelings that we can actually feel the feelings that we are going through and process them we are going through and process them we are going through and process them with the Lord and with others who with the Lord and with others who with the Lord and with others who understand. And that's exactly what understand. And that's exactly what understand. And that's exactly what grief share does. So, they're across the grief share does. So, they're across the grief share does. So, they're across the lobby as well at a table there and we lobby as well at a table there and we lobby as well at a table there and we invite you to that as well. Um, members, invite you to that as well. Um, members, invite you to that as well. Um, members, there's a very important announcement I there's a very important announcement I there's a very important announcement I have for you. Today is the last day that have for you. Today is the last day that have for you. Today is the last day that you can vote on our proposed budget as you can vote on our proposed budget as you can vote on our proposed budget as well as the new members that are coming well as the new members that are coming well as the new members that are coming in, which is really exciting to see all in, which is really exciting to see all in, which is really exciting to see all the list of names of people who want to the list of names of people who want to the list of names of people who want to join us in our church. And so, today's join us in our church. And so, today's join us in our church. And so, today's the last day. You have an email in your the last day. You have an email in your the last day. You have an email in your inbox if you are a member and you can inbox if you are a member and you can inbox if you are a member and you can vote, but voting closes at 1. So don't vote, but voting closes at 1. So don't vote, but voting closes at 1. So don't miss that opportunity because that is miss that opportunity because that is miss that opportunity because that is something that we want to make sure that something that we want to make sure that something that we want to make sure that all of you who are members has have a all of you who are members has have a all of you who are members has have a voice into. And speaking of budget, voice into. And speaking of budget, voice into. And speaking of budget, giving is a huge way that ministry

giving is a huge way that ministry giving is a huge way that ministry continues to happen here at NBC. And you continues to happen here at NBC. And you continues to happen here at NBC. And you guys are a significant part of that. And guys are a significant part of that. And guys are a significant part of that. And so you can give today not just to so you can give today not just to so you can give today not just to support that budget, but specifically support that budget, but specifically support that budget, but specifically because giving is an act of worship. because giving is an act of worship. because giving is an act of worship. It's an act of trust and it's an act of It's an act of trust and it's an act of It's an act of trust and it's an act of of really just honoring the Lord with of really just honoring the Lord with of really just honoring the Lord with what he has given back to us. So there's what he has given back to us. So there's what he has given back to us. So there's various ways that you can give, various ways that you can give, various ways that you can give, including the the boxes on the way out. including the the boxes on the way out. including the the boxes on the way out. But if you are a if you are a guest here But if you are a if you are a guest here But if you are a if you are a guest here today, your gift is just being with us today, your gift is just being with us today, your gift is just being with us today in church. So there is no need to today in church. So there is no need to today in church. So there is no need to give at all. All right. Well, we started give at all. All right. Well, we started give at all. All right. Well, we started a very brief sermon series. It started a very brief sermon series. It started a very brief sermon series. It started last week. It's going to end next week. last week. It's going to end next week. last week. It's going to end next week. Very brief. And it is called God, the Very brief. And it is called God, the Very brief. And it is called God, the God of the highs and the lows. And I God of the highs and the lows. And I God of the highs and the lows. And I know last week, Pastor Eric shared with know last week, Pastor Eric shared with know last week, Pastor Eric shared with us some really helpful, encouraging us some really helpful, encouraging us some really helpful, encouraging words from God's word. And today, Pastor words from God's word. And today, Pastor words from God's word. And today, Pastor Nate is going to share with share with Nate is going to share with share with Nate is going to share with share with us a passage that I think we all need to us a passage that I think we all need to us a passage that I think we all need to hear. And so, what I'd like for you to hear. And so, what I'd like for you to hear. And so, what I'd like for you to do is just take a moment and just quiet do is just take a moment and just quiet do is just take a moment and just quiet your heart. And I'd like you to as your heart. And I'd like you to as your heart. And I'd like you to as Pastor Nate walks out, I'd like you to Pastor Nate walks out, I'd like you to Pastor Nate walks out, I'd like you to just ask the Lord this. Just say this in just ask the Lord this. Just say this in just ask the Lord this. Just say this in your heart. God, prepare me to hear what your heart. God, prepare me to hear what your heart. God, prepare me to hear what it is you're about to say to me today.

it is you're about to say to me today. it is you're about to say to me today. So, would you do that right now? Just So, would you do that right now? Just So, would you do that right now? Just quiet your heart, close your eyes, and quiet your heart, close your eyes, and quiet your heart, close your eyes, and I'll actually just pray that with you I'll actually just pray that with you I'll actually just pray that with you and then Pastor Nate will come. and then Pastor Nate will come. and then Pastor Nate will come. God, we pray that together. We know that God, we pray that together. We know that God, we pray that together. We know that in life there are highs and there are in life there are highs and there are in life there are highs and there are lows and there are things that we're so lows and there are things that we're so lows and there are things that we're so excited about and things that feel like excited about and things that feel like excited about and things that feel like our worst nightmare. And I know in this our worst nightmare. And I know in this our worst nightmare. And I know in this room that is very true. And so, Father, room that is very true. And so, Father, room that is very true. And so, Father, specifically for where each person is in specifically for where each person is in specifically for where each person is in this room, would you prepare their heart this room, would you prepare their heart this room, would you prepare their heart to hear from you, to hear that you are a to hear from you, to hear that you are a to hear from you, to hear that you are a God of compassion, you are a God of God of compassion, you are a God of God of compassion, you are a God of provision and you are a God in control. provision and you are a God in control. provision and you are a God in control. And so, would you prepare us now? And so, would you prepare us now? And so, would you prepare us now? Prepare Pastor Nate. And we thank you Prepare Pastor Nate. And we thank you Prepare Pastor Nate. And we thank you for bringing the word to us in Jesus for bringing the word to us in Jesus for bringing the word to us in Jesus name. Amen. Amen.

Well, good morning. I want to invite you Well, good morning. I want to invite you to turn our scroll with me over to Psalm to turn our scroll with me over to Psalm to turn our scroll with me over to Psalm 77. That's where we're going to be here 77. That's where we're going to be here 77. That's where we're going to be here this morning. Psalm 77. and it's right this morning. Psalm 77. and it's right this morning. Psalm 77. and it's right near the middle of your Bible and near the middle of your Bible and near the middle of your Bible and there's hard copies near around your there's hard copies near around your there's hard copies near around your seat if you need one or if you don't seat if you need one or if you don't seat if you need one or if you don't have a Bible. We'd love to give you one have a Bible. We'd love to give you one have a Bible. We'd love to give you one at the welcome center before you leave at the welcome center before you leave at the welcome center before you leave today there today. And as you're turning today there today. And as you're turning today there today. And as you're turning there, I do want to add my welcome to there, I do want to add my welcome to there, I do want to add my welcome to those of you here this morning as well those of you here this morning as well those of you here this morning as well as those of you who are listening in as those of you who are listening in as those of you who are listening in online. My name is Nate Reid and I serve online. My name is Nate Reid and I serve online. My name is Nate Reid and I serve as one of the pastors here at Tyson's as one of the pastors here at Tyson's as one of the pastors here at Tyson's and I'm grateful for the opportunity to and I'm grateful for the opportunity to and I'm grateful for the opportunity to dive into God's word uh with you all dive into God's word uh with you all dive into God's word uh with you all together this morning. [snorts] I'll never forget the evening of I'll never forget the evening of February 10th earlier this year. February 10th earlier this year. February 10th earlier this year. Our family had just wrapped up dinner Our family had just wrapped up dinner Our family had just wrapped up dinner when my wife got a text from her sister when my wife got a text from her sister when my wife got a text from her sister that said this. It just said, "Please that said this. It just said, "Please that said this. It just said, "Please pray. There's been an accident and I pray. There's been an accident and I pray. There's been an accident and I don't know if Bert is okay going to the don't know if Bert is okay going to the don't know if Bert is okay going to the hospital." hospital." hospital." Bert was her husband.

Bert was her husband. Bert was her husband. We immediately dropped everything and We immediately dropped everything and We immediately dropped everything and prayed and anxiously waited to hear more prayed and anxiously waited to hear more prayed and anxiously waited to hear more from her. And about 45 minutes later, we from her. And about 45 minutes later, we from her. And about 45 minutes later, we got her next text. got her next text. got her next text. And all it said was, And all it said was, And all it said was, "He's gone. "He's gone. "He's gone. I'm going home to tell the kids." We were shocked. We were shocked. literally sat on our couch for hours literally sat on our couch for hours literally sat on our couch for hours going back and forth between tears and going back and forth between tears and going back and forth between tears and disbelief. And as you can tell, it still disbelief. And as you can tell, it still disbelief. And as you can tell, it still stings just six months later. stings just six months later. stings just six months later. He was 43 years old, an incredibly good He was 43 years old, an incredibly good He was 43 years old, an incredibly good and godly man, loved his wife and three and godly man, loved his wife and three and godly man, loved his wife and three teenagers fiercely, and served his teenagers fiercely, and served his teenagers fiercely, and served his church faithfully. church faithfully. church faithfully. He was the kind of person that everyone He was the kind of person that everyone He was the kind of person that everyone loved. He was active in his community, loved. He was active in his community, loved. He was active in his community, kind to everyone, and he just knew how kind to everyone, and he just knew how kind to everyone, and he just knew how to make people smile. to make people smile. to make people smile. And just like that, he was gone.

And just like that, he was gone. And just like that, he was gone. He was like a brother to me. And really, He was like a brother to me. And really, He was like a brother to me. And really, it's a loss that's left so many in our it's a loss that's left so many in our it's a loss that's left so many in our family asking, family asking, family asking, "God, what are you doing?" Now, I don't share this this morning to Now, I don't share this this morning to draw attention to our family. Though I draw attention to our family. Though I draw attention to our family. Though I would certainly ask you to pray for would certainly ask you to pray for would certainly ask you to pray for Sarah May, his wife, their kids. Sarah May, his wife, their kids. Sarah May, his wife, their kids. I share this because I know so many of I share this because I know so many of I share this because I know so many of you are in that same place today. you are in that same place today. you are in that same place today. Might not be because of an unexpected Might not be because of an unexpected Might not be because of an unexpected loss, but something has happened that's loss, but something has happened that's loss, but something has happened that's left you asking the same question. left you asking the same question. left you asking the same question. Where is God in this? Where is God in this? Where is God in this? It might be from a recent diagnosis or It might be from a recent diagnosis or It might be from a recent diagnosis or ongoing physical pain. ongoing physical pain. ongoing physical pain. Maybe your parent that's grieving the Maybe your parent that's grieving the Maybe your parent that's grieving the life you envisioned for your child after life you envisioned for your child after life you envisioned for your child after learning they had a special need. learning they had a special need. learning they had a special need. For some, your marriage is falling apart For some, your marriage is falling apart For some, your marriage is falling apart or you've gone through an unwanted or you've gone through an unwanted or you've gone through an unwanted divorce. divorce. divorce. Some of you have lost a job and you're Some of you have lost a job and you're Some of you have lost a job and you're still waiting for a new opportunity.

still waiting for a new opportunity. still waiting for a new opportunity. I know some of you are worried about I know some of you are worried about I know some of you are worried about your immigration status and what that your immigration status and what that your immigration status and what that might mean for your future. might mean for your future. might mean for your future. Or for some of you, something's happened Or for some of you, something's happened Or for some of you, something's happened in your past and as a result, you want in your past and as a result, you want in your past and as a result, you want nothing to do with God. nothing to do with God. nothing to do with God. Could be a host of many significant Could be a host of many significant Could be a host of many significant things and you're just struggling to see things and you're just struggling to see things and you're just struggling to see God through it all. God through it all. God through it all. See, superficial faith has fed us a lie See, superficial faith has fed us a lie See, superficial faith has fed us a lie that if you believe in God, then life is that if you believe in God, then life is that if you believe in God, then life is going to be easy. going to be easy. going to be easy. That you won't experience difficulty or That you won't experience difficulty or That you won't experience difficulty or pain. And friends, I'm here to tell you pain. And friends, I'm here to tell you pain. And friends, I'm here to tell you today that that's simply not true. It's today that that's simply not true. It's today that that's simply not true. It's nowhere here in the Bible. We live in a nowhere here in the Bible. We live in a nowhere here in the Bible. We live in a broken and fallen world. So, what do we broken and fallen world. So, what do we broken and fallen world. So, what do we do when life falls apart? I'm so thankful that God in his abundant I'm so thankful that God in his abundant grace has given us examples of what it grace has given us examples of what it grace has given us examples of what it looks like to walk through the lows of looks like to walk through the lows of looks like to walk through the lows of life with honesty and hope. So, we are life with honesty and hope. So, we are life with honesty and hope. So, we are in a series called God and the high and in a series called God and the high and in a series called God and the high and lows. And last week, Pastor Eric lows. And last week, Pastor Eric lows. And last week, Pastor Eric mentioned how the Psalms really are the mentioned how the Psalms really are the mentioned how the Psalms really are the song book of the Bible. They speak to song book of the Bible. They speak to song book of the Bible. They speak to every condition of the human heart. And every condition of the human heart. And every condition of the human heart. And if you missed his message on praise last if you missed his message on praise last if you missed his message on praise last week, you need to go back and listen to week, you need to go back and listen to week, you need to go back and listen to it. It was so helpful. And this week, it. It was so helpful. And this week, it. It was so helpful. And this week, we're going to look at another type of we're going to look at another type of we're going to look at another type of psalm called lament.

psalm called lament. psalm called lament. Lament. Lament. Lament. So, what is lament? Let me give you a So, what is lament? Let me give you a So, what is lament? Let me give you a simple definition. Lament is simply simple definition. Lament is simply simple definition. Lament is simply this. It's the heartfelt expression of this. It's the heartfelt expression of this. It's the heartfelt expression of people in suffering. people in suffering. people in suffering. Heartfelt expression of people in Heartfelt expression of people in Heartfelt expression of people in suffering. And what's amazing is that suffering. And what's amazing is that suffering. And what's amazing is that over a third of all the psalms in the over a third of all the psalms in the over a third of all the psalms in the book of Psalms are actually considered book of Psalms are actually considered book of Psalms are actually considered lament psalms. Over a third of them. In lament psalms. Over a third of them. In lament psalms. Over a third of them. In fact, you might write these down fact, you might write these down fact, you might write these down sometime this week. I'd recommend sometime this week. I'd recommend sometime this week. I'd recommend reading Psalm 13, Psalm uh 25, Psalm 142 reading Psalm 13, Psalm uh 25, Psalm 142 reading Psalm 13, Psalm uh 25, Psalm 142 for some really clear examples and Psalm for some really clear examples and Psalm for some really clear examples and Psalm 77 is one of them as well. As we walk 77 is one of them as well. As we walk 77 is one of them as well. As we walk through this psalm, I want to give each through this psalm, I want to give each through this psalm, I want to give each of us some space today to actually of us some space today to actually of us some space today to actually practice the pattern that we see in practice the pattern that we see in practice the pattern that we see in these psalms. And I am confident that these psalms. And I am confident that these psalms. And I am confident that you'll find just as I have that lament you'll find just as I have that lament you'll find just as I have that lament is actually a gift. It's a gift. is actually a gift. It's a gift. is actually a gift. It's a gift. Now, you might be here today and Now, you might be here today and Now, you might be here today and everything is going great for you.

everything is going great for you. everything is going great for you. Praise God for that. Don't tune out. And Praise God for that. Don't tune out. And Praise God for that. Don't tune out. And here's why. I hate to be a downer, but here's why. I hate to be a downer, but here's why. I hate to be a downer, but difficulties coming. It's coming. Jesus difficulties coming. It's coming. Jesus difficulties coming. It's coming. Jesus promises this in John 16. He says, "In promises this in John 16. He says, "In promises this in John 16. He says, "In the world, you will have tribulation." the world, you will have tribulation." the world, you will have tribulation." It's a guarantee. It's a guarantee. It's a guarantee. And even more so, lament is something And even more so, lament is something And even more so, lament is something that we need to be well verssed in, not that we need to be well verssed in, not that we need to be well verssed in, not just for ourselves, but for those who just for ourselves, but for those who just for ourselves, but for those who are hurting around us. are hurting around us. are hurting around us. So, I want to dive into this psalm. But So, I want to dive into this psalm. But So, I want to dive into this psalm. But before I do that, can I just pray for us before I do that, can I just pray for us before I do that, can I just pray for us real quick this morning? Let me pray. real quick this morning? Let me pray. real quick this morning? Let me pray. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] God, you know the state of every single God, you know the state of every single God, you know the state of every single heart in this room or listening in right heart in this room or listening in right heart in this room or listening in right now, and you know exactly what we need now, and you know exactly what we need now, and you know exactly what we need to hear. So God, would you speak to us? to hear. So God, would you speak to us? to hear. So God, would you speak to us? Make your word come alive in ways that Make your word come alive in ways that Make your word come alive in ways that transform even the way we walk through transform even the way we walk through transform even the way we walk through the lows of life. We love you. We thank the lows of life. We love you. We thank the lows of life. We love you. We thank you for your word. And we pray this in you for your word. And we pray this in you for your word. And we pray this in Jesus name. And we all said together, Jesus name. And we all said together, Jesus name. And we all said together, >> amen.

>> amen. >> amen. >> Amen. Amen. Well, if you look at Psalm >> Amen. Amen. Well, if you look at Psalm >> Amen. Amen. Well, if you look at Psalm 77, the heading tells us that this psalm 77, the heading tells us that this psalm 77, the heading tells us that this psalm was written by Asaf, who was a chief was written by Asaf, who was a chief was written by Asaf, who was a chief musical leader appointed by King David musical leader appointed by King David musical leader appointed by King David to lead others in worship at the temple. to lead others in worship at the temple. to lead others in worship at the temple. And we don't know what circumstances And we don't know what circumstances And we don't know what circumstances prompted him to write this, but as prompted him to write this, but as prompted him to write this, but as you'll see see, it's clearly not a good you'll see see, it's clearly not a good you'll see see, it's clearly not a good situation. It's clearly not. And I situation. It's clearly not. And I situation. It's clearly not. And I expect that his words will resonate with expect that his words will resonate with expect that his words will resonate with many of us here today. Just listen to many of us here today. Just listen to many of us here today. Just listen to the first nine verses. Psalm 77, the first nine verses. Psalm 77, the first nine verses. Psalm 77, starting in verse one. Asaf says this, starting in verse one. Asaf says this, starting in verse one. Asaf says this, "I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and "I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and "I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. In the day of my he will hear me. In the day of my he will hear me. In the day of my trouble, I seek the Lord. In the night, trouble, I seek the Lord. In the night, trouble, I seek the Lord. In the night, my hand is stretched out without my hand is stretched out without my hand is stretched out without wearing, which is another way to say wearing, which is another way to say wearing, which is another way to say he's been crying out in prayer all night he's been crying out in prayer all night he's been crying out in prayer all night long. He's trying to cling to God. And long. He's trying to cling to God. And long. He's trying to cling to God. And then things take a turn. He says this, then things take a turn. He says this, then things take a turn. He says this, "My soul refuses to be comforted. "My soul refuses to be comforted. "My soul refuses to be comforted. When I remember God, I moan. When I When I remember God, I moan. When I When I remember God, I moan. When I meditate, my spirit faints.

meditate, my spirit faints. meditate, my spirit faints. You hold my eyelids open. I'm so You hold my eyelids open. I'm so You hold my eyelids open. I'm so troubled that I cannot speak. I consider troubled that I cannot speak. I consider troubled that I cannot speak. I consider the days of old, the years long ago. I the days of old, the years long ago. I the days of old, the years long ago. I said, "Let me remember my song in the said, "Let me remember my song in the said, "Let me remember my song in the night. Let me meditate in my heart." night. Let me meditate in my heart." night. Let me meditate in my heart." This is a dark night of the soul. It's This is a dark night of the soul. It's This is a dark night of the soul. It's so bad. He's groaning out loud. He can't so bad. He's groaning out loud. He can't so bad. He's groaning out loud. He can't sleep. And he's at a complete loss for sleep. And he's at a complete loss for sleep. And he's at a complete loss for words. words. words. Have you ever been there? Have you ever been there? Have you ever been there? So low you're at a loss for words, you So low you're at a loss for words, you So low you're at a loss for words, you can't sleep. and you're just desperate can't sleep. and you're just desperate can't sleep. and you're just desperate for relief. for relief. for relief. Those nights are just awful. Some of you Those nights are just awful. Some of you Those nights are just awful. Some of you are there right now. Some of you have are there right now. Some of you have are there right now. Some of you have been there for a long time. And that's been there for a long time. And that's been there for a long time. And that's where Asop was. He's been up all night where Asop was. He's been up all night where Asop was. He's been up all night praying in desperation. And when he praying in desperation. And when he praying in desperation. And when he says, "Let me remember my song in the says, "Let me remember my song in the says, "Let me remember my song in the night." He's thinking back to times when night." He's thinking back to times when night." He's thinking back to times when life was good. That verse literally life was good. That verse literally life was good. That verse literally could be read. Let me remember when the could be read. Let me remember when the could be read. Let me remember when the nights were filled with joy. nights were filled with joy. nights were filled with joy. He wants so badly to be back in that He wants so badly to be back in that He wants so badly to be back in that place, but they feel so far away from place, but they feel so far away from place, but they feel so far away from him right now. They actually feel him right now. They actually feel him right now. They actually feel impossible.

impossible. impossible. And then the doubts begin to form in his And then the doubts begin to form in his And then the doubts begin to form in his mind. Listen to verse 7. He says, "Then mind. Listen to verse 7. He says, "Then mind. Listen to verse 7. He says, "Then I made a diligent search." In other I made a diligent search." In other I made a diligent search." In other words, I tried to make sense of what was words, I tried to make sense of what was words, I tried to make sense of what was happening. And then just listen to his happening. And then just listen to his happening. And then just listen to his questions. questions. questions. Will the Lord spurn forever and never Will the Lord spurn forever and never Will the Lord spurn forever and never again be favorable? again be favorable? again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Are his promises at an end for all time? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion? It's five questions that show just how It's five questions that show just how disorienting his situation is. Things disorienting his situation is. Things disorienting his situation is. Things are so bad. He's having doubts about are so bad. He's having doubts about are so bad. He's having doubts about God's goodness. God's goodness. God's goodness. And I know many of us, myself included, And I know many of us, myself included, And I know many of us, myself included, have had times when we've struggled with have had times when we've struggled with have had times when we've struggled with doubt. doubt. doubt. The bottom feels out and even though we The bottom feels out and even though we The bottom feels out and even though we feel guilty about it, you just begin to feel guilty about it, you just begin to feel guilty about it, you just begin to wonder the same things like Asaf did.

wonder the same things like Asaf did. wonder the same things like Asaf did. You begin to wonder, has God rejected You begin to wonder, has God rejected You begin to wonder, has God rejected me? me? me? Will I ever experience his favor again? Will I ever experience his favor again? Will I ever experience his favor again? Has God stopped loving me? Is he angry Has God stopped loving me? Is he angry Has God stopped loving me? Is he angry with me? Does he even see or understand with me? Does he even see or understand with me? Does he even see or understand what I'm going through? And this is where I'm so thankful for And this is where I'm so thankful for the pattern that we see here in Lament the pattern that we see here in Lament the pattern that we see here in Lament because remember what we're reading is because remember what we're reading is because remember what we're reading is not just the journal from someone in a not just the journal from someone in a not just the journal from someone in a dark place. These are words that are dark place. These are words that are dark place. These are words that are inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. That's why they're in the Bible. That's why they're in the Bible. That's why they're in the Bible. And God has inspired. If God actually And God has inspired. If God actually And God has inspired. If God actually has inspired these words for us, if he has inspired these words for us, if he has inspired these words for us, if he has, then we can make at least two has, then we can make at least two has, then we can make at least two observations about lament. You might observations about lament. You might observations about lament. You might write these down. First, lament gives us write these down. First, lament gives us write these down. First, lament gives us freedom to be honest. freedom to be honest. freedom to be honest. This is good news for us. Lament gives This is good news for us. Lament gives This is good news for us. Lament gives us freedom to be honest. us freedom to be honest. us freedom to be honest. Asaf hasn't held anything back in these Asaf hasn't held anything back in these Asaf hasn't held anything back in these verses. In fact, one commentator I read verses. In fact, one commentator I read verses. In fact, one commentator I read said this. He said, "If there's one said this. He said, "If there's one said this. He said, "If there's one thing about Asaf, he tells it like it thing about Asaf, he tells it like it thing about Asaf, he tells it like it is. He's been extremely raw and honest."

is. He's been extremely raw and honest." is. He's been extremely raw and honest." Like, church family, look me in the eye Like, church family, look me in the eye Like, church family, look me in the eye right now. I want you to hear this right now. I want you to hear this right now. I want you to hear this clearly from me today. God invites you clearly from me today. God invites you clearly from me today. God invites you to come to him exactly as you are. God invites you to come to him just as God invites you to come to him just as you are. He does not expect you to hide you are. He does not expect you to hide you are. He does not expect you to hide your pain. your pain. your pain. He doesn't demand that you clean He doesn't demand that you clean He doesn't demand that you clean yourself up or that you form the right yourself up or that you form the right yourself up or that you form the right words before coming to him. He invites words before coming to him. He invites words before coming to him. He invites you to come just as you are to share you to come just as you are to share you to come just as you are to share honestly with him how hard the struggle honestly with him how hard the struggle honestly with him how hard the struggle is. even if all you can muster up is a is. even if all you can muster up is a is. even if all you can muster up is a simple why or a groan. And even though he already knows fully And even though he already knows fully the extent of your pain and sorrow, as a the extent of your pain and sorrow, as a the extent of your pain and sorrow, as a loving father, he wants you to come to loving father, he wants you to come to loving father, he wants you to come to him honestly. him honestly. him honestly. And here's a second observation. And here's a second observation. And here's a second observation. Lament leaves room for our doubts. Lament leaves room for our doubts. Lament leaves room for our doubts. Leaves room for our doubts. Mark Vogrep Leaves room for our doubts. Mark Vogrep Leaves room for our doubts. Mark Vogrep in his book Dark Clouds Deep Mercy, in his book Dark Clouds Deep Mercy, in his book Dark Clouds Deep Mercy, which I highly recommend if you're which I highly recommend if you're which I highly recommend if you're walking through a difficult season, says walking through a difficult season, says walking through a difficult season, says it this way. He says, "Lament is how you it this way. He says, "Lament is how you it this way. He says, "Lament is how you live between the poles of a hard life live between the poles of a hard life live between the poles of a hard life and trusting in God's sovereignty."

and trusting in God's sovereignty." and trusting in God's sovereignty." That's what lament is. Like, we can know That's what lament is. Like, we can know That's what lament is. Like, we can know that God is in control, but it can feel that God is in control, but it can feel that God is in control, but it can feel like everything else is out of control. like everything else is out of control. like everything else is out of control. We can know that God is all powerful, We can know that God is all powerful, We can know that God is all powerful, but it can really feel like he's but it can really feel like he's but it can really feel like he's withholding his power. withholding his power. withholding his power. And we can know that God is all knowing, And we can know that God is all knowing, And we can know that God is all knowing, but it can seem like he's turned a blind but it can seem like he's turned a blind but it can seem like he's turned a blind eye to our circumstances. eye to our circumstances. eye to our circumstances. And because we don't have the mind and And because we don't have the mind and And because we don't have the mind and perspective of God, that naturally leads perspective of God, that naturally leads perspective of God, that naturally leads us to doubt. And this is clear in Asaf's us to doubt. And this is clear in Asaf's us to doubt. And this is clear in Asaf's struggle in verse 8 when he asks, "Has struggle in verse 8 when he asks, "Has struggle in verse 8 when he asks, "Has his steadfast love forever ceased?" The his steadfast love forever ceased?" The his steadfast love forever ceased?" The Hebrew word there for steadfast love is. Hebrew word there for steadfast love is. Hebrew word there for steadfast love is. It's a word we've talked about many It's a word we've talked about many It's a word we've talked about many times here. It speaks to so many aspects times here. It speaks to so many aspects times here. It speaks to so many aspects of God's character, including his loyal, of God's character, including his loyal, of God's character, including his loyal, neverending love. And so, Asaf in this neverending love. And so, Asaf in this neverending love. And so, Asaf in this question is essentially asking, has the question is essentially asking, has the question is essentially asking, has the unceasing love of God actually ceased? unceasing love of God actually ceased? unceasing love of God actually ceased? Like, he's struggling with doubt. And Like, he's struggling with doubt. And Like, he's struggling with doubt. And friends, I want you to know, wrestling friends, I want you to know, wrestling friends, I want you to know, wrestling with doubt is not a bad thing. It's with doubt is not a bad thing. It's with doubt is not a bad thing. It's actually part of what it means to have actually part of what it means to have actually part of what it means to have faith.

faith. faith. But what makes doubting harmful is when But what makes doubting harmful is when But what makes doubting harmful is when we allow it to pull away from God. we allow it to pull away from God. we allow it to pull away from God. allows us pull us away from God rather allows us pull us away from God rather allows us pull us away from God rather than pulling us closer to him. And all than pulling us closer to him. And all than pulling us closer to him. And all throughout the Bible and in this psalm, throughout the Bible and in this psalm, throughout the Bible and in this psalm, God is saying to us today, bring your God is saying to us today, bring your God is saying to us today, bring your doubts and questions to me. Cast them doubts and questions to me. Cast them doubts and questions to me. Cast them all on me. And if you're struggling to all on me. And if you're struggling to all on me. And if you're struggling to believe that, believe that, believe that, just look to Jesus. just look to Jesus. just look to Jesus. And Jesus is hanging on the cross, And Jesus is hanging on the cross, And Jesus is hanging on the cross, bearing the full weight of God's wrath bearing the full weight of God's wrath bearing the full weight of God's wrath for our sin. He cries out to the father for our sin. He cries out to the father for our sin. He cries out to the father in agony. And he does so using the words in agony. And he does so using the words in agony. And he does so using the words of Psalm 22, another psalm of lament. of Psalm 22, another psalm of lament. of Psalm 22, another psalm of lament. You hear this in Matthew 27:46. It says, You hear this in Matthew 27:46. It says, You hear this in Matthew 27:46. It says, "And about the 9th hour, Jesus cried out "And about the 9th hour, Jesus cried out "And about the 9th hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lemma sabaktani," which is quoting Psalm lemma sabaktani," which is quoting Psalm lemma sabaktani," which is quoting Psalm 22, 22, 22, my God, my God, why have you forsaken my God, my God, why have you forsaken my God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Excuse me. me? Excuse me. me? Excuse me. Aren't you glad we serve a God who's not Aren't you glad we serve a God who's not Aren't you glad we serve a God who's not immune to pain?

immune to pain? immune to pain? And if Jesus, God in the flesh, could And if Jesus, God in the flesh, could And if Jesus, God in the flesh, could express his heartfelt questions to God express his heartfelt questions to God express his heartfelt questions to God the Father, then so can we. So can we. the Father, then so can we. So can we. the Father, then so can we. So can we. And not only can he handle them, he And not only can he handle them, he And not only can he handle them, he desires to meet you in them and walk desires to meet you in them and walk desires to meet you in them and walk with you in the struggle. And yes, it's with you in the struggle. And yes, it's with you in the struggle. And yes, it's true that God won't always give us true that God won't always give us true that God won't always give us answers to why he's doing things the way answers to why he's doing things the way answers to why he's doing things the way that he is. But he'll often provide us that he is. But he'll often provide us that he is. But he'll often provide us with something much better. He'll with something much better. He'll with something much better. He'll provide us with himself, provide us with himself, provide us with himself, more of his presence, more of his more of his presence, more of his more of his presence, more of his comfort, and more of his strength. comfort, and more of his strength. comfort, and more of his strength. Friends, it's okay to grieve the Friends, it's okay to grieve the Friends, it's okay to grieve the brokenness of this world. In fact, we brokenness of this world. In fact, we brokenness of this world. In fact, we should do this often because God's should do this often because God's should do this often because God's original design for this world did not original design for this world did not original design for this world did not include things like abuse, include things like abuse, include things like abuse, sex trafficking, sex trafficking, sex trafficking, natural disasters, natural disasters, natural disasters, cancer, conflict, abandonment, cancer, conflict, abandonment, cancer, conflict, abandonment, disabilities, car accidents, depression, disabilities, car accidents, depression, disabilities, car accidents, depression, mental illness, chronic pain, and even mental illness, chronic pain, and even mental illness, chronic pain, and even death.

death. death. God looks on all of these things and his God looks on all of these things and his God looks on all of these things and his heart is grieved for them as well. In heart is grieved for them as well. In heart is grieved for them as well. In fact, it's even okay to be angry at the fact, it's even okay to be angry at the fact, it's even okay to be angry at the effects of sin. But it is absolutely effects of sin. But it is absolutely effects of sin. But it is absolutely critical that we bring our honesty to critical that we bring our honesty to critical that we bring our honesty to God with the right posture in our God with the right posture in our God with the right posture in our hearts. Because there's a difference hearts. Because there's a difference hearts. Because there's a difference between honest expression and between honest expression and between honest expression and complaining. complaining. complaining. Like it can be tempting to bring our Like it can be tempting to bring our Like it can be tempting to bring our questions to God with an angry fist in a questions to God with an angry fist in a questions to God with an angry fist in a heart of accusation towards him. But if heart of accusation towards him. But if heart of accusation towards him. But if God is holy, sovereign, all- wise, and God is holy, sovereign, all- wise, and God is holy, sovereign, all- wise, and completely good, then being angry with completely good, then being angry with completely good, then being angry with God is never appropriate. It's never God is never appropriate. It's never God is never appropriate. It's never appropriate. appropriate. appropriate. Lament can be honest, but it includes a Lament can be honest, but it includes a Lament can be honest, but it includes a humble posture towards God. And I love humble posture towards God. And I love humble posture towards God. And I love how Christian counselor and professor how Christian counselor and professor how Christian counselor and professor Dan uh Dr. Dan Alleners explains this. Dan uh Dr. Dan Alleners explains this. Dan uh Dr. Dan Alleners explains this. I've shared this quote before, but he I've shared this quote before, but he I've shared this quote before, but he says this. It is critical to comprehend says this. It is critical to comprehend says this. It is critical to comprehend a lament is as far from complaining or a lament is as far from complaining or a lament is as far from complaining or grumbling as a search is for aimless grumbling as a search is for aimless grumbling as a search is for aimless wandering. A grumbler has already wandering. A grumbler has already wandering. A grumbler has already reached a conclusion. Shut down all reached a conclusion. Shut down all reached a conclusion. Shut down all desire and postures with questions that desire and postures with questions that desire and postures with questions that are barely concealed accusations.

are barely concealed accusations. are barely concealed accusations. Instead, a lament involves even deeper Instead, a lament involves even deeper Instead, a lament involves even deeper emotion because a lament is truly emotion because a lament is truly emotion because a lament is truly asking, seeking, and knocking to asking, seeking, and knocking to asking, seeking, and knocking to comprehend the heart of God. A lament comprehend the heart of God. A lament comprehend the heart of God. A lament involves the energy to search, not to involves the energy to search, not to involves the energy to search, not to shut down the quest for truth. It is a shut down the quest for truth. It is a shut down the quest for truth. It is a passion to ask rather than to rant and passion to ask rather than to rant and passion to ask rather than to rant and rave with already reached conclusions. rave with already reached conclusions. rave with already reached conclusions. And listen to this. A lament uses the And listen to this. A lament uses the And listen to this. A lament uses the language of pain, anger, and confusion language of pain, anger, and confusion language of pain, anger, and confusion and moves toward God. and moves toward God. and moves toward God. That means we don't come to God in That means we don't come to God in That means we don't come to God in frustration, but with our frustration. frustration, but with our frustration. frustration, but with our frustration. We don't come to God in disappointment, We don't come to God in disappointment, We don't come to God in disappointment, but with our disappointment. but with our disappointment. but with our disappointment. and we cast it all at his feet. and we cast it all at his feet. and we cast it all at his feet. So to sum up these first nine verses, So to sum up these first nine verses, So to sum up these first nine verses, here's the first encouragement I want here's the first encouragement I want here's the first encouragement I want you to walk away with today. When life you to walk away with today. When life you to walk away with today. When life falls apart, God can bear the full falls apart, God can bear the full falls apart, God can bear the full weight of your pain. weight of your pain. weight of your pain. He can bear the full weight of your He can bear the full weight of your He can bear the full weight of your pain. If you're taking notes, you might pain. If you're taking notes, you might pain. If you're taking notes, you might circle or underline that word full circle or underline that word full circle or underline that word full because he can bear it all. all of your because he can bear it all. all of your because he can bear it all. all of your agony, all of your doubts, and all of agony, all of your doubts, and all of agony, all of your doubts, and all of your questions. He can bear it all.

your questions. He can bear it all. your questions. He can bear it all. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] Now, we've still got 11 more verses to Now, we've still got 11 more verses to Now, we've still got 11 more verses to go in this psalm, but I know so often go in this psalm, but I know so often go in this psalm, but I know so often when we're walking through hard seasons, when we're walking through hard seasons, when we're walking through hard seasons, there is a temptation and maybe even a there is a temptation and maybe even a there is a temptation and maybe even a pressure from others to just get over pressure from others to just get over pressure from others to just get over it, just move past it, it, just move past it, it, just move past it, to not leave space to acknowledge the to not leave space to acknowledge the to not leave space to acknowledge the reality of how bad things really are reality of how bad things really are reality of how bad things really are right now. right now. right now. And when we take the time to bring these And when we take the time to bring these And when we take the time to bring these things before God, that's actually when things before God, that's actually when things before God, that's actually when the healing tends to begin starts. And the healing tends to begin starts. And the healing tends to begin starts. And so I just want us to make room this so I just want us to make room this so I just want us to make room this morning for us to do that for a moment. morning for us to do that for a moment. morning for us to do that for a moment. In fact, as you were reading through the In fact, as you were reading through the In fact, as you were reading through the psalm, you might have noticed that psalm, you might have noticed that psalm, you might have noticed that there's the word sa printed in the there's the word sa printed in the there's the word sa printed in the margin of your body of your Bible. Did margin of your body of your Bible. Did margin of your body of your Bible. Did anyone notice that as we were reading anyone notice that as we were reading anyone notice that as we were reading through that today? Yeah. Do you ever through that today? Yeah. Do you ever through that today? Yeah. Do you ever wonder why that's there? Seems kind of wonder why that's there? Seems kind of wonder why that's there? Seems kind of random. Well, this psalm was originally random. Well, this psalm was originally random. Well, this psalm was originally set to music and it was meant to be set to music and it was meant to be set to music and it was meant to be sung. And that's why the title at the sung. And that's why the title at the sung. And that's why the title at the beginning says to the choir master. Now, beginning says to the choir master. Now, beginning says to the choir master. Now, the word sa is likely a musical term the word sa is likely a musical term the word sa is likely a musical term that indicated like an instrumental that indicated like an instrumental that indicated like an instrumental interlude or maybe even a brief pause in interlude or maybe even a brief pause in interlude or maybe even a brief pause in the music for the musicians in the room.

the music for the musicians in the room. the music for the musicians in the room. It's like a grand pause or a format. You It's like a grand pause or a format. You It's like a grand pause or a format. You know what I'm talking about? And it know what I'm talking about? And it know what I'm talking about? And it appears a few times in this passage. And appears a few times in this passage. And appears a few times in this passage. And when you see that word, it's not when you see that word, it's not when you see that word, it's not necessarily meant to be read. And if I'm necessarily meant to be read. And if I'm necessarily meant to be read. And if I'm being completely honest, sometimes it being completely honest, sometimes it being completely honest, sometimes it kind of pops up in some weird places kind of pops up in some weird places kind of pops up in some weird places that I I think anyway, we can't judge that I I think anyway, we can't judge that I I think anyway, we can't judge because we don't know the soundtrack because we don't know the soundtrack because we don't know the soundtrack that accompanied these songs. But I do that accompanied these songs. But I do that accompanied these songs. But I do think the placement of this one at the think the placement of this one at the think the placement of this one at the end of verse 9 is helpful for us. So end of verse 9 is helpful for us. So end of verse 9 is helpful for us. So before we go any further, this is what I before we go any further, this is what I before we go any further, this is what I do. I want to do I just want to give do. I want to do I just want to give do. I want to do I just want to give each of us some space to pause and be each of us some space to pause and be each of us some space to pause and be honest before God. honest before God. honest before God. I'm going to put reflection question up I'm going to put reflection question up I'm going to put reflection question up on the screen in just a moment for you on the screen in just a moment for you on the screen in just a moment for you to process just between you and the to process just between you and the to process just between you and the Lord. There'll even be some sentences Lord. There'll even be some sentences Lord. There'll even be some sentences that you could even just use to help that you could even just use to help that you could even just use to help fill in the blank or so if you're fill in the blank or so if you're fill in the blank or so if you're struggling with that. And then since God struggling with that. And then since God struggling with that. And then since God has really designed music to engage our has really designed music to engage our has really designed music to engage our hearts in a unique way, I'm going to ask hearts in a unique way, I'm going to ask hearts in a unique way, I'm going to ask some of the members of our worship team some of the members of our worship team some of the members of our worship team to close out this short reflection time to close out this short reflection time to close out this short reflection time by singing a song that really blends by singing a song that really blends by singing a song that really blends that similar honesty and humility in one that similar honesty and humility in one that similar honesty and humility in one song. It's actually based on Psalm 42, song. It's actually based on Psalm 42, song. It's actually based on Psalm 42, another psalm of lament. And as they another psalm of lament. And as they another psalm of lament. And as they sing that, you're welcome just to listen sing that, you're welcome just to listen sing that, you're welcome just to listen along if you'd like. Welcome to sing if along if you'd like. Welcome to sing if along if you'd like. Welcome to sing if you'd like either way. But I just want you'd like either way. But I just want you'd like either way. But I just want to give us some space to pause and to give us some space to pause and to give us some space to pause and before the Lord just acknowledge the before the Lord just acknowledge the before the Lord just acknowledge the reality of our souls right now. So let's reality of our souls right now. So let's reality of our souls right now. So let's go ahead and take a moment and then go ahead and take a moment and then go ahead and take a moment and then these guys will come and lead us in a these guys will come and lead us in a these guys will come and lead us in a song.

Lord [singing] from sorrows deep I call Lord [singing] from sorrows deep I call when my [music and singing] hope is shen when my [music and singing] hope is shen when my [music and singing] hope is shen torn and ruined from [music] the fall torn and ruined from [music] the fall torn and ruined from [music] the fall here my desperation here my desperation here my desperation [singing] For so long I've pled and prayed. For so long I've pled and prayed. God come to my rescue. [singing] And even so the throne remains. And even so the throne remains. Still my heart will praise you. Storms within my troubled soul, Storms within my troubled soul, questions [singing and music] without my faith. These billows [singing] roll. my faith. These billows [singing] roll. God be now my shelter. God be now my shelter. God be now my shelter. And why [singing] are you cast [music] And why [singing] are you cast [music] And why [singing] are you cast [music] down my soul?

down my soul? down my soul? Hope and help him who saves [singing] Hope and help him who saves [singing] Hope and help him who saves [singing] you. you. you. And when the fires have all grown cold, And when the fires have all grown cold, And when the fires have all grown cold, cause this heart to [singing] praise cause this heart to [singing] praise cause this heart to [singing] praise you. And oh my [singing] soul, put your hope And oh my [singing] soul, put your hope in God, my [music] help, [singing] my in God, my [music] help, [singing] my in God, my [music] help, [singing] my rock. I will praise rock. I will praise rock. I will praise him him him and sing. [singing] and sing. [singing] and sing. [singing] Sing through the raging Sing through the raging Sing through the raging storm. [singing] storm. [singing] storm. [singing] You're [music] still my God, my You're [music] still my God, my You're [music] still my God, my salvation. And should my life be torn from me, And should my life be torn from me, [music] every [singing] worldly pleasure [music] every [singing] worldly pleasure [music] every [singing] worldly pleasure when [music] all I possess is grief.

when [music] all I possess is grief. when [music] all I possess is grief. God be my treure God be my treure God be my treure and be my vision [music] in the and be my vision [music] in the and be my vision [music] in the [singing] night. [singing] night. [singing] night. Be my hope and [music] reuge Be my hope and [music] reuge Be my hope and [music] reuge till my [singing] faith is turned to till my [singing] faith is turned to till my [singing] faith is turned to sight. sight. sight. Lord, my [music] heart [singing] will Lord, my [music] heart [singing] will Lord, my [music] heart [singing] will praise you. praise you. praise you. Oh, [music and singing] and oh my soul, Oh, [music and singing] and oh my soul, Oh, [music and singing] and oh my soul, put your hope in God, [singing] put your hope in God, [singing] put your hope in God, [singing] my help, my rock. I will praise [music] my help, my rock. I will praise [music] my help, my rock. I will praise [music] him and sing. Oh, sing [music] through him and sing. Oh, sing [music] through him and sing. Oh, sing [music] through the raing [singing] storm. You're still the raing [singing] storm. You're still the raing [singing] storm. You're still my God, [music] my salvation. [singing] And oh my soul, put your hope [singing] And oh my soul, put your hope in [singing] God, my [music] help, my in [singing] God, my [music] help, my in [singing] God, my [music] help, my rock. I [singing] will praise rock. I [singing] will praise rock. I [singing] will praise [music] him and sing. I'll [singing] [music] him and sing. I'll [singing] [music] him and sing. I'll [singing] sing through the [music] raining sing through the [music] raining sing through the [music] raining storm.

You're still [singing] my God, my You're still [singing] my God, my salvation. [music] You're still my [singing and music] God, You're still my [singing and music] God, my salvation. You're still [singing] You're still [singing] my God, my [music] salvation. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. When life falls apart, God can bear the When life falls apart, God can bear the When life falls apart, God can bear the full weight of your pain. full weight of your pain. full weight of your pain. Now, just as another aside, I know Now, just as another aside, I know Now, just as another aside, I know there's a temptation for us that when there's a temptation for us that when there's a temptation for us that when things are going bad, like there's a things are going bad, like there's a things are going bad, like there's a temptation to want to isolate or even temptation to want to isolate or even temptation to want to isolate or even just keep to ourselves. We say, "I don't just keep to ourselves. We say, "I don't just keep to ourselves. We say, "I don't want to be a burden to other people." want to be a burden to other people." want to be a burden to other people." And that's exactly what God's church is And that's exactly what God's church is And that's exactly what God's church is designed for, a place where we can allow designed for, a place where we can allow designed for, a place where we can allow our burdens to be shared by others.

our burdens to be shared by others. our burdens to be shared by others. Galatians 6:2 says, "Bear one another's Galatians 6:2 says, "Bear one another's Galatians 6:2 says, "Bear one another's burdens." And lamenting together is a burdens." And lamenting together is a burdens." And lamenting together is a means of grace God gives us to make it means of grace God gives us to make it means of grace God gives us to make it through difficult times. through difficult times. through difficult times. That's why you need to know how to That's why you need to know how to That's why you need to know how to lament even when things are going well lament even when things are going well lament even when things are going well in life. because others are not doing in life. because others are not doing in life. because others are not doing well likely around you. And just just so well likely around you. And just just so well likely around you. And just just so that we're all clear, lament is not just that we're all clear, lament is not just that we're all clear, lament is not just throwing out religious platitudes or throwing out religious platitudes or throwing out religious platitudes or trying to explain what's happening trying to explain what's happening trying to explain what's happening doesn't even necessarily mean using doesn't even necessarily mean using doesn't even necessarily mean using words at all. It could simply just mean words at all. It could simply just mean words at all. It could simply just mean presence. presence. presence. Weeping with those who weep and Weeping with those who weep and Weeping with those who weep and affirming what they're going through is affirming what they're going through is affirming what they're going through is hard. Lament is often meant to be a hard. Lament is often meant to be a hard. Lament is often meant to be a community activity. It's needed for us. community activity. It's needed for us. community activity. It's needed for us. Now, I know it's been heavy a little bit Now, I know it's been heavy a little bit Now, I know it's been heavy a little bit so far this morning. We can take a deep so far this morning. We can take a deep so far this morning. We can take a deep breath breath breath [sighs] [sighs] [sighs] because this is what I love about lament because this is what I love about lament because this is what I love about lament is it doesn't stay there. is it doesn't stay there. is it doesn't stay there. >> I love where lament actually leads us.

>> I love where lament actually leads us. >> I love where lament actually leads us. And when you read through these types of And when you read through these types of And when you read through these types of psalms, you notice that they actually psalms, you notice that they actually psalms, you notice that they actually always move towards hope, which we're always move towards hope, which we're always move towards hope, which we're going to see in the remaining verses of going to see in the remaining verses of going to see in the remaining verses of this psalm. If you're looking at verse this psalm. If you're looking at verse this psalm. If you're looking at verse 10, it actually marks the beginning of 10, it actually marks the beginning of 10, it actually marks the beginning of another turn in the psalm. After another turn in the psalm. After another turn in the psalm. After honestly expressing his pain and doubts, honestly expressing his pain and doubts, honestly expressing his pain and doubts, as says this in verse 10, "Then I as says this in verse 10, "Then I as says this in verse 10, "Then I said,"I will appeal to this, to the said,"I will appeal to this, to the said,"I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the most years of the right hand of the most years of the right hand of the most high." Now, this verse can be translated high." Now, this verse can be translated high." Now, this verse can be translated two different ways, and commentators are two different ways, and commentators are two different ways, and commentators are split on which is correct. We just read split on which is correct. We just read split on which is correct. We just read the English Standard Translation, which the English Standard Translation, which the English Standard Translation, which seems to have a hopeful turn because the seems to have a hopeful turn because the seems to have a hopeful turn because the right hand was considered the place of right hand was considered the place of right hand was considered the place of honor and favor. So Asaf could be honor and favor. So Asaf could be honor and favor. So Asaf could be saying, "I'm trusting that God will be saying, "I'm trusting that God will be saying, "I'm trusting that God will be favorable again because he's been favorable again because he's been favorable again because he's been favorable in the past." Or this verse favorable in the past." Or this verse favorable in the past." Or this verse could be a continuation of his doubts. could be a continuation of his doubts. could be a continuation of his doubts. The New English translation has it this The New English translation has it this The New English translation has it this way. It says, "I am sickened by the way. It says, "I am sickened by the way. It says, "I am sickened by the thought that the Most High might become thought that the Most High might become thought that the Most High might become inactive." inactive." inactive." In other words, he's overwhelmed In other words, he's overwhelmed In other words, he's overwhelmed thinking that the God who never changes thinking that the God who never changes thinking that the God who never changes might have changed. So which one is it?

might have changed. So which one is it? might have changed. So which one is it? And honestly, both fit with the flow of And honestly, both fit with the flow of And honestly, both fit with the flow of the psalm. It either connects to the the psalm. It either connects to the the psalm. It either connects to the previous list of questions he's just previous list of questions he's just previous list of questions he's just asked, or it flows right to where Asaf asked, or it flows right to where Asaf asked, or it flows right to where Asaf goes next, remembering how God has acted goes next, remembering how God has acted goes next, remembering how God has acted in the past. Listen to verses 11 to 14. in the past. Listen to verses 11 to 14. in the past. Listen to verses 11 to 14. It says this, "I will remember the deeds It says this, "I will remember the deeds It says this, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord." Yes, I will remember your of the Lord." Yes, I will remember your of the Lord." Yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your wonders of old. I will ponder all your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work and meditate on your mighty deeds. work and meditate on your mighty deeds. work and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, oh God, is holy. What God is Your way, oh God, is holy. What God is Your way, oh God, is holy. What God is great like our God. You are the God who great like our God. You are the God who great like our God. You are the God who works wonders. You have made known your works wonders. You have made known your works wonders. You have made known your might among the peoples. See, God might among the peoples. See, God might among the peoples. See, God intends lament to be a conduit where intends lament to be a conduit where intends lament to be a conduit where sorrow moves towards trust. And Asaf sorrow moves towards trust. And Asaf sorrow moves towards trust. And Asaf does this here by reorienting his does this here by reorienting his does this here by reorienting his thinking. You see this in the words that thinking. You see this in the words that thinking. You see this in the words that are repeated in that section we just are repeated in that section we just are repeated in that section we just read twice. He says, "I will remember in read twice. He says, "I will remember in read twice. He says, "I will remember in verse 11." Or he says, "I will ponder verse 11." Or he says, "I will ponder verse 11." Or he says, "I will ponder and meditate." In verse 12. And when you and meditate." In verse 12. And when you and meditate." In verse 12. And when you count up all of the words in this psalm, count up all of the words in this psalm, count up all of the words in this psalm, remember and meditate are the words that remember and meditate are the words that remember and meditate are the words that he repeats most in this passage. And he repeats most in this passage. And he repeats most in this passage. And what make this makes sense because the what make this makes sense because the what make this makes sense because the battle for hope really begins in our battle for hope really begins in our battle for hope really begins in our minds. Now, Eliza Huey, our director of minds. Now, Eliza Huey, our director of minds. Now, Eliza Huey, our director of counseling, showed me a study this week counseling, showed me a study this week counseling, showed me a study this week that found that for most people, 80% of that found that for most people, 80% of that found that for most people, 80% of the thoughts that we think during any the thoughts that we think during any the thoughts that we think during any given day tend to be negative. Negative.

given day tend to be negative. Negative. given day tend to be negative. Negative. And 90% of those 95% of those thoughts And 90% of those 95% of those thoughts And 90% of those 95% of those thoughts are thoughts that we've just recycled are thoughts that we've just recycled are thoughts that we've just recycled from the previous day. from the previous day. from the previous day. Which means that our minds are prone to Which means that our minds are prone to Which means that our minds are prone to dwell on what's bad. And while we can't dwell on what's bad. And while we can't dwell on what's bad. And while we can't control exterior factors that lead to control exterior factors that lead to control exterior factors that lead to our pain, we can influence how our mind our pain, we can influence how our mind our pain, we can influence how our mind responds. Now, I'm not talking here responds. Now, I'm not talking here responds. Now, I'm not talking here about the power of positive thinking. about the power of positive thinking. about the power of positive thinking. I'm talking about anchoring our minds in I'm talking about anchoring our minds in I'm talking about anchoring our minds in what we know to be true. And this isn't what we know to be true. And this isn't what we know to be true. And this isn't something just from the psychology something just from the psychology something just from the psychology world. This comes straight from the world. This comes straight from the world. This comes straight from the Bible. In fact, it comes straight from a Bible. In fact, it comes straight from a Bible. In fact, it comes straight from a book that's all about lament. book that's all about lament. book that's all about lament. Lamentations. In Lamentations 3, the Lamentations. In Lamentations 3, the Lamentations. In Lamentations 3, the prophet Jeremiah, who as a side note, is prophet Jeremiah, who as a side note, is prophet Jeremiah, who as a side note, is known as the weeping prophet, says this known as the weeping prophet, says this known as the weeping prophet, says this in a time of overwhelming grief. in a time of overwhelming grief. in a time of overwhelming grief. Lamentations 3:21, "But this I call to Lamentations 3:21, "But this I call to Lamentations 3:21, "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope." And mind, and therefore I have hope." And mind, and therefore I have hope." And what does he call to mind? He calls to what does he call to mind? He calls to what does he call to mind? He calls to mind a truth that's brought so many mind a truth that's brought so many mind a truth that's brought so many people hope and comfort in times that people hope and comfort in times that people hope and comfort in times that are difficult. Verse 22 and 23, the are difficult. Verse 22 and 23, the are difficult. Verse 22 and 23, the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.

steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They His mercies never come to an end. They His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is your are new every morning. Great is your are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. faithfulness. faithfulness. >> The fight for hope begins in our mind. >> The fight for hope begins in our mind. >> The fight for hope begins in our mind. And Asop at the end of this psalm shows And Asop at the end of this psalm shows And Asop at the end of this psalm shows us two ways to do that. So here's my us two ways to do that. So here's my us two ways to do that. So here's my next encouragement for you today. When next encouragement for you today. When next encouragement for you today. When life falls apart, meditate on the life falls apart, meditate on the life falls apart, meditate on the character of God. Meditate on the character of God. Meditate on the character of God. Meditate on the character of God. And this is exactly character of God. And this is exactly character of God. And this is exactly where Asaf went in the previous verses. where Asaf went in the previous verses. where Asaf went in the previous verses. In verse 13, he says, "Your way, oh God, In verse 13, he says, "Your way, oh God, In verse 13, he says, "Your way, oh God, is holy." Meaning that his ways are is holy." Meaning that his ways are is holy." Meaning that his ways are perfect. They're set apart for his glory perfect. They're set apart for his glory perfect. They're set apart for his glory and our good. He says, "What God is and our good. He says, "What God is and our good. He says, "What God is great like our God?" And the answer to great like our God?" And the answer to great like our God?" And the answer to that is none. There are no other gods that is none. There are no other gods that is none. There are no other gods beside him. He is the most high God. He beside him. He is the most high God. He beside him. He is the most high God. He is great and mighty and there is no one is great and mighty and there is no one is great and mighty and there is no one like him. No one like him. And in verse like him. No one like him. And in verse like him. No one like him. And in verse 14, he declares, "You are the God who 14, he declares, "You are the God who 14, he declares, "You are the God who works wonders." Meaning nothing's works wonders." Meaning nothing's works wonders." Meaning nothing's impossible for God. Nothing is impossible for God. Nothing is impossible for God. Nothing is impossible for him. He is the all impossible for him. He is the all impossible for him. He is the all powerful God who still [snorts] works powerful God who still [snorts] works powerful God who still [snorts] works miracles today. Which if that's the miracles today. Which if that's the miracles today. Which if that's the case, don't stop praying. Don't stop case, don't stop praying. Don't stop case, don't stop praying. Don't stop praying for God to move in your praying for God to move in your praying for God to move in your situation. Boldly pray, God, change this situation. Boldly pray, God, change this situation. Boldly pray, God, change this because you can.

because you can. because you can. Tragedy, grief, and pain. When those Tragedy, grief, and pain. When those Tragedy, grief, and pain. When those times come, fix your mind on what you times come, fix your mind on what you times come, fix your mind on what you know to be true about God. The character know to be true about God. The character know to be true about God. The character of God never changes so we can cling to of God never changes so we can cling to of God never changes so we can cling to it when life is hard. And don't just it when life is hard. And don't just it when life is hard. And don't just meditate on it, turn it into praise, meditate on it, turn it into praise, meditate on it, turn it into praise, just like we heard last week. In fact, I just like we heard last week. In fact, I just like we heard last week. In fact, I love how Charles Spurgeon, a pastor from love how Charles Spurgeon, a pastor from love how Charles Spurgeon, a pastor from the 19th century, says this. I love the 19th century, says this. I love the 19th century, says this. I love this. He says, "My dear friend, when this. He says, "My dear friend, when this. He says, "My dear friend, when grief presses you to the dust, worship grief presses you to the dust, worship grief presses you to the dust, worship there. Turn your heart upside down. there. Turn your heart upside down. there. Turn your heart upside down. Empty it. and let every drop run out. Empty it. and let every drop run out. Empty it. and let every drop run out. When you are bowed down beneath a heavy When you are bowed down beneath a heavy When you are bowed down beneath a heavy burden of sorrow, worship and adore God burden of sorrow, worship and adore God burden of sorrow, worship and adore God there in full surrender to his divine there in full surrender to his divine there in full surrender to his divine will. Say with Job, "Though he slay me, will. Say with Job, "Though he slay me, will. Say with Job, "Though he slay me, yet I will trust him." This kind of yet I will trust him." This kind of yet I will trust him." This kind of worship subdues the will, arouses the worship subdues the will, arouses the worship subdues the will, arouses the affection, stirs the whole mind, and pre affection, stirs the whole mind, and pre affection, stirs the whole mind, and pre presents you to God in solemn presents you to God in solemn presents you to God in solemn concentration or consecration. concentration or consecration. concentration or consecration. And listen to this. This worship And listen to this. This worship And listen to this. This worship sweetens sorrow and takes away its sweetens sorrow and takes away its sweetens sorrow and takes away its sting.

sting. sting. When life falls apart, meditate on the When life falls apart, meditate on the When life falls apart, meditate on the character of God. And while dwelling on character of God. And while dwelling on character of God. And while dwelling on God's character would be more than God's character would be more than God's character would be more than enough to lift our souls, Asop reveals enough to lift our souls, Asop reveals enough to lift our souls, Asop reveals yet another practice for us. Look at yet another practice for us. Look at yet another practice for us. Look at verse 15. With your arm, you redeemed verse 15. With your arm, you redeemed verse 15. With your arm, you redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and your people, the children of Jacob and your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. And he starts to look back to Joseph. And he starts to look back to Joseph. And he starts to look back to times where God has come through for his times where God has come through for his times where God has come through for his people in the past. And he doesn't do people in the past. And he doesn't do people in the past. And he doesn't do this generally. He gets very specific. this generally. He gets very specific. this generally. He gets very specific. He looks back to the Exodus when God He looks back to the Exodus when God He looks back to the Exodus when God saved his people at the Red Sea. Look as saved his people at the Red Sea. Look as saved his people at the Red Sea. Look as as he continues in verse 16. When the as he continues in verse 16. When the as he continues in verse 16. When the waters saw you, oh God. When the waters waters saw you, oh God. When the waters waters saw you, oh God. When the waters saw you, they were afraid. Indeed, the saw you, they were afraid. Indeed, the saw you, they were afraid. Indeed, the deep trembled. The clouds poured out deep trembled. The clouds poured out deep trembled. The clouds poured out water. The skies gave forth thunder. water. The skies gave forth thunder. water. The skies gave forth thunder. Your arrows flashed on every side. The Your arrows flashed on every side. The Your arrows flashed on every side. The crash of your thunder was in the crash of your thunder was in the crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind. Your lightnings lighted up whirlwind. Your lightnings lighted up whirlwind. Your lightnings lighted up the world. The earth trembled and shook. the world. The earth trembled and shook. the world. The earth trembled and shook. Your way was through the sea. Your path Your way was through the sea. Your path Your way was through the sea. Your path through the great waters. Yet your through the great waters. Yet your through the great waters. Yet your footprints were unseen. You led your footprints were unseen. You led your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses people like a flock by the hand of Moses people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

and Aaron. and Aaron. There's so much more I wish we could There's so much more I wish we could There's so much more I wish we could pull apart in these last verses here, pull apart in these last verses here, pull apart in these last verses here, but they do provide our final but they do provide our final but they do provide our final encouragement here this morning. You encouragement here this morning. You encouragement here this morning. You might write this down. When life falls might write this down. When life falls might write this down. When life falls apart, remember all of God's work. apart, remember all of God's work. apart, remember all of God's work. All of it. All of it. All of it. In the lows of life, it's so important In the lows of life, it's so important In the lows of life, it's so important that we don't allow our circumstances to that we don't allow our circumstances to that we don't allow our circumstances to give us tunnel vision where the only give us tunnel vision where the only give us tunnel vision where the only thing we can see is the situation in thing we can see is the situation in thing we can see is the situation in front of us. We need to look back to front of us. We need to look back to front of us. We need to look back to specific times where God was clearly at specific times where God was clearly at specific times where God was clearly at work, especially difficult and seemingly work, especially difficult and seemingly work, especially difficult and seemingly impossible times. Which is why I'm so impossible times. Which is why I'm so impossible times. Which is why I'm so glad that the Lord directed Asaf's mind glad that the Lord directed Asaf's mind glad that the Lord directed Asaf's mind back to the Exodus because that was an back to the Exodus because that was an back to the Exodus because that was an impossible situation. If you think about impossible situation. If you think about impossible situation. If you think about it, God had finally set his people free, it, God had finally set his people free, it, God had finally set his people free, which was a miracle in itself. And then which was a miracle in itself. And then which was a miracle in itself. And then they set out into the wilderness. But they set out into the wilderness. But they set out into the wilderness. But Pharaoh changes his mind and he sends Pharaoh changes his mind and he sends Pharaoh changes his mind and he sends his army after them. And the Israelites his army after them. And the Israelites his army after them. And the Israelites don't realize this until they get to the don't realize this until they get to the don't realize this until they get to the Red Sea and they turn around and they Red Sea and they turn around and they Red Sea and they turn around and they see the dust cloud from Pharaoh's army see the dust cloud from Pharaoh's army see the dust cloud from Pharaoh's army growing bigger and bigger and it puts growing bigger and bigger and it puts growing bigger and bigger and it puts them in a panic. And what does God do?

them in a panic. And what does God do? them in a panic. And what does God do? What does he do? He splits the sea. What does he do? He splits the sea. What does he do? He splits the sea. Like who can do that? He literally opens Like who can do that? He literally opens Like who can do that? He literally opens it up and they can walk through it. Talk it up and they can walk through it. Talk it up and they can walk through it. Talk about a miracle. Like no one saw that about a miracle. Like no one saw that about a miracle. Like no one saw that coming. And just as an aside, this coming. And just as an aside, this coming. And just as an aside, this wasn't a calm and happy event. Like some wasn't a calm and happy event. Like some wasn't a calm and happy event. Like some children's Bibles like to paint that children's Bibles like to paint that children's Bibles like to paint that picture. In fact, I saw this in one of picture. In fact, I saw this in one of picture. In fact, I saw this in one of my kids story Bibles this week. I'll put my kids story Bibles this week. I'll put my kids story Bibles this week. I'll put this picture up on the screen. You see this picture up on the screen. You see this picture up on the screen. You see as people are walking through, it's like as people are walking through, it's like as people are walking through, it's like they're just so happy like they're they're just so happy like they're they're just so happy like they're walking through a museum or something walking through a museum or something walking through a museum or something like that. They're just, "Oh, this is like that. They're just, "Oh, this is like that. They're just, "Oh, this is just a wonderful little time." just a wonderful little time." just a wonderful little time." No, this was terrifying. Like every No, this was terrifying. Like every No, this was terrifying. Like every Israelite thought they were facing death Israelite thought they were facing death Israelite thought they were facing death and every step of the journey was and every step of the journey was and every step of the journey was perilous, including walking through this perilous, including walking through this perilous, including walking through this water. Now, I actually was thinking water. Now, I actually was thinking water. Now, I actually was thinking about this over the summer. We went down about this over the summer. We went down about this over the summer. We went down to Georgia to spend some time with to Georgia to spend some time with to Georgia to spend some time with Rachel's sister and her kids. And while Rachel's sister and her kids. And while Rachel's sister and her kids. And while we were there, we took them, her kids, we were there, we took them, her kids, we were there, we took them, her kids, to the Georgia Aquarium. Anyone been to to the Georgia Aquarium. Anyone been to to the Georgia Aquarium. Anyone been to the Georgia Aquarium before? the Georgia Aquarium before? the Georgia Aquarium before? >> Yes. If you've never been, it's amazing. >> Yes. If you've never been, it's amazing. >> Yes. If you've never been, it's amazing. It's the largest aquarium in the US.

It's the largest aquarium in the US. It's the largest aquarium in the US. There's a picture of it, I think, up on There's a picture of it, I think, up on There's a picture of it, I think, up on the screen. This is a picture of their the screen. This is a picture of their the screen. This is a picture of their largest tank that holds 6.3 million largest tank that holds 6.3 million largest tank that holds 6.3 million gallons of water. And it's home to the gallons of water. And it's home to the gallons of water. And it's home to the only rescued whale shark in the world. only rescued whale shark in the world. only rescued whale shark in the world. And at the bottom of this tank, there's And at the bottom of this tank, there's And at the bottom of this tank, there's a moving sidewalk that takes you through a moving sidewalk that takes you through a moving sidewalk that takes you through this glass tube where stingrays and this glass tube where stingrays and this glass tube where stingrays and sharks and massive fish are just sharks and massive fish are just sharks and massive fish are just swimming all around you. Now, some of swimming all around you. Now, some of swimming all around you. Now, some of you hear that and you're like, "Nope, you hear that and you're like, "Nope, you hear that and you're like, "Nope, not going in that. Not going in there." not going in that. Not going in there." not going in that. Not going in there." But I'm telling you, it's incredible. But I'm telling you, it's incredible. But I'm telling you, it's incredible. And as we were moving through that tube, And as we were moving through that tube, And as we were moving through that tube, I heard someone behind me go, "Man, this I heard someone behind me go, "Man, this I heard someone behind me go, "Man, this must have been what it was like for must have been what it was like for must have been what it was like for Moses and Aaron in the Exodus, Moses and Aaron in the Exodus, Moses and Aaron in the Exodus, and I want to turn around and go, you and I want to turn around and go, you and I want to turn around and go, you couldn't be more wrong." Wasn't like couldn't be more wrong." Wasn't like couldn't be more wrong." Wasn't like this at all. This was no walk in the this at all. This was no walk in the this at all. This was no walk in the aquarium for Moses and the Israelites. aquarium for Moses and the Israelites. aquarium for Moses and the Israelites. Did you hear how Asaf recounted this Did you hear how Asaf recounted this Did you hear how Asaf recounted this miracle? Thunders crashing, lightning miracle? Thunders crashing, lightning miracle? Thunders crashing, lightning splashing on every side. The heavens are splashing on every side. The heavens are splashing on every side. The heavens are pouring down rain, the earth is pouring down rain, the earth is pouring down rain, the earth is trembling and shaking. And keep in mind trembling and shaking. And keep in mind trembling and shaking. And keep in mind that the Red Sea at its deepest point is that the Red Sea at its deepest point is that the Red Sea at its deepest point is about 900 feet deep. That's 30 times the about 900 feet deep. That's 30 times the about 900 feet deep. That's 30 times the depth of the tank you just saw at the depth of the tank you just saw at the depth of the tank you just saw at the Georgia Aquarium. That's a big wall of Georgia Aquarium. That's a big wall of Georgia Aquarium. That's a big wall of water.

water. water. And it's in the midst of describing this And it's in the midst of describing this And it's in the midst of describing this that Asaf drops one of the most that Asaf drops one of the most that Asaf drops one of the most significant truths I think we see in significant truths I think we see in significant truths I think we see in this entire psalm. I don't know if you this entire psalm. I don't know if you this entire psalm. I don't know if you caught it, but listen to what he says in caught it, but listen to what he says in caught it, but listen to what he says in verse 19. verse 19. verse 19. Your way was through the sea. your path Your way was through the sea. your path Your way was through the sea. your path through the great waters, yet your through the great waters, yet your through the great waters, yet your footprints were unseen. footprints were unseen. footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock by the You led your people like a flock by the You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. hand of Moses and Aaron. hand of Moses and Aaron. Your way was through the sea. Your way was through the sea. Your way was through the sea. And it wasn't until the Israelites were And it wasn't until the Israelites were And it wasn't until the Israelites were standing on the opposite side of the sea standing on the opposite side of the sea standing on the opposite side of the sea looking back at the decimated Egyptian looking back at the decimated Egyptian looking back at the decimated Egyptian army when they could finally see what army when they could finally see what army when they could finally see what God was up to in that moment. God was up to in that moment. God was up to in that moment. Friends, this is true for every single Friends, this is true for every single Friends, this is true for every single one of us as well. I can't tell you how one of us as well. I can't tell you how one of us as well. I can't tell you how many times I can look back to situations many times I can look back to situations many times I can look back to situations in my life where initially I couldn't in my life where initially I couldn't in my life where initially I couldn't understand what God was doing, but now understand what God was doing, but now understand what God was doing, but now it's clear. He was absolutely at work. it's clear. He was absolutely at work. it's clear. He was absolutely at work. It may be hard to see for some of you It may be hard to see for some of you It may be hard to see for some of you right now, but we can always trust that right now, but we can always trust that right now, but we can always trust that God is still at work. Even in the midst God is still at work. Even in the midst God is still at work. Even in the midst of a difficult storm, we need to of a difficult storm, we need to of a difficult storm, we need to remember how God has worked in the past.

remember how God has worked in the past. remember how God has worked in the past. And even as I say that, I know that And even as I say that, I know that And even as I say that, I know that there's some of you here today that when there's some of you here today that when there's some of you here today that when you look back on your life, it's hard to you look back on your life, it's hard to you look back on your life, it's hard to see anything good at all. see anything good at all. see anything good at all. Like, you struggle to see any evidence Like, you struggle to see any evidence Like, you struggle to see any evidence that God is at work in your life. And I that God is at work in your life. And I that God is at work in your life. And I don't want to dismiss that. don't want to dismiss that. don't want to dismiss that. In fact, I'd say you're in good company. In fact, I'd say you're in good company. In fact, I'd say you're in good company. I find it comforting here that Asaf I find it comforting here that Asaf I find it comforting here that Asaf doesn't recall something from his own doesn't recall something from his own doesn't recall something from his own life in this passage. He instead looks life in this passage. He instead looks life in this passage. He instead looks back to something that happens hundreds back to something that happens hundreds back to something that happens hundreds of years before he was even born. It was of years before he was even born. It was of years before he was even born. It was event he'd heard recounted many times. event he'd heard recounted many times. event he'd heard recounted many times. It was recorded in the Torah, the Old It was recorded in the Torah, the Old It was recorded in the Torah, the Old Testament scriptures, which were read, Testament scriptures, which were read, Testament scriptures, which were read, sung, and taught every day in the temple sung, and taught every day in the temple sung, and taught every day in the temple where he served. It was considered God's where he served. It was considered God's where he served. It was considered God's greatest act of redemption for his greatest act of redemption for his greatest act of redemption for his people, which just shows why it's so people, which just shows why it's so people, which just shows why it's so important that we hide God's word in our important that we hide God's word in our important that we hide God's word in our hearts and remind each other of what hearts and remind each other of what hearts and remind each other of what he's done. That's praise. We need those he's done. That's praise. We need those he's done. That's praise. We need those truths stored up for when those times truths stored up for when those times truths stored up for when those times come. And this is where we find the come. And this is where we find the come. And this is where we find the greatest hope when life falls apart, greatest hope when life falls apart, greatest hope when life falls apart, friends, because we've got an even friends, because we've got an even friends, because we've got an even greater act of redemption to look back greater act of redemption to look back greater act of redemption to look back to.

to. to. Asaf had the Exodus. We get to look back Asaf had the Exodus. We get to look back Asaf had the Exodus. We get to look back to the cross. to the cross. to the cross. We look back to the cross We look back to the cross We look back to the cross because guys, the world that we live in, because guys, the world that we live in, because guys, the world that we live in, it is not the way it's meant to be. It's it is not the way it's meant to be. It's it is not the way it's meant to be. It's not the way it's meant to be. And that not the way it's meant to be. And that not the way it's meant to be. And that actually falls on us. Falls on us. actually falls on us. Falls on us. actually falls on us. Falls on us. The reason we live in a world of The reason we live in a world of The reason we live in a world of suffering and sorrow is because every suffering and sorrow is because every suffering and sorrow is because every single one of us, starting with the single one of us, starting with the single one of us, starting with the first humans to ever live, have rejected first humans to ever live, have rejected first humans to ever live, have rejected God. We want to be in control of our own God. We want to be in control of our own God. We want to be in control of our own lives and we've said to God with every lives and we've said to God with every lives and we've said to God with every aspect of our being that we want our way aspect of our being that we want our way aspect of our being that we want our way instead of his. It's the natural state instead of his. It's the natural state instead of his. It's the natural state of our hearts and as a result, he's of our hearts and as a result, he's of our hearts and as a result, he's allowed us to experience the allowed us to experience the allowed us to experience the consequences of our decision. Because consequences of our decision. Because consequences of our decision. Because when we reject God and all of his when we reject God and all of his when we reject God and all of his goodness, we get a world filled with goodness, we get a world filled with goodness, we get a world filled with chaos, brokenness, and pain. And that chaos, brokenness, and pain. And that chaos, brokenness, and pain. And that rejection ultimately leads to separation rejection ultimately leads to separation rejection ultimately leads to separation from God. But here's the greatest news from God. But here's the greatest news from God. But here's the greatest news in all of the world. That God didn't in all of the world. That God didn't in all of the world. That God didn't leave us in that place. And there's leave us in that place. And there's leave us in that place. And there's nothing we could do to redeem ourselves. nothing we could do to redeem ourselves. nothing we could do to redeem ourselves. God stood in the gap for us. He came to God stood in the gap for us. He came to God stood in the gap for us. He came to us in the person of Jesus. He lived a us in the person of Jesus. He lived a us in the person of Jesus. He lived a perfect life. And when he had no sin to perfect life. And when he had no sin to perfect life. And when he had no sin to die for, he willingly died in our place, die for, he willingly died in our place, die for, he willingly died in our place, taking on the punishment that we taking on the punishment that we taking on the punishment that we deserve. And he didn't stay dead. He deserve. And he didn't stay dead. He deserve. And he didn't stay dead. He rose from the grave three days later in rose from the grave three days later in rose from the grave three days later in victory over sin and death. And he's victory over sin and death. And he's victory over sin and death. And he's reigning as king today. And he's reigning as king today. And he's reigning as king today. And he's declared that whoever turns from their declared that whoever turns from their declared that whoever turns from their sin and trusts in him will be forgiven sin and trusts in him will be forgiven sin and trusts in him will be forgiven of their sin and restored to of their sin and restored to of their sin and restored to relationship with him for all of relationship with him for all of relationship with him for all of eternity. If you're here today and eternity. If you're here today and eternity. If you're here today and you've never trusted in Jesus, that

you've never trusted in Jesus, that you've never trusted in Jesus, that invitation is open to you. It's open. invitation is open to you. It's open. invitation is open to you. It's open. And as I said before, that doesn't mean And as I said before, that doesn't mean And as I said before, that doesn't mean if you trust in him, all of your if you trust in him, all of your if you trust in him, all of your problems will go away. What it means is problems will go away. What it means is problems will go away. What it means is that the suffering and sorrow that you that the suffering and sorrow that you that the suffering and sorrow that you experience in this life is not the end experience in this life is not the end experience in this life is not the end of your story. It's not where it ends. of your story. It's not where it ends. of your story. It's not where it ends. Means when this life is over, you get to Means when this life is over, you get to Means when this life is over, you get to enjoy God in all of his glory. Life as enjoy God in all of his glory. Life as enjoy God in all of his glory. Life as it was intended to be living with him it was intended to be living with him it was intended to be living with him forever. forever. forever. Brothers and sisters, because of the Brothers and sisters, because of the Brothers and sisters, because of the resurrection, no matter what you face in resurrection, no matter what you face in resurrection, no matter what you face in this life, you can have hope because this life, you can have hope because this life, you can have hope because your eternity is secure. Secure. your eternity is secure. Secure. your eternity is secure. Secure. And lament is the gracious gift that God And lament is the gracious gift that God And lament is the gracious gift that God gives us to struggle well until that day gives us to struggle well until that day gives us to struggle well until that day comes. It welcomes our honest cries and comes. It welcomes our honest cries and comes. It welcomes our honest cries and allows us to look ahead with hope. allows us to look ahead with hope. allows us to look ahead with hope. So, as we prepare to close, I actually So, as we prepare to close, I actually So, as we prepare to close, I actually want to play a short clip for you from want to play a short clip for you from want to play a short clip for you from someone who I think really modeled this someone who I think really modeled this someone who I think really modeled this well. I recently came across an well. I recently came across an well. I recently came across an interview someone was doing with Dr. Tim interview someone was doing with Dr. Tim interview someone was doing with Dr. Tim Keller. If you don't know his name, Dr.

Keller. If you don't know his name, Dr. Keller. If you don't know his name, Dr. Keller was an incredible pastor from New Keller was an incredible pastor from New Keller was an incredible pastor from New York City. He's written many books that York City. He's written many books that York City. He's written many books that have helped millions of people. And in have helped millions of people. And in have helped millions of people. And in 2020, after decades of faithful 2020, after decades of faithful 2020, after decades of faithful ministry, he was diagnosed with stage ministry, he was diagnosed with stage ministry, he was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. It's a cancer four pancreatic cancer. It's a cancer four pancreatic cancer. It's a cancer that would eventually take his life in that would eventually take his life in that would eventually take his life in May of 2023. May of 2023. May of 2023. And a couple months before he would pass And a couple months before he would pass And a couple months before he would pass away, he was asked in an interview how away, he was asked in an interview how away, he was asked in an interview how he was doing with death quickly he was doing with death quickly he was doing with death quickly approaching. And I just want you to hear approaching. And I just want you to hear approaching. And I just want you to hear how he responded to that question. Take how he responded to that question. Take how he responded to that question. Take a listen. [snorts] a listen. [snorts] a listen. [snorts] >> Well, okay. Uh, let me just say >> Well, okay. Uh, let me just say >> Well, okay. Uh, let me just say something that Kathy and I have talked something that Kathy and I have talked something that Kathy and I have talked to each other about in the last year. to each other about in the last year. to each other about in the last year. If Jesus Christ was actually raised from If Jesus Christ was actually raised from If Jesus Christ was actually raised from the dead, if he really got [music] up, the dead, if he really got [music] up, the dead, if he really got [music] up, walked out, was seen by hundreds of walked out, was seen by hundreds of walked out, was seen by hundreds of people, talk to them. people, talk to them. people, talk to them. If he was raised from the dead, then you If he was raised from the dead, then you If he was raised from the dead, then you know what? Everything's going to be all know what? Everything's going to be all know what? Everything's going to be all right. right. right. >> Whatever you're worried about right now, >> Whatever you're worried about right now, >> Whatever you're worried about right now, whatever you're afraid of, whatever you're afraid of, whatever you're afraid of, everything is actually going to be okay. everything is actually going to be okay. everything is actually going to be okay. Uh because because [music] you got to Uh because because [music] you got to Uh because because [music] you got to remember we're not just talking about remember we're not just talking about remember we're not just talking about resurrected people.

resurrected people. resurrected people. Jesus Christ is and this is where Jesus Christ is and this is where Jesus Christ is and this is where Christianity is unique. We're talking Christianity is unique. We're talking Christianity is unique. We're talking about a resurrected world. [music] about a resurrected world. [music] about a resurrected world. [music] Meaning other Meaning other Meaning other there's plenty of other religions that there's plenty of other religions that there's plenty of other religions that talk about a future afterlife which is a talk about a future afterlife which is a talk about a future afterlife which is a non-material world. In other words, you non-material world. In other words, you non-material world. In other words, you get a consolation for the world we've get a consolation for the world we've get a consolation for the world we've lost. lost. lost. Christianity says it's [music] not just Christianity says it's [music] not just Christianity says it's [music] not just your bodies are being resurrected but your bodies are being resurrected but your bodies are being resurrected but the the world is actually going to be a the the world is actually going to be a the the world is actually going to be a material world that's cleansed from all material world that's cleansed from all material world that's cleansed from all evil and suffering [music] and uh and evil and suffering [music] and uh and evil and suffering [music] and uh and sin and if Jesus Christ was raised from sin and if Jesus Christ was raised from sin and if Jesus Christ was raised from the dead then the whole world is going the dead then the whole world is going the dead then the whole world is going to be [music] in a sense resurrected to be [music] in a sense resurrected to be [music] in a sense resurrected >> and everything is going to be okay >> and everything is going to be okay >> and everything is going to be okay >> everything you don't even you don't know >> everything you don't even you don't know >> everything you don't even you don't know how I don't know how but it will be so how I don't know how but it will be so how I don't know how but it will be so uh and you know what actually it right uh and you know what actually it right uh and you know what actually it right now I couldn't possibly [music] now I couldn't possibly [music] now I couldn't possibly [music] be convinced that Jesus was not raised be convinced that Jesus was not raised be convinced that Jesus was not raised from the dead from the dead from the dead >> either intellectually or existentially. >> either intellectually or existentially. >> either intellectually or existentially. So whenever and by the way, but Kathy So whenever and by the way, but Kathy So whenever and by the way, but Kathy and I listen, we [music] cry. We had we and I listen, we [music] cry. We had we and I listen, we [music] cry. We had we we cried a lot last night. we cried a lot last night. we cried a lot last night. >> Sometimes the reality of the shortness >> Sometimes the reality of the shortness >> Sometimes the reality of the shortness of what we have left here [music] just of what we have left here [music] just of what we have left here [music] just overwhelms us and we were just weeping overwhelms us and we were just weeping overwhelms us and we were just weeping together and and crying. And then you together and and crying. And then you together and and crying. And then you say, "If Jesus Christ was raised from say, "If Jesus Christ was raised from say, "If Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, it is going to be okay." And the dead, it is going to be okay." And the dead, it is going to be okay." And then you can wipe your tears, but then you can wipe your tears, but then you can wipe your tears, but [music] you don't stop crying.

[music] you don't stop crying. [music] you don't stop crying. >> Uh it's like salt in the wound that >> Uh it's like salt in the wound that >> Uh it's like salt in the wound that keeps the wound from going bad. keeps the wound from going bad. keeps the wound from going bad. uh that keeps them from getting uh that keeps them from getting uh that keeps them from getting infected, but it doesn't mean that until infected, but it doesn't mean that until infected, but it doesn't mean that until the end of, you know, until we actually the end of, you know, until we actually the end of, you know, until we actually meet Jesus Christ, we we still have our meet Jesus Christ, we we still have our meet Jesus Christ, we we still have our wounds. So, they aren't going to be wounds. So, they aren't going to be wounds. So, they aren't going to be healed, healed, healed, >> but they'll be healed by his. Just love what he said. Yes, you can Just love what he said. Yes, you can praise God for that. If the resurrection is true, then If the resurrection is true, then everything is going to be okay. If everything is going to be okay. If everything is going to be okay. If you're in Christ, doesn't mean that the you're in Christ, doesn't mean that the you're in Christ, doesn't mean that the pain isn't real. You heard him say, him pain isn't real. You heard him say, him pain isn't real. You heard him say, him and his wife Kathy, they cried a lot. It and his wife Kathy, they cried a lot. It and his wife Kathy, they cried a lot. It just means that if you're in Christ, just means that if you're in Christ, just means that if you're in Christ, it's not the end. it's not the end. it's not the end. So, Christian, whatever difficulty So, Christian, whatever difficulty So, Christian, whatever difficulty you're walking through right now or will you're walking through right now or will you're walking through right now or will walk through in the days to come, walk through in the days to come, walk through in the days to come, embrace God's gift of lament. embrace God's gift of lament. embrace God's gift of lament. Don't minimize the pain you're walking Don't minimize the pain you're walking Don't minimize the pain you're walking through. Express it. Cry out to God with through. Express it. Cry out to God with through. Express it. Cry out to God with honesty. Bring your doubts to him and honesty. Bring your doubts to him and honesty. Bring your doubts to him and allow others or brother other brothers allow others or brother other brothers allow others or brother other brothers and sisters to mourn and weep beside and sisters to mourn and weep beside and sisters to mourn and weep beside you. And as you do, meditate on the you. And as you do, meditate on the you. And as you do, meditate on the perfect neverchanging character of God perfect neverchanging character of God perfect neverchanging character of God that he's good, loving, powerful, that he's good, loving, powerful, that he's good, loving, powerful, sovereign, and holy. And look back, sovereign, and holy. And look back, sovereign, and holy. And look back, remember the ways that he's worked in remember the ways that he's worked in remember the ways that he's worked in your life. And if you can't see it in your life. And if you can't see it in your life. And if you can't see it in your own life, looked at how he's worked your own life, looked at how he's worked your own life, looked at how he's worked in others lives or look back to how he's

in others lives or look back to how he's in others lives or look back to how he's worked in salvation history. worked in salvation history. worked in salvation history. This is what it means to lament. This is what it means to lament. This is what it means to lament. And I want to give you a moment now just And I want to give you a moment now just And I want to give you a moment now just to respond. We'll put a few more to respond. We'll put a few more to respond. We'll put a few more questions up on the screen for you to questions up on the screen for you to questions up on the screen for you to work through on your own. And if you're work through on your own. And if you're work through on your own. And if you're here and you've never trusted in Jesus here and you've never trusted in Jesus here and you've never trusted in Jesus and you want to do that, let this be the and you want to do that, let this be the and you want to do that, let this be the time where you acknowledge to God that time where you acknowledge to God that time where you acknowledge to God that you want to receive his forgiveness and you want to receive his forgiveness and you want to receive his forgiveness and that you're willing to entrust your that you're willing to entrust your that you're willing to entrust your entire life to him. You can do that in entire life to him. You can do that in entire life to him. You can do that in your own words, even in the quietness of your own words, even in the quietness of your own words, even in the quietness of your own heart. He will hear you. He your own heart. He will hear you. He your own heart. He will hear you. He knows if you're being genuine. And then knows if you're being genuine. And then knows if you're being genuine. And then make sure to share that news with make sure to share that news with make sure to share that news with someone else today before you leave. So someone else today before you leave. So someone else today before you leave. So go ahead and take a moment to reflect go ahead and take a moment to reflect go ahead and take a moment to reflect and then I'll come out and prepare us to and then I'll come out and prepare us to and then I'll come out and prepare us to take the Lord's supper. take the Lord's supper. take the Lord's supper. >> [snorts]

>> If you want more time to keep thinking >> If you want more time to keep thinking through this, I don't want to interrupt, through this, I don't want to interrupt, through this, I don't want to interrupt, but can I just ask you just to bow your but can I just ask you just to bow your but can I just ask you just to bow your heads, close your eyes, heads, close your eyes, heads, close your eyes, and I want to pray for us, but if you and I want to pray for us, but if you and I want to pray for us, but if you would say right now You're just in a would say right now You're just in a would say right now You're just in a season that feels like a low for season that feels like a low for season that feels like a low for whatever reason that might be and you whatever reason that might be and you whatever reason that might be and you just need an extra measure of God's just need an extra measure of God's just need an extra measure of God's grace right now. Just with eyes closed, grace right now. Just with eyes closed, grace right now. Just with eyes closed, would you mind just raising your hand so would you mind just raising your hand so would you mind just raising your hand so I can see who you are? Thank you. Thank you. I want to pray for all of us, but I want I want to pray for all of us, but I want I want to pray for all of us, but I want to pray specifically for those of you to pray specifically for those of you to pray specifically for those of you who are in a difficult time right now. who are in a difficult time right now. who are in a difficult time right now. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. [snorts] God, we thank you for the word you've God, we thank you for the word you've given us today. Psalm 77. given us today. Psalm 77. given us today. Psalm 77. I want to pray right now, Lord, for I want to pray right now, Lord, for I want to pray right now, Lord, for those who are discouraged. those who are discouraged. those who are discouraged. For those who are confused, For those who are confused, For those who are confused, for those who feel like they don't have for those who feel like they don't have for those who feel like they don't have any more hope, those that are angry, any more hope, those that are angry, any more hope, those that are angry, tired, or frustrated, tired, or frustrated, tired, or frustrated, those who are enraged, those who are enraged, those who are enraged, those who are wrestling with questions, those who are wrestling with questions, those who are wrestling with questions, maybe even experiencing mental, maybe even experiencing mental, maybe even experiencing mental, physical, or emotional pain.

for all of those who are just looking to for all of those who are just looking to you right now, Lord, for answers. Why you right now, Lord, for answers. Why you right now, Lord, for answers. Why your spirit, God, would you settle their your spirit, God, would you settle their your spirit, God, would you settle their souls? souls? souls? Would you remind them of the truth of Would you remind them of the truth of Would you remind them of the truth of Psalm 56:8, that you've captured and Psalm 56:8, that you've captured and Psalm 56:8, that you've captured and collected every tear they've prayed in collected every tear they've prayed in collected every tear they've prayed in your bottle, your bottle, your bottle, that you love them, that you're with that you love them, that you're with that you love them, that you're with them, them, them, and God, would you help them to fix and God, would you help them to fix and God, would you help them to fix their eyes on what's true? Provide them their eyes on what's true? Provide them their eyes on what's true? Provide them with comfort. surround them with others with comfort. surround them with others with comfort. surround them with others who can encourage them and give them who can encourage them and give them who can encourage them and give them everything they need to walk forward in everything they need to walk forward in everything they need to walk forward in the days ahead. the days ahead. the days ahead. God, even even as I think about the God, even even as I think about the God, even even as I think about the world as it's not as it's not meant to world as it's not as it's not meant to world as it's not as it's not meant to be, we pray for those in Nepal right now be, we pray for those in Nepal right now be, we pray for those in Nepal right now just struggling to understand how so just struggling to understand how so just struggling to understand how so many people were lost just like that. many people were lost just like that. many people were lost just like that. God, would you comfort those who are God, would you comfort those who are God, would you comfort those who are grieving? Save [snorts] others from the grieving? Save [snorts] others from the grieving? Save [snorts] others from the rubble and give wisdom and strength to rubble and give wisdom and strength to rubble and give wisdom and strength to the first responders. the first responders. the first responders. We pray that this tragedy would lead We pray that this tragedy would lead We pray that this tragedy would lead more and more people to you. We lament more and more people to you. We lament more and more people to you. We lament what's happened, but we trust you, God. what's happened, but we trust you, God. what's happened, but we trust you, God. And God, I want to pray for those here And God, I want to pray for those here And God, I want to pray for those here who don't know you, who have resisted who don't know you, who have resisted who don't know you, who have resisted you because of what's happened. God, you because of what's happened. God, you because of what's happened. God, would you soften their hearts. Help them would you soften their hearts. Help them would you soften their hearts. Help them to see you in the midst of the storm.

to see you in the midst of the storm. to see you in the midst of the storm. Bring them encouragement and peace that Bring them encouragement and peace that Bring them encouragement and peace that surpasses all understanding. The peace surpasses all understanding. The peace surpasses all understanding. The peace that only you can provide. that only you can provide. that only you can provide. God, we need you. And we thank you for God, we need you. And we thank you for God, we need you. And we thank you for giving us this gracious gift of lament giving us this gracious gift of lament giving us this gracious gift of lament to help us when life hits its lows. And to help us when life hits its lows. And to help us when life hits its lows. And we thank you that you've given us a hope we thank you that you've given us a hope we thank you that you've given us a hope to look forward to. That one day you're to look forward to. That one day you're to look forward to. That one day you're going to make all things right. You're going to make all things right. You're going to make all things right. You're going to wipe away every tear and going to wipe away every tear and going to wipe away every tear and restore all things. And we look forward restore all things. And we look forward restore all things. And we look forward to that day. So help us to struggle well to that day. So help us to struggle well to that day. So help us to struggle well until that day comes. until that day comes. until that day comes. We love you, Lord. We pray all these We love you, Lord. We pray all these We love you, Lord. We pray all these things in Jesus name. We all said things in Jesus name. We all said things in Jesus name. We all said together, together, together, >> "Amen." Amen. >> "Amen." Amen. >> "Amen." Amen. Well, in just a moment, we're going to Well, in just a moment, we're going to Well, in just a moment, we're going to take some time to look back and remember take some time to look back and remember take some time to look back and remember and celebrate the greatest event of and celebrate the greatest event of and celebrate the greatest event of salvation history, the life, death, and salvation history, the life, death, and salvation history, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus by taking the resurrection of Jesus by taking the resurrection of Jesus by taking the Lord's supper. So, if you've not yet Lord's supper. So, if you've not yet Lord's supper. So, if you've not yet picked up the elements, you can do so at picked up the elements, you can do so at picked up the elements, you can do so at tables all around the room. Feel free to tables all around the room. Feel free to tables all around the room. Feel free to do that as the worship team leads us in do that as the worship team leads us in do that as the worship team leads us in another song. But if you're here today another song. But if you're here today another song. But if you're here today and you've not yet trusted in Jesus, and you've not yet trusted in Jesus, and you've not yet trusted in Jesus, we'd ask that you not partake of these we'd ask that you not partake of these we'd ask that you not partake of these elements. Uh this is a a practice that's elements. Uh this is a a practice that's elements. Uh this is a a practice that's given specifically to those who have given specifically to those who have given specifically to those who have trusted in Jesus. And we would just trusted in Jesus. And we would just trusted in Jesus. And we would just invite you to observe a people during invite you to observe a people during invite you to observe a people during this time who have made that commitment this time who have made that commitment this time who have made that commitment and we invite you to do the same.

and we invite you to do the same. and we invite you to do the same. Worship team is going to lead us in Worship team is going to lead us in Worship team is going to lead us in another song and then pastor Jimmy is another song and then pastor Jimmy is another song and then pastor Jimmy is going to come out and lead us in the going to come out and lead us in the going to come out and lead us in the Lord's supper uh before we dismiss. So Lord's supper uh before we dismiss. So Lord's supper uh before we dismiss. So you go ahead and stand and these guys you go ahead and stand and these guys you go ahead and stand and these guys are going to lead us in singing. are going to lead us in singing. are going to lead us in singing. >> [snorts] >> Oh, the [music] perfect son of God >> Oh, the [music] perfect son of God in all his innocence. [music] in all his innocence. [music] in all his innocence. [music] You're walking in the dirt with you and You're walking in the dirt with you and You're walking in the dirt with you and me. He knows what living is. He knows what living is. He's [music] acquainted with our grief. He's [music] acquainted with our grief. He's [music] acquainted with our grief. Man of sorrow, son [music and singing] Man of sorrow, son [music and singing] Man of sorrow, son [music and singing] of suffering.

Blood and tears, Blood and tears, how can [singing] it be? how can [singing] it be? how can [singing] it be? There's a God who weeps. There's a God who weeps. There's a God who weeps. There's a God [music and singing] who There's a God [music and singing] who There's a God [music and singing] who bleeds. bleeds. bleeds. Oh, praise the one [singing and music] Oh, praise the one [singing and music] Oh, praise the one [singing and music] who would reach for me. who would reach for me. who would reach for me. Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah to the [music and singing] son of to the [music and singing] son of to the [music and singing] son of suffering. Some [music and singing] imagine you Some [music and singing] imagine you are distant and removed are distant and removed are distant and removed but you chased us down but you chased us down but you chased us down [music and singing] and merciful. >> To the [music] sinner [singing] you were >> To the [music] sinner [singing] you were graced and the broken you embraced. graced and the broken you embraced. graced and the broken you embraced. And [music] in the [singing] end the And [music] in the [singing] end the And [music] in the [singing] end the proof is in your wound. And in the end, [singing] And in the end, [singing] the proof [music] is in your blood [singing] and tears.

blood [singing] and tears. How can it be? How can it be? How can it be? There's a God [music and singing] who we There's a God [music and singing] who we There's a God [music and singing] who we eat. eat. eat. There's a God who bleeds. There's a God who bleeds. There's a God who bleeds. Oh, praise [singing and music] the one Oh, praise [singing and music] the one Oh, praise [singing and music] the one who would reach for me. who would reach for me. who would reach for me. Hallelujah [singing] Hallelujah [singing] Hallelujah [singing] to the [music] son of suffering. Sing your cross my [music] freedom, your Sing your cross my [music] freedom, your stripes, my healing. All praise [music] stripes, my healing. All praise [music] stripes, my healing. All praise [music] King Jesus. King Jesus. King Jesus. Glory to God in heaven. Your blood still Glory to God in heaven. Your blood still Glory to God in heaven. Your blood still speaking your love still reaching speaking your love still reaching speaking your love still reaching [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] all praise King Jesus.

all praise King Jesus. all praise King Jesus. Glory to. Glory to. Glory to. >> Come on [music] you guys lift your >> Come on [music] you guys lift your >> Come on [music] you guys lift your voices. Sing your [singing] cross my voices. Sing your [singing] cross my voices. Sing your [singing] cross my freedom. Your stripes my freedom. Your stripes my freedom. Your stripes my [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] >> all praise >> all praise >> all praise King Jesus Jesus. King Jesus Jesus. King Jesus Jesus. >> Sing glory [singing] to God in heaven. >> Sing glory [singing] to God in heaven. >> Sing glory [singing] to God in heaven. [music] [music] [music] Your blood still speaking [singing] Your blood still speaking [singing] Your blood still speaking [singing] your love still [music] reaching all your love still [music] reaching all your love still [music] reaching all praise. King Jesus [singing] praise. King Jesus [singing] praise. King Jesus [singing] sing glory to God in heaven. [music] sing glory to God in heaven. [music] sing glory to God in heaven. [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> Glory to God. Glory to [music] God >> Glory to God. Glory to [music] God >> Glory to God. Glory to [music] God forever. forever. forever. Forever. Yes. [music] Sing. Glory to God Forever. Yes. [music] Sing. Glory to God Forever. Yes. [music] Sing. Glory to God [singing] forever. All the honor, all [singing] forever. All the honor, all [singing] forever. All the honor, all the power. the power. the power. Glory [music] to [singing] God forever. Glory [music] to [singing] God forever. Glory [music] to [singing] God forever. All the wisdom, all the glory. [music] All the wisdom, all the glory. [music] All the wisdom, all the glory. [music] Glory [singing] to God forever.

See your cross. Your cross See your cross. Your cross [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] is my freom. Your strife is my healing. is my freom. Your strife is my healing. is my freom. Your strife is my healing. [singing] [singing] [singing] All praise King [music] Jesus. Sing All praise King [music] Jesus. Sing All praise King [music] Jesus. Sing glory to [singing] God in heaven. Your glory to [singing] God in heaven. Your glory to [singing] God in heaven. Your blood still speaking. Your love still blood still speaking. Your love still blood still speaking. Your love still [music] reus. Oh, glory [music] to God in [singing] Oh, glory [music] to God in [singing] heaven. Your cross. Your [music] st [singing] is my healing. Your [music] st [singing] is my healing. All praise. King [music] Jesus. Sing All praise. King [music] Jesus. Sing All praise. King [music] Jesus. Sing glory to God [singing] in your blood. glory to God [singing] in your blood. glory to God [singing] in your blood. [music] Your love. Your love is still Your love. Your love is still [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] praising praising praising Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Glory to God. [music and singing] Sing glory to God.

Sing glory to God. Glory [music] to God forever, Glory [music] to God forever, Glory [music] to God forever, forever [singing] forever [singing] forever [singing] and ever. Sing glory [music] to God and ever. Sing glory [music] to God and ever. Sing glory [music] to God forever. All the earth, all the forever. All the earth, all the forever. All the earth, all the blessing. [music and singing] blessing. [music and singing] blessing. [music and singing] Sing glory to God forever. Sing glory to God forever. Sing glory to God forever. We worship you [music] Jesus. We worship you [music] Jesus. We worship you [music] Jesus. Glory to God forever. [music] Glory to God. Glory to God forever. Glory to God. Glory to God forever. >> Sing that [music] again, church. Glory >> Sing that [music] again, church. Glory >> Sing that [music] again, church. Glory to God. Sing glory to God [singing] to God. Sing glory to God [singing] to God. Sing glory to God [singing] forever. >> One more time. Lift it up to him. Glory >> One more time. Lift it up to him. Glory to God forever. >> Sing blood and tears. Oh, blood and >> Sing blood and tears. Oh, blood and tears. tears. tears. How can it be? How can it be? How can it be? There's a God who [singing] is. [music] There's a God who [singing] is. [music] There's a God who [singing] is. [music] There's a God who please.

There's a God who please. There's a God who please. Oh, [singing] praise the one [music] Oh, [singing] praise the one [music] Oh, [singing] praise the one [music] who would reach for me. who would reach for me. who would reach for me. Hallelu Hallelu Hallelu to the [singing] son of suffering. to the [singing] son of suffering. to the [singing] son of suffering. [music] [music] [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelu Hallelu Hallelu to the son of [music and singing] to the son of [music and singing] to the son of [music and singing] suffering. Oh hallelujah [singing] Oh hallelujah [singing] to [music] the son of suffering and praise God from whom [singing] and praise God from whom [singing] all blessings flow all blessings flow all blessings flow and praise him [singing] and praise him [singing] and praise him [singing] all creatures [music] all creatures [music] all creatures [music] here below. Praise him above [singing and music] Praise him above [singing and music] the heavenly the heavenly the heavenly host host host and praise father, [music and singing] and praise father, [music and singing] and praise father, [music and singing] son and holy son and holy son and holy [music] [music] [music] ghost.

1 Corinthians 11 uh tells us, "And when 1 Corinthians 11 uh tells us, "And when believers gather together as a church in believers gather together as a church in believers gather together as a church in worship and we [music] partake of the worship and we [music] partake of the worship and we [music] partake of the bread and the cup, we proclaim uh the bread and the cup, we proclaim uh the bread and the cup, we proclaim uh the Lord's death until he returns." Uh while Lord's death until he returns." Uh while Lord's death until he returns." Uh while baptism is the initial sign that you've baptism is the initial sign that you've baptism is the initial sign that you've united your life to Christ through united your life to Christ through united your life to Christ through faith, uh the Lord's supper is the faith, uh the Lord's supper is the faith, uh the Lord's supper is the ongoing sign that we are walking in line ongoing sign that we are walking in line ongoing sign that we are walking in line with that confession. And we do so by with that confession. And we do so by with that confession. And we do so by repenting of our sin and turning away repenting of our sin and turning away repenting of our sin and turning away from sin and turning towards Christ. So from sin and turning towards Christ. So from sin and turning towards Christ. So let's take the elements together. And on let's take the elements together. And on let's take the elements together. And on the night that Jesus was betrayed, the night that Jesus was betrayed, the night that Jesus was betrayed, when he was with his disciples, he took when he was with his disciples, he took when he was with his disciples, he took the bread and said, "This is my body the bread and said, "This is my body the bread and said, "This is my body broken for you. Do this in remembrance broken for you. Do this in remembrance broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me." Then he took the cup, giving thanks, he Then he took the cup, giving thanks, he said, "This is the cup of the new said, "This is the cup of the new said, "This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood. Do this in covenant in my blood. Do this in covenant in my blood. Do this in remembrance of me.

Lord, we come to your table as sinners Lord, we come to your table as sinners in need of your grace in need of your grace in need of your grace and we find comfort in the grace of our and we find comfort in the grace of our and we find comfort in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please make us holy Lord Jesus Christ. Please make us holy Lord Jesus Christ. Please make us holy and righteous as you are. In Jesus name and righteous as you are. In Jesus name and righteous as you are. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. If you'd like someone to pray with you If you'd like someone to pray with you before you leave today, some of our before you leave today, some of our before you leave today, some of our pastors, leaders would be at the welcome pastors, leaders would be at the welcome pastors, leaders would be at the welcome center. They'd love to pray with you center. They'd love to pray with you center. They'd love to pray with you before we leave. And again, if you're before we leave. And again, if you're before we leave. And again, if you're not part of a church family, a church not part of a church family, a church not part of a church family, a church group, uh I can't tell you how much my group, uh I can't tell you how much my group, uh I can't tell you how much my church group came around our family in church group came around our family in church group came around our family in our time of need. Uh much of our leaders our time of need. Uh much of our leaders our time of need. Uh much of our leaders out in the lobby if you want to connect out in the lobby if you want to connect out in the lobby if you want to connect with them and learn more about what it'd with them and learn more about what it'd with them and learn more about what it'd be like to connect with a church group. be like to connect with a church group. be like to connect with a church group. Now, I norm know know we normally send Now, I norm know know we normally send Now, I norm know know we normally send each other out with the great each other out with the great each other out with the great commission. We're going to do something commission. We're going to do something commission. We're going to do something a little bit differently today. And a little bit differently today. And a little bit differently today. And that's not because the great commission that's not because the great commission that's not because the great commission isn't important. It absolutely is. In isn't important. It absolutely is. In isn't important. It absolutely is. In fact, the truths we heard about today fact, the truths we heard about today fact, the truths we heard about today need to be shared with the word that's need to be shared with the word that's need to be shared with the word that's filled of suffering and sorrow. But what filled of suffering and sorrow. But what filled of suffering and sorrow. But what I wanted us to do today is to send each I wanted us to do today is to send each I wanted us to do today is to send each other out singing one more song as a other out singing one more song as a other out singing one more song as a communal reminder that Christ will hold communal reminder that Christ will hold communal reminder that Christ will hold us fast no matter what comes. In fact, us fast no matter what comes. In fact, us fast no matter what comes. In fact, there's you can ask DJ, there's so many there's you can ask DJ, there's so many there's you can ask DJ, there's so many songs I wanted us to be able to sing songs I wanted us to be able to sing songs I wanted us to be able to sing today that give us hope in times that today that give us hope in times that today that give us hope in times that are difficult. In fact, in the e-news are difficult. In fact, in the e-news are difficult. In fact, in the e-news this week, we're going to send out a this week, we're going to send out a this week, we're going to send out a playlist called Hope When God Feels playlist called Hope When God Feels playlist called Hope When God Feels Different, Feels Distant. Just tons of Different, Feels Distant. Just tons of Different, Feels Distant. Just tons of songs that I hope will encourage you if songs that I hope will encourage you if songs that I hope will encourage you if you're walking through a difficult you're walking through a difficult you're walking through a difficult season. Um, but I wanted to invite these season. Um, but I wanted to invite these season. Um, but I wanted to invite these guys to lead us in singing one last song guys to lead us in singing one last song guys to lead us in singing one last song really just since the the psalm we really just since the the psalm we really just since the the psalm we looked at is a communal lament sent

looked at is a communal lament sent looked at is a communal lament sent meant to be sung together. Let's sing meant to be sung together. Let's sing meant to be sung together. Let's sing these words together as a reminder that these words together as a reminder that these words together as a reminder that no matter what this week holds, Christ no matter what this week holds, Christ no matter what this week holds, Christ will hold us fast. And then we'll will hold us fast. And then we'll will hold us fast. And then we'll dismiss. [music] So, Julius When I fear my [singing] faith will When I fear my [singing] faith will fail, fail, fail, Christ will hold [music] me fast. Christ will hold [music] me fast. Christ will hold [music] me fast. When the tempter [singing] would When the tempter [singing] would When the tempter [singing] would prevail, prevail, prevail, he will hold me fast. he will hold me fast. he will hold me fast. I could never keep my hold I could never keep my hold I could never keep my hold through life's fearful [music] through life's fearful [music] through life's fearful [music] path, path, path, for my [singing] love is ofen cold. for my [singing] love is ofen cold. for my [singing] love is ofen cold. He must [singing and music] hold me He must [singing and music] hold me He must [singing and music] hold me fast.

fast. fast. Yes. Sing. He will [singing] hold me Yes. Sing. He will [singing] hold me Yes. Sing. He will [singing] hold me fast. Yes, he will hold me fast. fast. Yes, he will hold me fast. fast. Yes, he will hold me fast. For my Savior loves me For my Savior loves me For my Savior loves me [music and singing] so. [music and singing] so. [music and singing] so. He will hold me fast. He will hold me fast. He will hold me fast. [singing and music] Those he say sing. Those he saves are Those he say sing. Those he saves are [singing] his delight. Amen. Christ will [singing] his delight. Amen. Christ will [singing] his delight. Amen. Christ will hold me fast. hold me fast. hold me fast. Precious, holy, [music and singing] Precious, holy, [music and singing] Precious, holy, [music and singing] holy sight. holy sight. holy sight. Oh, he will hold me [music and singing] Oh, he will hold me [music and singing] Oh, he will hold me [music and singing] fast. fast. fast. He'll not let my soul be lost. He'll not let my soul be lost. He'll not let my soul be lost. His promises shall last. [singing] His promises shall last. [singing] His promises shall last. [singing] Bought by him at such [music] a cost.

Bought by him at such [music] a cost. Bought by him at such [music] a cost. Ye will hold me [singing] fast. [music] And he will hold me fast. [music] And he will hold me fast. He will hold me fast. He will hold me fast. He will hold me fast. For my Savior loves me [music] so. For my Savior loves me [music] so. For my Savior loves me [music] so. [singing] [singing] [singing] He will hold me fast. and for [singing] my life he bled and for [singing] my life he bled [music] and died. [music] and died. [music] and died. Christ will hold me fast. Christ will hold me fast. Christ will hold me fast. Justice [music and singing] has been Justice [music and singing] has been Justice [music and singing] has been sisfied. He [music] will hold me [singing] fast. He [music] will hold me [singing] fast. Raised with him to endless life. Raised with him to endless life. Raised with him to endless life. He [singing] will hold me fast He [singing] will hold me fast He [singing] will hold me fast till our faith is [music] turnight.

he will hold me fast. he will hold me fast. [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] He will hold me fast He will hold me fast He will hold me fast for my [singing] Savior loves me so. for my [singing] Savior loves me so. for my [singing] Savior loves me so. He will hold [music and singing] me He will hold [music and singing] me He will hold [music and singing] me fasting. fasting. fasting. He will hold me fast. He will hold me fast. He will hold me fast. He will hold me fast. He will hold me fast. He will hold me fast. For my [singing] Savior loves me so. For my [singing] Savior loves me so. For my [singing] Savior loves me so. He will hold me [singing] fast. He will hold me [singing] fast. He will hold me [singing] fast. [music] He will hold [music and singing] me He will hold [music and singing] me fast. fast. fast. Amen. Amen. Amen. Jesus said in John 14, [music] "My peace Jesus said in John 14, [music] "My peace Jesus said in John 14, [music] "My peace I leave with you. My peace I give to I leave with you. My peace I give to I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world do I give to you. you. Not as the world do I give to you. you. Not as the world do I give to you. Therefore, let not your [music] hearts Therefore, let not your [music] hearts Therefore, let not your [music] hearts be troubled, neither be afraid. Go in be troubled, neither be afraid. Go in be troubled, neither be afraid. Go in the peace of Jesus Christ." Church, we the peace of Jesus Christ." Church, we the peace of Jesus Christ." Church, we love you. We'll see you next week.

Heat. Heat. Heat. >> Well, good morning, [music] MLAN Bible

>> Well, good morning, [music] MLAN Bible Church. Can you stand on your feet and Church. Can you stand on your feet and Church. Can you stand on your feet and give God a hand clap of praise? Come on. give God a hand clap of praise? Come on. give God a hand clap of praise? Come on. You can do better than that. Can we give You can do better than that. Can we give You can do better than that. Can we give the King of Kings and the Lord [music] the King of Kings and the Lord [music] the King of Kings and the Lord [music] of Lords a clap of praise? Come on. This of Lords a clap of praise? Come on. This of Lords a clap of praise? Come on. This is the day that the Lord has made. Come is the day that the Lord has made. Come is the day that the Lord has made. Come on, y'all can do better than that, on, y'all can do better than that, on, y'all can do better than that, y'all. Just looking at me. Come on. This y'all. Just looking at me. Come on. This y'all. Just looking at me. Come on. This is the day that the [music] Lord has is the day that the [music] Lord has is the day that the [music] Lord has made, and we shall what? Rejoice and be made, and we shall what? Rejoice and be made, and we shall what? Rejoice and be glad in it. Come on. There's no greater glad in it. Come on. There's no greater glad in it. Come on. There's no greater man than the one we serve. Come on. man than the one we serve. Come on. man than the one we serve. Come on. The Bible says he inhabits the [music] The Bible says he inhabits the [music] The Bible says he inhabits the [music] praises of his people. Come on, let's praises of his people. Come on, let's praises of his people. Come on, let's stop. stop. stop. Like this. Come on. Clap with me like Like this. Come on. Clap with me like Like this. Come on. Clap with me like this. Come on. this. Come on. this. Come on. Come on. 11:00 [music] a.m. If you come Come on. 11:00 [music] a.m. If you come Come on. 11:00 [music] a.m. If you come to have church, let me see your clap. to have church, let me see your clap. to have church, let me see your clap. Come on. There's nobody greater. There's nobody [music] greater. Yeah. There's nobody [music] greater. Yeah. Come on. Keep clapping. Come on. Come on. Keep clapping. Come on. Come on. Keep clapping. Come on. I've seen many [music] I've seen many [music] I've seen many [music] places and many [singing] faces I've places and many [singing] faces I've places and many [singing] faces I've come to know. Come on, keep clapping come to know. Come on, keep clapping come to know. Come on, keep clapping with me. Come on. with me. Come on. with me. Come on. Times I've [music and singing] Times I've [music and singing] Times I've [music and singing] celebrated, celebrated, celebrated, sweet drink I've tasted, they come sweet drink I've tasted, they come sweet drink I've tasted, they come [singing] and go. Come on, let's sing [singing] and go. Come on, let's sing [singing] and go. Come on, let's sing this together. Come on. But there was this together. Come on. But there was this together. Come on. But there was >> But there was a [music] treasure poured >> But there was a [music] treasure poured >> But there was a [music] treasure poured without measure [singing] without measure [singing] without measure [singing] over the earth.

over the earth. over the earth. >> A light that's [music] so bright. light >> A light that's [music] so bright. light >> A light that's [music] so bright. light [singing] that's so bright. It outshines [singing] that's so bright. It outshines [singing] that's so bright. It outshines the brightest. [music] the brightest. [music] the brightest. [music] >> Here's the chorus. No greater friend, >> Here's the chorus. No greater friend, >> Here's the chorus. No greater friend, >> no greater I know. >> no greater I know. >> no greater I know. >> No greater [music] peace I know. No >> No greater [music] peace I know. No >> No greater [music] peace I know. No greater hope I know. No greater joy greater hope I know. No greater joy greater hope I know. No greater joy [music] I know. I can search high and [music] I know. I can search high and [music] I know. I can search high and [singing] low in everywhere I go. No [singing] low in everywhere I go. No [singing] low in everywhere I go. No greater [music] river flows than you, greater [music] river flows than you, greater [music] river flows than you, Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> Come on and clap your hands. Come on. >> Come on and clap your hands. Come on. >> Come on and clap your hands. Come on. The Bible says, "Let everything that The Bible says, "Let everything that The Bible says, "Let everything that [music] has breath praise ye the Lord." [music] has breath praise ye the Lord." [music] has breath praise ye the Lord." Come on, let's praise him. Come on. Next Come on, let's praise him. Come on. Next Come on, let's praise him. Come on. Next part says, "My great [music] part says, "My great [music] part says, "My great [music] inspiration, my great inspir." [singing] inspiration, my great inspir." [singing] inspiration, my great inspir." [singing] >> Y'all sound good. 11 a.m. >> Y'all sound good. 11 a.m. >> Y'all sound good. 11 a.m. >> Come on. No one more forgiven. Let's >> Come on. No one more forgiven. Let's >> Come on. No one more forgiven. Let's sing to him. sing to him. sing to him. >> No [music] one more [singing] forgiving. >> No [music] one more [singing] forgiving. >> No [music] one more [singing] forgiving. >> No one more healing. [music] No one. >> No one more healing. [music] No one. >> No one more healing. [music] No one. >> Come on. His love is a treasure. Come >> Come on. His love is a treasure. Come >> Come on. His love is a treasure. Come on. on. on. Your love [singing] is a treasure born Your love [singing] is a treasure born Your love [singing] is a treasure born without measure [music] over [singing] without measure [music] over [singing] without measure [music] over [singing] the earth.

the earth. the earth. >> He's a light that's so >> He's a light that's so >> He's a light that's so the light that's [music] so bright out the light that's [music] so bright out the light that's [music] so bright out shines [singing] the bright lights. Here shines [singing] the bright lights. Here shines [singing] the bright lights. Here we go. No greater. we go. No greater. we go. No greater. >> No greater [music] I know. Let me sing >> No greater [music] I know. Let me sing >> No greater [music] I know. Let me sing it. it. it. >> No greater peace I know. No greater hope >> No greater peace I know. No greater hope >> No greater peace I know. No greater hope I know. No greater [music] joy I know. I I know. No greater [music] joy I know. I I know. No greater [music] joy I know. I can search high and low in everywhere I can search high and low in everywhere I can search high and low in everywhere I [singing] go. Your greater [music] river [singing] go. Your greater [music] river [singing] go. Your greater [music] river flows than you, Jesus. flows than you, Jesus. flows than you, Jesus. >> Come on, let me see you clap your hands. >> Come on, let me see you clap your hands. >> Come on, let me see you clap your hands. Come on. >> Searched all over, [music] couldn't find >> Searched all over, [music] couldn't find nobody. Repeat after me. With all my nobody. Repeat after me. With all my nobody. Repeat after me. With all my heart, I lift you up. heart, I lift you up. heart, I lift you up. >> With all my heart, [music and singing] I >> With all my heart, [music and singing] I >> With all my heart, [music and singing] I lift up. lift up. lift up. >> Come on, little. With all my soul, I >> Come on, little. With all my soul, I >> Come on, little. With all my soul, I lift you up. lift you up. lift you up. >> With all my soul, I lift you up. And >> With all my soul, I lift you up. And >> With all my soul, I lift you up. And with all my strength I lift you up. You with all my strength I lift you up. You with all my strength I lift you up. You say say say >> with all [music] my strength I lift you >> with all [music] my strength I lift you >> with all [music] my strength I lift you up. up. up. >> And with all I am I lift you up. >> And with all I am I lift you up. >> And with all I am I lift you up. >> With all I am. >> With all I am. >> With all I am. >> And with all my [music] heart I lift you >> And with all my [music] heart I lift you >> And with all my [music] heart I lift you up.

up. up. >> With all my heart I lift you up. >> With all my heart I lift you up. >> With all my heart I lift you up. >> And with all my soul I lift you up. >> And with all my soul I lift you up. >> And with all my soul I lift you up. >> With all my [music] soul I lift you up. >> With all my [music] soul I lift you up. >> With all my [music] soul I lift you up. >> And with all my strength I lift you up. >> And with all my strength I lift you up. >> And with all my strength I lift you up. >> With all my strength I lift [singing] >> With all my strength I lift [singing] >> With all my strength I lift [singing] you up. you up. you up. >> And with all I am I lift you [music] up. >> And with all I am I lift you [music] up. >> And with all I am I lift you [music] up. Come on. Come on. Come on. >> All I am I lift you. No greater friend I >> All I am I lift you. No greater friend I >> All I am I lift you. No greater friend I know. No greater peace I know. No know. No greater peace I know. No know. No greater peace I know. No greater hope I know. [music] greater hope I know. [music] greater hope I know. [music] No greater joy I know. [singing] I No greater joy I know. [singing] I No greater joy I know. [singing] I deserve high and low. And everywhere I deserve high and low. And everywhere I deserve high and low. And everywhere I go. go. go. >> No [music] greater river flows than you >> No [music] greater river flows than you >> No [music] greater river flows than you Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> No greater love I know. >> No greater love I know. >> No greater love I know. >> No greater strength. >> No greater strength. >> No greater strength. >> No greater [music] strength I know. >> No greater [music] strength I know. >> No greater [music] strength I know. >> He's the way. >> He's the way. >> He's the way. >> No greater way I know. >> No greater way I know. >> No greater way I know. >> Come on. No greater name I know. I can >> Come on. No greater name I know. I can >> Come on. No greater name I know. I can search [music] high and low any search [music] high and low any search [music] high and low any everywhere I go. No greater river close everywhere I go. No greater river close everywhere I go. No greater river close than you, [music] Jesus. than you, [music] Jesus. than you, [music] Jesus. >> Here we go. If he's gater, >> Here we go. If he's gater, >> Here we go. If he's gater, >> if he's greater, >> if he's greater, >> if he's greater, >> let him be greater. >> let him be greater. >> let him be greater. >> Let him be greater. [music] >> Let him be greater. [music] >> Let him be greater. [music] >> If he's stronger, >> If he's stronger, >> If he's stronger, >> let him be stronger.

>> let him be stronger. >> let him be stronger. >> Let him be stronger. >> Let him be stronger. >> Let him be stronger. >> Let him be stronger. >> Let him be stronger. >> Let him be stronger. >> If he's higher, >> If he's higher, >> If he's higher, >> if he's higher, [music] >> if he's higher, [music] >> if he's higher, [music] >> let him be higher. >> let him be higher. >> let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. If he's [music] >> Let him be higher. If he's [music] >> Let him be higher. If he's [music] greater, greater, greater, >> if he's greater, >> if he's greater, >> if he's greater, >> let him be greater. >> let him be greater. >> let him be greater. >> Let him be greater. >> Let him be greater. >> Let him be greater. >> If he's stronger, >> If he's stronger, >> If he's stronger, >> if he's stronger, >> if he's stronger, >> if he's stronger, >> let him be stronger. >> let him be stronger. >> let him be stronger. >> Let me be stronger. >> Let me be stronger. >> Let me be stronger. >> If [music] he's higher, >> If [music] he's higher, >> If [music] he's higher, >> if he's higher, >> if he's higher, >> if he's higher, >> let him be higher. >> let him be higher. >> let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. [music] >> Let him be higher. [music] >> Let him be higher. [music] >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> Let him be higher. >> If he's gater, >> If he's gater, >> If he's gater, >> be greater. >> be greater. >> be greater. >> Let him be greater. >> Let him be greater. >> Let him be greater. >> Let him be greater. >> Let him be greater. >> Let him be greater. >> Come on. Can we give a great God a great >> Come on. Can we give a great God a great >> Come on. Can we give a great God a great praise in the room? Come on. Shout to praise in the room? Come on. Shout to praise in the room? Come on. Shout to the King. Come on. He's worthy of the King. Come on. He's worthy of the King. Come on. He's worthy of praise. There's no other name greater praise. There's no other name greater praise. There's no other name greater [music] than his. We call him Jesus. [music] than his. We call him Jesus. [music] than his. We call him Jesus. Hallelujah. Again, good morning. Welcome Hallelujah. Again, good morning. Welcome Hallelujah. Again, good morning. Welcome to MLAN Bible Church. My name is Jarius to MLAN Bible Church. My name is Jarius to MLAN Bible Church. My name is Jarius and I'm here on staff and I'm super and I'm here on staff and I'm super and I'm here on staff and I'm super excited to be worshiping with you. Um, excited to be worshiping with you. Um, excited to be worshiping with you. Um, [music] you already know what time it [music] you already know what time it [music] you already know what time it is. Look at the person next to you and is. Look at the person next to you and is. Look at the person next to you and say, "It's so good to see you."

say, "It's so good to see you." say, "It's so good to see you." All right. Now, look at somebody else All right. Now, look at somebody else All right. Now, look at somebody else with a smile and say, "It's so good to with a smile and say, "It's so good to with a smile and say, "It's so good to see you." Come on. Get out of your rose see you." Come on. Get out of your rose see you." Come on. Get out of your rose and go meet a new brother and sister in and go meet a new brother and sister in and go meet a new brother and sister in Christ. Well, again, good morning, MLAN Bible Well, again, good morning, MLAN Bible church. I'm happy to be here and I hope church. I'm happy to be here and I hope church. I'm happy to be here and I hope you are too.

If you're grateful for God's grace and If you're grateful for God's grace and mercy, can we give him a shout of mercy, can we give him a shout of mercy, can we give him a shout of praise? [music] Amen. [music] Amen. Well, where would we be without our Well, where would we be without our Well, where would we be without our Lord? Can you join me in singing this Lord? Can you join me in singing this Lord? Can you join me in singing this with me? your hand in every part your hand in every part [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] of my whole life from the start. of my whole life from the start. of my whole life from the start. Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] you you you have [singing] always been with me. No matter where I was, [singing] No matter where I was, [singing] you found a way to show up. you found a way to show up. you found a way to show up. Oh Jesus, [singing and music] Oh Jesus, [singing and music] Oh Jesus, [singing and music] you you you have always been with me. Oh, there's never a season, never Oh, there's never a season, never [music] a place [singing] [music] a place [singing] [music] a place [singing] where I am alone. Where you don't show where I am alone. Where you don't show where I am alone. Where you don't show your face. Right here I remember. How your face. Right here I remember. How your face. Right here I remember. How could [music and singing] I forget? Your could [music and singing] I forget? Your could [music and singing] I forget? Your faithfulness faithfulness faithfulness has never left me. Where has never left me. Where has never left me. Where would [singing] I be without you?

would [singing] I be without you? would [singing] I be without you? [music] [music] [music] Where Where Where would I be without your love? would I be without your love? would I be without your love? I'm amazed by all [music and singing] I'm amazed by all [music and singing] I'm amazed by all [music and singing] you've done. Oh Jesus, where Oh Jesus, where would [singing] I be without [music] would [singing] I be without [music] would [singing] I be without [music] you? Where would I be without your love? you? Where would I be without your love? you? Where would I be without your love? I can't say thank you enough. [music] Not the ways [singing] you say. Not the ways [singing] you say. You pull [music] me out of the grave. You pull [music] me out of the grave. You pull [music] me out of the grave. Jesus, [singing] Jesus, [singing] Jesus, [singing] you you you have always [music] have always [music] have always [music] been for me. Don't my [music and singing] life is the Don't my [music and singing] life is the proof proof proof that you can make anything good. that you can make anything good. that you can make anything good. [music] Jesus, [singing] [music] Jesus, [singing] [music] Jesus, [singing] you you you have always been for me.

[music] Where would I [singing] be [music] Where would I [singing] be without you? Where without you? Where without you? Where would [music] I be without your love? would [music] I be without your love? would [music] I be without your love? I'm [singing] amazed by all you've done. I'm [singing] amazed by all you've done. I'm [singing] amazed by all you've done. [music] Oh [singing] Jesus, where would I be Oh [singing] Jesus, where would I be [music] without you? Where would I [music] without you? Where would I [music] without you? Where would I [singing] be without your love? [singing] be without your love? [singing] be without your love? I can't [music] say thank you enough. Oh, [music] there's never a season, Oh, [music] there's never a season, never [singing] a place where I am never [singing] a place where I am never [singing] a place where I am alone. Where [music] you don't show your alone. Where [music] you don't show your alone. Where [music] you don't show your face. Right here I remember. [singing] face. Right here I remember. [singing] face. Right here I remember. [singing] How could I forget your faithfulness? How could I forget your faithfulness? How could I forget your faithfulness? I'd never [singing] I'd never [singing] I'd never [singing] [music] left me. There's never a cease, [music] left me. There's never a cease, [music] left me. There's never a cease, never a place where I am alone. Where never a place where I am alone. Where never a place where I am alone. Where you don't show your face. you don't show your face. you don't show your face. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> My dear, I remember. [singing] >> My dear, I remember. [singing] >> My dear, I remember. [singing] How could I forget? Your faithfulness How could I forget? Your faithfulness How could I forget? Your faithfulness [music] [music] [music] has never left me. There's never a has never left me. There's never a has never left me. There's never a season, [singing] never a [music] place season, [singing] never a [music] place season, [singing] never a [music] place where I am alone. Where you don't show where I am alone. Where you don't show where I am alone. Where you don't show your face. Right here I remember.

your face. Right here I remember. your face. Right here I remember. [singing] [singing] [singing] How could I forget? Your faithfulness How could I forget? Your faithfulness How could I forget? Your faithfulness [music] [music] [music] has never [singing] left me. Where would has never [singing] left me. Where would has never [singing] left me. Where would [music] I be without you? Where [music] I be without you? Where [music] I be without you? Where would I [music and singing] be without would I [music and singing] be without would I [music and singing] be without your love? your love? your love? I'm amazed by all you love. Oh Jesus, where [music and singing] Oh Jesus, where [music and singing] would I be without you? Where would I be without you? Where would I be without you? Where would [music] I be [singing] without would [music] I be [singing] without would [music] I be [singing] without your love? your love? your love? I can't [music] say thank you enough. I can't [music] say thank you enough. I can't [music] say thank you enough. Oh, I can't say thank you Oh, I can't say thank you Oh, I can't say thank you [music and singing] enough. [music and singing] enough. [music and singing] enough. Oh, I can't say thank you enough. Oh, I can't say thank you enough. Oh, I can't say thank you enough. [singing] is where I lay [singing] it down. Every

is where I lay [singing] it down. Every bird and every crown. This is [singing] bird and every crown. This is [singing] bird and every crown. This is [singing] my surrender. my surrender. my surrender. This is my surrender. [music] This is my surrender. [music] This is my surrender. [music] Here is where I [singing] Here is where I [singing] Here is where I [singing] lay it down. Every lie and every [music] lay it down. Every lie and every [music] lay it down. Every lie and every [music] felt. This [singing] is my surrender to do whatever [singing] you want to to do whatever [singing] you want to to do whatever you want to. to do whatever you want to. to do whatever you want to. I will make room for you to do whatever you want to [music] to do whatever you want to [music] to do [singing] whatever you want. Here is [music and singing] where I lay Here is [music and singing] where I lay it down. Every burden, every clown. This it down. Every burden, every clown. This it down. Every burden, every clown. This [music and singing] is my surrender.

[music and singing] is my surrender. [music and singing] is my surrender. This is my surrender. This is my surrender. This is my surrender. Here is [singing] where I lay it [music] Here is [singing] where I lay it [music] Here is [singing] where I lay it [music] down. Every lie and every doubt. This is down. Every lie and every doubt. This is down. Every lie and every doubt. This is my [singing] surrender. to do whatever [singing] you want to to do whatever [singing] you want to to do whatever [music] you want to. to do whatever [music] you want to. to do whatever [music] you want to. [singing] [singing] [singing] I will make room for you I will make room for you I will make room for you [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] to do whatever you want to do. to to do whatever you want to do. to to do whatever you want to do. to [music] do whatever you want to do. shake up the ground of all my [music] shake up the ground of all my [music] traditions. Break [singing] down the traditions. Break [singing] down the traditions. Break [singing] down the walls of all my religion. Your way is walls of all my religion. Your way is walls of all my religion. Your way is better.

better. better. Oh, [music and singing] your way is Oh, [music and singing] your way is Oh, [music and singing] your way is better. better. better. Shake up the ground of all my Shake up the ground of all my Shake up the ground of all my [music and singing] traditions. Break [music and singing] traditions. Break [music and singing] traditions. Break down the walls of all my religion. Your down the walls of all my religion. Your down the walls of all my religion. Your way is better. [music] way is better. [music] way is better. [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Your way is better. Your way is better. Your way is better. Shake up [music] the ground of all my Shake up [music] the ground of all my Shake up [music] the ground of all my tradition. Break down the walls for my tradition. Break down the walls for my tradition. Break down the walls for my [singing] religion. You always be [singing] religion. You always be [singing] religion. You always be always [music] always [music] always [music] there. there. there. Shake up the ground for my [music] Shake up the ground for my [music] Shake up the ground for my [music] tradition. Break down the walls of my tradition. Break down the walls of my tradition. Break down the walls of my religion. You're always [singing] there. religion. You're always [singing] there. religion. You're always [singing] there. [music] You're always there. [music] You're always there. [music] You're always there. I will make room for you. [music] to do whatever [music and singing] you to do whatever [music and singing] you want to. want to. want to. Do whatever you want to.

Do whatever you want to. Do whatever you want to. And I will make [music] room for you to do whatever [singing] you want to to do whatever [singing] you want to [music] do. to do whatever you want to. [music] do. to do whatever you want to. [music] do. to do whatever you want to. [music] [music] [music] I will make room for you I will make room for you I will make room for you [music] [music] [music] to do whatever [singing] you want to do whatever [singing] you want to do whatever [singing] you want to do. [music] to [music] do whatever you want to do. to [music] do whatever you want to do. Do whatever you [singing] want. Come on. Can we meditate on the part Come on. Can we meditate on the part that says, "Your way is better." that says, "Your way is better." that says, "Your way is better." Your way is better. Your way is better. Your way is better. Your way is better, Lord. [singing] Your way is better, Lord. [singing] Your way is better, Lord. [singing] Your way is better. I tried it [music] Your way is better. I tried it [music] Your way is better. I tried it [music] on my own. Your way [singing] is better.

on my own. Your way [singing] is better. on my own. Your way [singing] is better. We surrender all. Your way [music] is We surrender all. Your way [music] is We surrender all. Your way [music] is better, Lord. better, Lord. better, Lord. Your way is better. [singing] My life is not my own. My life is not my own. To you I belong. Come on, sing it, To you I belong. Come on, sing it, To you I belong. Come on, sing it, church. I give myself I give myself church. I give myself I give myself church. I give myself I give myself [singing] [singing] [singing] to you. to you. to you. My life is [music] not my own. My life My life is [music] not my own. My life My life is [music] not my own. My life is not my [singing] own. is not my [singing] own. is not my [singing] own. To you I belong. To you I belong. To you I belong. I give [music] myself [singing] I give [music] myself [singing] I give [music] myself [singing] I give myself to you. I give myself to you. I give myself to you. I give myself [music] I give myself [music] I give myself [music] away. away. away. Here we are [singing] Lord. Here we are [singing] Lord. Here we are [singing] Lord. I give myself away I give myself away I give myself away so [music and singing] you so [music and singing] you so [music and singing] you can use me. can use me. can use me. >> Oh, [singing] >> Oh, [singing] >> Oh, [singing] I I I surrender surrender surrender all.

I I surrender surrender surrender [singing] all and all to [music and singing] thee I and all to [music and singing] thee I blessed blessed blessed Savior [singing] Savior [singing] Savior [singing] I I I surrender. surrender. surrender. All sing all to [music] thee my blessed All sing all to [music] thee my blessed All sing all to [music] thee my blessed savior and all [singing] savior and all [singing] savior and all [singing] to thee my [music] to thee my [music] to thee my [music] blessed blessed blessed savior savior savior I I I surrender [singing and music] pray with us. Father, we surrender our pray with us. Father, we surrender our hearts, our minds, our soul, our lives. hearts, our minds, our soul, our lives. hearts, our minds, our soul, our lives. We give it to you, Lord, because [music] We give it to you, Lord, because [music] We give it to you, Lord, because [music] your word says that your steadfast love your word says that your steadfast love your word says that your steadfast love is better than anything this life can is better than anything this life can is better than anything this life can offer us, Lord. So our lips [music] will offer us, Lord. So our lips [music] will offer us, Lord. So our lips [music] will praise you, Lord. We surrender praise you, Lord. We surrender praise you, Lord. We surrender everything to you, cuz you are our everything to you, cuz you are our everything to you, cuz you are our everything, Lord. We lift you high. We everything, Lord. We lift you high. We everything, Lord. We lift you high. We honor you. We praise you. [music] We honor you. We praise you. [music] We honor you. We praise you. [music] We magnify you. You're so worthy of our magnify you. You're so worthy of our magnify you. You're so worthy of our praise. And Lord, we praise you for the praise. And Lord, we praise you for the praise. And Lord, we praise you for the rest of our lives. In Jesus name we rest of our lives. In Jesus name we rest of our lives. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Let's give God some praise pray. Amen. Let's give God some praise pray. Amen. Let's give God some praise cuz he's good. Amen. Thanks for cuz he's good. Amen. Thanks for cuz he's good. Amen. Thanks for worshiping with us. You guys may be worshiping with us. You guys may be worshiping with us. You guys may be seated.

seated. seated. >> Good morning, church. It's so good to be >> Good morning, church. It's so good to be >> Good morning, church. It's so good to be with you all. My name is Eliza. I'm the with you all. My name is Eliza. I'm the with you all. My name is Eliza. I'm the director of counseling here. And I want director of counseling here. And I want director of counseling here. And I want to welcome you, especially if this is to welcome you, especially if this is to welcome you, especially if this is your first time or maybe it's your first your first time or maybe it's your first your first time or maybe it's your first time in a really long time and you're time in a really long time and you're time in a really long time and you're visiting here with us. We are so glad visiting here with us. We are so glad visiting here with us. We are so glad you're here. And we would love to get to you're here. And we would love to get to you're here. And we would love to get to know you and allow you to get to know us know you and allow you to get to know us know you and allow you to get to know us a little bit more. Right after the a little bit more. Right after the a little bit more. Right after the service, across the lobby, there's a service, across the lobby, there's a service, across the lobby, there's a room that has glass walls. That's where room that has glass walls. That's where room that has glass walls. That's where our NBC connect meets and you can a our NBC connect meets and you can a our NBC connect meets and you can a short meeting. you can learn more about short meeting. you can learn more about short meeting. you can learn more about what's happening here at NBC and how you what's happening here at NBC and how you what's happening here at NBC and how you can get better connected. And this is a can get better connected. And this is a can get better connected. And this is a big church and it's easy to go in and big church and it's easy to go in and big church and it's easy to go in and out and not be known. And for those of out and not be known. And for those of out and not be known. And for those of you who have been here for a while, that you who have been here for a while, that you who have been here for a while, that might be you. But we don't want that to might be you. But we don't want that to might be you. But we don't want that to be the case. We want a church to be a be the case. We want a church to be a be the case. We want a church to be a place where you are known, where you are place where you are known, where you are place where you are known, where you are loved, where you are cared for, and loved, where you are cared for, and loved, where you are cared for, and where you offer that to other people. where you offer that to other people. where you offer that to other people. And so today in the lobby right after And so today in the lobby right after And so today in the lobby right after service, we have our church group service, we have our church group service, we have our church group connect where there's going to be tables connect where there's going to be tables connect where there's going to be tables across the lobby with different places, across the lobby with different places, across the lobby with different places, locations of church groups that you can locations of church groups that you can locations of church groups that you can go and learn a little bit more about our go and learn a little bit more about our go and learn a little bit more about our church groups. And our church groups are church groups. And our church groups are church groups. And our church groups are really the place where you begin to be really the place where you begin to be really the place where you begin to be known and you know others. And it's also known and you know others. And it's also known and you know others. And it's also the place where spiritual growth really the place where spiritual growth really the place where spiritual growth really does happen. [music] It's where we bear does happen. [music] It's where we bear does happen. [music] It's where we bear one another's burdens. It's where we one another's burdens. It's where we one another's burdens. It's where we connect in friendship. In fact, just connect in friendship. In fact, just connect in friendship. In fact, just this weekend, I got a we were texting on this weekend, I got a we were texting on this weekend, I got a we were texting on in our church group um text thread and in our church group um text thread and in our church group um text thread and we ended up having a very spontaneous we ended up having a very spontaneous we ended up having a very spontaneous birthday party at one of our church birthday party at one of our church birthday party at one of our church group members house. And we spent Friday group members house. And we spent Friday group members house. And we spent Friday night there and my husband and I left night there and my husband and I left night there and my husband and I left and we both said that was the best way

and we both said that was the best way and we both said that was the best way to spend a Friday night just with other to spend a Friday night just with other to spend a Friday night just with other believers just going deep into life and believers just going deep into life and believers just going deep into life and again it's a place where we can bear our again it's a place where we can bear our again it's a place where we can bear our burdens and grow as other believers. So burdens and grow as other believers. So burdens and grow as other believers. So if that is if you're at a place where if that is if you're at a place where if that is if you're at a place where you've been at NBC and you want to take you've been at NBC and you want to take you've been at NBC and you want to take what happens on in the Rose on Sunday what happens on in the Rose on Sunday what happens on in the Rose on Sunday and go deeper, this is where you do and go deeper, this is where you do and go deeper, this is where you do that. And so I would encourage you to that. And so I would encourage you to that. And so I would encourage you to stay talk to a few, find a location that stay talk to a few, find a location that stay talk to a few, find a location that fits where you guys live and connect fits where you guys live and connect fits where you guys live and connect with a church group, maybe even visit with a church group, maybe even visit with a church group, maybe even visit one this week. That would be fantastic. one this week. That would be fantastic. one this week. That would be fantastic. But really groups are are really But really groups are are really But really groups are are really necessary for us to be the body of necessary for us to be the body of necessary for us to be the body of Christ as well. So take advantage of Christ as well. So take advantage of Christ as well. So take advantage of that today in our lobby. Also in our that today in our lobby. Also in our that today in our lobby. Also in our lobby right across um near the welcome lobby right across um near the welcome lobby right across um near the welcome area there is our grief share support area there is our grief share support area there is our grief share support group which is starting up September group which is starting up September group which is starting up September 10th. So you can learn more of that 10th. So you can learn more of that 10th. So you can learn more of that about that if you have lost somebody if about that if you have lost somebody if about that if you have lost somebody if you've gone through a significant loss you've gone through a significant loss you've gone through a significant loss maybe a family member or maybe a dear maybe a family member or maybe a dear maybe a family member or maybe a dear friend and you are struggling with what friend and you are struggling with what friend and you are struggling with what that means for you as you deal with that that means for you as you deal with that that means for you as you deal with that grief. I want you to know that having grief. I want you to know that having grief. I want you to know that having faith does not mean that we have to be faith does not mean that we have to be faith does not mean that we have to be dishonest about our emotions. [music] dishonest about our emotions. [music] dishonest about our emotions. [music] We can be real with a God who welcomes We can be real with a God who welcomes We can be real with a God who welcomes our cries and welcomes our pain and our cries and welcomes our pain and our cries and welcomes our pain and meets [music] us there. And grief share meets [music] us there. And grief share meets [music] us there. And grief share does that. These are people who does that. These are people who does that. These are people who understand what it means to go through understand what it means to go through understand what it means to go through great loss and they want to walk with great loss and they want to walk with great loss and they want to walk with you. So if that is something that fits you. So if that is something that fits you. So if that is something that fits where you are or somebody you know, where you are or somebody you know, where you are or somebody you know, maybe go over there with your friend or maybe go over there with your friend or maybe go over there with your friend or with somebody and and learn more about with somebody and and learn more about with somebody and and learn more about grief share as well. Now, if you are a grief share as well. Now, if you are a grief share as well. Now, if you are a member here, I have one quick member here, I have one quick member here, I have one quick announcement for you. Today is the last

announcement for you. Today is the last announcement for you. Today is the last day that you can vote to bring in new day that you can vote to bring in new day that you can vote to bring in new members, which we want to vote for that. members, which we want to vote for that. members, which we want to vote for that. That is a really exciting thing in our That is a really exciting thing in our That is a really exciting thing in our church that we have new members up for church that we have new members up for church that we have new members up for vote. And so you you have an email um vote. And so you you have an email um vote. And so you you have an email um that you can vote today, but you're also that you can vote today, but you're also that you can vote today, but you're also voting on the budget and that's a very voting on the budget and that's a very voting on the budget and that's a very important part of your role as a member important part of your role as a member important part of your role as a member as well. So voting ends at 1:00 today. as well. So voting ends at 1:00 today. as well. So voting ends at 1:00 today. So as soon as you're done with service So as soon as you're done with service So as soon as you're done with service today, make sure you vote before 1:00 today, make sure you vote before 1:00 today, make sure you vote before 1:00 and the vote closes. Speaking of budget, and the vote closes. Speaking of budget, and the vote closes. Speaking of budget, one of the ways that you participate in one of the ways that you participate in one of the ways that you participate in ministry is by your giving. And your ministry is by your giving. And your ministry is by your giving. And your giving is certainly you linking arms giving is certainly you linking arms giving is certainly you linking arms with one another and supporting what with one another and supporting what with one another and supporting what this church is doing in ministry. But this church is doing in ministry. But this church is doing in ministry. But it's important for us to remember that it's important for us to remember that it's important for us to remember that giving is also an act of worship. It's a giving is also an act of worship. It's a giving is also an act of worship. It's a way that we give. We give our gratitude, way that we give. We give our gratitude, way that we give. We give our gratitude, our trust, [music] and our thanks back our trust, [music] and our thanks back our trust, [music] and our thanks back to God through our worshipful giving. to God through our worshipful giving. to God through our worshipful giving. And so there's various ways that you can And so there's various ways that you can And so there's various ways that you can give. A lot of people give online, which give. A lot of people give online, which give. A lot of people give online, which is great. You can text to give. You can is great. You can text to give. You can is great. You can text to give. You can give on our website, but you can also give on our website, but you can also give on our website, but you can also give. There's some boxes as you leave as give. There's some boxes as you leave as give. There's some boxes as you leave as well if that is something that you would well if that is something that you would well if that is something that you would like to do as well. And if you are like to do as well. And if you are like to do as well. And if you are visiting here, we do not want you to visiting here, we do not want you to visiting here, we do not want you to give anything. Your presence is a gift give anything. Your presence is a gift give anything. Your presence is a gift to us. So, we're grateful that you're to us. So, we're grateful that you're to us. So, we're grateful that you're here. Now, we have been going through a here. Now, we have been going through a here. Now, we have been going through a very short sermon series and uh we're very short sermon series and uh we're very short sermon series and uh we're right in the middle of it and it's right in the middle of it and it's right in the middle of it and it's called the God of the Highs and the called the God of the Highs and the called the God of the Highs and the Lows. And Pastor Eric launched us off Lows. And Pastor Eric launched us off Lows. And Pastor Eric launched us off and Pastor Mike will end us. And Pastor and Pastor Mike will end us. And Pastor and Pastor Mike will end us. And Pastor Nate today is bringing a very, I would Nate today is bringing a very, I would Nate today is bringing a very, I would say, very relevant passage to us. And so say, very relevant passage to us. And so say, very relevant passage to us. And so what I'd like us to do is right before what I'd like us to do is right before what I'd like us to do is right before Nate comes out, I'd like us just to take Nate comes out, I'd like us just to take Nate comes out, I'd like us just to take a moment now and quiet our hearts and

a moment now and quiet our hearts and a moment now and quiet our hearts and ask God to really speak to us in the ask God to really speak to us in the ask God to really speak to us in the word that he's going to bring today word that he's going to bring today word that he's going to bring today because I've actually sat through the because I've actually sat through the because I've actually sat through the message and it's really good and message and it's really good and message and it's really good and necessary and helpful. So, would you necessary and helpful. So, would you necessary and helpful. So, would you just take a moment in your seats and just take a moment in your seats and just take a moment in your seats and just quiet your heart and ask the Lord, just quiet your heart and ask the Lord, just quiet your heart and ask the Lord, just say, "God, speak to me through your just say, "God, speak to me through your just say, "God, speak to me through your word." And I'll give you a second to do word." And I'll give you a second to do word." And I'll give you a second to do that and I'll pray before Nate comes that and I'll pray before Nate comes that and I'll pray before Nate comes out. So, just do that for a second. God, we need you. Even as the song says, God, we need you. Even as the song says, every hour every hour every hour we need you. Every moment we need you. we need you. Every moment we need you. we need you. Every moment we need you. And so we come even as we come into this And so we come even as we come into this And so we come even as we come into this room very distracted, I'm sure, by a lot room very distracted, I'm sure, by a lot room very distracted, I'm sure, by a lot of different things. Maybe very of different things. Maybe very of different things. Maybe very expectant, expectant, expectant, but more than words of a pastor. We need but more than words of a pastor. We need but more than words of a pastor. We need you, Lord. So would you speak through you, Lord. So would you speak through you, Lord. So would you speak through Pastor Nate? Pastor Nate? Pastor Nate? Would you meet us in this next bit of Would you meet us in this next bit of Would you meet us in this next bit of time together in a way that your spirit time together in a way that your spirit time together in a way that your spirit is clearly felt in this room? We welcome is clearly felt in this room? We welcome is clearly felt in this room? We welcome you. We ask you to work and we trust you you. We ask you to work and we trust you you. We ask you to work and we trust you to speak specifically to [music] to my to speak specifically to [music] to my to speak specifically to [music] to my heart, to the heart of every single heart, to the heart of every single heart, to the heart of every single person in this room. And so Spirit, person in this room. And so Spirit, person in this room. And so Spirit, would you come do that as we wait in would you come do that as we wait in would you come do that as we wait in anticipation in Jesus name? Amen. Amen.

anticipation in Jesus name? Amen. Amen. anticipation in Jesus name? Amen. Amen. Amen. >> I want to invite you to turn or scroll >> I want to invite you to turn or scroll with me to Psalm 77. Psalm 77. That's with me to Psalm 77. Psalm 77. That's with me to Psalm 77. Psalm 77. That's we're going to be in the word today. And we're going to be in the word today. And we're going to be in the word today. And it's right near the middle of your it's right near the middle of your it's right near the middle of your Bible. And there's hard copies near or Bible. And there's hard copies near or Bible. And there's hard copies near or around your seat if you need to look on around your seat if you need to look on around your seat if you need to look on with one. And if you don't have a Bible, with one. And if you don't have a Bible, with one. And if you don't have a Bible, our welcome team would love to give you our welcome team would love to give you our welcome team would love to give you one right after the service today. And one right after the service today. And one right after the service today. And as you're turning there, I want to add as you're turning there, I want to add as you're turning there, I want to add my welcome and good morning to each of my welcome and good morning to each of my welcome and good morning to each of you as well as those of you who are you as well as those of you who are you as well as those of you who are listening in online. My name is Nate and listening in online. My name is Nate and listening in online. My name is Nate and I serve as one of the pastors here at I serve as one of the pastors here at I serve as one of the pastors here at Tyson's. And I'm just grateful for the Tyson's. And I'm just grateful for the Tyson's. And I'm just grateful for the opportunity to open God's word with you opportunity to open God's word with you opportunity to open God's word with you all here this morning. [snorts] I'll never forget the evening of I'll never forget the evening of February 10th earlier this year.

February 10th earlier this year. February 10th earlier this year. We just wrapped up dinner at home with We just wrapped up dinner at home with We just wrapped up dinner at home with our family when my wife got a text from our family when my wife got a text from our family when my wife got a text from her sister saying, her sister saying, her sister saying, "Please pray. There's been an accident "Please pray. There's been an accident "Please pray. There's been an accident and I don't know if Bert is okay going and I don't know if Bert is okay going and I don't know if Bert is okay going to the hospital." to the hospital." to the hospital." And Bert was her husband. And Bert was her husband. And Bert was her husband. So, I mean, immediately we dropped So, I mean, immediately we dropped So, I mean, immediately we dropped everything. We prayed and anxiously everything. We prayed and anxiously everything. We prayed and anxiously waited to hear more from her. waited to hear more from her. waited to hear more from her. And then about 45 minutes later, we got And then about 45 minutes later, we got And then about 45 minutes later, we got her next text. her next text. her next text. And all it said was, [snorts] And all it said was, [snorts] And all it said was, [snorts] "He's gone. "He's gone. "He's gone. I'm going home to tell the kids." We were shocked. I mean, literally sat We were shocked. I mean, literally sat on the couch for hours going back and on the couch for hours going back and on the couch for hours going back and forth between tears and disbelief. And forth between tears and disbelief. And forth between tears and disbelief. And as you can tell, it still stings 6 as you can tell, it still stings 6 as you can tell, it still stings 6 months later. months later. months later. Bert was 43 years old, an incredibly Bert was 43 years old, an incredibly Bert was 43 years old, an incredibly good and godly man. He loved his wife good and godly man. He loved his wife good and godly man. He loved his wife and his three teenagers fiercely, served and his three teenagers fiercely, served and his three teenagers fiercely, served his church faithfully. He was the kind his church faithfully. He was the kind his church faithfully. He was the kind of person that everyone loved. He was of person that everyone loved. He was of person that everyone loved. He was active in his community, kind to active in his community, kind to active in his community, kind to everyone. He just knew how to make everyone. He just knew how to make everyone. He just knew how to make people smile. And just like that, he was people smile. And just like that, he was people smile. And just like that, he was gone.

It was like a brother to me really and It was like a brother to me really and it's a loss that's left so many in our it's a loss that's left so many in our it's a loss that's left so many in our family just asking God what are you family just asking God what are you family just asking God what are you doing and I don't share this to draw attention and I don't share this to draw attention to our family though I would certainly to our family though I would certainly to our family though I would certainly ask you to pray for his wife Sarah May ask you to pray for his wife Sarah May ask you to pray for his wife Sarah May and their kids and their kids and their kids I share this because I know so many of I share this because I know so many of I share this because I know so many of you are in the same place you are in the same place you are in the same place might not be because of an unexpected might not be because of an unexpected might not be because of an unexpected loss, but something's happened that's loss, but something's happened that's loss, but something's happened that's left you asking the same question. left you asking the same question. left you asking the same question. Where's God in all this? Where's God in all this? Where's God in all this? Might be from a recent diagnosis or Might be from a recent diagnosis or Might be from a recent diagnosis or ongoing physical pain. ongoing physical pain. ongoing physical pain. Maybe you're a parent that's grieving Maybe you're a parent that's grieving Maybe you're a parent that's grieving the life you once envisioned for your the life you once envisioned for your the life you once envisioned for your child after finding out they have a child after finding out they have a child after finding out they have a special need. special need. special need. For some, well really many, your For some, well really many, your For some, well really many, your marriage is falling apart or you've gone marriage is falling apart or you've gone marriage is falling apart or you've gone through an unwanted divorce. through an unwanted divorce. through an unwanted divorce. Some of you have lost a job and you're Some of you have lost a job and you're Some of you have lost a job and you're still waiting for a new opportunity.

still waiting for a new opportunity. still waiting for a new opportunity. Some of you are worried about your Some of you are worried about your Some of you are worried about your immigration status and what that might immigration status and what that might immigration status and what that might mean for your future. mean for your future. mean for your future. Or maybe something happened to you in Or maybe something happened to you in Or maybe something happened to you in the past and as a result, you want the past and as a result, you want the past and as a result, you want nothing to do with God. nothing to do with God. nothing to do with God. could be a host of different things and could be a host of different things and could be a host of different things and you're just struggling to see God in it you're just struggling to see God in it you're just struggling to see God in it all. all. all. You see, superficial faith has fed us a You see, superficial faith has fed us a You see, superficial faith has fed us a lie that if you believe in God, it's lie that if you believe in God, it's lie that if you believe in God, it's going to be easy. going to be easy. going to be easy. That you won't experience difficulty or That you won't experience difficulty or That you won't experience difficulty or pain. And friends, I'm here to tell you pain. And friends, I'm here to tell you pain. And friends, I'm here to tell you today, that's just simply not true. You today, that's just simply not true. You today, that's just simply not true. You won't find that anywhere in the Bible. won't find that anywhere in the Bible. won't find that anywhere in the Bible. We live in a broken and fallen world. So We live in a broken and fallen world. So We live in a broken and fallen world. So what do you do when life falls apart and I am so thankful that God in his and I am so thankful that God in his abundant grace has given us examples in abundant grace has given us examples in abundant grace has given us examples in his word of what it looks like to walk his word of what it looks like to walk his word of what it looks like to walk through the lows of life with honesty through the lows of life with honesty through the lows of life with honesty and with hope.

and with hope. and with hope. So, we're in the middle of a series So, we're in the middle of a series So, we're in the middle of a series called God in the Highs and Lows. And called God in the Highs and Lows. And called God in the Highs and Lows. And last week, Pastor Eric mentioned how the last week, Pastor Eric mentioned how the last week, Pastor Eric mentioned how the Psalms really are the song book of the Psalms really are the song book of the Psalms really are the song book of the Bible. They speak to every condition of Bible. They speak to every condition of Bible. They speak to every condition of the human heart. And if you missed his the human heart. And if you missed his the human heart. And if you missed his message on praise, you need to go back message on praise, you need to go back message on praise, you need to go back this week and listen to it. It was so this week and listen to it. It was so this week and listen to it. It was so helpful. And this week, we're going to helpful. And this week, we're going to helpful. And this week, we're going to look at another type of psalm called look at another type of psalm called look at another type of psalm called lament. Psalms of Lament. You might be lament. Psalms of Lament. You might be lament. Psalms of Lament. You might be wondering, what is lament? Well, let me wondering, what is lament? Well, let me wondering, what is lament? Well, let me give you a simple definition. give you a simple definition. give you a simple definition. Lament is the heartfelt expression of Lament is the heartfelt expression of Lament is the heartfelt expression of people in suffering. people in suffering. people in suffering. Heartfelt expression of people in Heartfelt expression of people in Heartfelt expression of people in suffering. suffering. suffering. And this just amazes me, folks. But over And this just amazes me, folks. But over And this just amazes me, folks. But over a third of the psalms in the Bible are a third of the psalms in the Bible are a third of the psalms in the Bible are actually considered lament. Over a third actually considered lament. Over a third actually considered lament. Over a third of them. In fact, sometime this week, of them. In fact, sometime this week, of them. In fact, sometime this week, I'd recommend you read some of these. I'd recommend you read some of these. I'd recommend you read some of these. You might write these down, but read You might write these down, but read You might write these down, but read through Psalm 13, Psalm 25, or even through Psalm 13, Psalm 25, or even through Psalm 13, Psalm 25, or even Psalm 142 for some clear examples. Psalm 142 for some clear examples. Psalm 142 for some clear examples. 13:25, 142. Add that to your Bible 13:25, 142. Add that to your Bible 13:25, 142. Add that to your Bible reading this week. And that's what reading this week. And that's what reading this week. And that's what brings us here to Psalm 77.

brings us here to Psalm 77. brings us here to Psalm 77. And as we walk through this psalm, I And as we walk through this psalm, I And as we walk through this psalm, I just want to give each of us some space just want to give each of us some space just want to give each of us some space to practice the pattern that we see in to practice the pattern that we see in to practice the pattern that we see in Psalms of Lament. Psalms of Lament. Psalms of Lament. And I am confident that you'll find just And I am confident that you'll find just And I am confident that you'll find just as I have that lament is actually a as I have that lament is actually a as I have that lament is actually a gift. gift. gift. It's a gift. It's a gift. It's a gift. Now, if you're here today and everything Now, if you're here today and everything Now, if you're here today and everything in life is going great for you right in life is going great for you right in life is going great for you right now, like I I understand the temptation now, like I I understand the temptation now, like I I understand the temptation to tune out, but don't do that because I to tune out, but don't do that because I to tune out, but don't do that because I hate to be a downer, but difficulty is hate to be a downer, but difficulty is hate to be a downer, but difficulty is coming. It's coming. Jesus promises this coming. It's coming. Jesus promises this coming. It's coming. Jesus promises this in John 16. And he says, "In this world, in John 16. And he says, "In this world, in John 16. And he says, "In this world, you will have tribulation." you will have tribulation." you will have tribulation." And even more so, lament is something And even more so, lament is something And even more so, lament is something that we need to be wellversed in. Not that we need to be wellversed in. Not that we need to be wellversed in. Not just for ourselves when things are going just for ourselves when things are going just for ourselves when things are going bad, but for those who are hurting bad, but for those who are hurting bad, but for those who are hurting around us. around us. around us. So before we dive in, let me just take a So before we dive in, let me just take a So before we dive in, let me just take a moment pray, ask the Lord to meet us in moment pray, ask the Lord to meet us in moment pray, ask the Lord to meet us in this time. this time. this time. [snorts] Heavenly Father, you know the state of Heavenly Father, you know the state of every single heart in this room. and every single heart in this room. and every single heart in this room. and listening in right now. You know what we listening in right now. You know what we listening in right now. You know what we need. And God, we thank you that you've need. And God, we thank you that you've need. And God, we thank you that you've not left us alone for times like this.

not left us alone for times like this. not left us alone for times like this. You've given us clear encouragement, You've given us clear encouragement, You've given us clear encouragement, instruction in your word. So open our instruction in your word. So open our instruction in your word. So open our hearts and minds to hear from you today hearts and minds to hear from you today hearts and minds to hear from you today exactly how we need to hear from you. exactly how we need to hear from you. exactly how we need to hear from you. Meet us today, Lord, through your word. Meet us today, Lord, through your word. Meet us today, Lord, through your word. We pray all these things in Jesus name. We pray all these things in Jesus name. We pray all these things in Jesus name. We all said together, We all said together, We all said together, >> amen. >> amen. >> amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. So, Psalm 77 and the heading tells us So, Psalm 77 and the heading tells us So, Psalm 77 and the heading tells us that this psalm was written by Asaf, who that this psalm was written by Asaf, who that this psalm was written by Asaf, who was a chief musical leader appointed by was a chief musical leader appointed by was a chief musical leader appointed by King David to lead others in worship at King David to lead others in worship at King David to lead others in worship at the temple. And we don't know what the the temple. And we don't know what the the temple. And we don't know what the circumstances were surrounding this circumstances were surrounding this circumstances were surrounding this psalm. But as you'll see, it's clearly psalm. But as you'll see, it's clearly psalm. But as you'll see, it's clearly not good. And I expect that these verses not good. And I expect that these verses not good. And I expect that these verses will resonate with many of us here this will resonate with many of us here this will resonate with many of us here this morning. Just listen to the first nine morning. Just listen to the first nine morning. Just listen to the first nine verses, and they'll be up on the screen verses, and they'll be up on the screen verses, and they'll be up on the screen as well. Psalm 71 starting in verse one, as well. Psalm 71 starting in verse one, as well. Psalm 71 starting in verse one, it says this,"I it says this,"I it says this,"I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. In the day of my trouble, will hear me. In the day of my trouble, will hear me. In the day of my trouble, I seek the Lord." In the night, my hand I seek the Lord." In the night, my hand I seek the Lord." In the night, my hand is stretched out without wearing, is stretched out without wearing, is stretched out without wearing, which is another way to say that he's which is another way to say that he's which is another way to say that he's been crying out in prayer all night been crying out in prayer all night been crying out in prayer all night long. He's trying to cling to God in long. He's trying to cling to God in long. He's trying to cling to God in this moment. And then things take a this moment. And then things take a this moment. And then things take a turn.

turn. turn. says this, "My soul refuses to be says this, "My soul refuses to be says this, "My soul refuses to be comforted. comforted. comforted. When I remember God, I moan. When I remember God, I moan. When I remember God, I moan. When I meditate, my spirit faints. When I meditate, my spirit faints. When I meditate, my spirit faints. You hold my eyelids open. I'm so You hold my eyelids open. I'm so You hold my eyelids open. I'm so troubled that I cannot speak. troubled that I cannot speak. troubled that I cannot speak. I consider the days of old, the years I consider the days of old, the years I consider the days of old, the years long ago. I said, "Let me remember my long ago. I said, "Let me remember my long ago. I said, "Let me remember my song in the night. Let me meditate in my song in the night. Let me meditate in my song in the night. Let me meditate in my heart. This is a dark night of the soul. This is a dark night of the soul. It's so bad. He's groaning out loud. He It's so bad. He's groaning out loud. He It's so bad. He's groaning out loud. He can't sleep. And he's a complete loss can't sleep. And he's a complete loss can't sleep. And he's a complete loss for words. for words. for words. Have you ever been there? Have you ever been there? Have you ever been there? >> Like so low you're at a loss for words, >> Like so low you're at a loss for words, >> Like so low you're at a loss for words, you can't sleep, and you're just you can't sleep, and you're just you can't sleep, and you're just desperate for relief. [snorts] Like desperate for relief. [snorts] Like desperate for relief. [snorts] Like those nights are awful. those nights are awful. those nights are awful. Some of you are there right now. Maybe Some of you are there right now. Maybe Some of you are there right now. Maybe you've been there for a long time. And you've been there for a long time. And you've been there for a long time. And that's exactly where Asaf was. He's been that's exactly where Asaf was. He's been that's exactly where Asaf was. He's been up all night praying in desperation.

up all night praying in desperation. up all night praying in desperation. And when he says, "Let me remember my And when he says, "Let me remember my And when he says, "Let me remember my song in the night," he's thinking back song in the night," he's thinking back song in the night," he's thinking back to times when life was good. In fact, to times when life was good. In fact, to times when life was good. In fact, this verse could be read, "Let me this verse could be read, "Let me this verse could be read, "Let me remember when the nights were filled remember when the nights were filled remember when the nights were filled with joy." He so badly wants to be back with joy." He so badly wants to be back with joy." He so badly wants to be back in that place, but those times feel so in that place, but those times feel so in that place, but those times feel so far away. In fact, they feel impossible far away. In fact, they feel impossible far away. In fact, they feel impossible right now. right now. right now. And then the doubts begin to form in his And then the doubts begin to form in his And then the doubts begin to form in his mind. Listen to verse 7. [snorts] mind. Listen to verse 7. [snorts] mind. Listen to verse 7. [snorts] Says, "Then my spirit made a diligent Says, "Then my spirit made a diligent Says, "Then my spirit made a diligent search." Meaning I tried to make sense search." Meaning I tried to make sense search." Meaning I tried to make sense of what was happening and then just of what was happening and then just of what was happening and then just listen to his questions. listen to his questions. listen to his questions. Will the Lord spurn forever and never Will the Lord spurn forever and never Will the Lord spurn forever and never again be favorable? again be favorable? again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Are his promises at an end for all time? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion? Like these questions just show how Like these questions just show how disorienting his situation was. Things disorienting his situation was. Things disorienting his situation was. Things are so bad that he's having doubts about are so bad that he's having doubts about are so bad that he's having doubts about God's goodness. And I know many of us, God's goodness. And I know many of us, God's goodness. And I know many of us, myself included, have had times when myself included, have had times when myself included, have had times when we've struggled with doubt. like the the we've struggled with doubt. like the the we've struggled with doubt. like the the bottom falls out and even though we feel bottom falls out and even though we feel bottom falls out and even though we feel guilty about it, we just begin to wonder guilty about it, we just begin to wonder guilty about it, we just begin to wonder things just like Asaf did. Like, has God things just like Asaf did. Like, has God things just like Asaf did. Like, has God rejected me?

rejected me? rejected me? Will I ever experience his favor again? Will I ever experience his favor again? Will I ever experience his favor again? Has he stopped loving me? Has he stopped loving me? Has he stopped loving me? Is he angry with me? Like, does he even Is he angry with me? Like, does he even Is he angry with me? Like, does he even see or understand what I'm going see or understand what I'm going see or understand what I'm going through? And this is where I'm so thankful for And this is where I'm so thankful for the pattern that we see in lament. the pattern that we see in lament. the pattern that we see in lament. Because friends, remember this is not Because friends, remember this is not Because friends, remember this is not just the journal from someone in a dark just the journal from someone in a dark just the journal from someone in a dark place. These are words that are inspired place. These are words that are inspired place. These are words that are inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. That's why by the Holy Spirit of God. That's why by the Holy Spirit of God. That's why they're in the Bible. they're in the Bible. they're in the Bible. And if God has inspired these words for And if God has inspired these words for And if God has inspired these words for us, then we can make at least two us, then we can make at least two us, then we can make at least two observations about lament today. You observations about lament today. You observations about lament today. You might write these down if you're taking might write these down if you're taking might write these down if you're taking notes. First, lament gives us freedom to notes. First, lament gives us freedom to notes. First, lament gives us freedom to be honest. >> gives us freedom to be honest. Asaf >> gives us freedom to be honest. Asaf hasn't held anything back in these hasn't held anything back in these hasn't held anything back in these verses. In fact, one commentator I read verses. In fact, one commentator I read verses. In fact, one commentator I read said this. He said, "If there's one said this. He said, "If there's one said this. He said, "If there's one thing about Asaf, he tells it like it thing about Asaf, he tells it like it thing about Asaf, he tells it like it is.

is. is. It's been extremely raw and honest." It's been extremely raw and honest." It's been extremely raw and honest." Church family, look me in the eye right Church family, look me in the eye right Church family, look me in the eye right now. I want you to hear this clearly now. I want you to hear this clearly now. I want you to hear this clearly from me today. from me today. from me today. God always invites you to come to him God always invites you to come to him God always invites you to come to him exactly the way you are. exactly the way you are. exactly the way you are. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Always. >> Always. >> Always. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Always invites you to come to him >> Always invites you to come to him >> Always invites you to come to him exactly the way you are. exactly the way you are. exactly the way you are. Doesn't expect you to hide your pain. Doesn't expect you to hide your pain. Doesn't expect you to hide your pain. Doesn't demand that you clean yourself Doesn't demand that you clean yourself Doesn't demand that you clean yourself up or find the right words before you up or find the right words before you up or find the right words before you come to him. He invites you to come to come to him. He invites you to come to come to him. He invites you to come to him just as you are and freely share him just as you are and freely share him just as you are and freely share that struggle with him. that struggle with him. that struggle with him. Even if all you can struggle to say to Even if all you can struggle to say to Even if all you can struggle to say to him is a moan or a why. Even though he already knows the full Even though he already knows the full extent of your pain and sorrow as a extent of your pain and sorrow as a extent of your pain and sorrow as a loving father, he wants you to come to loving father, he wants you to come to loving father, he wants you to come to him with honesty. him with honesty. him with honesty. And here's a second observation. And here's a second observation. And here's a second observation. Lament leaves room for our doubts.

Lament leaves room for our doubts. Lament leaves room for our doubts. Leaves room for our doubts. Leaves room for our doubts. Leaves room for our doubts. Mark Vogreup in his book Dark Clouds: Mark Vogreup in his book Dark Clouds: Mark Vogreup in his book Dark Clouds: Deep Mercy, which I highly recommend, Deep Mercy, which I highly recommend, Deep Mercy, which I highly recommend, says it this way. Lament is how you live says it this way. Lament is how you live says it this way. Lament is how you live between the poles of a hard life and between the poles of a hard life and between the poles of a hard life and trusting in God's sovereignty. trusting in God's sovereignty. trusting in God's sovereignty. Because we can know that God is in Because we can know that God is in Because we can know that God is in control, but it can feel like everything control, but it can feel like everything control, but it can feel like everything else is out of control. else is out of control. else is out of control. We can know that God is all powerful, We can know that God is all powerful, We can know that God is all powerful, but it can really feel like he is but it can really feel like he is but it can really feel like he is withholding his power. withholding his power. withholding his power. We can know that he's all knowing, but We can know that he's all knowing, but We can know that he's all knowing, but it seems like he's turned a blind eye to it seems like he's turned a blind eye to it seems like he's turned a blind eye to our circumstances. our circumstances. our circumstances. And because we don't have the mind and And because we don't have the mind and And because we don't have the mind and perspective of God, that naturally leads perspective of God, that naturally leads perspective of God, that naturally leads us to doubt. And this was clear in us to doubt. And this was clear in us to doubt. And this was clear in Asaf's struggle. Look at verse 8. When Asaf's struggle. Look at verse 8. When Asaf's struggle. Look at verse 8. When he asks, "Has his steadfast love forever he asks, "Has his steadfast love forever he asks, "Has his steadfast love forever ceased?" The Hebrew word for steadfast ceased?" The Hebrew word for steadfast ceased?" The Hebrew word for steadfast love there is. It's a word we've talked love there is. It's a word we've talked love there is. It's a word we've talked about many times. It speaks to so many about many times. It speaks to so many about many times. It speaks to so many aspects of God's character, including aspects of God's character, including aspects of God's character, including his loyal, neverending love. And Asop is his loyal, neverending love. And Asop is his loyal, neverending love. And Asop is essentially asking here, has the essentially asking here, has the essentially asking here, has the unceasing love of God actually ceased?

unceasing love of God actually ceased? unceasing love of God actually ceased? He's struggling with doubt? He's struggling with doubt? He's struggling with doubt? And friends, I want to tell you this And friends, I want to tell you this And friends, I want to tell you this morning that wrestling with doubt is not morning that wrestling with doubt is not morning that wrestling with doubt is not a bad thing. It's part of what it means a bad thing. It's part of what it means a bad thing. It's part of what it means to have faith. to have faith. to have faith. >> Amen. But what what makes doubting >> Amen. But what what makes doubting >> Amen. But what what makes doubting harmful is when we allow it to pull us harmful is when we allow it to pull us harmful is when we allow it to pull us away from God rather than drawing us to away from God rather than drawing us to away from God rather than drawing us to him. him. him. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And all throughout the Bible and here in >> And all throughout the Bible and here in >> And all throughout the Bible and here in the psalm, God is clearly saying to us, the psalm, God is clearly saying to us, the psalm, God is clearly saying to us, "Bring your doubts and your questions to "Bring your doubts and your questions to "Bring your doubts and your questions to me. Cast them all on me. I can take me. Cast them all on me. I can take me. Cast them all on me. I can take them." them." them." >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And if you're struggling to believe >> And if you're struggling to believe >> And if you're struggling to believe that, that, that, just look to Jesus. Yeah, just look to Jesus. Yeah, just look to Jesus. Yeah, >> like see Jesus as he's hanging on the >> like see Jesus as he's hanging on the >> like see Jesus as he's hanging on the cross bearing the full weight of God's cross bearing the full weight of God's cross bearing the full weight of God's wrath for our sin. And he cries out to wrath for our sin. And he cries out to wrath for our sin. And he cries out to the father in agony. And he does so the father in agony. And he does so the father in agony. And he does so quoting the words of Psalm 22. Another quoting the words of Psalm 22. Another quoting the words of Psalm 22. Another psalm of lame. And this is what he says. psalm of lame. And this is what he says. psalm of lame. And this is what he says. You can see it in Matthew 27:46. And at You can see it in Matthew 27:46. And at You can see it in Matthew 27:46. And at about the 9th hour, Jesus cried out with about the 9th hour, Jesus cried out with about the 9th hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice saying, "Eli, Eli, Leva a loud voice saying, "Eli, Eli, Leva a loud voice saying, "Eli, Eli, Leva Sabakton," which is my God, my God, why Sabakton," which is my God, my God, why Sabakton," which is my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Aren't you glad we serve a God who's not Aren't you glad we serve a God who's not immune to pain? immune to pain? immune to pain? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And if Jesus, God in the flesh, could >> And if Jesus, God in the flesh, could >> And if Jesus, God in the flesh, could express his heartfelt questions to the express his heartfelt questions to the express his heartfelt questions to the father, then, brothers and sisters, so father, then, brothers and sisters, so father, then, brothers and sisters, so can we. >> Not only can he handle them, he desires >> Not only can he handle them, he desires to meet us in them and to walk with us to meet us in them and to walk with us to meet us in them and to walk with us in the struggle. And I have to tell you, in the struggle. And I have to tell you, in the struggle. And I have to tell you, it's true. God is not always going to it's true. God is not always going to it's true. God is not always going to give us answers as to why he's doing give us answers as to why he's doing give us answers as to why he's doing things the way that he's doing them. But things the way that he's doing them. But things the way that he's doing them. But I do know this that he will give us I do know this that he will give us I do know this that he will give us something better in those moments. something better in those moments. something better in those moments. >> He'll give us himself, >> He'll give us himself, >> He'll give us himself, his presence, his strength, and his his presence, his strength, and his his presence, his strength, and his peace. peace. peace. [snorts] It's okay to grieve the brokenness in It's okay to grieve the brokenness in this world. We should do this. We should this world. We should do this. We should this world. We should do this. We should do it often because God's original do it often because God's original do it often because God's original design didn't include things like abuse, design didn't include things like abuse, design didn't include things like abuse, sex trafficking, sex trafficking, sex trafficking, natural disasters, natural disasters, natural disasters, cancer, conflict, abandonment, cancer, conflict, abandonment, cancer, conflict, abandonment, disabilities, car accidents, depression, disabilities, car accidents, depression, disabilities, car accidents, depression, mental illness, chronic pain, and even mental illness, chronic pain, and even mental illness, chronic pain, and even death. God looks on all of these things, death. God looks on all of these things, death. God looks on all of these things, and his heart is grieved for all of and his heart is grieved for all of and his heart is grieved for all of them.

them. them. It's even okay to be angry at the It's even okay to be angry at the It's even okay to be angry at the effects of sin. effects of sin. effects of sin. But it's absolutely critical that we But it's absolutely critical that we But it's absolutely critical that we bring our honesty to God with the right bring our honesty to God with the right bring our honesty to God with the right heart posture heart posture heart posture because there's a difference between because there's a difference between because there's a difference between honest expression and complaining. honest expression and complaining. honest expression and complaining. Like it's tempting to bring our Like it's tempting to bring our Like it's tempting to bring our questions to God with an angry fist and questions to God with an angry fist and questions to God with an angry fist and accusation. So tempting. accusation. So tempting. accusation. So tempting. But listen, if God is holy, But listen, if God is holy, But listen, if God is holy, sovereign, sovereign, sovereign, all- wise, and completely good, then all- wise, and completely good, then all- wise, and completely good, then being angry with God is never being angry with God is never being angry with God is never appropriate. It's never appropriate. appropriate. It's never appropriate. appropriate. It's never appropriate. Lament can be honest, but it includes a Lament can be honest, but it includes a Lament can be honest, but it includes a humble posture towards God. And I love humble posture towards God. And I love humble posture towards God. And I love how Christian counselor and professor how Christian counselor and professor how Christian counselor and professor Dr. Dan Allander explains this. I've Dr. Dan Allander explains this. I've Dr. Dan Allander explains this. I've shared this quote before, but he says shared this quote before, but he says shared this quote before, but he says this. It is crucial to comprehend a this. It is crucial to comprehend a this. It is crucial to comprehend a lament is as far from complaining or lament is as far from complaining or lament is as far from complaining or grumbling as a search is from aimless grumbling as a search is from aimless grumbling as a search is from aimless wandering. A grumbler has already wandering. A grumbler has already wandering. A grumbler has already reached a conclusion, shut down all reached a conclusion, shut down all reached a conclusion, shut down all desire, and postures with questions that desire, and postures with questions that desire, and postures with questions that are barely concealed accusations.

are barely concealed accusations. are barely concealed accusations. Instead, a lament involves even deeper Instead, a lament involves even deeper Instead, a lament involves even deeper emotion because a lament is truly emotion because a lament is truly emotion because a lament is truly asking, seeking, and knocking to asking, seeking, and knocking to asking, seeking, and knocking to comprehend the heart of God. A lament comprehend the heart of God. A lament comprehend the heart of God. A lament involves the energy to search, not to involves the energy to search, not to involves the energy to search, not to shut down the quest for truth. It is a shut down the quest for truth. It is a shut down the quest for truth. It is a passion to ask rather than to rant and passion to ask rather than to rant and passion to ask rather than to rant and rave with already reached conclusions. rave with already reached conclusions. rave with already reached conclusions. And listen to this. A lament uses the And listen to this. A lament uses the And listen to this. A lament uses the language of pain, anger, and confusion language of pain, anger, and confusion language of pain, anger, and confusion and moves toward God. and moves toward God. and moves toward God. >> Amen. [snorts] >> Amen. [snorts] >> Amen. [snorts] >> That means we don't come to God in >> That means we don't come to God in >> That means we don't come to God in frustration, but with our frustration. frustration, but with our frustration. frustration, but with our frustration. We don't come to God in disappointment, We don't come to God in disappointment, We don't come to God in disappointment, but with our disappointment. and we cast but with our disappointment. and we cast but with our disappointment. and we cast it all on his feet. it all on his feet. it all on his feet. So to sum up these first nine verses, So to sum up these first nine verses, So to sum up these first nine verses, here's my first encouragement to you here's my first encouragement to you here's my first encouragement to you today on how we practice lament. today on how we practice lament. today on how we practice lament. When life falls apart, God can bear the When life falls apart, God can bear the When life falls apart, God can bear the full weight of your pain. full weight of your pain. full weight of your pain. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Can bear the full weight of your pain. >> Can bear the full weight of your pain. >> Can bear the full weight of your pain. If you're taking notes, you might circle If you're taking notes, you might circle If you're taking notes, you might circle or underline that word full because he or underline that word full because he or underline that word full because he can bear it all. All your agony, all can bear it all. All your agony, all can bear it all. All your agony, all your doubts, and all of your questions.

your doubts, and all of your questions. your doubts, and all of your questions. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Now, we've still got 11 more verses to >> Now, we've still got 11 more verses to >> Now, we've still got 11 more verses to go, but so often when we're walking go, but so often when we're walking go, but so often when we're walking through hard seasons, there is a through hard seasons, there is a through hard seasons, there is a temptation and maybe even a pressure temptation and maybe even a pressure temptation and maybe even a pressure from others to just get over it and move from others to just get over it and move from others to just get over it and move past things, past things, past things, to not leave space to acknowledge the to not leave space to acknowledge the to not leave space to acknowledge the reality of how bad things really are. reality of how bad things really are. reality of how bad things really are. We've got to realize that when we We've got to realize that when we We've got to realize that when we actually take the time to bring these actually take the time to bring these actually take the time to bring these thing before God, that's when the thing before God, that's when the thing before God, that's when the healing actually often begins. healing actually often begins. healing actually often begins. And so I want to make room for us this And so I want to make room for us this And so I want to make room for us this morning to do that. [snorts] Now you may morning to do that. [snorts] Now you may morning to do that. [snorts] Now you may have noticed as we read through these have noticed as we read through these have noticed as we read through these verses that word sa printed in the verses that word sa printed in the verses that word sa printed in the margin. You ever wonder what that word's margin. You ever wonder what that word's margin. You ever wonder what that word's there for? Seems kind of random maybe. there for? Seems kind of random maybe. there for? Seems kind of random maybe. Well, this psalm was originally set to Well, this psalm was originally set to Well, this psalm was originally set to music and it was meant to be sung. music and it was meant to be sung. music and it was meant to be sung. That's why the title at the beginning That's why the title at the beginning That's why the title at the beginning says to the choir master. If you see at says to the choir master. If you see at says to the choir master. If you see at the top of the of the passage, the word the top of the of the passage, the word the top of the of the passage, the word sa is likely a musical term that likely sa is likely a musical term that likely sa is likely a musical term that likely indicated like a musical interlude or indicated like a musical interlude or indicated like a musical interlude or even a brief pause in the music for the even a brief pause in the music for the even a brief pause in the music for the musicians in the room. It's like a grand musicians in the room. It's like a grand musicians in the room. It's like a grand pause or a format. You don't know what pause or a format. You don't know what pause or a format. You don't know what that is, ask your musician friend, that is, ask your musician friend, that is, ask your musician friend, they'll tell you. [snorts] And it they'll tell you. [snorts] And it they'll tell you. [snorts] And it appears a few times in this passage and appears a few times in this passage and appears a few times in this passage and that word is not necessarily meant to be that word is not necessarily meant to be that word is not necessarily meant to be read. And to be honest, I think it kind read. And to be honest, I think it kind read. And to be honest, I think it kind of appears in some odd places at times of appears in some odd places at times of appears in some odd places at times which we can't judge. We don't know the which we can't judge. We don't know the which we can't judge. We don't know the soundtrack to these original songs, soundtrack to these original songs, soundtrack to these original songs, but I do think the placement of this one but I do think the placement of this one but I do think the placement of this one is helpful. I do.

is helpful. I do. is helpful. I do. So, before we go any further, I just So, before we go any further, I just So, before we go any further, I just want to give each of us some space to want to give each of us some space to want to give each of us some space to pause and just be honest before God. pause and just be honest before God. pause and just be honest before God. I'm going to put a question up on the I'm going to put a question up on the I'm going to put a question up on the screen and even some prompts that might screen and even some prompts that might screen and even some prompts that might help you just to give you some space to help you just to give you some space to help you just to give you some space to process between you and the Lord. And process between you and the Lord. And process between you and the Lord. And since God has designed music to really since God has designed music to really since God has designed music to really engage our hearts in a unique way, in a engage our hearts in a unique way, in a engage our hearts in a unique way, in a minute or two, I'm going to have some of minute or two, I'm going to have some of minute or two, I'm going to have some of our worship team come out and close out our worship team come out and close out our worship team come out and close out this first reflection time by singing a this first reflection time by singing a this first reflection time by singing a song that blends a similar honesty and song that blends a similar honesty and song that blends a similar honesty and humility. And as they sing, you're humility. And as they sing, you're humility. And as they sing, you're you're welcome to either sing along with you're welcome to either sing along with you're welcome to either sing along with them or just sit and listen or just them or just sit and listen or just them or just sit and listen or just continue to let these reflection continue to let these reflection continue to let these reflection questions go through your mind. But I questions go through your mind. But I questions go through your mind. But I just want us to take some time to just want us to take some time to just want us to take some time to honestly express before the Lord right honestly express before the Lord right honestly express before the Lord right now where we might be struggling. Either now where we might be struggling. Either now where we might be struggling. Either something in our life, someone else's something in our life, someone else's something in our life, someone else's life, or even something happening in the life, or even something happening in the life, or even something happening in the world. So we'll put this question up on world. So we'll put this question up on world. So we'll put this question up on the screen. We'll give you a few minutes the screen. We'll give you a few minutes the screen. We'll give you a few minutes and then our worship team will lead us and then our worship team will lead us and then our worship team will lead us after that. Go ahead and take a moment after that. Go ahead and take a moment after that. Go ahead and take a moment between you and the Lord. [snorts]

Lord, from sorrows deep I call. Lord, from sorrows deep I call. When my [singing] hope was shen, When my [singing] hope was shen, When my [singing] hope was shen, torn and ruined [music and singing] from torn and ruined [music and singing] from torn and ruined [music and singing] from the fall. the fall. the fall. Hear my desperation. [singing] For so long I've pled [music] and For so long I've pled [music] and [singing] pray. [singing] pray. [singing] pray. God come to my even [music] even [music] the throne [singing] the throne [singing] the throne [singing] remains. remains. remains. Still my heart will praise you. Storms within [music and singing] Storms within [music and singing] my trledd soul. my trledd soul. my trledd soul. Questions withouters [music and singing] on my faith these billows roll. on my faith these billows roll. God be now [singing] my shelter. [music] God be now [singing] my shelter. [music] God be now [singing] my shelter. [music] And why are you cast down my soul?

And why are you cast down my soul? And why are you cast down my soul? Hope [singing] and help him who saves Hope [singing] and help him who saves Hope [singing] and help him who saves you you you when the fires have all grown cold. when the fires have all grown cold. when the fires have all grown cold. Cause this [singing] heart to praise Cause this [singing] heart to praise Cause this [singing] heart to praise you. And oh my soul, put your hope in God, my And oh my soul, put your hope in God, my help, [singing and music] help, [singing and music] help, [singing and music] my rock, I will praise my rock, I will praise my rock, I will praise you. you. you. Sing, oh, [singing] sing through the Sing, oh, [singing] sing through the Sing, oh, [singing] sing through the raging raging raging storm. You're still [singing] storm. You're still [singing] storm. You're still [singing] my God, [music] my salvation. should my [singing] life be torn from should my [singing] life be torn from me, me, me, every worldly [singing and music] every worldly [singing and music] every worldly [singing and music] pleasure, pleasure, pleasure, when all I possess [music] is grief.

when all I possess [music] is grief. when all I possess [music] is grief. God be there my [singing] God be there my [singing] God be there my [singing] treasure treasure treasure and be my [music] vision in the night. and be my [music] vision in the night. and be my [music] vision in the night. Be my hope and [music] reuge Be my hope and [music] reuge Be my hope and [music] reuge till my [singing] faith is turned to till my [singing] faith is turned to till my [singing] faith is turned to sight. sight. sight. Lord, my heart will [music and singing] Lord, my heart will [music and singing] Lord, my heart will [music and singing] praise you. And oh my [singing] soul, put your hope And oh my [singing] soul, put your hope in God, my help, my rock. I [singing] in God, my help, my rock. I [singing] in God, my help, my rock. I [singing] will praise will praise will praise him [music] him [music] him [music] and sing. Oh, sing through the raging and sing. Oh, sing through the raging and sing. Oh, sing through the raging storm. You're still [singing] my God, my storm. You're still [singing] my God, my storm. You're still [singing] my God, my salvation. [music] [singing] [singing] And oh my [music] soul, put your hope in And oh my [music] soul, put your hope in And oh my [music] soul, put your hope in God. [singing] God. [singing] God. [singing] My help, my rock. I will praise My help, my rock. I will praise My help, my rock. I will praise [music] him and sing. I'll sing through [music] him and sing. I'll sing through [music] him and sing. I'll sing through the raining the raining the raining [music and singing] storm.

You're still [singing] my God, [music] You're still [singing] my God, [music] my salvation. You're still [singing] my God, my You're still [singing] my God, my [music] salv. >> When life falls apart, God can bear the >> When life falls apart, God can bear the full weight of your pain. full weight of your pain. full weight of your pain. >> Amen. And just as an aside, I know >> Amen. And just as an aside, I know >> Amen. And just as an aside, I know there's a temptation for us when things there's a temptation for us when things there's a temptation for us when things are going bad to isolate or keep to are going bad to isolate or keep to are going bad to isolate or keep to ourselves. I hear people often say, and ourselves. I hear people often say, and ourselves. I hear people often say, and I've even said at times, I just don't I've even said at times, I just don't I've even said at times, I just don't want to be a burden to others. want to be a burden to others. want to be a burden to others. When we forget that that's exactly what When we forget that that's exactly what When we forget that that's exactly what God has designed his church to be, God has designed his church to be, God has designed his church to be, place where we bear each other's place where we bear each other's place where we bear each other's burdens. That's Galatians 6:2. Bear one burdens. That's Galatians 6:2. Bear one burdens. That's Galatians 6:2. Bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill the another's burdens and thus fulfill the another's burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ.

law of Christ. law of Christ. And lamenting together is a means of And lamenting together is a means of And lamenting together is a means of grace God gives us to make it through grace God gives us to make it through grace God gives us to make it through difficult times. This is why you need to difficult times. This is why you need to difficult times. This is why you need to know how to lament even when things are know how to lament even when things are know how to lament even when things are going well. Because chances are there's going well. Because chances are there's going well. Because chances are there's someone around you where things are not someone around you where things are not someone around you where things are not going well. And let me just be clear. going well. And let me just be clear. going well. And let me just be clear. Lament is not throwing out religious Lament is not throwing out religious Lament is not throwing out religious platitudes platitudes platitudes trying to explain what's happening. trying to explain what's happening. trying to explain what's happening. It doesn't even necessarily mean using It doesn't even necessarily mean using It doesn't even necessarily mean using words at all. It could simply just mean words at all. It could simply just mean words at all. It could simply just mean presence. presence. presence. weeping with those who weep, affirming weeping with those who weep, affirming weeping with those who weep, affirming that what they're going through is that what they're going through is that what they're going through is indeed really hard, indeed really hard, indeed really hard, folks. Lament is often meant to be a folks. Lament is often meant to be a folks. Lament is often meant to be a community activity. Now, I know it's it's been a little Now, I know it's it's been a little heavy this morning so far. Let's go heavy this morning so far. Let's go heavy this morning so far. Let's go ahead and take a deep breath. ahead and take a deep breath. ahead and take a deep breath. [sighs] I needed to. [sighs] I needed to. [sighs] I needed to. And this is what I love about lament in And this is what I love about lament in And this is what I love about lament in the Bible. It's where they then lead us. the Bible. It's where they then lead us. the Bible. It's where they then lead us. And when you read through psalms like And when you read through psalms like And when you read through psalms like this, you notice that they actually this, you notice that they actually this, you notice that they actually always move towards hope, always move towards hope, always move towards hope, which we're going to see in the which we're going to see in the which we're going to see in the remaining verses of the psalm. So verse remaining verses of the psalm. So verse remaining verses of the psalm. So verse 10, if you're looking at Psalm 77, marks 10, if you're looking at Psalm 77, marks 10, if you're looking at Psalm 77, marks the beginning of another turn. After the beginning of another turn. After the beginning of another turn. After honestly expressing his pain and doubts, honestly expressing his pain and doubts, honestly expressing his pain and doubts, Asaf says this in verse 10. He says, Asaf says this in verse 10. He says, Asaf says this in verse 10. He says, "Then I said, I will appeal to this to "Then I said, I will appeal to this to "Then I said, I will appeal to this to the years of the right hand of the most the years of the right hand of the most the years of the right hand of the most high." Now, this verse can be translated high." Now, this verse can be translated high." Now, this verse can be translated in two different ways, and commentators in two different ways, and commentators in two different ways, and commentators are split on which way is correct. We are split on which way is correct. We are split on which way is correct. We just read the English Standard Version,

just read the English Standard Version, just read the English Standard Version, which seems to have a hopeful term which seems to have a hopeful term which seems to have a hopeful term because the rightful hand was considered because the rightful hand was considered because the rightful hand was considered the place of honor and favor. So, Asaf the place of honor and favor. So, Asaf the place of honor and favor. So, Asaf could be saying here, I'm trusting that could be saying here, I'm trusting that could be saying here, I'm trusting that God will be favorable again because he's God will be favorable again because he's God will be favorable again because he's been in the past. Or this verse could been in the past. Or this verse could been in the past. Or this verse could actually be a continuation of him actually be a continuation of him actually be a continuation of him expressing his doubts. The New English expressing his doubts. The New English expressing his doubts. The New English translation has it this way. I am translation has it this way. I am translation has it this way. I am sickened by the thought that the most sickened by the thought that the most sickened by the thought that the most high might become inactive. high might become inactive. high might become inactive. In other words, he's overwhelmed In other words, he's overwhelmed In other words, he's overwhelmed thinking that the God who never changes thinking that the God who never changes thinking that the God who never changes might have changed. So, which one is it? might have changed. So, which one is it? might have changed. So, which one is it? And honestly, both fit with the flow of And honestly, both fit with the flow of And honestly, both fit with the flow of this psalm. It either connects to the this psalm. It either connects to the this psalm. It either connects to the list of previous questions or it flows list of previous questions or it flows list of previous questions or it flows right into where Asaf goes next, right into where Asaf goes next, right into where Asaf goes next, remembering how God has acted in the remembering how God has acted in the remembering how God has acted in the past. And you see that in verses 11 to past. And you see that in verses 11 to past. And you see that in verses 11 to 14. 14. 14. says this,"I will remember the deeds of says this,"I will remember the deeds of says this,"I will remember the deeds of the Lord. Yes, I will remember your the Lord. Yes, I will remember your the Lord. Yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all of wonders of old. I will ponder all of wonders of old. I will ponder all of your work and meditate on your mighty your work and meditate on your mighty your work and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, oh God, is holy." What deeds. Your way, oh God, is holy." What deeds. Your way, oh God, is holy." What God is great like our God. You are the God is great like our God. You are the God is great like our God. You are the God who works wonders. You have made God who works wonders. You have made God who works wonders. You have made known your might among the peoples.

known your might among the peoples. known your might among the peoples. You see, God intends lament to be a You see, God intends lament to be a You see, God intends lament to be a conduit where sorrow moves towards conduit where sorrow moves towards conduit where sorrow moves towards trust. trust. trust. >> Amen. And Asaf does this here just by >> Amen. And Asaf does this here just by >> Amen. And Asaf does this here just by reorienting his thinking. You see this reorienting his thinking. You see this reorienting his thinking. You see this in the words that are repeated in this in the words that are repeated in this in the words that are repeated in this passage we just read twice. He says in passage we just read twice. He says in passage we just read twice. He says in verse 11, I will remember or I will verse 11, I will remember or I will verse 11, I will remember or I will ponder and meditate. In fact, the word ponder and meditate. In fact, the word ponder and meditate. In fact, the word remember and meditate are the two words remember and meditate are the two words remember and meditate are the two words that appear the most in this entire that appear the most in this entire that appear the most in this entire psalm, which really makes sense because psalm, which really makes sense because psalm, which really makes sense because the battle for hope really begins in our the battle for hope really begins in our the battle for hope really begins in our minds. It's where it starts. minds. It's where it starts. minds. It's where it starts. Eliza Huey, our director of counseling, Eliza Huey, our director of counseling, Eliza Huey, our director of counseling, showed me a study this week that found showed me a study this week that found showed me a study this week that found that for most people, 80% of the that for most people, 80% of the that for most people, 80% of the thoughts we think during any given day thoughts we think during any given day thoughts we think during any given day tend to be negative. It's kind of tend to be negative. It's kind of tend to be negative. It's kind of frightening, isn't it? And 90% 95% of frightening, isn't it? And 90% 95% of frightening, isn't it? And 90% 95% of those thoughts tend to be thoughts that those thoughts tend to be thoughts that those thoughts tend to be thoughts that we're just recycling from the previous we're just recycling from the previous we're just recycling from the previous day. day. day. It just shows that our minds are prone It just shows that our minds are prone It just shows that our minds are prone to dwell on what's bad. And while we to dwell on what's bad. And while we to dwell on what's bad. And while we can't control exterior factors that lead can't control exterior factors that lead can't control exterior factors that lead to our pain, we can influence how our to our pain, we can influence how our to our pain, we can influence how our mind responds.

mind responds. mind responds. >> And I'm not talking here about the power >> And I'm not talking here about the power >> And I'm not talking here about the power of positive thinking. I'm talking about of positive thinking. I'm talking about of positive thinking. I'm talking about anchoring our minds in what we know to anchoring our minds in what we know to anchoring our minds in what we know to be true. be true. be true. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Anchoring our minds. And just so you >> Anchoring our minds. And just so you >> Anchoring our minds. And just so you know, this isn't something from the know, this isn't something from the know, this isn't something from the psychology world. This comes from the psychology world. This comes from the psychology world. This comes from the Bible. Straight from a book that's all Bible. Straight from a book that's all Bible. Straight from a book that's all about lament. The book of Lamentations. about lament. The book of Lamentations. about lament. The book of Lamentations. In Lamentations 3, the prophet Jeremiah, In Lamentations 3, the prophet Jeremiah, In Lamentations 3, the prophet Jeremiah, who by the way is known as the weeping who by the way is known as the weeping who by the way is known as the weeping prophet, says this in a time of prophet, says this in a time of prophet, says this in a time of overwhelming grief. Lamentations 3:21, overwhelming grief. Lamentations 3:21, overwhelming grief. Lamentations 3:21, "But this I call to mind, and therefore "But this I call to mind, and therefore "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope." And what is it that he I have hope." And what is it that he I have hope." And what is it that he recalls to mind? A true statement that recalls to mind? A true statement that recalls to mind? A true statement that has brought hope to so many in seasons has brought hope to so many in seasons has brought hope to so many in seasons of pain or suffering. Lamentations 3:22 of pain or suffering. Lamentations 3:22 of pain or suffering. Lamentations 3:22 and 23. The steadfast love of the Lord and 23. The steadfast love of the Lord and 23. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to never ceases. His mercies never come to never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. an end. They are new every morning. an end. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. Great is your faithfulness. Great is your faithfulness. The fight for hope begins in our mind. The fight for hope begins in our mind. The fight for hope begins in our mind. [snorts] And Asop at the end of this [snorts] And Asop at the end of this [snorts] And Asop at the end of this psalm shows us two ways to do that. And psalm shows us two ways to do that. And psalm shows us two ways to do that. And that's my final two encouragements for that's my final two encouragements for that's my final two encouragements for you today. So first, when life falls you today. So first, when life falls you today. So first, when life falls apart, meditate on the character of God.

apart, meditate on the character of God. apart, meditate on the character of God. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Meditate on the character of God. >> Meditate on the character of God. >> Meditate on the character of God. [snorts] And this is exactly where Asaf [snorts] And this is exactly where Asaf [snorts] And this is exactly where Asaf went in the previous verses. In verse went in the previous verses. In verse went in the previous verses. In verse 13, he says, "Your way, oh God, is 13, he says, "Your way, oh God, is 13, he says, "Your way, oh God, is holy," meaning his ways are perfect, set holy," meaning his ways are perfect, set holy," meaning his ways are perfect, set apart for his glory and our good. He apart for his glory and our good. He apart for his glory and our good. He says, "What God is great, excuse says, "What God is great, excuse says, "What God is great, excuse [clears throat] me, like our God." And [clears throat] me, like our God." And [clears throat] me, like our God." And the answer is no one. There's no other the answer is no one. There's no other the answer is no one. There's no other gods beside him. He is the most high gods beside him. He is the most high gods beside him. He is the most high God. He is great and mighty and there is God. He is great and mighty and there is God. He is great and mighty and there is no one like him. In [snorts] verse 14, no one like him. In [snorts] verse 14, no one like him. In [snorts] verse 14, he declares, "You are the God who works he declares, "You are the God who works he declares, "You are the God who works wonders." Which means there's nothing wonders." Which means there's nothing wonders." Which means there's nothing impossible for our God. He's the all impossible for our God. He's the all impossible for our God. He's the all powerful God who's still working powerful God who's still working powerful God who's still working miracles today. Which if that's the miracles today. Which if that's the miracles today. Which if that's the case, friends, don't stop praying for case, friends, don't stop praying for case, friends, don't stop praying for God to move in your situation even in God to move in your situation even in God to move in your situation even in miraculous ways. You can pray boldly. miraculous ways. You can pray boldly. miraculous ways. You can pray boldly. God changes because you can. God changes because you can. God changes because you can. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] >> And in tragedy and grief and pain, fix >> And in tragedy and grief and pain, fix >> And in tragedy and grief and pain, fix your mind on what you know to be true your mind on what you know to be true your mind on what you know to be true about God. The character of God never about God. The character of God never about God. The character of God never changes so we can cling to it when life changes so we can cling to it when life changes so we can cling to it when life is hard. And don't just meditate. Just is hard. And don't just meditate. Just is hard. And don't just meditate. Just like what Eric said last week, turn it like what Eric said last week, turn it like what Eric said last week, turn it into praise and worship.

into praise and worship. into praise and worship. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> In fact, I love how Charles Spurgeon, a >> In fact, I love how Charles Spurgeon, a >> In fact, I love how Charles Spurgeon, a pastor from the 19th century, said this. pastor from the 19th century, said this. pastor from the 19th century, said this. Listen. He says, "My dear friend, when Listen. He says, "My dear friend, when Listen. He says, "My dear friend, when grief presses you to the dust, worship grief presses you to the dust, worship grief presses you to the dust, worship there. there. there. >> Turn your heart upside down. Empty it >> Turn your heart upside down. Empty it >> Turn your heart upside down. Empty it and let every drop run out. When you are and let every drop run out. When you are and let every drop run out. When you are bowed down beneath a heavy burden of bowed down beneath a heavy burden of bowed down beneath a heavy burden of sorrow, worship and adore God there sorrow, worship and adore God there sorrow, worship and adore God there [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] >> in full surrender to his divine will. >> in full surrender to his divine will. >> in full surrender to his divine will. Say with Job, "Though he slay me, yet I Say with Job, "Though he slay me, yet I Say with Job, "Though he slay me, yet I will trust him." will trust him." will trust him." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> This kind of worship subdues the will, >> This kind of worship subdues the will, >> This kind of worship subdues the will, arouses the affection, stirs the whole arouses the affection, stirs the whole arouses the affection, stirs the whole mind, and presents you to God in solemn mind, and presents you to God in solemn mind, and presents you to God in solemn consecration. And listen to this. The consecration. And listen to this. The consecration. And listen to this. The worship sweetens sorrow and takes away worship sweetens sorrow and takes away worship sweetens sorrow and takes away its sting. its sting. its sting. >> Yes. [snorts] >> Yes. [snorts] >> Yes. [snorts] >> When life falls apart, meditate on the >> When life falls apart, meditate on the >> When life falls apart, meditate on the character of God. And while dwelling on character of God. And while dwelling on character of God. And while dwelling on God's character would be more than God's character would be more than God's character would be more than enough to lift our souls, Asop reveals enough to lift our souls, Asop reveals enough to lift our souls, Asop reveals yet another practice for us. Look at yet another practice for us. Look at yet another practice for us. Look at verse 15. He says, "With your arm, you verse 15. He says, "With your arm, you verse 15. He says, "With your arm, you redeemed your people, the children of redeemed your people, the children of redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph." So, he looks back to Jacob and Joseph." So, he looks back to Jacob and Joseph." So, he looks back to times when God has come through for his times when God has come through for his times when God has come through for his people in the past. And he doesn't do people in the past. And he doesn't do people in the past. And he doesn't do this general. He gets very specific.

this general. He gets very specific. this general. He gets very specific. He's going to, you're going to see in a He's going to, you're going to see in a He's going to, you're going to see in a moment, he looks back to the Exodus when moment, he looks back to the Exodus when moment, he looks back to the Exodus when God saved his people at the Red Sea. God saved his people at the Red Sea. God saved his people at the Red Sea. Continuing in verse 16, listen to what Continuing in verse 16, listen to what Continuing in verse 16, listen to what he says. When the waters saw you, oh he says. When the waters saw you, oh he says. When the waters saw you, oh God, when the waters saw you, they were God, when the waters saw you, they were God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid. Indeed, the deep trembled. The afraid. Indeed, the deep trembled. The afraid. Indeed, the deep trembled. The clouds poured out water. The skies gave clouds poured out water. The skies gave clouds poured out water. The skies gave forth thunder. Your arrows flashed on forth thunder. Your arrows flashed on forth thunder. Your arrows flashed on every side. The crash of thunder was in every side. The crash of thunder was in every side. The crash of thunder was in the whirlwind. Your lightnings lighted the whirlwind. Your lightnings lighted the whirlwind. Your lightnings lighted up the world. The earth trembled and up the world. The earth trembled and up the world. The earth trembled and shook. Your way was through the sea. shook. Your way was through the sea. shook. Your way was through the sea. Your path through the great waters. Yet Your path through the great waters. Yet Your path through the great waters. Yet your footprints were unseen. You led your footprints were unseen. You led your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of your people like a flock by the hand of your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. [snorts] Moses and Aaron. [snorts] Moses and Aaron. [snorts] There's so much I wish we had time to There's so much I wish we had time to There's so much I wish we had time to dig into in these verses, but they do dig into in these verses, but they do dig into in these verses, but they do give us our final encouragement for this give us our final encouragement for this give us our final encouragement for this morning. And it's this. When life falls morning. And it's this. When life falls morning. And it's this. When life falls apart, remember all of God's work. apart, remember all of God's work. apart, remember all of God's work. >> Remember all of God's work. >> Remember all of God's work. >> Remember all of God's work. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Because in the lows of life, it's so >> Because in the lows of life, it's so >> Because in the lows of life, it's so important that we don't allow our important that we don't allow our important that we don't allow our circumstances to give us tunnel vision circumstances to give us tunnel vision circumstances to give us tunnel vision where it's the only thing we can see is where it's the only thing we can see is where it's the only thing we can see is the situation in front of us. We need to the situation in front of us. We need to the situation in front of us. We need to look back to specific times when we look back to specific times when we look back to specific times when we could clearly see God at work, could clearly see God at work, could clearly see God at work, especially difficult and seemingly especially difficult and seemingly especially difficult and seemingly impossible times. And I'm so glad that impossible times. And I'm so glad that impossible times. And I'm so glad that the Lord directed Asoff's mind back to the Lord directed Asoff's mind back to the Lord directed Asoff's mind back to the Exodus because that was an the Exodus because that was an the Exodus because that was an impossible situation. Do you remember impossible situation. Do you remember impossible situation. Do you remember it? Like, think back. God had finally it? Like, think back. God had finally it? Like, think back. God had finally set his people free from Egypt, which set his people free from Egypt, which set his people free from Egypt, which was a miracle on its own, and they set was a miracle on its own, and they set was a miracle on its own, and they set out into the wilderness. But Pharaoh

out into the wilderness. But Pharaoh out into the wilderness. But Pharaoh changes his mind and he sends his army changes his mind and he sends his army changes his mind and he sends his army after them. And the Israelites don't after them. And the Israelites don't after them. And the Israelites don't realize this until they reach the Red realize this until they reach the Red realize this until they reach the Red Sea. They pull up to the shore, they Sea. They pull up to the shore, they Sea. They pull up to the shore, they turn around, and they see the dust cloud turn around, and they see the dust cloud turn around, and they see the dust cloud from Pharaoh's army getting bigger and from Pharaoh's army getting bigger and from Pharaoh's army getting bigger and bigger and bigger. And it puts them in a bigger and bigger. And it puts them in a bigger and bigger. And it puts them in a panic. It's a pretty dire situation. And panic. It's a pretty dire situation. And panic. It's a pretty dire situation. And what does God do? what does God do? what does God do? He splits the sea. He splits the sea. He splits the sea. He literally opens it up so they can He literally opens it up so they can He literally opens it up so they can walk right through it. walk right through it. walk right through it. Talk about a miracle. Like no one saw Talk about a miracle. Like no one saw Talk about a miracle. Like no one saw that coming. And can I just add that that coming. And can I just add that that coming. And can I just add that this wasn't really like a calm and happy this wasn't really like a calm and happy this wasn't really like a calm and happy event. Seems kind of obvious, but some event. Seems kind of obvious, but some event. Seems kind of obvious, but some kids Bibles like to paint that picture. kids Bibles like to paint that picture. kids Bibles like to paint that picture. In fact, I took this picture from one of In fact, I took this picture from one of In fact, I took this picture from one of our kids storybook Bibles at home. And I our kids storybook Bibles at home. And I our kids storybook Bibles at home. And I just had to laugh when I look at it. just had to laugh when I look at it. just had to laugh when I look at it. Look at it. Like they're walking through Look at it. Like they're walking through Look at it. Like they're walking through the Red Sea so happy. It's like a the Red Sea so happy. It's like a the Red Sea so happy. It's like a wedding procession or something like wedding procession or something like wedding procession or something like this. Or if they're in a museum or this. Or if they're in a museum or this. Or if they're in a museum or something like that. No, this was something like that. No, this was something like that. No, this was terrifying. Like every Israelite thought terrifying. Like every Israelite thought terrifying. Like every Israelite thought they were facing death and every single they were facing death and every single they were facing death and every single step of the journey was perilous, step of the journey was perilous, step of the journey was perilous, including walking through this water. I including walking through this water. I including walking through this water. I actually was thinking about this over actually was thinking about this over actually was thinking about this over the summer because we we went down to the summer because we we went down to the summer because we we went down to Georgia to spend some time with Rachel's Georgia to spend some time with Rachel's Georgia to spend some time with Rachel's sister and her kids. And while we were sister and her kids. And while we were sister and her kids. And while we were there, he took we took her kids to the there, he took we took her kids to the there, he took we took her kids to the Georgia Aquarium. Anyone ever been to Georgia Aquarium. Anyone ever been to Georgia Aquarium. Anyone ever been to the Georgia Aquarium before? Yes. It's the Georgia Aquarium before? Yes. It's the Georgia Aquarium before? Yes. It's amazing. I highly recommend it. It's the amazing. I highly recommend it. It's the amazing. I highly recommend it. It's the largest aquarium in the US. You'll see a largest aquarium in the US. You'll see a largest aquarium in the US. You'll see a picture of their largest tank on the picture of their largest tank on the picture of their largest tank on the screen that holds 6.3 million gallons of screen that holds 6.3 million gallons of screen that holds 6.3 million gallons of water. It's home to the only rescued

water. It's home to the only rescued water. It's home to the only rescued whale shark in the world. And at the whale shark in the world. And at the whale shark in the world. And at the bottom of this tank, there's actually a bottom of this tank, there's actually a bottom of this tank, there's actually a moving sidewalk that takes you through moving sidewalk that takes you through moving sidewalk that takes you through this clear glass tube where as you're this clear glass tube where as you're this clear glass tube where as you're slowly being moved through it, you can slowly being moved through it, you can slowly being moved through it, you can look up and see stingrays and sharks and look up and see stingrays and sharks and look up and see stingrays and sharks and these massive fish just swimming all these massive fish just swimming all these massive fish just swimming all around you. Some of you are like, "Nope, around you. Some of you are like, "Nope, around you. Some of you are like, "Nope, I'm not going in that. You're not I'm not going in that. You're not I'm not going in that. You're not getting me in there. getting me in there. getting me in there. It's incredible. And I kid you not, as It's incredible. And I kid you not, as It's incredible. And I kid you not, as we're going through this tube, I we're going through this tube, I we're going through this tube, I literally hear someone behind me say, literally hear someone behind me say, literally hear someone behind me say, you know, this must have been what it you know, this must have been what it you know, this must have been what it was like for Moses and the Israelites was like for Moses and the Israelites was like for Moses and the Israelites walking through the Red Sea. walking through the Red Sea. walking through the Red Sea. And I wanted to turn around and be like, And I wanted to turn around and be like, And I wanted to turn around and be like, you're so wrong. That's not close at you're so wrong. That's not close at you're so wrong. That's not close at all. This was terrifying. This is just all. This was terrifying. This is just all. This was terrifying. This is just like a walk through the aquarium. Did like a walk through the aquarium. Did like a walk through the aquarium. Did you hear how Asaf recounted this you hear how Asaf recounted this you hear how Asaf recounted this miracle? Thunders crashing. Lightning is miracle? Thunders crashing. Lightning is miracle? Thunders crashing. Lightning is flashing on every side. said, "The flashing on every side. said, "The flashing on every side. said, "The heavens are pouring out rain and the heavens are pouring out rain and the heavens are pouring out rain and the earth is trembling and shaking." And earth is trembling and shaking." And earth is trembling and shaking." And keep in mind that the Red Sea at its keep in mind that the Red Sea at its keep in mind that the Red Sea at its deepest part was probably about 900 ft deepest part was probably about 900 ft deepest part was probably about 900 ft deep, which is 30 times the height of deep, which is 30 times the height of deep, which is 30 times the height of that pool you just saw on the screen.

that pool you just saw on the screen. that pool you just saw on the screen. That's a big wall of water. That's a big wall of water. That's a big wall of water. And it's here in the passage after And it's here in the passage after And it's here in the passage after describing that that I think Asop describing that that I think Asop describing that that I think Asop describes one of the most significant describes one of the most significant describes one of the most significant truths we see in this entire psalm. Look truths we see in this entire psalm. Look truths we see in this entire psalm. Look at back at verse 19 with me. It says at back at verse 19 with me. It says at back at verse 19 with me. It says this, "Your way was through the sea. this, "Your way was through the sea. this, "Your way was through the sea. Your path through the great waters, yet Your path through the great waters, yet Your path through the great waters, yet your footprints were unseen. your footprints were unseen. your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock by the You led your people like a flock by the You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron." I can't get hand of Moses and Aaron." I can't get hand of Moses and Aaron." I can't get past that phrase. Your way was through past that phrase. Your way was through past that phrase. Your way was through the sea. the sea. the sea. And it wasn't until the Israelites were And it wasn't until the Israelites were And it wasn't until the Israelites were standing on the other side of the Red standing on the other side of the Red standing on the other side of the Red Sea on the opposite shore looking back Sea on the opposite shore looking back Sea on the opposite shore looking back seeing Pharaoh's army completely seeing Pharaoh's army completely seeing Pharaoh's army completely decimated when they could finally see decimated when they could finally see decimated when they could finally see what God was up to in that moment. what God was up to in that moment. what God was up to in that moment. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] And friends, this is true for all of us And friends, this is true for all of us And friends, this is true for all of us as well. Like there have been so many as well. Like there have been so many as well. Like there have been so many times I can look back in my own life times I can look back in my own life times I can look back in my own life when I was thinking, God, what in the when I was thinking, God, what in the when I was thinking, God, what in the world were you doing? And fast forward, world were you doing? And fast forward, world were you doing? And fast forward, I can see it now and it's just blowing I can see it now and it's just blowing I can see it now and it's just blowing me away.

me away. me away. >> Amen. It may be hard to see now, folks, >> Amen. It may be hard to see now, folks, >> Amen. It may be hard to see now, folks, but we can always trust that God is but we can always trust that God is but we can always trust that God is still at work. Even in the midst of the still at work. Even in the midst of the still at work. Even in the midst of the most difficult storms, he's always at most difficult storms, he's always at most difficult storms, he's always at work. This is why we need to remember work. This is why we need to remember work. This is why we need to remember how God has worked in the past. how God has worked in the past. how God has worked in the past. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] But even as I say that, I know there's But even as I say that, I know there's But even as I say that, I know there's some of you here today that when you some of you here today that when you some of you here today that when you look back on your life, look back on your life, look back on your life, it's hard for you to see anything good it's hard for you to see anything good it's hard for you to see anything good at all. at all. at all. Like, you struggle to see ev any Like, you struggle to see ev any Like, you struggle to see ev any evidence of God being at work in your evidence of God being at work in your evidence of God being at work in your life. I don't want to dismiss that. life. I don't want to dismiss that. life. I don't want to dismiss that. In fact, I'd say you're in good company. In fact, I'd say you're in good company. In fact, I'd say you're in good company. Like, I find it comforting here that Like, I find it comforting here that Like, I find it comforting here that Asaf doesn't recall something from his Asaf doesn't recall something from his Asaf doesn't recall something from his own life, but instead looks back to own life, but instead looks back to own life, but instead looks back to something that happened hundreds of something that happened hundreds of something that happened hundreds of years ago before he was even born. It's an event he'd heard recounted many It's an event he'd heard recounted many times. It was recorded in the Torah, the times. It was recorded in the Torah, the times. It was recorded in the Torah, the Old Testament scriptures, which were Old Testament scriptures, which were Old Testament scriptures, which were read, sung, and taught every day in the read, sung, and taught every day in the read, sung, and taught every day in the temple where he served. And it was temple where he served. And it was temple where he served. And it was considered God's greatest act of considered God's greatest act of considered God's greatest act of redemption for his people, which just redemption for his people, which just redemption for his people, which just shows why it's so important that we hide shows why it's so important that we hide shows why it's so important that we hide God's word in our hearts and remind each God's word in our hearts and remind each God's word in our hearts and remind each other about what he's done. That's other about what he's done. That's other about what he's done. That's praise, like Eric talked about last praise, like Eric talked about last praise, like Eric talked about last week, because we need those truths week, because we need those truths week, because we need those truths stored up for when the storms come.

stored up for when the storms come. stored up for when the storms come. And this is where we find the greatest And this is where we find the greatest And this is where we find the greatest hope when life falls apart. Because hope when life falls apart. Because hope when life falls apart. Because friends, we've got an even greater act friends, we've got an even greater act friends, we've got an even greater act of redemption to look back to. of redemption to look back to. of redemption to look back to. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> When Asaf had to look back to the Red >> When Asaf had to look back to the Red >> When Asaf had to look back to the Red Sea, we get to look back at the cross. Sea, we get to look back at the cross. Sea, we get to look back at the cross. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> We get to look back at the cross. >> We get to look back at the cross. >> We get to look back at the cross. Friends, this world is not the way it Friends, this world is not the way it Friends, this world is not the way it was meant to be. was meant to be. was meant to be. >> And that actually falls on us. It's on >> And that actually falls on us. It's on >> And that actually falls on us. It's on us. The reason we live in a world of us. The reason we live in a world of us. The reason we live in a world of suffering and sorrow is because every suffering and sorrow is because every suffering and sorrow is because every single one of us, myself included, single one of us, myself included, single one of us, myself included, starting with the first humans ever to starting with the first humans ever to starting with the first humans ever to live, have rejected God. Like we want to live, have rejected God. Like we want to live, have rejected God. Like we want to be in control of our own lives. And be in control of our own lives. And be in control of our own lives. And we've said to God with every aspect of we've said to God with every aspect of we've said to God with every aspect of our being that we prefer our way instead our being that we prefer our way instead our being that we prefer our way instead of his. of his. of his. And the natural state of our this is the And the natural state of our this is the And the natural state of our this is the natural state of our hearts. And as a natural state of our hearts. And as a natural state of our hearts. And as a result, he's allowed us to experience result, he's allowed us to experience result, he's allowed us to experience the consequences of our decision. the consequences of our decision. the consequences of our decision. Because when we reject God and all of Because when we reject God and all of Because when we reject God and all of his goodness, we get a world filled with his goodness, we get a world filled with his goodness, we get a world filled with chaos and brokenness and pain. And that chaos and brokenness and pain. And that chaos and brokenness and pain. And that rejection ultimately leads to separation rejection ultimately leads to separation rejection ultimately leads to separation from him. But this is the greatest news from him. But this is the greatest news from him. But this is the greatest news in all of the world that God didn't in all of the world that God didn't in all of the world that God didn't leave us in that place. Because when leave us in that place. Because when leave us in that place. Because when there was nothing we could do to redeem there was nothing we could do to redeem there was nothing we could do to redeem ourselves, God himself stood in the gap.

ourselves, God himself stood in the gap. ourselves, God himself stood in the gap. He came to us in the person of Jesus. He He came to us in the person of Jesus. He He came to us in the person of Jesus. He lived a perfect life. He experienced the lived a perfect life. He experienced the lived a perfect life. He experienced the same kind of pain and suffering that we same kind of pain and suffering that we same kind of pain and suffering that we do in this life. And when he had no sin do in this life. And when he had no sin do in this life. And when he had no sin to die for, he willingly died in our to die for, he willingly died in our to die for, he willingly died in our place, taking on the punishment that we place, taking on the punishment that we place, taking on the punishment that we deserve. And he didn't stay dead. He deserve. And he didn't stay dead. He deserve. And he didn't stay dead. He rose from the grave three days later in rose from the grave three days later in rose from the grave three days later in victory over sin and death. And he's victory over sin and death. And he's victory over sin and death. And he's reigning today as king. And he's reigning today as king. And he's reigning today as king. And he's declared that whoever turns from their declared that whoever turns from their declared that whoever turns from their sin and trusts in him will be forgiven sin and trusts in him will be forgiven sin and trusts in him will be forgiven and restored to their relationship with and restored to their relationship with and restored to their relationship with him for all of eternity. him for all of eternity. him for all of eternity. If you're here today and you've never If you're here today and you've never If you're here today and you've never trusted in Jesus, friend, this trusted in Jesus, friend, this trusted in Jesus, friend, this invitation is open to you as well. It's invitation is open to you as well. It's invitation is open to you as well. It's open to you. And I know that that open to you. And I know that that open to you. And I know that that doesn't mean that if you trust in him, doesn't mean that if you trust in him, doesn't mean that if you trust in him, all of your problems are going to go all of your problems are going to go all of your problems are going to go away. That's not true. But what it does away. That's not true. But what it does away. That's not true. But what it does mean is that the suffering and sorrow mean is that the suffering and sorrow mean is that the suffering and sorrow you experience in this life is not the you experience in this life is not the you experience in this life is not the end of your story. It's not the end. It end of your story. It's not the end. It end of your story. It's not the end. It means when this life is over, you get to means when this life is over, you get to means when this life is over, you get to enjoy God in all of his glory. life as enjoy God in all of his glory. life as enjoy God in all of his glory. life as it was intended to be living with him it was intended to be living with him it was intended to be living with him forever. And he's the only one who forever. And he's the only one who forever. And he's the only one who offers us this hope. Jesus said, "I am offers us this hope. Jesus said, "I am offers us this hope. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one the way, the truth, and the life. No one the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me."

comes to the father except through me." comes to the father except through me." If you have not trusted in Jesus, don't If you have not trusted in Jesus, don't If you have not trusted in Jesus, don't put off this decision. Amen. put off this decision. Amen. put off this decision. Amen. >> It is open to you. And brothers and >> It is open to you. And brothers and >> It is open to you. And brothers and sisters, because of the resurrection, no sisters, because of the resurrection, no sisters, because of the resurrection, no matter what you face in this life, you matter what you face in this life, you matter what you face in this life, you can have hope because your eternity is can have hope because your eternity is can have hope because your eternity is secure. secure. secure. >> Amen. you can have hope. >> Amen. you can have hope. >> Amen. you can have hope. And lament is the gracious gift God And lament is the gracious gift God And lament is the gracious gift God gives us to use to struggle well until gives us to use to struggle well until gives us to use to struggle well until that day comes. It's why he's given it that day comes. It's why he's given it that day comes. It's why he's given it to us. It welcomes our honest cries and to us. It welcomes our honest cries and to us. It welcomes our honest cries and allows us to look ahead with hope. allows us to look ahead with hope. allows us to look ahead with hope. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] So, as we prepare to close here in just So, as we prepare to close here in just So, as we prepare to close here in just a moment, I actually want to play a a moment, I actually want to play a a moment, I actually want to play a short clip from someone who I think short clip from someone who I think short clip from someone who I think really modeled this well. I recently really modeled this well. I recently really modeled this well. I recently came across an interview that someone came across an interview that someone came across an interview that someone was doing with Tim Keller. And if you was doing with Tim Keller. And if you was doing with Tim Keller. And if you don't know the name, Dr. Keller was an don't know the name, Dr. Keller was an don't know the name, Dr. Keller was an incredible pastor from New York City. incredible pastor from New York City. incredible pastor from New York City. He's written many books that have helped He's written many books that have helped He's written many books that have helped millions of people. In fact, if you're millions of people. In fact, if you're millions of people. In fact, if you're exploring Christianity or even exploring Christianity or even exploring Christianity or even struggling to believe that God is real, struggling to believe that God is real, struggling to believe that God is real, I would highly commend to you his book, I would highly commend to you his book, I would highly commend to you his book, Making Sense of God. It's an incredibly Making Sense of God. It's an incredibly Making Sense of God. It's an incredibly helpful resource. But back in 2020, helpful resource. But back in 2020, helpful resource. But back in 2020, after decades of faithful ministry, he after decades of faithful ministry, he after decades of faithful ministry, he was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer that would eventually take his cancer that would eventually take his cancer that would eventually take his life in May of 2023.

life in May of 2023. life in May of 2023. And a couple of months before he would And a couple of months before he would And a couple of months before he would he would pass away, he was asked in an he would pass away, he was asked in an he would pass away, he was asked in an interview how he was doing with death so interview how he was doing with death so interview how he was doing with death so quickly approaching. And I want you to quickly approaching. And I want you to quickly approaching. And I want you to hear how he responded. Take a look up on hear how he responded. Take a look up on hear how he responded. Take a look up on the screen. the screen. the screen. >> Well, okay. Let me just say something >> Well, okay. Let me just say something >> Well, okay. Let me just say something that Kathy and I have talked to each that Kathy and I have talked to each that Kathy and I have talked to each other about in the last year. other about in the last year. other about in the last year. If Jesus Christ was actually raised from If Jesus Christ was actually raised from If Jesus Christ was actually raised from the dead, if he really [music] got up, the dead, if he really [music] got up, the dead, if he really [music] got up, walked out, was seen by hundreds of walked out, was seen by hundreds of walked out, was seen by hundreds of people, talk to them. people, talk to them. people, talk to them. If he was raised from the dead, then you If he was raised from the dead, then you If he was raised from the dead, then you know what? Everything's going to be all know what? Everything's going to be all know what? Everything's going to be all right. right. right. >> Whatever you're worried about right now, >> Whatever you're worried about right now, >> Whatever you're worried about right now, whatever you're afraid of, whatever you're afraid of, whatever you're afraid of, everything is actually going to be okay. everything is actually going to be okay. everything is actually going to be okay. >> Uh because because you got to remember, >> Uh because because you got to remember, >> Uh because because you got to remember, we're not just talking about resurrected we're not just talking about resurrected we're not just talking about resurrected people. people. people. Jesus Christ [music] is, and this is Jesus Christ [music] is, and this is Jesus Christ [music] is, and this is where Christianity is unique. We're where Christianity is unique. We're where Christianity is unique. We're talking about a resurrected world, talking about a resurrected world, talking about a resurrected world, meaning other meaning other meaning other there's plenty of other religions that there's plenty of other religions that there's plenty of other religions that talk about a future afterlife, [music] talk about a future afterlife, [music] talk about a future afterlife, [music] which is a non-material world. In other which is a non-material world. In other which is a non-material world. In other words, you get a consolation for the words, you get a consolation for the words, you get a consolation for the world we've lost.

world we've lost. world we've lost. >> Christianity says it's not just [music] >> Christianity says it's not just [music] >> Christianity says it's not just [music] your bodies are being resurrected, but your bodies are being resurrected, but your bodies are being resurrected, but the the world is actually going to be a the the world is actually going to be a the the world is actually going to be a material world that's cleansed from all material world that's cleansed from all material world that's cleansed from all evil and suffering and uh and sin. And evil and suffering and uh and sin. And evil and suffering and uh and sin. And if [music] Jesus Christ was raised from if [music] Jesus Christ was raised from if [music] Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, then the whole world is going the dead, then the whole world is going the dead, then the whole world is going to be in a sense resurrected [music] to be in a sense resurrected [music] to be in a sense resurrected [music] >> and everything is going to be okay. >> and everything is going to be okay. >> and everything is going to be okay. >> Everything. You don't even you don't >> Everything. You don't even you don't >> Everything. You don't even you don't know how. I don't know how, but it will know how. I don't know how, but it will know how. I don't know how, but it will be. So, uh, and you know what? Actually, be. So, uh, and you know what? Actually, be. So, uh, and you know what? Actually, it right now I couldn't possibly [music] it right now I couldn't possibly [music] it right now I couldn't possibly [music] be convinced that Jesus was not raised be convinced that Jesus was not raised be convinced that Jesus was not raised from the dead, from the dead, from the dead, >> either intellectually or existentially. >> either intellectually or existentially. >> either intellectually or existentially. So, whenever I'm And by the way, but So, whenever I'm And by the way, but So, whenever I'm And by the way, but Kathy and I listen, we cry. We we cried Kathy and I listen, we cry. We we cried Kathy and I listen, we cry. We we cried a lot last night. [music] Sometimes the a lot last night. [music] Sometimes the a lot last night. [music] Sometimes the reality of the shortness of what we have reality of the shortness of what we have reality of the shortness of what we have left here just overwhelms us and we were left here just overwhelms us and we were left here just overwhelms us and we were just weeping together and and crying and just weeping together and and crying and just weeping together and and crying and then you say [music] if Jesus Christ was then you say [music] if Jesus Christ was then you say [music] if Jesus Christ was raised from the dead it is going to be raised from the dead it is going to be raised from the dead it is going to be okay and then you can wipe your tears okay and then you can wipe your tears okay and then you can wipe your tears but you don't [music] stop crying. but you don't [music] stop crying. but you don't [music] stop crying. >> Uh it's like salt in the wound that >> Uh it's like salt in the wound that >> Uh it's like salt in the wound that keeps the wound from going bad. keeps the wound from going bad. keeps the wound from going bad. >> Uh that keeps the wound from getting >> Uh that keeps the wound from getting >> Uh that keeps the wound from getting infected but it doesn't mean that until infected but it doesn't mean that until infected but it doesn't mean that until the end of you know until we actually the end of you know until we actually the end of you know until we actually meet Jesus Christ we we still have our meet Jesus Christ we we still have our meet Jesus Christ we we still have our wounds. So, they aren't going to be wounds. So, they aren't going to be wounds. So, they aren't going to be healed, healed, healed, >> but they'll be healed by his.

>> I love what he said. If the resurrection >> I love what he said. If the resurrection is true, then everything is going to be is true, then everything is going to be is true, then everything is going to be okay. okay. okay. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Doesn't mean the pain isn't real. He >> Doesn't mean the pain isn't real. He >> Doesn't mean the pain isn't real. He said he and Kathy just the night before said he and Kathy just the night before said he and Kathy just the night before were crying in tears. It just means that were crying in tears. It just means that were crying in tears. It just means that if you're in Christ, it's not the end. if you're in Christ, it's not the end. if you're in Christ, it's not the end. It's not the end. It's not the end. It's not the end. So Christian, whatever difficulty you're So Christian, whatever difficulty you're So Christian, whatever difficulty you're walking through right now or will walk walking through right now or will walk walking through right now or will walk through in the days to come, embrace through in the days to come, embrace through in the days to come, embrace God's gift of lament. God's gift of lament. God's gift of lament. Like don't minimize the pain that you're Like don't minimize the pain that you're Like don't minimize the pain that you're walking through. Express it. Cry out to walking through. Express it. Cry out to walking through. Express it. Cry out to God with honesty. Bring your doubts and God with honesty. Bring your doubts and God with honesty. Bring your doubts and questions to him and allow other questions to him and allow other questions to him and allow other brothers and sisters to mourn and weep brothers and sisters to mourn and weep brothers and sisters to mourn and weep beside you. But as you do, meditate on beside you. But as you do, meditate on beside you. But as you do, meditate on the perfect and neverchanging character the perfect and neverchanging character the perfect and neverchanging character of God. Meditate on his character. And of God. Meditate on his character. And of God. Meditate on his character. And then look back. Remember the ways that then look back. Remember the ways that then look back. Remember the ways that he's worked in your own life. If you he's worked in your own life. If you he's worked in your own life. If you can't see it in your life, look at how can't see it in your life, look at how can't see it in your life, look at how he's worked in others lives. And then he's worked in others lives. And then he's worked in others lives. And then look at how he's worked in all of look at how he's worked in all of look at how he's worked in all of salvation history.

salvation history. salvation history. This is what it means to lament. This is what it means to lament. This is what it means to lament. And I want to give you a moment now to And I want to give you a moment now to And I want to give you a moment now to respond. I'll put a few more questions respond. I'll put a few more questions respond. I'll put a few more questions up on the screen just to help during up on the screen just to help during up on the screen just to help during this time. I want to give you a moment this time. I want to give you a moment this time. I want to give you a moment between you and the Lord just to work between you and the Lord just to work between you and the Lord just to work through. But if you're here today and through. But if you're here today and through. But if you're here today and you've never trusted in Jesus and you you've never trusted in Jesus and you you've never trusted in Jesus and you want to do that, like let this be the want to do that, like let this be the want to do that, like let this be the time where you acknowledge to him that time where you acknowledge to him that time where you acknowledge to him that you want to receive his forgiveness and you want to receive his forgiveness and you want to receive his forgiveness and that you're willing to entrust your that you're willing to entrust your that you're willing to entrust your entire life to him. You can do that in entire life to him. You can do that in entire life to him. You can do that in your own words, even just in the your own words, even just in the your own words, even just in the quietness of your own heart. He hears quietness of your own heart. He hears quietness of your own heart. He hears you and he knows if you're being you and he knows if you're being you and he knows if you're being genuine. genuine. genuine. And then make sure to share that news And then make sure to share that news And then make sure to share that news with someone later today before you with someone later today before you with someone later today before you leave. Won't you go ahead and take a leave. Won't you go ahead and take a leave. Won't you go ahead and take a moment to reflect and then I'll come out moment to reflect and then I'll come out moment to reflect and then I'll come out and prepare us to take the Lord's and prepare us to take the Lord's and prepare us to take the Lord's supper. supper. supper. [snorts]

>> you still need more time just to keep >> you still need more time just to keep reflecting on that. Please don't let me reflecting on that. Please don't let me reflecting on that. Please don't let me interrupt you. But do want to ask if you interrupt you. But do want to ask if you interrupt you. But do want to ask if you wouldn't mind first of all just to bow wouldn't mind first of all just to bow wouldn't mind first of all just to bow our heads and close our eyes as we're our heads and close our eyes as we're our heads and close our eyes as we're doing that. doing that. doing that. Just knowing that there's some of us in Just knowing that there's some of us in Just knowing that there's some of us in here that are walking through really here that are walking through really here that are walking through really hard things. I just want to ask if you hard things. I just want to ask if you hard things. I just want to ask if you would say that you're walking through a would say that you're walking through a would say that you're walking through a really difficult time right now and just really difficult time right now and just really difficult time right now and just need an extra measure of God's grace. need an extra measure of God's grace. need an extra measure of God's grace. Just with all heads bowed and eyes Just with all heads bowed and eyes Just with all heads bowed and eyes closed, would you mind just raising your closed, would you mind just raising your closed, would you mind just raising your hands so I can see you? hands so I can see you? hands so I can see you? [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks. I want to pray for all of us, but I want to pray for all of us, but specifically for those who raised your specifically for those who raised your specifically for those who raised your hand. Let me let me pray for us. hand. Let me let me pray for us. hand. Let me let me pray for us. >> [snorts] >> God, I just want to pray for those >> God, I just want to pray for those specifically those who just raised their specifically those who just raised their specifically those who just raised their hand. hand. hand. For those who are feeling discouraged For those who are feeling discouraged For those who are feeling discouraged right now. right now. right now. For those who are confused. For those who are confused. For those who are confused. For those who feel like they have no For those who feel like they have no For those who feel like they have no more hope. more hope. more hope. For those who are angry, For those who are angry, For those who are angry, tired, frustrated.

tired, frustrated. tired, frustrated. Those who are enraged. Those who are enraged. Those who are enraged. those who are asking questions, those who are asking questions, those who are asking questions, those who are experiencing mental, those who are experiencing mental, those who are experiencing mental, physical, or even emotional pain, physical, or even emotional pain, physical, or even emotional pain, or simply even just for those who are or simply even just for those who are or simply even just for those who are just looking for you right now. Father, just looking for you right now. Father, just looking for you right now. Father, by your spirit, would you settle their by your spirit, would you settle their by your spirit, would you settle their souls? souls? souls? Would you help them to know that you see Would you help them to know that you see Would you help them to know that you see them, that you're with them, that you them, that you're with them, that you them, that you're with them, that you love them, and that it says in Psalm love them, and that it says in Psalm love them, and that it says in Psalm 56:8 that you've collected, you've 56:8 that you've collected, you've 56:8 that you've collected, you've caught every single tear they've cried caught every single tear they've cried caught every single tear they've cried in your bottle. in your bottle. in your bottle. And I pray that you would meet them in a And I pray that you would meet them in a And I pray that you would meet them in a way this week, even today, that way this week, even today, that way this week, even today, that encourages them, strengthens them, and encourages them, strengthens them, and encourages them, strengthens them, and gives them hope for what you are doing gives them hope for what you are doing gives them hope for what you are doing in their lives. in their lives. in their lives. Pray that for every single person in Pray that for every single person in Pray that for every single person in this room or listening in right now, this room or listening in right now, this room or listening in right now, God. And even as we've reflected on the God. And even as we've reflected on the God. And even as we've reflected on the fact that the world is not the way it's fact that the world is not the way it's fact that the world is not the way it's meant to be, God, we pray for the people meant to be, God, we pray for the people meant to be, God, we pray for the people of China and Nepal right now who are of China and Nepal right now who are of China and Nepal right now who are just reeling from this natural disaster.

just reeling from this natural disaster. just reeling from this natural disaster. God, would you pour out your mercy and God, would you pour out your mercy and God, would you pour out your mercy and your grace upon them? Would you continue your grace upon them? Would you continue your grace upon them? Would you continue to save and rescue people that might to save and rescue people that might to save and rescue people that might still be trapped still be trapped still be trapped and use even this terrifying situation and use even this terrifying situation and use even this terrifying situation to bring more and more people to find to bring more and more people to find to bring more and more people to find hope in you. hope in you. hope in you. And God, I pray for those in the room And God, I pray for those in the room And God, I pray for those in the room who don't know you or maybe those who who don't know you or maybe those who who don't know you or maybe those who have walked away from you because of have walked away from you because of have walked away from you because of what's happened in their past. God, what's happened in their past. God, what's happened in their past. God, would you just reveal yourself to them? would you just reveal yourself to them? would you just reveal yourself to them? Help them to see that they can trust you Help them to see that they can trust you Help them to see that they can trust you in every storm. no matter what's in every storm. no matter what's in every storm. no matter what's happened to them, bring about a process happened to them, bring about a process happened to them, bring about a process of healing, reconciliation, of healing, reconciliation, of healing, reconciliation, and ultimately draw them to know you. and ultimately draw them to know you. and ultimately draw them to know you. God, we're so grateful for the pattern God, we're so grateful for the pattern God, we're so grateful for the pattern that we see in Psalms of Lament. Would that we see in Psalms of Lament. Would that we see in Psalms of Lament. Would you help us to practice it well? And as you help us to practice it well? And as you help us to practice it well? And as we do, keep our eyes fixed on eternity we do, keep our eyes fixed on eternity we do, keep our eyes fixed on eternity because one day is coming when you're because one day is coming when you're because one day is coming when you're going to return and we will see you face going to return and we will see you face going to return and we will see you face to face. You'll wipe every tear from to face. You'll wipe every tear from to face. You'll wipe every tear from every eye and we'll get to enjoy you every eye and we'll get to enjoy you every eye and we'll get to enjoy you forever. We look forward to that day, forever. We look forward to that day, forever. We look forward to that day, Father.

Father. Father. Please allow that day to come soon. We Please allow that day to come soon. We Please allow that day to come soon. We love you. We pray this all in Jesus love you. We pray this all in Jesus love you. We pray this all in Jesus name. And we all said together. name. And we all said together. name. And we all said together. >> Amen. [snorts] >> Amen. [snorts] >> Amen. [snorts] >> Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Well, the worship team is going to come Well, the worship team is going to come Well, the worship team is going to come out and lead us in another song. And out and lead us in another song. And out and lead us in another song. And after they do, we're going to take the after they do, we're going to take the after they do, we're going to take the Lord's supper together. So, if you've Lord's supper together. So, if you've Lord's supper together. So, if you've not yet picked up elements from around not yet picked up elements from around not yet picked up elements from around the room, you can do that at the tables the room, you can do that at the tables the room, you can do that at the tables here in the middle or up in the balcony. here in the middle or up in the balcony. here in the middle or up in the balcony. Uh feel free to do that as they're Uh feel free to do that as they're Uh feel free to do that as they're leading us in song. But if you're here leading us in song. But if you're here leading us in song. But if you're here today and you've not yet trusted in today and you've not yet trusted in today and you've not yet trusted in Jesus, you're not yet willing to take Jesus, you're not yet willing to take Jesus, you're not yet willing to take that step, we'd ask that you not take that step, we'd ask that you not take that step, we'd ask that you not take these elements. Uh this is a practice these elements. Uh this is a practice these elements. Uh this is a practice reserved specifically for those who have reserved specifically for those who have reserved specifically for those who have trusted in Jesus. So we invite you to trusted in Jesus. So we invite you to trusted in Jesus. So we invite you to observe a people who have entrusted observe a people who have entrusted observe a people who have entrusted their entire lives to him. And maybe their entire lives to him. And maybe their entire lives to him. And maybe this will be the time as we reflect on this will be the time as we reflect on this will be the time as we reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus that the death and resurrection of Jesus that the death and resurrection of Jesus that you might be willing to place your trust you might be willing to place your trust you might be willing to place your trust in him. So why don't you go ahead and in him. So why don't you go ahead and in him. So why don't you go ahead and stand? These guys will lead us in stand? These guys will lead us in stand? These guys will lead us in singing and then Pastor Jimmy will come singing and then Pastor Jimmy will come singing and then Pastor Jimmy will come and lead us in the Lord's Supper. and lead us in the Lord's Supper. and lead us in the Lord's Supper. >> [snorts] >> Oh, the perfect son of God.

>> Oh, the perfect son of God. In all [music] his innocence, In all [music] his innocence, In all [music] his innocence, here walking in the dirt [music] with here walking in the dirt [music] with here walking in the dirt [music] with you and me. Yes, he [music] knows what living is. Yes, he [music] knows what living is. He's acquainted with our grief. He's acquainted with our grief. He's acquainted with our grief. A man of [singing and music] sorrow, son A man of [singing and music] sorrow, son A man of [singing and music] sorrow, son of suffering, blood and tears, [singing] blood and tears, [singing] how can it be? how can it be? how can it be? There's a [music] God who [singing] There's a [music] God who [singing] There's a [music] God who [singing] weeps. weeps. weeps. There's a God who ble. There's a God who ble. There's a God who ble. [music] Oh, praise the one [music] Oh, praise the one [music] Oh, praise the one who would reach for [singing] me. who would reach for [singing] me. who would reach for [singing] me. Hallelu Hallelu Hallelu to the [music and singing] sudden to the [music and singing] sudden to the [music and singing] sudden suffering. >> Some imagine [singing] >> Some imagine [singing] [music] you [music] you [music] you are distant and removed are distant and removed are distant and removed but you chase [music and singing] us but you chase [music and singing] us but you chase [music and singing] us down in merciful pursuit.

To the [music] s [singing] you embrace To the [music] s [singing] you embrace and the broken you embrace. and the broken you embrace. and the broken you embrace. And [music] in the [singing] end the And [music] in the [singing] end the And [music] in the [singing] end the proof is in your wounds. Yes. [music] In the [singing] end the Yes. [music] In the [singing] end the proof is in your wounds. proof is in your wounds. proof is in your wounds. Oh blood [music and singing] and tears. Oh blood [music and singing] and tears. Oh blood [music and singing] and tears. How can it be? How can it be? How can it be? There's a God [singing] who weeps. There's a God [singing] who weeps. There's a God [singing] who weeps. [music] [music] [music] There's a God who bleeds. [music] Oh, There's a God who bleeds. [music] Oh, There's a God who bleeds. [music] Oh, praise the [singing] one praise the [singing] one praise the [singing] one who would reach for me. who would reach for me. who would reach for me. Hallelujah [singing and music] Hallelujah [singing and music] Hallelujah [singing and music] to the stars of God. Yes. By his wounds, we were healed. God. Yes. By his wounds, we were healed. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Hallelujah. [music] Sing your cross [music] Sing your cross [music] my freedom, your stripes, my healing, my freedom, your stripes, my healing, my freedom, your stripes, my healing, all praises, [singing] all praises, [singing] all praises, [singing] King Jesus.

King Jesus. King Jesus. Glory to God in heaven. Your blood Glory to God in heaven. Your blood Glory to God in heaven. Your blood [singing] [singing] [singing] still [music] speaking, your love is still [music] speaking, your love is still [music] speaking, your love is still reaching. [singing] still reaching. [singing] still reaching. [singing] All praise King Jesus. All praise King Jesus. All praise King Jesus. Glory to God. Sing your cross, [music] Glory to God. Sing your cross, [music] Glory to God. Sing your cross, [music] your cross, [singing] my freedom, your your cross, [singing] my freedom, your your cross, [singing] my freedom, your strife, my healing, [music] strife, my healing, [music] strife, my healing, [music] praise, all praise, [singing] praise, all praise, [singing] praise, all praise, [singing] King Jesus. Sing glory to God in heaven. King Jesus. Sing glory to God in heaven. King Jesus. Sing glory to God in heaven. Your blood still speaking [music] Your blood still speaking [music] Your blood still speaking [music] your love. still reaching [singing] all your love. still reaching [singing] all your love. still reaching [singing] all praise King Jesus. praise King Jesus. praise King Jesus. Glory [music] to God in [singing] Glory [music] to God in [singing] Glory [music] to God in [singing] heaven. heaven. heaven. Glory to God. Glory [music] to God. Glory to God. Glory [music] to God. Glory to God. Glory [music] to God. >> Glory [singing] to God forever. >> Glory [singing] to God forever. >> Glory [singing] to God forever. Forever [music] and ever. Forever [music] and ever. Forever [music] and ever. Glory to God forever. [music] Glory to God forever. [music] Glory to God forever. [music] >> All the blessing, [singing] >> All the blessing, [singing] >> All the blessing, [singing] all the honor.

all the honor. all the honor. Glory to [music] God forever. Glory to [music] God forever. Glory to [music] God forever. All the wisdom, all the power. All the wisdom, all the power. All the wisdom, all the power. Glory to [music] God [singing] forever. See your cross. Your cross See your cross. Your cross [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] is my freedom. Your stripes is my is my freedom. Your stripes is my is my freedom. Your stripes is my healing. All praise King [music] Jesus. healing. All praise King [music] Jesus. healing. All praise King [music] Jesus. Glory to God in heaven. [singing] Glory to God in heaven. [singing] Glory to God in heaven. [singing] Your blood is still [music] speaking. Your blood is still [music] speaking. Your blood is still [music] speaking. Your love is still reaching all Your love is still reaching all Your love is still reaching all [singing] praise King Jesus. [music] [singing] praise King Jesus. [music] [singing] praise King Jesus. [music] Glory to God. Glory to God. Glory to God. Your Your Your freedom, your strength freedom, your strength freedom, your strength [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] is my healing. All praise King Jesus. is my healing. All praise King Jesus. is my healing. All praise King Jesus. Glory [music and singing] to God. It is Glory [music and singing] to God. It is Glory [music and singing] to God. It is your love. still [music] [music] [music] sing glory to God in sing glory to God in sing glory to God in [music] [music] [music] sing glory to God. Glory to God forever.

sing glory to God. Glory to God forever. sing glory to God. Glory to God forever. All [music] blessing and glory, glory All [music] blessing and glory, glory All [music] blessing and glory, glory and glory to God [music] forever. Holy, and glory to God [music] forever. Holy, and glory to God [music] forever. Holy, holy, holy. You are worthy. holy, holy. You are worthy. holy, holy. You are worthy. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] >> Glory to God forever. >> Glory to God forever. >> Glory to God forever. >> There's no one like you. There's no one >> There's no one like you. There's no one >> There's no one like you. There's no one like you, Jesus. Glory to God forever. like you, Jesus. Glory to God forever. like you, Jesus. Glory to God forever. [music and singing] Sing blood and tears. Sing blood and tears. How can it be? How can it be? How can it be? There's a God who weeps. There's a God who weeps. There's a God who weeps. There's a God who ble. There's a God who ble. There's a God who ble. Oh, praise [music and singing] the one Oh, praise [music and singing] the one Oh, praise [music and singing] the one who would reach for me. who would reach for me. who would reach for me. Oh, hallelu Oh, hallelu Oh, hallelu to the son of suffering. to the son of suffering. to the son of suffering. [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelu Hallelu Hallelu to the [singing] son of suffering.

Sing hallelu [singing and music] Sing hallelu [singing and music] to the son of suffering. to the son of suffering. to the son of suffering. [music] We praise God from whom all [singing] We praise God from whom all [singing] blessings flow. blessings flow. blessings flow. Praise [singing and music] him all Praise [singing and music] him all Praise [singing and music] him all creatures creatures creatures here below. here below. here below. [singing] Praise [music] him above Praise [music] him above the heavenly [music] the heavenly [music] the heavenly [music] host. [singing] Praise father, Praise father, [music] son, and holy [singing] 1 Corinthians 11 um tells us that when 1 Corinthians 11 um tells us that when believers gather together and worship as believers gather together and worship as believers gather together and worship as a church and partake in the bread and a church and partake in the bread and a church and partake in the bread and the cup, we proclaim the Lord's death the cup, we proclaim the Lord's death the cup, we proclaim the Lord's death until he returns. So, if baptism is the until he returns. So, if baptism is the until he returns. So, if baptism is the initial sign that you've united your initial sign that you've united your initial sign that you've united your life uh to Christ in faith, uh the life uh to Christ in faith, uh the life uh to Christ in faith, uh the Lord's supper is the ongoing sign that Lord's supper is the ongoing sign that Lord's supper is the ongoing sign that you're walking in line with that you're walking in line with that you're walking in line with that confession. And we do so by turning away confession. And we do so by turning away confession. And we do so by turning away from sin and trusting in Christ. And so from sin and trusting in Christ. And so from sin and trusting in Christ. And so let's just take a brief moment uh as we let's just take a brief moment uh as we let's just take a brief moment uh as we partake in the Lord's supper together to partake in the Lord's supper together to partake in the Lord's supper together to turn away from sin. Maybe you can

turn away from sin. Maybe you can turn away from sin. Maybe you can confess uh turn away from uh sin in your confess uh turn away from uh sin in your confess uh turn away from uh sin in your heart, in your life, and turn [music] heart, in your life, and turn [music] heart, in your life, and turn [music] towards Christ. Let's take a brief towards Christ. Let's take a brief towards Christ. Let's take a brief moment before we partake of the moment before we partake of the moment before we partake of the elements. Let's take the elements together. On the Let's take the elements together. On the night that Jesus was betrayed, night that Jesus was betrayed, night that Jesus was betrayed, he took the the uh bread and broke it he took the the uh bread and broke it he took the the uh bread and broke it and said, "This is my body broken for and said, "This is my body broken for and said, "This is my body broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me." Afterwards, he took the cup, giving Afterwards, he took the cup, giving thanks to God. He said, "This is the cup thanks to God. He said, "This is the cup thanks to God. He said, "This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood. Do this of the new covenant in my blood. Do this of the new covenant in my blood. Do this in remembrance of me." Father, we uh come to your table as Father, we uh come to your table as sinners in need of your grace and we sinners in need of your grace and we sinners in need of your grace and we find great comfort in the grace of our find great comfort in the grace of our find great comfort in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. We proclaim his death Lord Jesus Christ. We proclaim his death Lord Jesus Christ. We proclaim his death even as we partake of the cup and the even as we partake of the cup and the even as we partake of the cup and the bread together this uh this day. We give bread together this uh this day. We give bread together this uh this day. We give you thanks. Make us holy and righteous you thanks. Make us holy and righteous you thanks. Make us holy and righteous as you are. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

We've got one more thing to do before we We've got one more thing to do before we leave today. And before we do that, leave today. And before we do that, leave today. And before we do that, actually, I just want to say if you actually, I just want to say if you actually, I just want to say if you would like someone to pray with you would like someone to pray with you would like someone to pray with you before you leave, um, our pastors, some before you leave, um, our pastors, some before you leave, um, our pastors, some of our leaders would be across the hall of our leaders would be across the hall of our leaders would be across the hall at the welcome center. They'd love to at the welcome center. They'd love to at the welcome center. They'd love to pray with you before you leave. And if pray with you before you leave. And if pray with you before you leave. And if you don't have community around you, as you don't have community around you, as you don't have community around you, as Eliza said earlier, we've got our church Eliza said earlier, we've got our church Eliza said earlier, we've got our church group connect happening in the lobby. As group connect happening in the lobby. As group connect happening in the lobby. As our family walked through a really our family walked through a really our family walked through a really difficult time, I can't tell you how difficult time, I can't tell you how difficult time, I can't tell you how much our church group showed us up for much our church group showed us up for much our church group showed us up for us in the midst of that. So if you don't us in the midst of that. So if you don't us in the midst of that. So if you don't have that, you can dive into that today. have that, you can dive into that today. have that, you can dive into that today. And normally when we dismiss, we send And normally when we dismiss, we send And normally when we dismiss, we send each other out with the great each other out with the great each other out with the great commission. And we're not going to do commission. And we're not going to do commission. And we're not going to do that today. Not because the great that today. Not because the great that today. Not because the great commission is important like what we commission is important like what we commission is important like what we talked about today. These truths need to talked about today. These truths need to talked about today. These truths need to be shared with the world that's hurting, be shared with the world that's hurting, be shared with the world that's hurting, that they can find hope in that. But that they can find hope in that. But that they can find hope in that. But just as we looked at Psalm 77, just as we looked at Psalm 77, just as we looked at Psalm 77, it's meant to be sung. And it's a it's meant to be sung. And it's a it's meant to be sung. And it's a communal reminder to us that God is with communal reminder to us that God is with communal reminder to us that God is with us and is going to continue to be with us and is going to continue to be with us and is going to continue to be with us as we go. Amen. And there's so many us as we go. Amen. And there's so many us as we go. Amen. And there's so many songs that I wish we could have sang songs that I wish we could have sang songs that I wish we could have sang today. In fact, just ask DJ. I was today. In fact, just ask DJ. I was today. In fact, just ask DJ. I was texting him all weekend like, "We got to texting him all weekend like, "We got to texting him all weekend like, "We got to sing this, we got to sing this, we got sing this, we got to sing this, we got sing this, we got to sing this, we got to sing this." So many, in fact, that we to sing this." So many, in fact, that we to sing this." So many, in fact, that we actually built a playlist called Hope actually built a playlist called Hope actually built a playlist called Hope When God Feels Distant that we'll send When God Feels Distant that we'll send When God Feels Distant that we'll send out in our e-news this week. If you need out in our e-news this week. If you need out in our e-news this week. If you need some music that'll just fill your soul, some music that'll just fill your soul, some music that'll just fill your soul, you can find that in the e-news this you can find that in the e-news this you can find that in the e-news this week. But we wanted to send out each week. But we wanted to send out each week. But we wanted to send out each other out reminding each other that no other out reminding each other that no other out reminding each other that no matter what the the the week or the year matter what the the the week or the year matter what the the the week or the year or month has ahead, Christ is going to or month has ahead, Christ is going to or month has ahead, Christ is going to hold us fast. So I want to invite these hold us fast. So I want to invite these hold us fast. So I want to invite these guys to come and lead us in singing one guys to come and lead us in singing one guys to come and lead us in singing one more song before we dismiss and then more song before we dismiss and then more song before we dismiss and then we'll go

to to when I [singing] fear my faith will when I [singing] fear my faith will when I [singing] fear my faith will fail. fail. fail. Christ will hold me fast. Christ will hold me fast. Christ will hold me fast. When the [music and singing] tender When the [music and singing] tender When the [music and singing] tender would prevail, would prevail, would prevail, he will [music] hold me fast. he will [music] hold me fast. he will [music] hold me fast. I could never keep my [music] home I could never keep my [music] home I could never keep my [music] home [singing] [singing] [singing] through life's fearful path. through life's fearful path. through life's fearful path. For my [singing] love is often cold. For my [singing] love is often cold. For my [singing] love is often cold. He must [music and singing] hold me He must [music and singing] hold me He must [music and singing] hold me fast. And he will hold [music and singing] me And he will hold [music and singing] me fast. fast. fast. He will hold me fast. He will hold me fast. He will hold me fast. For my Savior [singing] For my Savior [singing] For my Savior [singing] loves me [music] so. loves me [music] so. loves me [music] so. He will hold me fast. [music] And those he says are his [music] And those he says are his [music] delight.

delight. delight. Christ will hold me fast. Christ will hold me fast. Christ will hold me fast. Precious [music] in his [singing] holy Precious [music] in his [singing] holy Precious [music] in his [singing] holy sight. sight. sight. He will hold me fast. He will hold me fast. He will hold me fast. He'll not let my soul be lost. [singing] He'll not let my soul be lost. [singing] He'll not let my soul be lost. [singing] His promises [music] His promises [music] His promises [music] shall last. shall last. shall last. Bought by him at such a cost. Bought by him at such a cost. Bought by him at such a cost. He will hold me fast. He will hold me fast. He will hold me fast. [music and singing] He will hold me [singing] fast. He will hold me [singing] fast. He will hold me fast. He will hold me fast. He will hold me fast. For my [singing] Savior loves me [music] For my [singing] Savior loves me [music] For my [singing] Savior loves me [music] so. so. so. He will hold me fast. [music] Sing this with me.

Sing this with me. And for my life he bled and [music] And for my life he bled and [music] And for my life he bled and [music] died. Yes. died. Yes. died. Yes. Christ will hold me fast. [music] Christ will hold me fast. [music] Christ will hold me fast. [music] Justice has been satisfied. [singing] Justice has been satisfied. [singing] Justice has been satisfied. [singing] He will hold me fast He will hold me fast He will hold me fast and raise to him with endless [singing] and raise to him with endless [singing] and raise to him with endless [singing] life. life. life. He will hold me fast He will hold me fast He will hold me fast till our faith is turned to sight. till our faith is turned to sight. till our faith is turned to sight. When he [music and singing] comes at When he [music and singing] comes at When he [music and singing] comes at last, he will [music] hold [singing] me fast. he will [music] hold [singing] me fast. Yes, he will hold me [music] fast. Yes, he will hold me [music] fast. Yes, he will hold me [music] fast. For my Savior loves me so. [music] For my Savior loves me so. [music] For my Savior loves me so. [music] He will hold me [singing] fast. [music] He will hold [singing] me fast.

[music] He will hold [singing] me fast. Yes, he will hold me fast. Yes, he will hold me fast. Yes, he will hold me fast. For my Savior loves me [music] so. For my Savior loves me [music] so. For my Savior loves me [music] so. He [singing] will hold me fast. And for my Savior loves me so And for my Savior loves me so [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] he will hold me fast. [music] [music] Amen. Amen. Jesus said in John 14, "My peace I Amen. Jesus said in John 14, "My peace I leave with you. [music] My peace I give leave with you. [music] My peace I give leave with you. [music] My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Therefore, let not your hearts to you. Therefore, let not your hearts to you. Therefore, let not your hearts be troubled, [music] neither let them be be troubled, [music] neither let them be be troubled, [music] neither let them be afraid. Encourage one another with these afraid. Encourage one another with these afraid. Encourage one another with these words. Trust in God. He will hold you words. Trust in God. He will hold you words. Trust in God. He will hold you fast. We love you, church. Have a great fast. We love you, church. Have a great fast. We love you, church. Have a great week. We'll see you next Sunday.