Practicing Lament ( Psalm 77 ) | God In The Highs And Lows | Nate Reed

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 where we're going to be in the word where we're going to be in the word where we're going to be in the word today and it's right near the middle of today and it's right near the middle of today and it's right near the middle of your Bible and there's hard copies near your Bible and there's hard copies near your Bible and there's hard copies near or around your seat if you need to look or around your seat if you need to look or around your seat if you need to look on with one and if you don't have a on with one and if you don't have a on with one and if you don't have a Bible, our welcome team would love to Bible, our welcome team would love to Bible, our welcome team would love to give you one right after the service give you one right after the service give you one right after the service today. And as you're turning there, I today. And as you're turning there, I today. And as you're turning there, I want to add my welcome and good morning want to add my welcome and good morning want to add my welcome and good morning to each of you as well as those of you to each of you as well as those of you to each of you as well as those of you who are listening in online. My name is who are listening in online. My name is who are listening in online. My name is Nate and I serve as one of the pastors Nate and I serve as one of the pastors Nate and I serve as one of the pastors here at Tysons and um here at Tysons and um here at Tysons and um grateful for the opportunity to open grateful for the opportunity to open grateful for the opportunity to open God's word with you all here this God's word with you all here this God's word with you all here this morning. morning. morning. >> [snorts] >> I'll never forget the evening of >> I'll never forget the evening of February 10th February 10th February 10th earlier this year. earlier this year. earlier this year. We'd just wrapped up dinner at home with We'd just wrapped up dinner at home with We'd 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. "Please pray. "Please pray. There's been an accident There's been an accident There's been an accident and I don't know if Bert is okay. and I don't know if Bert is okay. and I don't know if Bert is okay. Going to the hospital." Going to the hospital." Going to the hospital." And Bert uh was her husband.

And Bert uh was her husband. And Bert uh 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 everything, we prayed, and everything, we prayed, and anxiously waited to hear more from her. anxiously waited to hear more from her. anxiously 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. And all it said was, And all it said was, >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> "He's gone. >> "He's gone. >> "He's gone. I'm going home to tell the kids." We were shocked. We were shocked. I mean, literally sat on the couch for I mean, literally sat on the couch for I mean, literally sat on the couch for hours going back and forth between tears hours going back and forth between tears hours going back and forth between tears and disbelief and and disbelief and 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. and his three teenagers fiercely. and his three teenagers fiercely. Served his church faithfully. He was the Served his church faithfully. He was the Served his church faithfully. He was the kind of person that everyone loved. kind of person that everyone loved. kind of person that everyone loved. He was active in his community, kind to He was active in his community, kind to He was 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.

people smile. people smile. And just like that, he was gone. He was like a brother to me, really, and He 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 you you are in the same place. are in the same place. 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? 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 marriage is falling apart or marriage is falling apart or you've gone through an unwanted divorce.

you've gone through an unwanted divorce. you've gone through an unwanted divorce. Some of you've lost a job and you're Some of you've lost a job and you're Some of you've 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. 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. pain. pain. And friends, I'm here to tell you today And friends, I'm here to tell you today And friends, I'm here to tell you today that's just simply not true. that's just simply not true. that's just simply not true. You won't find that anywhere in the You won't find that anywhere in the You won't find that anywhere in the Bible. We live in a broken and fallen Bible. We live in a broken and fallen Bible. We live in a broken and fallen world. So, what do you do when life world. So, what do you do when life 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.

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 songbook of the Psalms really are the songbook of the Psalms really are the songbook 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. helpful. helpful. And this week, we're going to look at And this week, we're going to look at And this week, we're going to look at another type of Psalm called lament. another type of Psalm called lament. another type of Psalm called lament. Psalms of lament. You might be Psalms of lament. You might be 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. 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. actually considered lament. actually considered lament. Over a third of them. In fact, sometime Over a third of them. In fact, sometime Over a third of them. In fact, sometime this week, I'd recommend you read some this week, I'd recommend you read some this week, I'd recommend you read some of these. You might write these down, of these. You might write these down, of these. You might write these down, but read through Psalm 13, but read through Psalm 13, but read through Psalm 13, Psalm 25, or even Psalm 142 for some Psalm 25, or even Psalm 142 for some Psalm 25, or even Psalm 142 for some clear examples. 13, 25, 142. Add that to clear examples. 13, 25, 142. Add that to clear examples. 13, 25, 142. Add that to your Bible reading this week. And that's your Bible reading this week. And that's your Bible reading this week. And that's what brings us here to Psalm 77.

what brings us here to Psalm 77. what 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, And I am confident that you'll find, And I am confident that you'll find, just as I have, just as I have, just as I have, that lament is actually a gift. that lament is actually a gift. that lament is actually a 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's hate to be a downer, but difficulty's hate to be a downer, but difficulty's coming. coming. coming. It's coming. It's coming. It's coming. Jesus promises this in John 16. He says, Jesus promises this in John 16. He says, Jesus promises this in John 16. He says, "In this world, you will have "In this world, you will have "In this world, you will have tribulation." tribulation." 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 well-versed in not that we need to be well-versed in not that we need to be well-versed 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 So, before we dive in, let me just take So, before we dive in, let me just take a moment, pray, ask the Lord to meet us a moment, pray, ask the Lord to meet us a moment, pray, ask the Lord to meet us in this time. in this time. in 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.

listening in right now. listening in right now. You know what we need. You know what we need. You know what we need. And God, we thank you that you've not And God, we thank you that you've not And God, we thank you that you've not left us alone for times like this. left us alone for times like this. left us alone for times like this. You've given us clear encouragement and You've given us clear encouragement and You've given us clear encouragement and instruction in your word. instruction in your word. instruction in your word. So, open our hearts and minds to hear So, open our hearts and minds to hear So, open our hearts and minds to hear from you today exactly how we need to from you today exactly how we need to from you today exactly how we need to hear from you. Meet us today, Lord, hear from you. Meet us today, Lord, hear from you. Meet us today, Lord, through your word. through your word. 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. Can we all say together? Can we all say together? Can we all say together? >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. So, Psalm 77 and the So, Psalm 77 and the So, Psalm 77 and the heading tells us that this Psalm was heading tells us that this Psalm was heading tells us that this Psalm was written by Asaph, who was a chief written by Asaph, who was a chief written by Asaph, 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 the circumstances and we don't know what the circumstances and we don't know what the circumstances were surrounding this Psalm, but as were surrounding this Psalm, but as were surrounding this Psalm, but as you'll see, it's clearly not good. you'll see, it's clearly not good. you'll see, it's clearly not good. And I expect that these verses will And I expect that these verses will And I expect that these verses will resonate with many of us here this resonate with many of us here this resonate with many of us here this morning. morning. morning. Just listen to the first nine verses and Just listen to the first nine verses and Just listen to the first nine verses and they'll be up on the screen as well. they'll be up on the screen as well. they'll be up on the screen as well. Psalm 71 starting in verse one, it says Psalm 71 starting in verse one, it says Psalm 71 starting in verse one, it says this, this, this, "I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, "I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, "I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me.

and he will hear me. and he will hear me. In the day of my trouble, I seek the In the day of my trouble, I seek the In the day of my trouble, I seek the Lord. Lord. Lord. In the night, my hand is stretched out In the night, my hand is stretched out In the night, my hand is stretched out without wearying. without wearying. without wearying. 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. this moment. this moment. And then And then And then things take a turn. things take a turn. things take a turn. He says this, "My soul refuses to be He says this, "My soul refuses to be He 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. long ago. long ago. I said, "Let me remember my song in the I said, "Let me remember my song in the I said, "Let me remember my song in the night. night. 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? >> Oh, yes. >> Oh, yes. >> Oh, yes. >> 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? desperate for relief? desperate for relief? >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Like those nights are awful. >> Like those nights are awful. >> Like 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. you've been there for a long time. you've been there for a long time. And that's exactly where Asaph was. He's And that's exactly where Asaph was. He's And that's exactly where Asaph was. He's been up all night praying in been up all night praying in been up all night praying in desperation. desperation. 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. to times when life was good. to times when life was good. In fact, this verse could be read, "Let In fact, this verse could be read, "Let In fact, this verse could be read, "Let me remember when the nights were filled me remember when the nights were filled me 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. They In fact, they feel far away. They In fact, they feel far away. They In fact, they feel impossible right now. And then the doubts begin to form in his And then the doubts begin to form in his mind. Listen to verse seven. mind. Listen to verse seven. mind. Listen to verse seven. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> It says, "Then my spirit made a diligent >> It says, "Then my spirit made a diligent >> It says, "Then my spirit made a diligent search." search." search." Meaning I tried to make sense of what Meaning I tried to make sense of what Meaning I tried to make sense of what was happening and then just listen to was happening and then just listen to was happening and then just listen to his questions. his questions. 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? Has promises at an end for all time? Has promises at an end for all time? Has 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? These questions just show how These questions just show how disorienting his situation was. disorienting his situation was. disorienting his situation was. Things are so bad that he's having Things are so bad that he's having Things are so bad that he's having doubts about God's goodness. And I know doubts about God's goodness. And I know doubts about God's goodness. And I know many of us, myself included, have had many of us, myself included, have had many of us, myself included, have had times when we've struggled with doubt. times when we've struggled with doubt. times when we've struggled with doubt. Like the the bottom falls out and even Like the the bottom falls out and even Like the the bottom falls out and even though we feel guilty about it, we just though we feel guilty about it, we just though we feel guilty about it, we just begin to wonder things just like Asaph begin to wonder things just like Asaph begin to wonder things just like Asaph did. did. did. Like has God rejected me? Like has God rejected me? Like has God 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? Is he angry with me? Is he angry with me? Like does he even see or understand what Like does he even see or understand what Like 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 in Lament. the pattern that we see in Lament. the pattern that we see in Lament. Cuz friends, remember, this is not just Cuz friends, remember, this is not just Cuz friends, remember, this is not just a journal from someone in a dark place. a journal from someone in a dark place. a journal from someone in a dark place. These are words that are inspired by the These are words that are inspired by the These are words that are inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. That's why they're Holy Spirit of God. That's why they're Holy Spirit of God. That's why they're in the Bible. in the Bible. 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, us, us, then we can make at least two then we can make at least two 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, notes. First, notes. First, Lament gives us freedom to be honest. Gives us freedom to be honest. Asaph Gives us freedom to be honest. Asaph 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 Asaph, he tells it like it thing about Asaph, he tells it like it thing about Asaph, 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. come to him. come to him. He invites you to come to him just as He invites you to come to him just as He invites you to come to him just as you are and freely share that struggle you are and freely share that struggle you are and freely share that struggle with him. Even if all you can struggle to say to Even if all you can struggle to say to him him 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. Leaves room for our doubts. Leaves room for our doubts. Mark Vroegop in his book Dark Clouds, Mark Vroegop in his book Dark Clouds, Mark Vroegop 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 says it this way, "Lament is how you says it this way, "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." Cuz we can know that God is in control, Cuz we can know that God is in control, Cuz we can know that God is in control, but it can feel like everything else is but it can feel like everything else is but it can feel like everything else is out of control.

out of control. 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, We can know that he's all-knowing, We can know that he's all-knowing, but it seems like he's turned a blind but it seems like he's turned a blind but it seems 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 was clear in us to doubt. And this was clear in us to doubt. And this was clear in Asaph's struggle. Look at it verse 8, Asaph's struggle. Look at it verse 8, Asaph's struggle. Look at it verse 8, when he asks, "Has his steadfast love when he asks, "Has his steadfast love when he asks, "Has his steadfast love forever ceased?" The Hebrew word for forever ceased?" The Hebrew word for forever ceased?" The Hebrew word for steadfast love there is hesed. It's a steadfast love there is hesed. It's a steadfast love there is hesed. It's a word we've talked about many times. It word we've talked about many times. It word we've talked about many times. It speaks to so many aspects of God's speaks to so many aspects of God's speaks to so many aspects of God's character, including his loyal, character, including his loyal, character, including his loyal, never-ending love. And Asaph is never-ending love. And Asaph is never-ending love. And Asaph 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. But what what makes doubting harmful But what what makes doubting harmful But what what makes doubting harmful is when we allow it to pull us away from is when we allow it to pull us away from is when we allow it to pull us away from God rather than drawing us to him.

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. And if you're struggling to believe And if you're struggling to believe that, that, that, just look to Jesus. just look to Jesus. just look to Jesus. 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 lament. And this is what he Psalm of lament. And this is what he Psalm of lament. And this is what he says. You can see it in Matthew 27:46. says. You can see it in Matthew 27:46. says. You can see it in Matthew 27:46. And at about the ninth hour, Jesus cried And at about the ninth hour, Jesus cried And at about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice saying, "Eli, Eli, out with a loud voice saying, "Eli, Eli, out with a loud voice saying, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which is, "My God, my lema sabachthani?" which is, "My God, my lema sabachthani?" 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? 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.

things the way that he's doing them. things the way that he's doing them. But I do know this, that he will give us But I do know this, that he will give us But I do know this, that he will give us something better in those moments. He'll something better in those moments. He'll something better in those moments. He'll give us himself. give us himself. 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. do it often. do it often. Cuz God's original design didn't include Cuz God's original design didn't include Cuz God's original design didn't include things like abuse, things like abuse, 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 these things and death. God looks on all these things and death. God looks on all these things and his heart is grieved for all of them. his heart is grieved for all of them. his heart is grieved for all of 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. Cuz there's a difference between honest Cuz there's a difference between honest Cuz there's a difference between honest expression and complaining. expression and complaining. 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.

accusation. accusation. So tempting. So tempting. 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, all wise, and completely good, all wise, and completely good, then being angry with God is never then being angry with God is never then being angry with God is never appropriate. appropriate. appropriate. It's never appropriate. It's never 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. humble posture towards God. humble posture towards God. And I love how Christian counselor and And I love how Christian counselor and And I love how Christian counselor and professor Dr. Dan Allender explains professor Dr. Dan Allender explains professor Dr. Dan Allender explains this. I've shared this quote before, but this. I've shared this quote before, but this. I've shared this quote before, but he says this, "It is crucial to he says this, "It is crucial to he says this, "It is crucial to comprehend a lament is as far from comprehend a lament is as far from comprehend a lament is as far from complaining or grumbling as a search is complaining or grumbling as a search is complaining or grumbling as a search is from aimless wandering. from aimless wandering. from aimless wandering. A grumbler has already reached a A grumbler has already reached a A grumbler has already reached a conclusion, shut down all desire, and conclusion, shut down all desire, and conclusion, shut down all desire, and postures with questions that are barely postures with questions that are barely postures with questions that are barely concealed accusations. Instead, a lament concealed accusations. Instead, a lament concealed accusations. Instead, a lament involves even deeper emotion because a involves even deeper emotion because a involves even deeper emotion because a lament is truly asking, seeking, and lament is truly asking, seeking, and lament is truly asking, seeking, and knocking to comprehend the heart of God. knocking to comprehend the heart of God. knocking to comprehend the heart of God. A lament involves the energy to search, A lament involves the energy to search, A lament involves the energy to search, not to shut down the quest for truth. It not to shut down the quest for truth. It not to shut down the quest for truth. It is a passion to ask rather than to rant is a passion to ask rather than to rant is a passion to ask rather than to rant and rave with already reached and rave with already reached and rave with already reached conclusions. And listen to this, a conclusions. And listen to this, a conclusions. And listen to this, a lament uses the language of pain, anger, lament uses the language of pain, anger, lament uses the language of pain, anger, and confusion and moves toward God.

and confusion and moves toward God. and confusion and moves toward God. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [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. but with our disappointment. but with our disappointment. And we cast it on his feet. 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 and how we practice lament. today and how we practice lament. today and how we practice lament. When life falls apart, When life falls apart, When life falls apart, God can bear the full weight of your God can bear the full weight of your God can bear the full weight of your pain. pain. 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's a through hard seasons, there's a through hard seasons, there's 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 things before God, that's when the things before God, that's when the things 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. morning to do that. morning to do that. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Now, you may have noticed as we read >> Now, you may have noticed as we read >> Now, you may have noticed as we read through these verses, that word selah through these verses, that word selah through these verses, that word selah printed in the margin. You ever wonder printed in the margin. You ever wonder printed in the margin. You ever wonder what that word's there for? what that word's there for? what that word's there for? Seems kind of random, maybe. Seems kind of random, maybe. 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. And the the top of the of the passage. And the the top of the of the passage. And the word selah is likely a musical term that word selah is likely a musical term that word selah is likely a musical term that likely indicated like a musical likely indicated like a musical likely indicated like a musical interlude or even a brief pause in the interlude or even a brief pause in the interlude or even a brief pause in the music. For the musicians in the room, music. For the musicians in the room, music. For the musicians in the room, it's like a grand pause or a fermata. it's like a grand pause or a fermata. it's like a grand pause or a fermata. You don't know what that is, ask a your You don't know what that is, ask a your You don't know what that is, ask a your musician friend, they'll tell you. musician friend, they'll tell you. musician friend, they'll tell you. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And it appears a few times in this >> And it appears a few times in this >> And it appears a few times in this passage and that word is not necessarily passage and that word is not necessarily passage and that word is not necessarily meant to be read and to be honest I meant to be read and to be honest I meant to be read and to be honest I think it kind of appears in some odd think it kind of appears in some odd think it kind of appears in some odd places at times which we can't judge. We places at times which we can't judge. We places at times which we can't judge. We don't know the soundtrack to these don't know the soundtrack to these don't know the soundtrack to these original songs.

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

the Lord. the Lord. >> [snorts]

>> Lord, from sorrows deep I call. >> Lord, from sorrows deep I call. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> When my hope is shaken, torn and ruined from torn and ruined from the fall, the fall, the fall, hear my desperation. [singing] For so long I've pled and [singing] For so long I've pled and [singing] prayed, prayed, prayed, God, come to God, come to God, come to my rescue. my rescue. my rescue. Even [singing and music] so, the thorn Even [singing and music] so, the thorn Even [singing and music] so, the thorn remains. remains. remains. Still, my [music and singing] heart will Still, my [music and singing] heart will Still, my [music and singing] heart will praise praise praise you. >> Storms within [music and singing] >> Storms within [music and singing] my troubled soul, my troubled soul, my troubled soul, questions without answers, [singing] on [music] my faith these billows roll. on [music] my faith these billows roll. God, be now my [singing] shelter.

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

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

him. him. And sing And sing And sing oh sing oh sing oh sing through the raging through the raging through the raging >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> storm, you're still my [singing] God, you're still my [singing] God, my salvation. You're still [singing] my God, You're still [singing] my God, my [music] salvation. You're still [singing] my God, You're still [singing] my God, my salvation. [music] >> When life falls apart, >> When life falls apart, God can bear the full weight of your God can bear the full weight of your God can bear the full weight of your pain. pain. pain. And just as an aside, I know there's a And just as an aside, I know there's a And just as an aside, I know there's a temptation for us when things are going temptation for us when things are going temptation for us when things are going bad to isolate or keep to ourselves. I bad to isolate or keep to ourselves. I bad to isolate or keep to ourselves. I hear people often say, and I've even hear people often say, and I've even hear people often say, and I've even said at times, I just don't want to be a said at times, I just don't want to be a said at times, I just don't want to be a burden to others.

burden to others. 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 And lamenting together And lamenting together is a means of grace God gives us to make is a means of grace God gives us to make is a means of grace God gives us to make it through difficult times. it through difficult times. it through difficult times. This is why you need to know how to This is why you need to know how to This is 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 because chances are there's someone because chances are there's someone because chances are there's someone around you where things are not going around you where things are not going around you where things are not going well. well. well. And let me just be clear, lament is not And let me just be clear, lament is not And let me just be clear, lament is not throwing out religious platitudes, throwing out religious platitudes, throwing out religious 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. words at all. words at all. It could simply just mean presence. It could simply just mean presence. It could simply just mean presence. Weeping with those who weep. Weeping with those who weep. Weeping with those who weep. Affirming that what they're going Affirming that what they're going Affirming that what they're going through is indeed really hard. through is indeed really hard. through is 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] >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> I needed to. >> I needed to. >> 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. the Bible. the Bible. It's where they then lead us. It's where they then lead us. 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 this Psalm. So, remaining verses of this Psalm. So, remaining verses of this Psalm. So, verse 10, if you're looking at Psalm 77, verse 10, if you're looking at Psalm 77, verse 10, if you're looking at Psalm 77, marks the beginning of another turn. marks the beginning of another turn. marks the beginning of another turn. After honestly expressing his pain and After honestly expressing his pain and After honestly expressing his pain and doubts, Asaph says this in verse 10. He doubts, Asaph says this in verse 10. He doubts, Asaph says this in verse 10. He says, "Then I said, I will appeal to says, "Then I said, I will appeal to says, "Then I said, I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of this, to the years of the right hand of this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High." the Most High." the Most High." Now, this verse can be translated in two Now, this verse can be translated in two Now, this verse can be translated in two different ways and commentators are different ways and commentators are different ways and commentators are split on which way is correct. We just split on which way is correct. We just split on which way is correct. We just read the English Standard Version which read the English Standard Version which read the English Standard Version which seems to have a hopeful turn cuz the seems to have a hopeful turn cuz the seems to have a hopeful turn cuz the rightful hand was considered the place rightful hand was considered the place rightful hand was considered the place of honor and favor. So, Asaph could be of honor and favor. So, Asaph could be of honor and favor. So, Asaph could be saying here, I'm trusting that God will saying here, I'm trusting that God will saying here, I'm trusting that God will be favorable again because he's been in be favorable again because he's been in be favorable again because he's been in the past. the past. the past. Or this verse could actually be a Or this verse could actually be a Or this verse could actually be a continuation of him expressing his continuation of him expressing his continuation of him expressing his doubts. doubts. doubts. The New English Translation has it this The New English Translation has it this The New English Translation has it this way, "I am sickened by the thought that way, "I am sickened by the thought that way, "I am sickened by the thought that the Most High might become inactive."

the Most High might become inactive." the Most 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. might have changed. might have changed. So, which one is it? So, which one is it? So, which one is it? And honestly, And honestly, And honestly, both fit with the flow of this Psalm. It both fit with the flow of this Psalm. It both fit with the flow of this Psalm. It either connects to the list of previous either connects to the list of previous either connects to the list of previous questions or it flows right into where questions or it flows right into where questions or it flows right into where Asaph goes next, remembering how God has Asaph goes next, remembering how God has Asaph goes next, remembering how God has acted in the past. And you see that in acted in the past. And you see that in acted in the past. And you see that in verses 11 to 14. verses 11 to 14. 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 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. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And Asaph does this here just by >> And Asaph does this here just by >> And Asaph 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."

verse 11, "I will remember." verse 11, "I will remember." Or I will ponder and meditate. In fact, Or I will ponder and meditate. In fact, Or I will ponder and meditate. In fact, the word remember and meditate are the the word remember and meditate are the the word remember and meditate are the two words that appear the most in this two words that appear the most in this two words that appear the most in this entire Psalm, which really makes sense entire Psalm, which really makes sense entire Psalm, which really makes sense because the battle for hope really because the battle for hope really because the battle for hope really begins in our minds. begins in our minds. begins in our minds. It's where it starts. It's where it starts. 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, that for most people, that for most people, 80% of the thoughts we think during any 80% of the thoughts we think during any 80% of the thoughts we think during any given day tend to be negative. given day tend to be negative. given day tend to be negative. It's kind of frightening, isn't it? It's kind of frightening, isn't it? It's kind of frightening, isn't it? And 90% 95% of those thoughts tend to be And 90% 95% of those thoughts tend to be And 90% 95% of those thoughts tend to be thoughts that we're just recycling from thoughts that we're just recycling from thoughts that we're just recycling from the previous day. the previous day. the previous 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. to dwell on what's bad. to dwell on what's bad. And while we can't control exterior And while we can't control exterior And while we can't control exterior factors that lead to our pain, we can factors that lead to our pain, we can factors that lead to our pain, we can influence how our mind responds. influence how our mind responds. influence how our 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. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> 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." I have hope." I have hope." And what is it that he recalls to mind? And what is it that he recalls to mind? And what is it that he recalls to mind? A true statement that has brought hope A true statement that has brought hope A true statement that has brought hope to so many in seasons of pain or to so many in seasons of pain or to so many in seasons of pain or suffering. Lamentations 3:22 and 23, suffering. Lamentations 3:22 and 23, suffering. Lamentations 3:22 and 23, >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> "The steadfast love of the Lord never >> "The steadfast love of the Lord never >> "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. ceases. 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 Asaph at the end of this psalm shows And Asaph at the end of this psalm shows And Asaph at the end of this psalm shows us two ways to do that, and that's my us two ways to do that, and that's my us two ways to do that, and that's my final two encouragements for you today. final two encouragements for you today. final two encouragements for you today. So, first, when life falls apart, So, first, when life falls apart, So, first, when 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. Meditate on the character of God. Meditate on the character of God. And this is exactly where Asaph went in And this is exactly where Asaph went in And this is exactly where Asaph went in the previous verses. In verse 13, he the previous verses. In verse 13, he the previous verses. In verse 13, he says, "Your way, oh God, is holy." says, "Your way, oh God, is holy." says, "Your way, oh God, is holy." Meaning his ways are perfect, set apart Meaning his ways are perfect, set apart Meaning his ways are perfect, set apart for his glory and our good.

for his glory and our good. for his glory and our good. He says, "What God is great, excuse He says, "What God is great, excuse He 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 is no other the answer is no one. There is no other the answer is no one. There is 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 God. He is great and mighty, and there God. He is great and mighty, and there is no one like him. is no one like him. is no one like him. In [snorts] verse 14, he declares, "You In [snorts] verse 14, he declares, "You In [snorts] verse 14, he declares, "You are the God who works wonders." Which are the God who works wonders." Which are the God who works wonders." Which means there's nothing impossible for our means there's nothing impossible for our means there's nothing impossible for our God. He's the all-powerful God who's God. He's the all-powerful God who's God. He's the all-powerful God who's still working miracles today. Which if still working miracles today. Which if still working miracles today. Which if that's the current case, friends, don't that's the current case, friends, don't that's the current case, friends, don't stop praying for God to move in your stop praying for God to move in your stop praying for God to move in your situation, even in miraculous ways. You situation, even in miraculous ways. You situation, even in miraculous ways. You can pray boldly. God changes because you can pray boldly. God changes because you can pray boldly. God changes because you can. can. 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, >> In fact, I love how Charles Spurgeon, >> In fact, I love how Charles Spurgeon, the pastor from the 19th century, said the pastor from the 19th century, said the pastor from the 19th century, said this. Listen, he says, "My dear friend, this. Listen, he says, "My dear friend, this. Listen, he says, "My dear friend, when grief presses you to the dust, when grief presses you to the dust, when grief presses you to the dust, worship there.

worship there. worship 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. In sorrow, worship and adore God there. In sorrow, worship and adore God there. In full surrender to his divine will, say full surrender to his divine will, say full surrender to his divine will, say with Job, 'Though he slay me, yet I will with Job, 'Though he slay me, yet I will with Job, 'Though he slay me, yet I will trust him.' trust him.' trust him.' This kind of worship subdues the will, This kind of worship subdues the will, This kind of worship subdues the will, arouses the affections, stirs the whole arouses the affections, stirs the whole arouses the affections, 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. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [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, Asaph reveals enough to lift our souls, Asaph reveals enough to lift our souls, Asaph 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, redeemed your people, redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph." the children of Jacob and Joseph." the children of Jacob and Joseph." So, he looks back to times when God has So, he looks back to times when God has So, he looks back to times when God has come through for his people in the past. come through for his people in the past. come through for his people in the past. And he doesn't do this generally. He And he doesn't do this generally. He And he doesn't do this generally. He gets very specific. He's going to You're gets very specific. He's going to You're gets very specific. He's going to You're going to see in a moment, he looks back going to see in a moment, he looks back going to see in a moment, he looks back to the Exodus, when God saved his people to the Exodus, when God saved his people to the Exodus, when God saved his people at the Red Sea. Continuing at verse 16, at the Red Sea. Continuing at verse 16, at the Red Sea. Continuing at verse 16, listen to what he says. When the water listen to what he says. When the water listen to what he says. When the water saw you, oh God, when the water saw you, saw you, oh God, when the water saw you, saw you, oh God, when the water saw you, they were afraid. Indeed, the deep they were afraid. Indeed, the deep they were afraid. Indeed, the deep trembled. The clouds poured out water, trembled. The clouds poured out water, trembled. The clouds poured out water, the skies gave forth thunder, your the skies gave forth thunder, your the skies gave forth thunder, your arrows flashed on every side. The crash arrows flashed on every side. The crash arrows flashed on every side. The crash of thunder was in the whirlwind. Your of thunder was in the whirlwind. Your of thunder was in the whirlwind. Your lightnings lighted up the world. The lightnings lighted up the world. The lightnings lighted up the world. The earth trembled and shook. Your way was earth trembled and shook. Your way was earth trembled and shook. Your way was through the sea, your path through the through the sea, your path through the through the sea, your path through the great waters, yet your footprints were great waters, yet your footprints were great waters, yet your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock

unseen. You led your people like a flock unseen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. by the hand of Moses and Aaron. by the hand of Moses and Aaron. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [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. Cuz in the lows of life, it's so Cuz in the lows of life, it's so Cuz 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. the situation in front of us. the situation in front of us. We need to look back to specific times We need to look back to specific times We need to look back to specific times when we could clearly see God at work, when we could clearly see God at work, when we could clearly see God at work, especially difficult in seemingly especially difficult in seemingly especially difficult in 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 Asaph's mind back to the Lord directed Asaph's mind back to the Lord directed Asaph'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 set it? Like think back. God had finally set it? Like think back. God had finally set his people free from Egypt, which was a his people free from Egypt, which was a his people free from Egypt, which was a miracle on its own, and they set out miracle on its own, and they set out miracle on its own, and they set out into the wilderness. into the wilderness. into the wilderness. 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 reach the don't realize this until they reach the don't realize this until they reach the Red Sea. They pull up to the shore, they Red Sea. They pull up to the shore, they Red 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.

panic. panic. It's a pretty dire situation. It's a pretty dire situation. It's a pretty dire situation. And what does God do? And what does God do? And 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. that coming. that coming. And can I just add that this wasn't And can I just add that this wasn't And can I just add that this wasn't really like a calm and happy event? really like a calm and happy event? really like a calm and happy event? Seems kind of obvious, but some kids Seems kind of obvious, but some kids Seems kind of obvious, but some kids Bibles like to paint that picture. In Bibles like to paint that picture. In Bibles like to paint that picture. In fact, I took this picture from one of fact, I took this picture from one of 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. Look at it. Look at it. Like they're walking through the Red Sea Like they're walking through the Red Sea Like they're walking through the Red Sea so happy. so happy. so happy. It's like a wedding procession or It's like a wedding procession or It's like a wedding procession or something like this. something like this. something like this. Or if they're in a museum or something Or if they're in a museum or something Or if they're in a museum or something like that. No, this was terrifying. like that. No, this was terrifying. like that. No, this was terrifying. Like every Israelite thought they were Like every Israelite thought they were Like every Israelite thought they were facing death, and every single step of facing death, and every single step of facing death, and every single step of the journey was perilous, including the journey was perilous, including the journey was perilous, including walking through this water. walking through this water. walking through this water. Actually, I was thinking about this over Actually, I was thinking about this over Actually, I was thinking about this over the summer cuz we we went down to the summer cuz we we went down to the summer cuz we we went down to Georgia to Georgia to spend some time Georgia to Georgia to spend some time Georgia to Georgia to spend some time with Rachel's sister and her kids, and with Rachel's sister and her kids, and with Rachel's sister and her kids, and while we were there, he took we took her while we were there, he took we took her while we were there, he took we took her kids to the Georgia Aquarium. Anyone kids to the Georgia Aquarium. Anyone kids to the Georgia Aquarium. Anyone ever been to the Georgia Aquarium ever been to the Georgia Aquarium ever been to the Georgia Aquarium before?

before? before? Yes, it's amazing. I highly recommend Yes, it's amazing. I highly recommend Yes, it's amazing. I highly recommend it. It's the largest aquarium in the US. it. It's the largest aquarium in the US. it. It's the largest aquarium in the US. You'll see a picture of their largest You'll see a picture of their largest You'll see a picture of their largest tank on the screen that holds 6.3 tank on the screen that holds 6.3 tank on the screen that holds 6.3 million gallons of water. It's home to million gallons of water. It's home to million gallons of water. It's home to the only rescued whale shark in the the only rescued whale shark in the the only rescued whale shark in the world. And at the bottom of this tank, world. And at the bottom of this tank, world. And at the bottom of this tank, there's actually a moving sidewalk that there's actually a moving sidewalk that there's actually a moving sidewalk that takes you through this clear glass tube takes you through this clear glass tube takes you through this clear glass tube where as you're slowly being moved where as you're slowly being moved where as you're slowly being moved through it, you can look up and see through it, you can look up and see through it, you can look up and see stingrays and sharks and these massive stingrays and sharks and these massive stingrays and sharks and these massive fish just swimming all around you. fish just swimming all around you. fish just swimming all around you. Some of you are like, nope, I'm not Some of you are like, nope, I'm not Some of you are like, nope, I'm not going in that. going in that. going in that. You're not getting me in there. You're not getting me in there. You're not getting me in there. It's incredible. It's incredible. It's incredible. And I kid you not, And I kid you not, And I kid you not, as we're going through this tube, I as we're going through this tube, I as 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." And I wanted to turn and be like, And I wanted to turn and be like, "You're so wrong." "You're so wrong." "You're so wrong." That's not close at all. This was That's not close at all. This was That's not close at all. This was terrifying. terrifying. terrifying. This isn't just like a walk through the This isn't just like a walk through the This isn't just like a walk through the aquarium. Did you hear how Asaph aquarium. Did you hear how Asaph aquarium. Did you hear how Asaph recounted this miracle?

recounted this miracle? recounted this miracle? Thunders crashing, lightning is flashing Thunders crashing, lightning is flashing Thunders crashing, lightning is flashing on every side. The heavens are pouring on every side. The heavens are pouring on every side. The heavens are pouring out rain, and the earth is trembling and out rain, and the earth is trembling and out rain, and the earth is trembling and shaking. And keep in mind that the Red shaking. And keep in mind that the Red shaking. And keep in mind that the Red Sea at its deepest part was probably Sea at its deepest part was probably Sea at its deepest part was probably about 900 ft deep, which is 30 times the about 900 ft deep, which is 30 times the about 900 ft deep, which is 30 times the height of that pool you just saw on the height of that pool you just saw on the height of that pool you just saw on the screen. That's a big wall of water. And it's here in the passage after And it's here in the passage after describing that that I think Asaph describing that that I think Asaph describing that that I think Asaph 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. truths we see in this entire Psalm. truths we see in this entire Psalm. Look it back at verse 19 with me. It Look it back at verse 19 with me. It Look it back at verse 19 with me. It says this, says this, says this, "Your way was through the sea. "Your way was through the sea. "Your way was through the sea. Your path through the great waters, Your path through the great waters, Your path through the great waters, yet your footprints were unseen. yet your footprints were unseen. yet 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." hand of Moses and Aaron." hand of Moses and Aaron." I can't get past that phrase, "Your way I can't get past that phrase, "Your way I can't get past that phrase, "Your way was through the sea." 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 Sea, on the opposite shore, looking Sea, on the opposite shore, looking back, seeing Pharaoh's army completely back, seeing Pharaoh's army completely back, seeing Pharaoh's army completely decimated, decimated, decimated, when they could finally see what God was when they could finally see what God was when they could finally see what God was up to in that moment.

up to in that moment. 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. as well. as well. There have been so many times I can look There have been so many times I can look There have been so many times I can look back in my own life when I was thinking, back in my own life when I was thinking, back in my own life when I was thinking, "God, what in the world are you doing?" "God, what in the world are you doing?" "God, what in the world are you doing?" And fast forward, I can see it now, and And fast forward, I can see it now, and And fast forward, I can see it now, and it's just blowing me away. it's just blowing me away. it's just blowing me away. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> It may be hard to see now, folks, but we >> It may be hard to see now, folks, but we >> It may be hard to see now, folks, but we can always trust that God is still at can always trust that God is still at can always trust that God is still at work even in the midst of the most work even in the midst of the most work even in the midst of the most difficult storms. He's always at work. difficult storms. He's always at work. difficult storms. He's always at work. This is why we need to remember how God This is why we need to remember how God This is why we need to remember how God has worked in the past. has worked in the past. 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. Like you struggle to see any any Like you struggle to see any 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, and 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. Like I find it comforting here that Like I find it comforting here that Like I find it comforting here that Asaph doesn't recall something from his Asaph doesn't recall something from his Asaph doesn't recall something from his own life, own life, own life, but instead looks back to something that but instead looks back to something that but instead looks back to something that happened hundreds of years ago before he happened hundreds of years ago before he 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. redemption for his people. redemption for his people. Which just shows why it's so important Which just shows why it's so important Which just shows why it's so important that we hide God's word in our hearts that we hide God's word in our hearts that we hide God's word in our hearts and remind each other about what he's and remind each other about what he's and remind each other about what he's done. That's praise like Eric talked done. That's praise like Eric talked done. That's praise like Eric talked about last week because we need those about last week because we need those about last week because we need those truths stored [snorts] up for when the truths stored [snorts] up for when the truths stored [snorts] up for when the storms come. And this is where we find the greatest And this is where we find the greatest hope when life falls apart. hope when life falls apart. hope when life falls apart. Because friends, Because friends, Because friends, we've got an even greater act of we've got an even greater act of we've got an even greater act of redemption to look back to. redemption to look back to. redemption to look back to. When Asaph had to look back to the Red When Asaph had to look back to the Red When Asaph had to look back to the Red Sea, Sea, Sea, we get to look back at the cross. we get to look back at the cross. we get to look back at the cross. Get to look back at the cross. Friends, Get to look back at the cross. Friends, Get to look back at the cross. Friends, this world is not the way it was meant this world is not the way it was meant this world is not the way it was meant to be. to be. to be. And that actually falls on us. And that actually falls on us. And that actually falls on us. It's on us. The reason we live in a It's on us. The reason we live in a It's on us. The reason we live in a world of suffering and sorrow is because world of suffering and sorrow is because world of suffering and sorrow is because every single one of us, myself included, every single one of us, myself included, every 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.

live, have rejected God. live, have rejected God. Like we want to be in control of our own Like we want to be in control of our own Like 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 prefer our aspect of our being that we prefer our aspect of our being that we prefer our way instead of his. way instead of his. way instead of his. And the And the And the natural state of our This is the natural natural state of our This is the natural natural state of our This is the natural state of our hearts. And as a result, state of our hearts. And as a result, state of our hearts. And as a result, he's allowed us to experience the he's allowed us to experience the he's allowed us to experience the consequences of our decision. consequences of our decision. consequences of our decision. Cuz when we reject God and all of his Cuz when we reject God and all of his Cuz 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 and brokenness and pain. chaos and brokenness and pain. chaos and brokenness and pain. And that rejection ultimately leads to And that rejection ultimately leads to And that rejection ultimately leads to separation from him. separation from him. separation from him. But this is the greatest news in all of But this is the greatest news in all of But this is the greatest news in all of the world that God didn't leave us in the world that God didn't leave us in the world that God didn't leave us in that place. Cuz when there was nothing that place. Cuz when there was nothing that place. Cuz when there was nothing we could do to redeem ourselves, God we could do to redeem ourselves, God we could do to redeem ourselves, God himself stood in the gap. He came to us himself stood in the gap. He came to us himself stood in the gap. He came to us in the person of Jesus. He lived a in the person of Jesus. He lived a in the person of Jesus. He lived a perfect life. He experienced the same perfect life. He experienced the same perfect life. He experienced the same kind of pain and suffering that we do in kind of pain and suffering that we do in kind of pain and suffering that we do in this life. And when he had no sin to die this life. And when he had no sin to die this life. And when he had no sin to die for, he willingly died in our place, for, he willingly died in our place, 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 3 days later in rose from the grave 3 days later in rose from the grave 3 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 trust in him will be forgiven sin and trust in him will be forgiven sin and trust 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, trusted in Jesus, trusted in Jesus, friend, this invitation is open to you friend, this invitation is open to you friend, this invitation is open to you as well. as well. as well. It's open to you. It's open to you. It's open to you. And I know that that doesn't mean that And I know that that doesn't mean that And I know that that doesn't mean that 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 are going to go away. That's problems are going to go away. That's problems are going to go away. That's not true. But what it does mean is that not true. But what it does mean is that not true. But what it does mean is that the suffering and sorrow you experience the suffering and sorrow you experience the suffering and sorrow you experience in this life is not the end of your in this life is not the end of your in this life is not the end of your story. It's not the end. It means when story. It's not the end. It means when story. It's not the end. It means when this life is over, you get to enjoy God this life is over, you get to enjoy God this life is over, you get to enjoy God in all of his glory, life as it was in all of his glory, life as it was in all of his glory, life as it was intended to be, living with him forever. intended to be, living with him forever. intended to be, living with him forever. And he's the only one who offers us this And he's the only one who offers us this And he's the only one who offers us this hope. Jesus said, "I am the way, the hope. Jesus said, "I am the way, the hope. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the truth, and the life. No one comes to the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." If you have Father except through me." If you have Father except through me." If you have not trusted in Jesus, don't put off this not trusted in Jesus, don't put off this not trusted in Jesus, don't put off this decision. It is open to you. decision. It is open to you. decision. It is open to you. And brothers and sisters, because of the And brothers and sisters, because of the And 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. your eternity is secure. your eternity is secure. You can have hope. You can have hope. 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.

that day comes. that day comes. It's why he's given it to us. It's why he's given it to us. It's why he's given it to us. It welcomes our honest cries and allows It welcomes our honest cries and allows It welcomes our honest cries and allows us to look ahead with hope. us to look ahead with hope. 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 in across an interview that someone came in across an interview that someone came in 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 you his book I would highly commend you his book I would highly commend 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. helpful resource. helpful resource. But back in 2020, after decades of But back in 2020, after decades of But back in 2020, after decades of faithful ministry, he was diagnosed with faithful ministry, he was diagnosed with faithful ministry, he was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer that would stage four pancreatic cancer that would stage four pancreatic cancer that would eventually take his life in May of 2023. eventually take his life in May of 2023. eventually take his 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. quickly approaching. quickly approaching. And I want you to hear how he responded. And I want you to hear how he responded. And I want you to hear how he responded. Take a look up on the screen. Take a look up on the screen. Take a look up on 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.

If Jesus Christ was actually raised from If Jesus Christ was actually raised from the dead, the dead, the dead, if he really got [music] up, if he really got [music] up, 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, talked to them, people, talked to them, people, talked 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 meaning meaning other other other Uh there's plenty of other religions Uh there's plenty of other religions Uh there's plenty of other religions that talk about a future afterlife, that talk about a future afterlife, that talk about a future afterlife, 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 words, you get a consolation words, you get a consolation for the world we've lost. for the world we've lost. for the world we've lost. Christianity [music] says it's not just Christianity [music] says it's not just Christianity [music] says it's 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 and [music] evil and suffering and [music] evil and suffering and [music] uh and sin. uh and sin. uh and sin. And if Jesus Christ was raised from the And if Jesus Christ was raised from the And if Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, then the whole world is going to dead, then the whole world is going to dead, then the whole world is going to be, in a sense, resurrected. be, in a sense, resurrected.

be, in a sense, resurrected. >> [music] >> [music] >> [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, be. So, be. So, uh and you know what? Actually, it would uh and you know what? Actually, it would uh and you know what? Actually, it would right now I couldn't possibly [music] right now I couldn't possibly [music] 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. Either intellectually or from the dead. Either intellectually or from the dead. Either intellectually or existentially. So, whenever I'm And by existentially. So, whenever I'm And by existentially. So, whenever I'm And by the way, but Kathy and I, listen, we cry the way, but Kathy and I, listen, we cry the way, but Kathy and I, listen, we cry we we cried a lot last night. we we cried a lot last night. we we cried a lot last night. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Sometimes the reality of the shortness >> Sometimes the reality of the shortness >> Sometimes the reality of the shortness of what we have left here of what we have left here of what we have left here just overwhelms us and we were just just overwhelms us and we were just just overwhelms us and we were just weeping together and and crying. weeping together and and crying. weeping together and and crying. And then you say, [music] if Jesus And then you say, [music] if Jesus And then you say, [music] if Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, Christ was raised from the dead, Christ was raised from the dead, it is going to be okay. And then you can it is going to be okay. And then you can it is going to be okay. And then you can wipe your tears, but you don't [music] wipe your tears, but you don't [music] wipe your tears, but you don't [music] stop crying. stop crying. 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. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> 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're we still have meet Jesus Christ, we're we still have meet Jesus Christ, we're we still have our wounds. our wounds. our wounds. So, they are going to be healed. But So, they are going to be healed. But So, they are going to be healed. But they'll be healed by his. >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. I love what he said. I love what he said. I love what he said. If the resurrection is true, then If the resurrection is true, then If the resurrection is true, then everything is going to be okay. everything is going to be okay. everything is going to be okay. >> Amen. >> 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. were crying in tears. were crying in tears. It just means that if you're in Christ, It just means that if you're in Christ, It just means that 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. It's not the end. It's not the end. So, Christian, So, Christian, So, Christian, whatever difficulty you're walking whatever difficulty you're walking whatever difficulty you're walking through right now or will walk through through right now or will walk through through right now or will walk through in the days to come, embrace God's gift in the days to come, embrace God's gift in the days to come, embrace God's gift of lament. of lament. of lament. Don't minimize the pain that you're Don't minimize the pain that you're 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. questions to him. questions to him. And allow other brothers and sisters to And allow other brothers and sisters to And allow other brothers and sisters to mourn and weep beside you. mourn and weep beside you. mourn and weep beside you. But as you do, meditate on the perfect But as you do, meditate on the perfect But as you do, meditate on the perfect and never-changing character of God. and never-changing character of God. and never-changing character of God. Meditate on his character. Meditate on his character. Meditate on his character. And then look back. And then look back. And then 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 own life. If you can't see it in your own life. If you can't see it in your own life. If you can't see it in your life, look at how he's worked in your life, look at how he's worked in your life, look at how he's worked in others' lives, and then look at how he's others' lives, and then look at how he's others' lives, and then look at how he's worked in all of salvation history.

worked in all of salvation history. worked in all of 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. respond. respond. I'll put a few more questions up on the I'll put a few more questions up on the I'll put a few more questions up on the screen just to help during this time. screen just to help during this time. screen just to help during this time. I want to give you a moment between you I want to give you a moment between you I want to give you a moment between you and the Lord just to work through. But and the Lord just to work through. But and the Lord just to work through. But 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 and you want to do trusted in Jesus and you want to do trusted in Jesus and you want to do that, that, that, like let this be the time where you like let this be the time where you like let this be the time where you acknowledge to him that you want to acknowledge to him that you want to acknowledge to him that you want to receive his forgiveness and that you're receive his forgiveness and that you're receive his forgiveness and that you're willing to entrust your entire life to willing to entrust your entire life to willing to entrust your entire life to him. him. him. You can do that in your own words, even You can do that in your own words, even You can do that in your own words, even just in the quietness of your own heart. just in the quietness of your own heart. just in the quietness of your own heart. He hears you and he knows if you're He hears you and he knows if you're He hears you and he knows if you're being genuine. being genuine. being 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. leave. leave. I want you to go ahead and take a moment I want you to go ahead and take a moment I want you to go ahead and take a moment to reflect and then I'll come out and to reflect and then I'll come out and to reflect and then I'll come out and prepare us to take the Lord's Supper.

>> 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 you want to ask if interrupt you, but do you want to ask if interrupt you, but do you want to ask if you wouldn't mind first I'll just about you wouldn't mind first I'll just about you wouldn't mind first I'll just about 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 would say that you're would say that you're walking through a really difficult time walking through a really difficult time walking through a really difficult time right now and just need an extra measure right now and just need an extra measure right now and just need an extra measure of God's grace. Just with all heads of God's grace. Just with all heads of God's grace. Just with all heads bowed and eyes closed, would you mind bowed and eyes closed, would you mind bowed and eyes closed, would you mind just raising your hand so I can see you? just raising your hand so I can see you? just raising your hand so I can see you? >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thanks. Okay. Okay. I want to I want to I want to pray for all of us, but specifically for pray for all of us, but specifically for pray for all of us, but specifically for those who raised your hand. Let me Let those who raised your hand. Let me Let those who raised your hand. Let me Let me pray for us. >> 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? Would you help them to know that you see Would you help them to know that you see them? That you're with them. them? That you're with them. them? That you're with them. That you love them. That you love them. That you love them. And that it says in the Psalm 56 verse 8 And that it says in the Psalm 56 verse 8 And that it says in the Psalm 56 verse 8 that you've collected, you've caught that you've collected, you've caught that you've collected, you've caught every single tear they've cried in your every single tear they've cried in your every single tear they've cried in your bottle. bottle. 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, way this week, even today, way this week, even today, that encourages them, strengthens them, that encourages them, strengthens them, that encourages them, strengthens them, and gives them hope for what you are and gives them hope for what you are and gives them hope for what you are doing in their lives. doing in their lives. doing 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 God, and God, and even as we've reflected on the fact that even as we've reflected on the fact that even as we've reflected on the fact that the world is not the way it's meant to the world is not the way it's meant to the world is not the way it's meant to be, God, we pray for the people of China be, God, we pray for the people of China be, God, we pray for the people of China and Nepal right now who and Nepal right now who and Nepal right now who reeling from this natural disaster, God, reeling from this natural disaster, God, reeling from this natural disaster, God, would you pour out your mercy and your would you pour out your mercy and your would you pour out your mercy and your grace upon them. Would you continue to grace upon them. Would you continue to grace upon them. Would you continue to save and rescue people that might still save and rescue people that might still save and rescue people that might still be trapped.

be trapped. 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. God, I pray for those in the room who God, I pray for those in the room who don't know you or maybe those who have don't know you or maybe those who have don't know you or maybe those who have walked away from you because of what's walked away from you because of what's walked away from you because of what's happened in their past. happened in their past. happened in their past. God, would you just reveal yourself to God, would you just reveal yourself to God, would you just reveal yourself to them? them? 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. happened to them. happened to them. Bring about a process of healing, Bring about a process of healing, Bring about a process of healing, reconciliation, reconciliation, 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 cuz one day is coming when you're going cuz one day is coming when you're going cuz one day is coming when you're going to return and we will see you to return and we will see you to return and we will see you face-to-face. You'll wipe every tear face-to-face. You'll wipe every tear face-to-face. You'll wipe every tear from every eye and we'll get to enjoy from every eye and we'll get to enjoy from every eye and we'll get to enjoy you forever. We look forward to that you forever. We look forward to that you forever. We look forward to that day, Father. day, Father. day, Father. Please allow that day to come soon. Please allow that day to come soon. Please allow that day to come soon. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> We love you. I'm going to pray this all >> We love you. I'm going to pray this all >> We love you. I'm going to pray this all in Jesus' name, and we all said in Jesus' name, and we all said in Jesus' name, and we all said together, together, together, >> Amen.

>> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Amen.