PONDERING... Are You Living Like He Has The Whole World In His Hands? (Psalm 31:14-24)

VIDEO

Are You Living Like He Has The Whole World In His Hands? (AM Sermon Notes)

GIST: Realizing God’s sovereignty over all circumstances focuses your desires on Him and gives you boldness as you live driven by faithful expectancy.

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 31:14-24

This morning we’re wrapping up Psalm 31. Last week, we saw that this psalm, which was quoted by Jesus on the cross just before He took His final breath, provides hope for us when life isn’t going so well. We were told to remind ourselves of the truth rather than allow circumstances and frustrations to inform our perspectives, and to commit our lives wholeheartedly to the One who gave His life for us.

Today, we’re going to pick up there and focus in on why we can do that and the impact this worldview should have on our lives. Let’s start by reading the verses we closed with last week, 14 and the first part of 15, as these lay the foundation for the whole psalm.

“14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." 15a My times are in your hand…” 

That truth is so beautiful. So much worry and so much bitterness could be eliminated if we truly embraced it. Yet, like David, who walked very closely with God by the way, we need these reminders. Therefore, here’s our gist: Realizing God’s sovereignty over all circumstances focuses your desires on Him and gives you boldness as you live driven by faithful expectancy. (Oh, and since today we’re celebrating Godly parents, I do have a few connections for us on that front as well! ☺️) 

Let’s dive in. First, we need to→ 

I. Realize God’s Sovereignty

“14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." 15a My times are in your hand…” This really is key to understanding the psalm here. David cries out to his God whom he trusts because he knows time is in His hands! We can have this same confidence because this is 100% true in our lives as well.  I just want to make two quick points here. 

1- God is sovereign over your personal life. There is no burden too small or concern too far from His amazing grace. Nothing in your life catches Him off guard. He knows, and He cares. Rejoice and rest in that wonderful truth!

2- God is sovereign over this whole world. It’s easy to get bogged down and overwhelmed by world events. Dark humor floods social media right now as people try to process what has proven to be a uniquely challenging start to this decade. Nonetheless, please hear me. Neither pandemics nor social injustices are outside of God’s hands. He’s been moving and will continue to do so no matter the circumstances. No matter what is happening, God has a purpose beyond what we see.

We need to realize this and→  

II. Focus Our Desires On Him

This next section is the longest in our passage today. It shows us what remembering this truth did to David’s perspective— and what it should do for ours. 

First, we see his perspective on persecution (15b-18). “15b....rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! 16 Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love! 17 O LORD, let me not be put to shame, for I call upon you; let the wicked be put to shame; let them go silently to Sheol. 18 Let the lying lips be mute, which speak insolently against the righteous in pride and contempt.” 

This section is raw, right? We see David’s heart and his concerns. He holds nothing back. He trusts that God is in control, but he’s still in the middle of persecution and knows he desperately needs rescue, so he basically has two requests. 1- Not to be put to shame, and 2- for the wicked to be punished. Neither of these desires is sinful, and they both come back to trusting God’s sovereignty. 

First, he wants people to see his hope hasn’t been in vain because it’s been built upon God and not himself. When we have this cry, it’s also evangelistic because by seeing our testimony, they will also see this hope—salvation through Jesus— for themself. 

Secondly, he wants those who reject this hope to experience what they’re running toward rather than prosper now so the whole world can see what really matters and what the cost is of missing out on Him.

The passage doesn’t stay locked on this long though. As he continues, we also see his perspective on provision (19-22). “19 Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind! 20 In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues. 21 Blessed be the LORD, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city. 22 I had said in my alarm, "I am cut off from your sight." But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help.”

Honestly, this is just awesome! Let’s break down each verse a bit here. 

“19 Oh, how abundant is your goodness…” Abundant goodness is goodness without limits. His grace won’t ever be exhausted or used up. 

“...which you have stored up for those who fear you…” This makes me think of a stockpile or a reserve. Like when Joseph helped the Egyptians put back grains to provide for their people in the time of famine. Even in times of despair He has goodness ready for those who love Him. In fact, look at the next part→ 

“...and worked for those who take refuge in you…” He is actively working for the good of those who take refuge in Him. Does this mean we’ll always understand His movements? No, but it does mean they’re always there. AND, mostly they aren’t done in secret but→ 

“...in the sight of the children of mankind!” Which reminds me of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:16) where we’re told to let our light shine before men so they can see our good deeds and praise our Father (the source of all good) who is in Heaven!

The next two verses really hit me, especially in the context of recognizing our godly parents this morning, because this is the heart of every loving parent fulfilled perfectly in our Heavenly Father. 

“20 In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues.” We’re hidden and protected in the shelter of His presence. Not only is the whole world in His hands. Not only are your circumstances in His hands. You are in His hands! So→ 

“21 Blessed be the LORD, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city.” His love is constant, even when you’re surrounded by the enemy. Even when the world is turning its face from God. Even when everything is falling apart… His love never fails. But we might feel like that sometimes→ 

“22 I had said in my alarm, "I am cut off from your sight." But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help.” I thought you were far away… but I was wrong! Haven’t we been there? Doesn’t every little kid have that moment when they feel like mom and dad have forgotten them? And with earthly parents, sometimes that’s true. When I was growing up, my parents left me at church at least once and made it home before realizing I wasn’t with them ☺️. And they’re good parents! No matter how far you feel from God, He’s never abandoned you. He is always with you. He always hears, and He’s always moving...which brings us to our last point here. Since that is true, we should→ 

III. Be Emboldened Through Faithful Expectancy

These last two verses are like an admonition. “23 Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. 24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!” Here’s what we’re called to.

Love the LORD. That’s the foundation of our...everything.

Repent. The faithful are preserved, but pride is repaid abundantly, so we should turn from self to Him!

Be Strong & Take Courage. These are awesome encouragements and words that I sing over my kids. ‘Don’t let fear stop you.’ I’ve been there. You’ve probably been there. BUT our source of strength isn’t ourselves. Our bravery isn’t something we have to tap into from within. That won’t work. I’ll never have anything of myself that is a firm enough foundation to justify bravery in this broken world. But I can be brave and I can take courage just like you→ 

Because You Are Waiting For the Lord! This is the picture of expectancy we see referenced so often in the psalms! I can be strong and courageous because I know God will never cease to be God! 

So, is this a “parent’s day” kind of message? I know I’m notoriously terrible about not preaching on passages that more clearly tie into specific holidays, but my heart has always been that clear Biblical truth is something we need for every circumstance. Nonetheless, for me, there is a clear connection here. See, this should be the cry of every Godly parent’s heart for ourselves and our kiddos. “Guys, God might seem far away sometimes, but He’s not. All your days—good or bad—are firmly in His hands, and so are you, so love Him, trust His provision, and be strong and courageous because you know He’s moving!” We should want our kids to see us live this truth, so they can say this with us: “14b I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." 15a My times are in your hand…” 

Let’s hit some quick→ 

TAKEAWAYS

1. God is sovereign over everything. 
2. Your perspective should long for Him.
3. Your boldness should come from looking forward to His movement!

PONDERING... What Can We Learn From These Six Transition Verses☺? (Acts 18:18-23)

VIDEO

What Can We Learn From These Six Transition Verses☺? (PM Lesson Outline)

GIST: Our lives belong to God, so we should use them for Him.

SCRIPTURE: Acts 18:18-23

Without introduction, let’s just read these six verses tonight. 

“18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. 19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. 21 But on taking leave of them he said, "I will return to you if God wills," and he set sail from Ephesus. 22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. 23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.”

I couldn’t think of an “all-encompassing” title for tonight’s discussion because, in reality, we’re coming to more of a transition passage. That’s why the title is: “What Can We Learn From These Six Transition Verses☺️?” It would be easy to skip over these verses, but I really believe all of God’s Word is inspired and meant to teach us, so there is something to glean from this transition about how we transition through life as well. If I could give us a gist, it would be this: Our lives belong to God, so we should use them for Him. I have three quick points for this evening, and they are our takeaways, as well. ☺️ 

I. Traditions Aren’t Bad. They’re Just Not God. (18)

“18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow.”

Paul’s hair was cut as part of a Jewish traditional vow. This was probably a vow of commitment and thanksgiving to God. Do Christians have to do this? Nope. Why did Paul? Because he was still Jewish. Was there anything wrong with him doing this? Nope. It was a visible way for him to express a commitment we should all be making. It was part of his culture. It made sense for him. Teaching traditions as part of what saves is wrong. Performing them because they are a way of expressing what Jesus has called us to do is absolutely fine. The question we have to ask is this: does this tradition honor God and help His people grow closer to Him? If so, it’s at least generally fine. If not, it needs to be scrapped immediately!

II. God Is Sovereign Over Our Plans. (19-21)

“19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. 21 But on taking leave of them he said, "I will return to you if God wills," and he set sail from Ephesus.”

Here he has a chance to stay with people who actually want him to stay! And he leaves...for now. What?! Why? Because he knew God needed him to go somewhere else at this point. He wants to come back, but even with that he says, “I will return to you if God wills”. This is a truth that we need to remember. Melissa and I are planners. We’re not super great follow-throughers, but we love to dream together ☺️. We have all kinds of ideas, but at the end of the day, we have to remember that what God wants has to always supersede what we would like to do—and what God wants is always 100% better! 

III. Our Purpose Should Always Align With His. (22-23)

 “ 22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. 23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.”

These two verses actually cover a lot of travel time for Paul. He went from Caesarea to Jerusalem (up to the church), then back to Antioch (his homebase of operations), and then he began his 3rd (and final) missionary journey. The key truth I want to point out here is that no matter what Paul was doing, his purpose remained staying true to God’s purpose. He left strengthening the churches. Like we discussed this morning, when we’ve been changed by grace, we should long to be used by God to help others experience this change!

How Do We Pray In The Midst of Trials? (Acts 4:23-31)

VIDEO

How Do We Pray In The Midst of Trials? (AM Sermon Notes)

GIST: Remember who God is and praise Him; trust the truth of His Word to still speak; ask for boldness to proclaim Him; long for Him to move in the lives of others, and expect Him to answer.

SCRIPTURE: Acts 4:23-31

Today, we’re continuing our discussion of Acts chapter 4. Last week, we saw Peter and John arrested. The pretense for the arrest was their healing of a man born lame. The real reason was because the religious elite did not want them teaching on the resurrection of Jesus nor His salvation. Despite the intimidating nature of their trial, they stood firm and allowed the Holy Spirit to boldly proclaim the Gospel, the truth of Jesus’ salvation. The religious elite were left unable to deny what they said. However, choosing blindness over boldness, they commanded Peter and John not to speak any more about Jesus. Peter and John responded with… “We have to. We’re going to obey God, not man.”

The situation wasn’t good, but God was, and His apostles stood firm for Him. This morning we’re going to pick up with what happened after this scene.

“23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, "'Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed'-- 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

In the face of trials, they prayed. That in itself is a point we should take away this morning. They didn’t panic. They didn’t whine. They didn’t hide. They prayed. We should do the same. This morning, I want to take just a few minutes to look at specifically what they prayed to see what we can learn about how we too should pray...even when our situations seem bleak. The gist? It’s a long one☺️→  Remember who God is and praise Him; trust the truth of His Word to still speak; ask for boldness to proclaim Him; long for Him to move in the lives of others, and expect Him to answer.  

So the first thing we see is that→

I. They Remembered The Truth About God and Praised Him For It.

The prayer opens by zeroing in on a central truth→

God is Sovereign (23-24). The ESV translation here really hits the nail on the head. They address God as the Sovereign Lord. The Greek word used implies absolute ownership or uncontrollable power. THIS IS HUGE! (←Hence, my use of all caps☺️.) We serve the one, true God who is capable of everything. Man, what better way to start our prayers than remembering this truth and keeping this perspective? Last week, I heard Skip Heitzig ask, “Do we pray as a last resort hoping--on an off chance--it might work, and He might be able to cope with our requests?” This is a great point! Too often, we come to God in prayer without faith. We just do it because it’s what we do. However, we’re not really expecting it to make a difference. Our prayers become nothing more than a way to voice our concerns rather than a means of communicating to our all powerful loving Savior!

Remember how Jesus taught us to pray? “Our Father, who is in Heaven, hallowed be Your name…”. His place is powerful. (He rules from Heaven!) His person is perfect. (He is completely holy.) And… we can call Him Father! The God who can is the God who loves.  Honestly, if we could just wrap our minds around that truth this morning, our lives would be completely changed.

After starting with this truth, they move to this next observation→

Scripture Has Authority And Speaks to Present Reality (25-28). Look back at verses 25-28. “25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, "'Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed'-- 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.”

Really, this works to further emphasizes God’s Sovereignty. Basically, this could be summarized as: You said it would happen...and it has happened...because You’re completely in control! Did you catch that development? They looked at what God’s Word said would happened. Then, they looked around at what had just happened. And, as devastating as it was, acknowledged that this was according to His plan and predetermined purpose!

I want to spend some more time developing this in our takeaways. For now, let’s just note how important it is to remember this perspective when praying. Our God is more than capable, and His Word is always true, and always relevant, and always powerful.

By proclaiming these truths, they are also praising. They aren’t just reciting doctrine; they are praising the Sovereign God! So they started here. Then→

II. They Prayed To Have More Boldness To Make Him More Known.

They Prayed For Personal Boldness to Proclaim Truth (29). Look at verse 29, “29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,”. They don’t ignore the outside pressures that are coming against them. However, rather than rage about the injustice of it all, they leave it in God’s hands! In essence they say, “Lord, You take care of that and just give us the boldness to just keep telling people about You despite it!” Do you see this? They have just been arrested and forced to stand against the most powerful religious institution in this culture. They know that the persecution is just getting started. Yet, they pray not for deliverance from their hardships, but for boldness to continue to point to Jesus in the midst of them! It’s just like what Jesus said in the high priestly prayer. “15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:15-18) They trust God to take care of the details of their physical situation, but focus their prayers on: “don’t let us go back to how we were--scared and scattered. Instead, make us bold!”

So, they prayed to be bold in their proclaiming of the truth→

And For Jesus To Continue To Change Lives. Look at verse 29 & 30 together. The heart behind this prayer is so incredibly humbling and so incredibly convicting! “29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” This is Grace! They have been transformed by Jesus, so even in the midst of persecution they pray for more boldness to point people to Jesus, so they too can be transformed by Him! They want to see lives changed by the Gospel! This is a bigger concern than their personal trials. Man, I need this perspective!

So, we see their focus. They remembered who God is and prayed for Him to move in their lives and the lives of others. And then→

III. He Answered.

We won’t spend much time here. Just look at verse 31 and let it sink in! “31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” They prayed for God to move...and He did. This is a beautiful thing. They sought His face...and He revealed Himself. They wanted what He wants. Their wills were conformed to His, and they got exactly what they needed!

TAKEAWAYS

So, how do we pray in the midst of trials? Honestly, we pray like we should be praying out of them, as well!

1. Start by remembering who God is--our Sovereign, loving God--and praise Him! Remember the Sunday School song “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”? Yeah, He does!

2. Trust in the truth of His Word to still speak to our present reality. Let’s take this home a little bit in closing. Because God is Sovereign, God’s Word is what you need...all the time. Let’s just consider a few common experiences and look at just a few ways His Word still speaks to them.

Suffering?

Stand Firm→ "10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."(Matthew 5:10-12)

Be Strengthen→ "29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:29-31)

Find Peace→ "33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Look at that...two weeks in a row☺️!

Rejoicing?

Remember The Source!→ “17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17)

Tired?

Don’t Give Up→ "9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)

Find True Rest→ "28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29)

Afraid?

Keep Perspective→ "4...He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4b)

Confused?

Seek His Wisdom→ "5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5)

Seek His Face→ "33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)

Trust His Direction→ "5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

We could keep going. His Word speaks.

3. Ask for boldness to proclaim Him. I was listening to Stuart Olyott a few weeks back, who is a pastor I have really gleaned a lot from lately, and he made this observation: “Don’t pray for boldness unless you really want to receive it.” He makes a great point. We’re not just trying to pump ourselves up here, we’re asking to be used by God, which means we must be ready for that to actually happen!

4. Long for Him to move in the lives of others! May we all be daily convicted by this desire! If we truly love, we will long for others to experience the true love of God!

5. Expect Him to answer. Prayer is not just something we do. It is real, active, and powerful. It is talking to the Sovereign God of the universe who died to save us from our Hell-bound natures!