Confidence in God A. God is greater than our present

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SERMON NOTES

MESSAGE SERIES: Psalms Message: Our God, Our Refuge Sermon Text: Psalm 46:1-11

Pastor Darrell Jones Grace Evangelical Church November 25, 2018

Our God, Our Refuge I.

Confidence in God

A. God is greater than our present crisis

B. The river makes the city of God glad

C. The testimony of God’s people

============================================================ We hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. This marks the 11th week of Growth Groups. Our final week will be Dec 9th-15th. Singing at Holiday Park is Dec 19th ============================================================

GETTING TO KNOW YOU *Please share one memorable moment you had this week over the Thanksgiving weekend.

2. In verses 2 & 3 we read we do not have to fear even though the world may quake, crumble or wash away. What major events in our country or world have happened that at the time (perhaps still does) caused you feel like the world was falling apart? Depending on what age you have in your group, the answers will vary: Dust Bowl; Pearl Harbor; Kennedy assassination; Gas shortages; Space Shuttle explosion; 80’s Stock Market Crash; Flood of 1993; 9/11; Ice Storm of 2007; Mass shootings; etc

* Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard that caught your attention, challenged or confused you?

One of the most helpless feelings a person can have is when the earth is quaking. And if earthquakes weren’t bad enough in themselves, they usually cause not only the shaking of the earth but the swelling of the sea, resulting in tidal waves. Be it emotionally, financially, or geographically, it seems that people are always trying to stabilize their situations themselves rather than trusting the Lord.

DIGGING DEEPER – Please Read Psalm 46

Courson, J. (2006). Jon Courson’s application commentary: Volume two: Psalms-Malachi (p. 58). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.

1. Verse 1 – It’s been said all creatures, when in distress, run to their refuge. What are some of your refuges in times of stress? Varied answers: Hopefully there will be a lot of answers that involve prayer and bible reading. But I’m guessing a lot of answers will involve: food, alcohol, sex, television, books, movies, family, exercise, traveling, sleeping, long walks, shopping, hunting, fishing, etc. A little commentary: The literal translation of “trouble” here is “tight spot.” The same is still true. God is our help whenever we feel things caving in. Courson, J. (2006). Jon Courson’s application commentary: Volume two: Psalms-Malachi (p. 58). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.

3. In verse 4 the Psalmist paints a picture of an abundant river whose “stream makes glad the city of God”. Interestingly, Jerusalem is known for only having a few streams. How do the little things of God seem more abundant than the greater things of the world? His peace is greater than the world’s; His Love is greater than all the world’s; His joy is deeper than anything the world has to offer; We can have complete contentment and satisfaction with God, but always wanting more with the world. Biblical commentary on verse 4: The psalmist pictured the abundant, constant provision of a river for Jerusalem. The image is significant because Jerusalem does not in fact have such a river, only a few small streams. Yet the prophets anticipated the day when a mighty river would flow from the temple itself (Ezekiel 47: Revelation 22:1). The future reality is already in the mind of the psalmist. (Guzak – www.enduringword.com )

4. Verse 6 –How does God’s voice help “melt away” all the social and political rage in our lives?

5. Verse 10 – “Be still and know that I am God” How difficult can it be for you, in today’s busyness, to “be still”?

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Answers will depend on your group

Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Psalm 7:6 Arise, Lord, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice. Isaiah 41:10-12 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 11 “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. 12 Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.

TAKING IT HOME – (This section is for personal devotion) Psalm 46:9 states “He makes wars cease”. While the Psalmist may be talking about actual war between nations, what internal or external war do you pray for God to make “cease” in your life? Take time to pray or journal in this space, for God to help you overcome whatever war you are in the midst of in this time of your life. This question shouldn’t be answered in the group setting unless someone really wants to discuss it with the group.

PRAYER REQUESTS (be sure to save 15-30 minutes for prayer) > > > > ============================================================ We have begun bell-ringing sign-ups at Wal-Mart, Hy-Vee & Sam’s Club. Individuals, families and Growth Groups are encouraged to sign up to help. See Pastor Ken about special ½ hour slots for families of young children at Hy-Vee. ============================================================