Sermon: Divine Aid in Challenging Life Situations
Bible Passage: Psalm 46
I. The psalmist explains the situation around him and the people of Judah (verses 2, 6)
1. Earthquake (verse 2, 3)
2. Mountains tumble (verse 2)
3. Waves crash and foam (verse 3)
4. Nations in uproar (verse 6)
5. Kingdoms are overthrown (verse 6)
II. On the other hand, the psalmist explains what God is to them in the middle of their challenging situation (verses, 1, 4-5)
1. Refuge, strength, and fortress
2. Help in times of trouble
3. Provision for survival
4. Presence that provides security (cf. verse 7, 11)
III. Lessons from verses 1-6
1. What God is to you determines how you handle your life-situations
2. When your situation is much bigger than what you can humanly handle renounce your fight and turn your situations over to God
3. God has divine provisions that you and I need in our time of need and vulnerability
IV. The psalmist and his community were supernaturally delivered from their challenging situation (verses 8-10)
1. Their prayers became praises
2. The fear turned into confidence
3. Without waging a war, they were victorious
4. A good number of life situations belong to God
5. God brought glory to Himself through human predicament (verse 10)
V. Lessons from verses 8-10
1. Focus on the provisions rather than the problems
2. Focus more on God by focusing less on your problems
3. Suspend all your routines and take time away for rest and renewal
VI. The disciples of Jesus were in similar situation (Matt 8:23-27)
1. Storm (v. 24)
2. Fear of death (v. 25)
3. Helplessness of their skills and knowledge (v. 25)
4. Jesus (v. 24): the DIVINE PROVISION
Take Away:
Focus on the Provision, Jesus Christ, on whom you can cast your cares (cf. Matt 11:28)