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Sunday Worship 22 August 2021 : “LORD, where are Your former lovingkindness?”

Text: Psalm 89:38-52
22 August 2021

INTRODUCTION

1. When Trials and Tribulations come

a) Faith can be shaken
b) Knowledge of God can be questioned
c) These are forewarned

2. The Problems of Life often arise

a) When sins are not dealt with
b) When God and His word are set aside

THE SINS OF ISRAEL/JUDAH

1. These were highlighted by many prophets

a) Major prophets
i) Isaiah
ii) Jeremiah
iii) Ezekiel
b) Minor Prophets
Hosea- Malachi

2. The Sins of the nation include the following:

a) “Laden with iniquity”   (Isaiah 1:4b)
b) “Brood of evildoers”   (Isaiah 1:4c)
c) “Children who are corrupters”   (Isaiah 1:4d)
d) “Forsaken the LORD”   (Isaiah 1:4e)
e) “Turned away backward”   (Isaiah 1:4g)

THE WRONG WAY OF DEALING WITH PROBLEMS IN LIFE

1. Blaming God

a) “But You have cast off and abhorred”   (Psalm 89:38a)
b) “You have been furious with Your anointed”   (Psalm 89:38b)

2. Accusing God

a) “You have renounced the covenant of Your servant”   (Psalm 89:39a)
b) “You have profaned the crown by casting it to the ground”   (Psalm 89:39b)
c) “You have broken down all his hedges”   (Psalm 89:40a)
d) “You have brought his strongholds to ruin”   (Psalm 89:40b)

3. Rude Questioning of God

a) “How long, LORD?”   (Psalm 89:46a)
b) “Will You hide Yourself forever?”   (Psalm 89:46b)
c) “Will Your wrath burn like fire?”   (Psalm 89:46c)

SOBER REALISATION ABOUT LIFE

1. Brevity of life

“Remember how short my time is”   Psalm 89:47a

2. Futility

“For what futility have You created
All the children of men?”   Psalm 89:47b

3. Death

“What man can live and not see death?”   Psalm 89:48a

4. Power of the grave

“Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave?”   Psalm 89:48b

A VITAL TURNING POINT IN PRAYER

1. The Plea of a servant of God

“Remember, Lord, the reproach of Your servants”   Psalm 89:50a

2. Bearing reproach

“How I bear in my bosom the reproach of all
The many peoples”   Psalm 89:50b

3. The enemies of God

“With which Your enemies have reproached, O LORD”   Psalm 89:51a

4. God’s anointed

“With which they have reproached the footsteps
Of Your anointed”   Psalm 89:51b

5. Blessing the LORD

“Blessed be the LORD forevermore!
Amen and Amen!”   Psalm 89:52
a) Acceptance
b) Submission

CONCLUSION

1. The valley of the shadow of death

a) The way may be dark and lonely
b) There may be feelings of dread

2. The Challenge

a) To discard that which is wrong
b) To discover what is right
c) To develop anew
i) A deeper faith in God
ii) A humbler attitude to life
iii) A greater sense of wisdom