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When the Heart is in Turmoil

Text: Psalm 42-43
17 July 2005

(I) AN HONEST REVIEW OF LIFE

1. There are Times of Blessing “I remember these things…

I used to go with the multitude;

“I went with them to the house of God,
With the voice of joy and praise,
With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast” Psalm 42:4

2. There are Times of Turmoil

“Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?” Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:5

“My tears have been my food day and night,
while they continually say to me, ‘Where is your God?'” Psalm 42:3

(II) APPLICATION OF FAITH IN TIMES OF TURMOIL

1. A Natural Reaction of the Soul

“As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God” Psalm 42:1

2. Acting upon the Stirring of the Soul

“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?” Psalm 42:2

3. Utilising our Sense of Hope

“Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,
for the help of His countenance” Psalm 42:5b, 11b

4. Mustering and pouring faith in Prayer

“O my God, my soul is cast down within me…” Psalm 42:6a

“In the night His song shall be with me-
A prayer to the God of my life” Psalm 42:8b

(III) FINDING RENEWED STRENGTH

1. Through God’s Word

“Oh, send out Your light and Your truth!
Let them lead me;
Let them lead me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle” Psalm 43:3

2. Through Worship

“Then I will go to the altar of God,
To God my exceeding joy;
And on the harp I will praise You,
O God, my God.” Psalm 43:4

3. Through Application of Faith (Interactive)

“Hope in God
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God” Psalm 42:11b

POEM

O GOD, I NEED THEE

O God, I need Thee

When morning crowds the night away

And the tasks of waking seize my mind,

I need Thy Poise.

O God, I need Thee!

When clashes come with those

Who walk the way with me,

I need Thy smile.

O God, I need Thee!

When the path to take before me lies,

I see it- courage flees-

I need Thy faith.

O God, I need Thee!

When the day’s work is done,

Tired, discouraged, wasted;

I need thy Rest.

– Anonymous –