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YOU ARE THE GOD OF MY STRENGTH

Text: Psalm 43
17 July 2011

(I) DISTINCTIVE EXPRESSIONS OF DESPAIR

1. Feeling of being cast off by God (Psalm 43:2b)

2. Feeling of deep sadness (“mourning”) (Psalm 43:2c)

3. Feeling cast down (Psalm 43:5a)

4. Feeling disquieted (Psalm 43:5b)

(II) DANGER OF FEELINGS OF DESPAIR

1. Depression that leads to mental and emotional breakdown

2. Doubts can fill the heart and mind

3. Distress that threaten to overwhelm

(III) DEFEATING FEELINGS OF DESPAIR

1. Fervently Pray

a) For God to vindicate ( Psalm 43:1a )

b) For God to deliver ( Psalm 43:1b )

c) Reasons for this request to be answered

i) To dispel any doubts about God not caring

ii) To strengthen trust that God will hear and answer prayer

iii) To deepen conviction that God will uphold the just and justice

2. Exercise Hope

a) He is the God of our strength ( Psalm 43:2 )

b) He will send out His light and His truth ( Psalm 43:3 )

c) He is the help of our countenance and our very personal God ( Psalm 43:5 )

(IV) DEEP STRENGTH OF SPIRIT

(Wonderfully seen in “expectation”)

1. Expectation of God’s leading (Psalm 43:3b)

2. Expectation of God drawing us close to Himself (Psalm 43:3c)

3. Expectation of Joy and Praise to return (Psalm 43:4)