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In Times of Trouble

Text: Psalm 31
4 March 2019

IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

1. David’s life

a) Trouble from King Saul
b) Trouble from his own son Absalom

2. These troubles

a) Self-caused
b) The consequences of sin

THE TROUBLES DESCRIBED

1. The secret nets that ensnare   (Psalm 31:4)

2. Confession of being “in trouble”   (Psalm 31:7, 9)

3. The hand of the enemy   (Psalm 31:8)

4. Adversities   (Psalm 31:7)

THE TOLL OF HAVING THESE PROBLEMS

1. Physical toll

a) My wastes away with grief   (Psalm 31:9)
b) My soul and my body   (Psalm 31:9)
c) My strength fails   (Psalm 31:10c)
d) All my bones waste away   (Psalm 31:10d)

2. Emotional toll

a) Grief
b) My life is spent in grief   (Psalm 31:9-10)
c) And my years with sighing   (Psalm 31:10b)

3. Social toll

a) I am a reproach among all my enemies   (Psalm 31:11a)
b) But especially among my neighbours   (Psalm 31:11b)
c) Repulsive to my acquaintances   (Psalm 31:11c)
d) Those who see me outside flee from me   (Psalm 31:11d)

4. Psychologically

a) I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind   (Psalm 31:12a)
b) Like a broken vessel   (Psalm 31:12b)
c) I hear the slander of many   (Psalm 31:13a)
d) Fear is on every side   (Psalm 31:13b)
e) They scheme to take away my life   (Psalm 31:13c)

THE ANSWER TO THESE PROBLEMS

1. Trust in the Lord   (Psalm 31:1)

2.Turning to the Lord

a) As a Refuge   (Psalm 31:2c)
b) As the Rock of Defence   (Psalm 31:2d)
c) As a Rock and Fortress   (Psalm 31:3a)

3. Seeking to practise

a) Being glad in the Lord   (Psalm 31:7a)
b) Rejoicing in Him   (Psalm 31:7b)