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Down Memory Lane 2022 : “Hope in God”

Text: Psalm 42
31 December 2022

INTRODUCTION

1. The future as the world sees it

a) Environmental problems
b) Economic problems
c) Threat of war

2. Personal problems

a) Mental Health challenges
b) Age-related problems
c) Life-threatening diseases

THE DEMANDS OF LIFE

1. Demands of making a living

a) Higher cost of living
b) Inflation

2. Distractions of life

a) Some distractions are deadly
b) Some distractions are devastating for the family

3. Disasters are like waves and billows of a storm   (Psalm 42:7)

a) The fear of being lost in the sea
b) The fear of loss of life

THE DISTRESSES OF LIFE

1. Feeling cast down   (Psalm 42:5a)

2. Feeling disquieted   (Psalm 42:5b)

3. Feeling of severe distress

a) When Tears come day and night   (Psalm 42:3)
b) Feeling forgotten   (Psalm 42:9a)
c) Feeling mournful   (Psalm 42:9b)

A DYNAMIC HOPE

1. Hope is not mere Optimism

a) It is not merely an outlook of life
b) It is not just a positive personality

2. A Biblical Hope defined

Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him
For the help of His countenance.   Psalm 42:5
Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.   Psalm 42:11
a) Hope is traced to the depth of the Soul
i) It is more than just dealing with feelings
ii) It is more than just having a strong mindset
b) Hope is to be found in the LORD
i) It is overcoming the cast down feeling
ii) It is triumphing over feelings of being disquiet
c) God will personally send:
i) Special help
ii) The help of His countenance
iii) It will affect our personal countenance

DEVELOPING OUR HOPE IN GOD

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:1-5

1. Justified by Faith

2. Access to God by Faith

3. Rejoice in Hope of the glory of God

4. Glorying in:

a) Tribulations
b) Perseverance
c) Character
d) Hope that will not disappoint
e) The Love of God poured out in our heart

CONCLUSION

1. Facing 2023

a) With Knowledge
b) With Courage
c) With Trust

2. Facing the Challenges

a) With Hope
b) With Confidence
c) With Praise