Message Notes

11 Jaunary 2015

January 2015 Theme: Trusting God in Troubled Times

Text: Psalm 4

PUT YOUR TRUST IN THE LORD

(I) WHERE DIFFICULTIES / CHALLENGES OF LIFE BECOME PROLONG ONES

“How long, O you sons of men, will you turn my glory to shame?” Psalm 4:2

1. Some relief from God (Psalm 4:1)

2. Other problems persist

a) Shame (Psalm 4:2)

b) Anger (Psalm 4:4)

(II) ESSENTIAL FACTORS TO HELP US TRUST IN GOD

1. Faith Factor – Development of faith

a) Growing our knowledge

i) God of righteousness (Psalm 4:1)

ii) The Lord sets us apart for Himself (Psalm 4:3)

b) Cultivating prayer

i) Pleading the Lord’s mercy (Psalm 4:1)

ii) Confidence in the Lord to hear our prayer (Psalm 4:3)

2. Righteousness Factor – Living righteously

a) Personal righteousness (Psalm 4:5)

b) Self-control (Psalm 4:4)

3. Meditation factor – Deepening our meditation and being still (Psalm 4:4)

a) Heart, mind, soul involved

b) Meditating until stillness comes

(III) THE CHALLENGE TO PLACE OUR TRUST IN THE LORD

“And put your trust in the Lord…” Psalm 4:5

1. The challenge to trust

a) Challenging Self

b) Challenging readers

c) Challenging people outside

2. The challenge to continue to trust (Psalm 4:6)

a) Negative and dark thoughts will come

b) Continuing to pray for the Lord’s light

c) Light will shine through the dark thoughts

(IV) BELIEVING IN THE BLESSINGS OF FULLY TRUSTING THE LORD

1. Great Gladness in the heart (Psalm 4:7)

2. Peaceful sleep (Psalm 4:8)

3. Assurance of the Lord’s protection (Psalm 4:8)