Message Notes

(I) THE MANY SORROWS OF LIFE

“You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness,
Nor shall evil dwell with You.
The boastful shall not stand in Your sight;
You hate all workers of iniquity.
You shall destroy those who speak falsehood;
The LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.”

1. The presence of wickedness in the world

2. A short list of wicked people God abhors.

a) The boastful

b) The workers of iniquity

c) Those who speak falsehood

d) The bloodthirsty

e) The deceitful

3. These negative and wicked influences take away the joys of life

a) If they are unchecked

b) If they are allowed to adversely affect us

(II) TRUST THAT GOD WILL JUDGE THE WICKED

“Pronounce them guilty, O God!
Let them fall by their own counsels;
Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions,
For they have rebelled against You.” Psalm 5:10

1. An imprecatory element in this prayer

2. A prayer for justice

a) The wicked to be adjudged guilty

b) Their wicked counsels (plots) will fail

c) They will be cast out of God’s sight

(III) GOD’S PRECIOUS GIFT OF JOY

“You have put gladness in my heart…” Psalm 4:7
“But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.
For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous;
With favour You will surround him as with a shield.” Psalm 5:11-12

1. The Gift of Joy as a Great Defence against Negative perversity

“You defend them” Psalm 5:11

2. The Gift of Joy to be found in “Trust”

“But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You” Psalm 5:11

3. The Gift of Joy is part of God’s manifold blessing

“You, O LORD, will bless the righteous.” Psalm 5:12

4. The Gift of Joy will become a Hallmark of those who love the Lord

“Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.” Psalm 5:11c