Message Notes

(I) A SONG ON OUR LIPS

1. A great challenge for Bethany’s 40 th year of ministry

2. An appropriate determination for the year ahead

(II) CAN WE REALLY ALWAYS HAVE A SONG ON OUR LIPS?

1. It will be challenging

2. But it is not impossible

3. It is worth attempting

(III) THINGS THAT CAN THWART OUR ATTEMPTS TO SING

“How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever?
How long would You hide Your face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart daily?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?” Psalm 13:1-2

1. When God seems to have forgotten us

2. When God seems to have hidden His face from us

3. When sorrow seems to fill the heart daily

4. When the troubles of life (enemies) seem to have the upper hand.

(IV) THINGS THAT WE CAN DO TO BATTLE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS

1. We can and must pray (Psalm 13:3a)

2. We must pray for enlightenment (Psalm 12:3b)

3. We must exercise great trust in God’s mercy (Psalm 13:5a)

4. We must hope in God’s salvation (deliverance) (Psalm 13:5b)

(V) A GREAT CHALLENGE

“I will sing to the LORD,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me.” Psalm 13:6

1. An exercise of faith

“I will sing to the LORD” Psalm 13:6a

2. A reason for this faith

“Because He has dealt bountifully with me” Psalm 13:6b