Message Notes

(I) THE DIFFICULT TRIALS OF LIFE

1. Proud enemies

“The proud have forged a lie against me…” Psalm 119:69a

“Let the proud be ashamed,
For they treated me wrongfully with falsehood…” Psalm 119:78

“The proud have dug pits for me…” Psalm 119:85a

2. Fainting for comfort

“My soul faints for Your salvation…” Psalm 119:81a

“My eyes fail from searching Your word,
Saying, ‘When will You comfort me?” Psalm 119:82

3. At the brink of total despair

“For I have become like a wineskin in smoke…” Psalm 119:83

(II) THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HAVING HOPE

1. We were created to have a great sense of hope

“Your hands have made me and fashioned me;
Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.
Those who fear You will be glad when they see me,
Because I have hoped in Your word.” Psalm 119:73-74

a) Created to have a strong sense of hope

b) Deep understanding of this sense of hope is needed

c) There must be the exercising of this sense of hope

d) Many will be encouraged because of the example of one who has exercised hope

2. Hope amidst affliction

“I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right,
And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.” Psalm 119:75

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted That I may learn Your statutes.” Psalm 119:71

a) Seeing God’s involvement in affliction brings hope

b) Understanding God’s involvement in affliction brings greater understanding

3. Hope brings revival to the heart

“Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,
So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.” Psalm 119:88

a) Hope in God’s lovingkindness

b) Hope for Revival from God

c) Hope for the future… to keep God’s word

(III) THE CHALLENGE TO KEEP HOPE ALIVE

1. Pray

“Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live;
For Your law is my delight.” Psalm 119:77

2. Justice

“Let the proud be ashamed,
For they treated me wrongfully with falsehood.” Psalm 119:78

3. Fellowship

“Let those who fear You turn to me,
Those who know Your testimonies.” Psalm 119:79

4. Integrity

“Let my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes,
That I may not be ashamed.” Psalm 119:80