It has been one week since Charlie Kirk, the conservative founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. I was shocked. My country was shocked, and I soon realized the entire world was shocked. Responses started pouring in immediately. I spent the next several days reading post after post and watching video after video. I had watched Charlie's ministry for several years. I knew he was popular, but I had no idea his influence reached around the world. My heart is still heavy. Charlie was a brilliant young man of 31 years with a beautiful, Godly wife and two very young children. His future was incredibly bright. Only God knows the impact Charlie would have had on the world if he had been allowed to live out his future. But that future won't happen for him now, not here on Earth. Charlie Kirk's life was ended by a coward who chose murder over dialogue. How should I respond to this senseless tragedy? Honestly, I have been at a loss for words. I've spent the week since Charlie's assassination grieving with people here locally and with others whose posts I've read and videos I've watched - sometimes with tears. As for my personal response, I've had no idea what to write. My heart is shattered, so responding Biblically to the assassination of Charlie Kirk has, for me, been more private than public. However, Charlie's boldness was inspiring, so I'm making my best effort to express my heart here on the blog about what happened and, if you are reading this, how we can move forward into the seasons ahead with the boldness that Charlie Kirk modeled for those of us who admired him.
Responding Biblically to the Assassination of Charlie Kirk
We can turn to Jesus.
I've seen a few people make negative remarks about pastors who didn't mention Charlie's assassination during church this past Sunday. While I'm glad our pastor appropriately mentioned this senseless tragedy, and I lean toward the idea that all pastors should have, it's not up to me to dictate what pastors preach. That's between them and God, as they trust the Holy Spirit to speak through them during their sermons.
I appreciated Brandon Lake's response when he spoke to his followers about the time he took to process what happened before he went public with it. Keep in mind that some of us take a little longer to process events to respond appropriately.
When something tragic happens, the first place we should turn to is not social media, YouTube, blogs, or other websites. We should turn to the very source of truth, knowledge, wisdom, and comfort - Jesus.
We can turn to Scripture.
If you've been a Christ-follower for a while, you've probably heard at least one person say that the Bible is God's love letter to us. God speaks to us through His Word. The Bible isn't just pages and ink. It's God's living and active voice.
For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
Here are a few other Bible verses to comfort us during times of loss.
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every matter under heaven - a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26)
And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. (Revelation 21:4)
Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be. And you know the way where I am going. (John 14:1-4)
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
The Lord is my shepherd,
I will not be in need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For the sake of His name.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life, And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23)
We can turn down the noise.
After we have turned to Jesus and found comfort in His Word, we might start reading what other people have to say about the tragedy that troubles us. We might watch a lot of videos. I certainly did after Charlie's death. However, let's not get caught up in theories, half-truths, or flat-out lies. Let's focus on what we know to be true. In this case, my heart aches for what we know to be true.
Charlie's life was taken much too soon. He was an intelligent young man with a bright future ahead. God's plan for Charlie was good, but Charlie was too much of a threat to the enemy, so the enemy quieted him by killing him, using a young man to do it.
We know Charlie's wife, Erika, and two young children grieve an unimaginable grief. A young wife has lost her young love. Two babies have lost their daddy. I can't even begin to imagine the pain this family is suffering.
Charlie's parents lost a beloved son. My husband and I have three grown children here on Earth and one in Heaven. No parent should ever have to bury a child, but Charlie's parents lost their son in such a public and tragic way. Who knows how many times they have relived the moment they realized their son was gone, and everything within them must have begged to have him back. I don't know much about Charlie's parents, but I'm praying for God, who created Charlie and blessed the Kirks with him almost 32 years ago, to hold them and comfort them like only He can.
The shooter's parents lost their son, too. I don't know anything about this family, but one thing I am certain of is that they will never be the same. Their son will either spend a lifetime in prison or face the death penalty.
We can turn to prayer.
We've turned to Jesus. We've turned to Scripture. We've filtered facts through all the noise. Now we know how to pray. Or we still don't know how to pray because there is too much hurt, too much pain, and too much sorrow. It's all just too much, but again, we can turn to God and His Word for help with that as well. When we can't find the words, His Holy Spirit intercedes for us.
Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-28)
We can turn to Healing.
Heartache will linger for a while, perhaps forever, but those closest to Charlie Kirk have made it more than clear that his ministry will continue. I knew he was popular, but I had no idea how far his reach was. Since Charlie Kirk's death, evil has been evident in those who celebrate such a horrific tragedy, but I'm choosing to focus on the revival I see happening all over the world. Millions of people in countries all over the globe are paying respects to Charlie and his family and also vowing to live boldly for Jesus as Charlie did. Yesterday, I read that Turning Point USA has received over 50,000 new applications for its chapters in high schools and colleges across the United States.
Our church was packed out this past Sunday. We had to bring out extra chairs until we almost ran out of them. A sister church in our area baptised 20 people - TWENTY PEOPLE on one Sunday!
Lives are changing. People are turning to Jesus. People are deciding to live more boldly for the cause of Christ, not just in the USA, but around the world.
The movement is just beginning.
The movement is just beginning, and I want to be part of it. I'm not sure what that looks like just yet. I'm a 55-year-old grandmother, but I do know this:
I'll resolve to be the wife to my husband, the kind of wife God created me to be, and the kind of wife my husband deserves.
I'll resolve to be the mother God created me to be, the kind of mother my children deserve.
I'll resolve to be the Nonnie God created me to be to my granddaughter and any grandchildren God gives me in the future. God has given me the blessing of influencing another generation, and I do not take that responsibility lightly. Every time my grandchildren look my way, I want them to see Jesus in me.
I'll resolve, like so many others over the past week, to live more boldly for Jesus no matter the cost. This is no time to shy away from hard topics. Years ago, I saw a meme that said something like, 'Let me live my life such that when my feet hit the floor in the morning, the devil cries, "Oh no! She's up!"'
That meme was meant to be funny, but it's true. That's the way I want to live, whether my life remains simple or becomes something else. I want my life to be a threat to the enemy. If I ever have to die for a cause, then let it be for the cause of Christ. I heard another phrase this week that resonated with me. I think whoever said it was referring to the evil celebrations over Charlie's assassination. I'll end this post with that statement because I can relate to it.
"I hope that I live the rest of my life in such a way that when I die, the demons rejoice over my death, too."
Explaining tragic events like 9/11 to children can be challenging and sensitive. As a parent or caregiver, you may wonder how to broach the topic in an age-appropriate and sensitive manner. It's important to approach the conversation with empathy, honesty, and openness. Here are some tips on how to talk to kids about 9/11.
1. Consider the Age of the Child:
When discussing 9/11 with children, it's crucial to consider their age and level of understanding. Young children may have different needs than teenagers. Tailor your conversation based on their developmental stage to ensure they can comprehend and process the information.
2. Use Age-Appropriate Language:
Choose your words carefully and use age-appropriate language that children can understand. Avoid graphic details or overly complex explanations. Keep the conversation straightforward and focus on conveying the key points in a gentle and understandable manner.
3. Encourage Questions and Provide Reassurance:
Let children know it's okay to ask questions and express their feelings. Reassure them that they are safe and loved. Be prepared to offer comfort and support as they process the information. Validate their emotions and provide a safe space to share their thoughts.
4. Emphasize Acts of Heroism and Unity:
While discussing the events of 9/11, highlight stories of bravery, compassion, and community resilience. Focus on the acts of heroism and unity that emerged in the face of tragedy. By emphasizing the positive aspects, you can instill hope and promote a sense of empathy and solidarity in children.
5. Discuss the Importance of Remembering and Honoring:
Explain the significance of honoring and remembering the victims and heroes of 9/11. Discuss how people come together to commemorate the event and support one another. Encourage children to participate in age-appropriate memorial activities or acts of kindness to honor the memory of those affected.
6. Be Mindful of Media Exposure:
In today's digital age, children may come across distressing images or news coverage related to 9/11. Monitor their media exposure and be mindful of the content they consume. Offer guidance on responsible media consumption and provide context if they have questions about what they see or hear.
7. Foster Open Dialogue:
Encourage ongoing conversations about difficult topics and remain open to revisiting the subject as children grow and mature. Check in with them periodically to see if they have additional questions or thoughts about 9/11. Create an environment where they feel comfortable discussing their feelings and concerns.
Talking to kids about 9/11 requires sensitivity, understanding, and patience. By approaching the topic with empathy and age-appropriate explanations, you can help children process the events of 9/11 in a healthy and constructive manner. This open dialogue can also cultivate compassion, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
When going through the worst days of your life, God is enough.
This Sunday, we are reading Psalm 110. Psalm 110 was written by David who was no stranger to hard times and worst days. However, David wrote many Psalms about God supremacy and authority over his life. In Psalm 110, David declares that his God is more than enough in troublesome times.
God is Enough, Psalm 110
The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” 2 The Lord will stretch out Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.” 3 Your people will volunteer freely on the day of Your power; In holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew.
4 The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.” 5 The Lord is at Your right hand; He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath. 6 He will judge among the nations, He will fill them with corpses, He will shatter the chief men over a broad country. 7 He will drink from the brook by the wayside; Therefore He will lift up His head. - Psalm 110
The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon. You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.
God is enough when:
1. Your enemies want to destroy you.
David had faced enemies. As a young boy, he fought the giant, Goliath. He constantly battled the Philistines. He was always running from King Saul who wanted to kill him. For years, David was an anointed king but he was running for his life. However, even though others were constantly seeking to destroy or kill David, he exclaimed that his Lord was enough.
In Psalm 110:2, we see that God will rule with great power right in the middle of what seems to be the enemy's deadliest attack.
In Psalm 110:3, we learn that people who are subject to the Great King (God) will follow Him gladly and freely. God's people will constantly be refreshed.
What enemies do you face? Cancer? Depression? A broken relationship? A struggling family situation?
When you become discouraged under the enemy's attacks, go straight to your King God. God will conquer your enemies and He will renew and refresh you.
2. Your sins consume you.
Not only was David constantly under physical attack. He faced internal struggles as well. David was plagued with his sin of adultery with the wife of Uriah. That sin led to more sin including murder. This all led to the death of David's son.
When sin consumed David's life, David still knew that his God was enough.
In Psalm 110:4, we learn about a truth that will last for all eternity. Jesus is our King forever and our Priest forever.
You might be asking, "Who is Melchizedek anyway?" At this point in his sermon, my pastor tells us what we know about Melchizedek. Here is a brief summary.
In Genesis 14, we learn that Melchizedek is a minor character in the Bible. God has promised to Abraham that He would multiply his descendants, make him the father of many nations, and make him wealthy and prosperous. Abraham has a nephew named Lot. Abraham and Lot were very close. They were both wealthy and lived near each other. Lot lived near Sodom. Sodom went to war with other cities. A king named Chedorlaomer takes over all the valley where Lot lived. Lot becomes caught up in the battle. He eventually becomes a prisoner of war along with his wife, his kids, his entire family including all of his flocks and possessions under King Chedorlaomer.
This struck a nerve within Abraham. In my pastor's words:
"This is not smart, because Abraham is like Liam Neeson. He has a special set of skills. If you take one of his family members, he is going to hunt you down. He will find you and he will kill you."
Abraham goes after King Chedorlaomer. God gives Abraham power so he wipes out King Chedorlaomer. He takes back Lot and all his family and possessions. The he takes all of Chedorlaomer's possessions. Then, Melchizedek comes along. Melchizedek is introduced without genealogy which is unusual for Old Testament characters. We know he was the king of Salem. Salem has the root Hebrew word for peace. Melchizedek's name means King of Righteousness. Melchizedek is the King of Righteousness whose kingdom is peace. Who does this point to? Maybe Jesus?
When Abraham sees Melchizedek, he bows and worships Him. He immediately gives Melchizedek 10% of everything he took from Chedorlaomer. Melchizedek doesn't show up again until Psalm 110 when David says his King is a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. David points to the ultimate King Priest, Jesus.
We fast forward to Hebrews 7. Melchizedek is mentioned in Genesis 14, Psalm 100, and then again in the New Testament in Hebrews 7.
We sin. We all sin. Sin separates us from a Holy God. Sin will condemn us to an eternal separation from God. However, God, in His mercy, sent our King Jesus forever, our Priest forever, to pay the penalty for our sin once for all. Jesus is the only one who can make sinful man right with a Holy God.
When you feel consumed by a sin or multiple sins in your life. You might see no way out, but there is a way. Jesus forgives. Jesus heals. David tells us in Psalm 100 that God is enough and He is, even when your enemies want to destroy you and even when your sin consumes you.
3. When your future seems hopeless.
Have you watched the news lately? If you watch, you'll probably feel overwhelmed with all the bad stuff going on in the world. When I watch the news, I feel like our future seems hopeless. The news media is flooded with reports of racial riots, protests, anarchy in the streets, lawlessness, political upheaval, bombings, etc. King David's world felt hopeless too. David's son would murder his other son to avenge his sister's rape. Despite all of that, David loved Absalom, welcomed him home, and greeted him with a kiss. How did Absalom respond?
Absalom conspired to overthrow the king, slandered his father's reputation, forced him to flee for his life, raped all of David's wives, and ultimately cost the lives of 20,000 men. That certainly paints a portrait of a hopeless future for David and his family. David must have wondered about God's faithfulness, but in the midst of all the ugly, David proclaimed that his King was more than enough.
Be encouraged. Jesus is near in seemingly hopeless situations. In fact, in verse 6, we read that King Jesus will repay the godless and unbelievers that threaten you. One day, He will destroy those who mean to harm you.
Regarding verse 7, if you look up the Hebrew word for "drink," it is used for the purpose of celebration such as a wedding feast. The word for "brook" refers to a torrent of water that comes after a deluge of rain.
In the midst of hopelessness, we can remain hopeful because King Jesus preserves His people no matter the circumstances, leading them to a celebration that is coming sooner than you might expect.
If you are in Christ today, be hopeful! Our King is coming!
In the darkest of days, God is enough. Jesus is our King. Jesus is our Priest. Jesus is our Hope.
How will you respond to Psalm 110?
If you have not bowed to King Jesus - if you have not repented of your sin and given your life to Jesus, then I want to challenge you to wait no longer. Surrender your life to Jesus today. He will overcome your enemy, forgive your sin, and give you a future and a hope.
For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11
Image Used by Permission via Louie Giglio Goliath Must Fall Bible Study Subscription (Publicity File)
Goliath Must Fall
One of my favorite movies ever is Facing the Giants. I love it so much because I can relate to it so much. Most of us can. It's a story about a man, Grant Taylor, who faces several challenges at once. Those challenges (his giants) test his faith to the max, but like David, Grant learns to trust the God who provides. Like David, with his faith in God alone, Grant knocks down his giants.
One of the scenes that plays over and over again in my mind is the scene where Grant's wife faces her toughest test of faith. After a long hard battle that she might never win on this earth, she prays to God and tells Him that even if He does not provide this particular desire of her heart, she will still love Him. That was her turning point. Her slingshot was loaded. Her stone, at that moment, was hurled at her giant. Her Goliath fell.
So many prayers I've prayed for so many heart's desires. Lord, please don't give up on that person. Lord, please help me through this situation. Lord, please heal that person. Lord, please give me this. Lord, please provide that. Lord, please spare me these circumstances. Lord please . . . . and on and on and on. It occurred to me that I had never prayed, "Lord, this is my heart's desire, but even if you don't give it to me, I will still love You."
Knocking down a Goliath doesn't mean that God will deliver us from terrible circumstances. When we learn to place our total trust in the Lord, no matter what - the Goliath falls.
This is something I'm dealing with right now. I'm learning to slay giants one at a time. Instead of begging God to change my circumstances, uttering an Amen, and then going about my business, I'm learning to pour my heart's desires at the feet of Jesus and then adding, "but even if you don't, I will still love You."
I'm reminded of the lyrics from Even If by Mercy Me:
I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
(from Even If by Mercy Me)
Even If by Mercy Me has become one of my favorite songs. Whenever I hear it, I close my eyes (unless I'm driving) and pray the song. It echoes my heart. You might say it has become my heart-song.
The Lord has provided another way to prepare me for the battle of slaying giants. Louie Giglio is offering a FREE 6 week online Bible study. Did you hear that? A FREE 6 week Bible study by LOUIE GIGLIO. The study is called . . . you guessed it . . . Goliath Must Fall. The study starts on October 1, 2017. When you sign up for the study, you get several free resources.
The Bible study includes:
FREE access to 6 online study videos
FREE first chapter of Goliath Must Fall audio book
FREE session one Goliath Must Fall study guide download
FREE Scripture memory verse cards
FREE Church bulletin insert, poster, and media slide
Putting the X in Anxiety – 4 Surefire Ways to Show Anxiety the Exit Door
I can't wait to get started on this study. I'm so excited. You do have to purchase the study guide but you will receive a 40% discount so you only have to pay $6.59 for the book (at the time of this post). You'll have to add shipping and tax. This is an awesome deal. You won't want to miss it. Loui Giglio also recommends an additional but optional resource called Goliath Must Fall: Winning the Battle Against Your Giants.
At the time of this post, the optional book was out of stock. If you are reading this now and the book is still out of stock, you can get it on Amazon right here. I just ordered mine.
If for some reason, you are not able to order your Bible study guide via FaithGateway, you can also get it from Amazon here.
Lastly, if you have missed the free study and your opportunity to get the materials at FaithGateway, you can get the whole set on Amazon here. The set below includes the Goliath Must Fall Bible study guide, the Goliath Must Fall: Winning the Battle Against Your Giants Book, and the Bible study CD.
I failed to write down who originally preached the sermon ,but the following are my Bible study notes from a sermon titled "Pressed Beyond Strength."
For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life;indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead;who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us. - 2 Corinthians 1:8-10
I'm sure you've heard the saying: "God will never put on you more than you can bare." Friend, this is not true. Whoever originally came up with it meant well, I'm sure, but the fact is that it is simply not scriptural. Look at the scripture above. Paul wrote that they were "burdened excessively, beyond our strength." Read 1 Corinthians 10:13.
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted
beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way
of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. - 1 Corinthians 10:13
The scriptures teach us that God will provide a way of escape. It is only with Him and through Him that we can bare excessive burdens.
Pressed Beyond Strength - Living Through Hard Times
1. There is no cause for us to be surprised by God.
There is a side effect to living. It's called trouble.
A. The Reality of Suffering:
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you. - 1 Peter 4:12
These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33
B. The Reasons for Suffering:
We suffer because of the sins of others. We grieve the poor decisions of those we love.
We suffer for the training of God. We learn more lessons in the struggle of the valley than in the victories of the mountain top.
C. The Response to Suffering:
When we try to handle things on our own, we will find deficient strength.
2. There is no command to be sufficient without God.
His strength is perfected when we realize that we are weak.
A. A Principle We Must Learn:
We suffer so that we will learn to not rely on ourselves.
I'm reminded of another old hymn. Enjoy.
B. A Place We Can Lean:
We cannot lean on ourselves, but we can lean on God.
3. There is no chance to be separated from God.
A. His Performance Behind You:
How do you survive your current situation? Remember this is not the first time. Yet you are still here. God, in His moments of mercy, will always come through for us.
B. His Promise Before You:
He is still working and moving in our lives.
C. God's Presence Beside You:
Paul's faith is not in an outcome, but in God. Biblical faith relies on God, not outcomes.
We are
living in troubled times. We've lived through troubled times in the
past and we will live through troubling times in the future. That fact
doesn't make me feel better about the things going on in our world
today. What does make me feel better is knowing that there is nothing
happening today that surprises the God I serve.
He has witnessed it all . . . all the ugliness that humans can muster up. He loves us anyway.
He
loved us enough to provide for us a way to spend eternity with Him once
we leave this broken world. He loved us enough to provide for us His
ultimate love letter . . . His Word.
In His Word, we'll find encouragement for living in troubled times.
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. - Psalm 46:1-3
So that He sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. - Job 5:11
The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:22
These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. - John 16:33
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:37-39
Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. - Deuteronomy 31:6
The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. - Isaiah 26:3
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. - John 14:26-27
The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. - Psalm 34:17-18
The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. - 1 Peter 4:7-8
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. - Hebrews 12:1-3
Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. - 1 Peter 5:7-10
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. - 1 Peter 4:12-13
The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled Hope in Hard Places.
Hope in Hard Places
Open up your Bible! The scriptures give us hope and encouragement.
As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God, With the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.
Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence. O my God, my soul is in despair within me; Therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan And the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls; All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me. The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime; And His song will be with me in the night, A prayer to the God of my life.
I will say to God my rock, “Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” As a shattering of my bones, my adversaries revile me, While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. - Psalm 42
They said to one
another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to
us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” - Luke
24:32
For whatever
was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that
through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might
have hope. - Romans 15:4
Now may the God of hope
fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in
hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13
1. What is happening to me is personal.We tend to think we are the only ones facing a challenge. No one is living a perfect life. You are not alone. 2. What is happening to me is pervasive.We feel like our whole life is messed up. 3. What is happening to me is permanent. We feel like our current circumstances will last forever. Those are all lies.
As a shattering of my bones, my adversaries revile me, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” - Psalm 42:10
People might say to us, "Where is your God now?" Satan says that to us.
My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” - Psalm 42:3
The psalmist was torn up on the inside.
Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shallagain praise Him For the help of His presence. - Psalm 42:5
The psalmist indicates that he is not praising God in his current time, but that he knows he will praise Him again. The psalmist did not question God's love for him even though he felt he had been abandoned.
The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime; and His song will be with me in the night, a prayer to the God of my life. - Psalm 42:8
1. He sang to God.
When you are in a hard place, expose yourself to Godly music.
2. He preached hope to his heart.
Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence. - Psalm 42:5
These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God, with the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival. - Psalm 42:4
4. The psalmist does not ask for an escape from his circumstances. He asks for a thirst for God instead.
It is in the hard place that we learn to have a prayer place and a worship place.
Never doubt God's love, even in a hard place.
There is never a hard place that separates you from the love of God.
When you don't know what to do, do what you know.
Be in the Bible. Go to church. Attend Bible Fellowship classes.
A change in circumstances is not my greatest need. Knowing God is my greatest need.
The eye has not seen nor has the ear heard, nor has entered into the
heart of man all that God has prepared for those who love Him. - 1
Corinthians 2:9
Our hope was never in this life. Our hope is in eternity.
