Anchoring Our Hearts in Trust Amid Trials

 

Summary

In a time of widespread fear and uncertainty, it is crucial to anchor our hearts in unwavering trust in the Lord. The world around us is fraught with challenges, from epidemics and economic instability to spiritual decay and personal trials. Yet, as believers, we are called to rise above these circumstances, not by ignoring them, but by fixing our hearts on God, who is our steadfast refuge.

Evil tidings may come to us in various forms—be it the loss of loved ones, financial instability, health issues, or spiritual attacks. These are reminders of the transient nature of earthly things and the importance of setting our affections on things above. Our families, possessions, and even our health are temporary, and we must hold them loosely, recognizing that they are gifts from God, to be cherished but not idolized.

The Christian life is not exempt from trials, but it is through these very trials that our faith is tested and refined. We must expect to face slander, misunderstanding, and even betrayal within the church. Yet, these challenges are opportunities to deepen our reliance on God and to demonstrate the reality of our faith to a watching world. Our response to adversity should be marked by a peace that surpasses understanding, rooted in the knowledge that God is sovereign and works all things for our good.

To maintain this peace, our hearts must be fixed on God. This involves a daily surrender of our will to His, trusting in His wisdom, love, and power. We must cultivate a heart of gratitude, remembering the countless ways God has been faithful in the past, which strengthens our confidence in His future provision. Our eternal treasures—our relationship with God, our salvation, and our heavenly inheritance—are secure and cannot be taken from us.

Ultimately, the key to a fixed heart is faith. Trusting in the Lord means relying on His character and promises, knowing that He is both willing and able to sustain us through every storm. As we trust in Him, we find that our fears dissipate, and we are empowered to live boldly and joyfully, even in the face of evil tidings.

Key Takeaways:

- The Transience of Earthly Things: Earthly possessions and relationships are temporary and should not be idolized. We must hold them loosely, recognizing that they are gifts from God, to be cherished but not idolized. Our true security lies in our eternal relationship with God. [06:33]

- Expect Trials and Misunderstandings: As Christians, we should anticipate slander and betrayal, even within the church. These trials are opportunities to deepen our reliance on God and to demonstrate the reality of our faith to a watching world. [12:49]

- The Importance of a Fixed Heart: A heart fixed on God is prepared for any trial. This involves daily surrender to His will, trusting in His wisdom, love, and power. Our eternal treasures are secure and cannot be taken from us. [29:03]

- Faith as the Anchor: Trusting in the Lord means relying on His character and promises, knowing that He is both willing and able to sustain us through every storm. As we trust in Him, our fears dissipate, and we are empowered to live boldly and joyfully. [40:25]

- Gratitude as a Stabilizer: Cultivating a heart of gratitude for God's past faithfulness strengthens our confidence in His future provision. Our eternal treasures—our relationship with God, our salvation, and our heavenly inheritance—are secure. [39:02]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Introduction to Heart's Ease
- [00:34] - Current Gloomy Circumstances
- [01:20] - National and Spiritual Concerns
- [02:04] - The Rise of Popery
- [02:57] - Challenges Within the Church
- [03:30] - The Believer's Secret Source of Joy
- [04:07] - Evil Tidings and Earthly Attachments
- [05:13] - The Fragility of Family and Possessions
- [06:33] - The Danger of Idolatry
- [07:02] - The Fleeting Nature of Wealth
- [09:17] - Health and the Reality of Sickness
- [12:49] - Misunderstanding and Slander
- [19:32] - Spiritual Attacks and Self-Doubt
- [20:21] - The Inevitability of Death
- [22:01] - The Christian's Response to Fear
- [29:03] - Fixedness of Heart
- [40:25] - Trusting in the Lord

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 112:7 - "He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord."

Observation Questions:
1. What are some examples of "evil tidings" mentioned in the sermon that believers might face? [04:07]
2. How does the sermon describe the transient nature of earthly possessions and relationships? [06:33]
3. What does the sermon suggest is the Christian's response to slander and misunderstanding? [12:49]
4. According to the sermon, what role does gratitude play in maintaining a fixed heart? [39:02]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "his heart is fixed" in Psalm 112:7, and what does it imply about a believer's state of mind? [29:03]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that trials and misunderstandings within the church can be opportunities for spiritual growth? [12:49]
3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between faith and fear, particularly in the context of facing evil tidings? [40:25]
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of daily surrender and trust in God's wisdom and power? [29:03]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent "evil tiding" you have faced. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in light of the sermon? [04:07]
2. Consider your current attachments to earthly possessions or relationships. How can you hold them more loosely, recognizing them as gifts from God? [06:33]
3. Have you experienced slander or misunderstanding within your church community? How can you use these experiences to deepen your reliance on God? [12:49]
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to maintain a heart of gratitude. What steps can you take to cultivate gratitude in that area? [39:02]
5. Think of a time when fear overwhelmed your faith. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your trust in God's character and promises? [40:25]
6. How can you incorporate daily surrender to God's will into your routine? What might this look like practically in your life? [29:03]
7. Choose one eternal treasure (relationship with God, salvation, heavenly inheritance) and reflect on how it provides security amidst life's uncertainties. How can you focus more on this treasure in your daily life? [29:03]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transience of Earthly Things
In a world where material possessions and relationships often take center stage, it is vital to remember their temporary nature. Earthly things, while gifts from God, are not meant to be idolized. They are fleeting and can be taken away at any moment. Our true security lies in our eternal relationship with God, which remains unshaken by the changes and losses we experience in this life. By holding our possessions and relationships loosely, we acknowledge their value as gifts but avoid placing them above our devotion to God. This perspective allows us to cherish what we have without becoming overly attached, freeing us to focus on the eternal treasures that cannot be taken from us. [06:33]

"For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content." (1 Timothy 6:7-8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one possession or relationship you find yourself clinging to? How can you practice holding it loosely today, acknowledging it as a gift from God?


Day 2: Expect Trials and Misunderstandings
As believers, we are not promised a life free from trials. In fact, we should expect to face slander, misunderstanding, and even betrayal, sometimes from within the church itself. These challenges are not meant to discourage us but to deepen our reliance on God. They provide opportunities to demonstrate the reality of our faith to a watching world. By responding to adversity with grace and peace, we show that our trust is in God, who is sovereign over all circumstances. This trust allows us to navigate trials with a sense of purpose, knowing that God uses them to refine our faith and draw us closer to Him. [12:49]

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent trial or misunderstanding you have faced. How can you use this experience to deepen your reliance on God and demonstrate your faith to others?


Day 3: The Importance of a Fixed Heart
A heart fixed on God is prepared for any trial. This involves a daily surrender to His will, trusting in His wisdom, love, and power. By focusing on our eternal treasures—our relationship with God, our salvation, and our heavenly inheritance—we find a peace that surpasses understanding. These treasures are secure and cannot be taken from us, providing a firm foundation in times of uncertainty. By cultivating a heart that is steadfastly focused on God, we are equipped to face life's challenges with confidence and hope, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [29:03]

"My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody!" (Psalm 57:7, ESV)

Reflection: What daily practice can you implement to help fix your heart on God, ensuring it remains steadfast in the face of trials?


Day 4: Faith as the Anchor
Trusting in the Lord means relying on His character and promises, knowing that He is both willing and able to sustain us through every storm. As we place our faith in Him, our fears dissipate, and we are empowered to live boldly and joyfully, even in the face of evil tidings. This faith acts as an anchor, keeping us grounded in the truth of God's sovereignty and goodness. By trusting in His unchanging nature, we find the strength to navigate life's uncertainties with courage and assurance, confident that He is working all things for our good. [40:25]

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a fear or worry that is currently weighing on your heart. How can you actively place your trust in God's promises to find peace and courage today?


Day 5: Gratitude as a Stabilizer
Cultivating a heart of gratitude for God's past faithfulness strengthens our confidence in His future provision. By remembering the countless ways God has been faithful, we are reminded of His unchanging nature and His commitment to our well-being. This gratitude acts as a stabilizer, grounding us in the truth of God's goodness and love. As we focus on our eternal treasures—our relationship with God, our salvation, and our heavenly inheritance—we find a sense of security that transcends our present circumstances. By practicing gratitude, we open our hearts to the peace and joy that come from trusting in God's perfect plan for our lives. [39:02]

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a specific instance of God's faithfulness in your life. How can you express gratitude for this today, and how does it strengthen your trust in His future provision?

Quotes

he shall not be afraid of evil Tidings his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord to come directly to the text evil Tidings may come to the best of men to those whose hearts are fixed and are trusting in the Lord it may be of great service to us to remember this Dre fact for it may lead us to set Loose by Earthly things let us chew this very bitter morsel for a moment or two there is nothing very palatable or Pleasant in the recollection that we are not above the shafts of adversity but it may humble us and prevent our boasting with the psalmist my Mountain standeth firm I shall never be moved [00:04:07]

we rightly class our families first in our possessions we look with delight into the faces of our children we mark their growing abilities we are Charmed with evidences of opening intelligence yet they may never live to manhood their Sun may go down a it is yet noon we are perhaps perplexed as to what we shall do with them when they shall be old enough to be apprenticed to a trade or initiated into a profession we may never have that task to care for long before they reach that period of Life they may be slumbering in their graves [00:05:13]

we gaze with ever fresh Delight upon those beloved ones with whom we are united in the ties of wedlock but if we gaze wisely we shall clearly see morality written upon the fairest brow and glistening in the most loving eye how soon May these partners of our heart's best affections be rent away from us we must beware of making Idols of those who are nearest and dearest for the objects of our idolatry May soon like the gold and calf be dashed in pieces and we may have to drink the Waters of bitterness because of our sin [00:06:33]

do not riches take to themselves wings and fly away and though we have heard some most profanely say that they have clipped the wings of their riches so that they cannot fly yet May the Bird of Prey Ren them where they are and the rotting carcass of the wealth which the owners cannot enjoy may be a Perpetual curse to them full often gold and silver canker in the Coffer and fret the soul of their claimant God can do with us as with Israel while the meat was yet in their mouths The Curse Of God Came Upon them [00:07:02]

the Christian's heart is fixed as to duty he says within himself it is my business so to walk as Christ also walked it can never be right for me to do contrary to God's will I have set the lord always before me and in Integrity of heart will I walk in all my way wherever that way may lead such a man is prepared for anything whatever trial comes he is prepared to meet it because his soul is resolved that come Gain come loss he will not be dishonest to make himself Rich he will not tell a lie to win a kingdom [00:29:03]

the Christian's heart is fixed as to knowledge and so prepared there are some things which a Believer knows and is quite fixed about he knows for instance that God sits in the stern sheets of the vessel when it rocks most he believes that an invisible hand is always on the world's tiller and that wherever Providence May drift Jehovah steers it that reassuring knowledge prepares him for everything it is my father's will saith he he looks over the Raging Waters and he sees the spirit of Jesus treading the Billows and he hears a voice which saith it is I be not afraid [00:30:03]

we know that all things work together for good to them that love God the Christian does not merely hold this as a theory but he knows it as a matter of fact everything has worked for good as yet the poisonous drugs that have been mixed in the compound have nevertheless worked the Cure the Sharp Cuts of the lanet have cleansed out the proud flesh and facilitated the healing every event as yet has worked out the Most divinely Blessed results and so believing this that God rules it that God rules wisely that God brings good out of evil the believer's heart is fixed and he is well prepared [00:32:00]

the Christian relies only upon his God every attribute engages this confidence the air of Heaven rests in the love of God oh saith he my father loves me too well to suffer any evil thing to damage me I know by that very Spirit which he has given by which I Cry Abba Father I know the tenderness of his heart forbids that I should ever perish or that anything should happen to me which will do me serious damage [00:40:25]

the Christian feels that the omnipotence of God is more to be trusted than the potence of the devil is to be dreaded more is he that is for us than all they that be against us the Christian perceives the enemy round about but eyes have been touched with Heavenly ointment and he can also see the mountain full of horses of fire and Chariots of Fire and therefore he trusteth in the power of His God and his soul is not Disturbed [00:41:40]

I believe that Holy gratitude is one Blessed Way of fixing the soul on God and preparing it for trouble you have a friend who gave you a very hard word the other day you felt very grieved but after a few minutes you said there now if he were to kick me I should always love him for the great kindness that he did to me years ago when I was in great Straits now when I think of what our God has done for us how he saved us from going down into the pit and found a ransom in his own dear son [00:39:02]

the last point is this the great instrument of fixedness of heart is faith in God his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord you see that we have come hither by Progressive steps evil Tidings may come to an air of Heaven he ought not to be afraid of them the way to be prepared for them is to have the heart fixed and prepared and the method of having the heart fixed is confident trustfulness in the Lord [00:42:00]

when Dr pacon was getting near his end he reminded his friends that God is enough for his people said he in Years Gone by I often dreaded the taking away of certain Earthly Comforts but when they have been withdrawn I have had so much more of the grace and presence of God that I have had to be thankful for the apparent loss for it was a real gain and now said he that I am a and confined to my house I'm far happier than I ever expected to be and am as happy as a man well could be out of heaven [00:45:00]

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Transcript
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