Building Trust: Embracing God's Guidance in Uncertainty
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Covenant Presbyterian Church! Today marks the beginning of our new program year, and we are excited to kick off with a special focus on Psalm 127. This fall is unique, both for our church and our nation, and we believe God is building something new and exciting among us. We have several important events and initiatives coming up, including a 12-week teaching series on the book of Philippians, starting on September 8th. This series, titled "The Choices Before Us," will guide us through uncertain times, helping us to live faithfully and trust in God's guidance.
We are also resuming our practice of Sunday and Wednesday gatherings to immerse ourselves in the text of Philippians. Alan Hilton will lead these Wednesday night sessions, offering deep, discussion-based Bible study. Additionally, our deacons have called for two prayer vigils during the election season, one on October 5th and another on November 5th, to pray for our nation and seek God's guidance.
Pledge Sunday is on September 29th, an opportunity for us to exercise faith through extravagant generosity, even in uncertain times. We are also thrilled to announce the renovation of Eaton Hall and the courtyard, set to begin on October 1st. This project will benefit our church for generations to come.
Today's message from Psalm 127 reminds us that unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. We are called to trust in God's presence and guidance rather than relying solely on our own strategies and plans. This is especially relevant as we navigate the anxieties and uncertainties of life, whether it's the start of a new school year, financial concerns, or future plans. The psalmist encourages us to shift our focus from anxious toil to trusting in God's faithful presence.
I shared a personal story about my daughter Hannah, who is starting her senior year of high school. The pressures and anxieties she faces are immense, but we are reminded that God has been with her every step of the way. This same God is with each of us, guiding and loving us through all of life's challenges. We are not alone, and we don't need to eat the bread of anxious toil. Instead, we can trust that God is building something beautiful in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Trust in God's Building: Psalm 127 teaches us that unless the Lord builds the house, our efforts are in vain. This calls us to trust in God's presence and guidance rather than relying solely on our own strategies and plans. When we surrender our anxieties and control to God, we find true peace and rest. [26:43]
2. Navigating Uncertainty with Faith: As we face uncertain times, whether it's an election season or personal challenges, we are called to live differently. Philippians encourages us to shine like stars by trusting in God and serving others, rather than clamping down in fear. This faith-driven approach allows us to be a light in our community. [17:13]
3. Extravagant Generosity: In times of uncertainty, our natural inclination is to hunker down and protect ourselves. However, we are called to exercise faith through extravagant generosity. By trusting in God's provision and giving generously, we can be a love letter from God to our community, shining brightly in a world filled with fear. [18:28]
4. God's Faithfulness Over Time: Reflecting on past experiences can remind us of God's faithfulness. Just as God has been with us through previous challenges, He will continue to guide and support us in the future. This perspective helps us to trust in God's ongoing presence and love, reducing our anxieties about the future. [39:11]
5. Living in Community: Engaging in community through Bible study, prayer vigils, and church events helps us to grow in faith and support one another. These practices allow us to tune into God's Spirit and walk together in healthy, faith-filled ways. Community life is essential for spiritual growth and navigating life's challenges. [31:20]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:19] - Blessing of the Backpacks
[11:05] - New Teaching Series Introduction
[12:22] - Election Season and Philippians Series
[13:37] - Wednesday Night Bible Study
[14:47] - Prayer Vigils Announcement
[15:57] - Pledge Sunday
[17:13] - Living Differently in Uncertain Times
[18:28] - Extravagant Generosity
[19:47] - Renovation of Eaton Hall
[20:58] - Congregational Meeting
[22:16] - Introduction to Psalm 127
[23:35] - Personal Story: Hannah's Journey
[26:43] - Trusting in God's Building
[31:20] - Living in Community
[39:11] - God's Faithfulness Over Time
[40:49] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
Psalm 127:1-2 (NRSV)
> "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 127:1-2 say about the efforts of those who build or guard without the Lord's involvement?
2. According to the sermon, what are some examples of "anxious toil" that people might experience in their daily lives? [26:43]
3. How does the pastor describe the pressures faced by his daughter Hannah as she starts her senior year of high school? [32:52]
4. What initiatives and events are planned for the church this fall, as mentioned in the sermon? [12:22]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "eat the bread of anxious toil," and how does this concept apply to modern life? [26:43]
2. How does the pastor suggest we should respond to uncertainties and anxieties in our lives, according to Psalm 127? [29:48]
3. In what ways does the pastor encourage the congregation to trust in God's presence and guidance rather than their own strategies? [31:20]
4. How does reflecting on past experiences of God's faithfulness help reduce current anxieties, according to the pastor's story about his daughter? [39:11]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by "anxious toil." How did you try to manage it, and what could you have done differently to trust in God's guidance? [26:43]
2. The pastor mentioned the importance of living differently in uncertain times by trusting in God and serving others. How can you apply this principle in your daily life, especially during stressful periods? [17:13]
3. How can you practice "extravagant generosity" in your community, even when you feel the need to protect your own resources? What steps can you take to trust in God's provision? [18:28]
4. Think about a past experience where you saw God's faithfulness in your life. How can this memory help you trust God with your current or future challenges? [39:11]
5. The pastor emphasized the importance of community life for spiritual growth. How can you engage more deeply with your church community through Bible study, prayer vigils, or other events? [31:20]
6. What specific anxieties or pressures are you currently facing, and how can you shift your focus from anxious toil to trusting in God's faithful presence? [26:43]
7. How can you support someone in your life who is experiencing "anxious toil"? What practical steps can you take to help them trust in God's guidance? [32:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in God's Building
Description: Psalm 127 teaches us that unless the Lord builds the house, our efforts are in vain. This calls us to trust in God's presence and guidance rather than relying solely on our own strategies and plans. When we surrender our anxieties and control to God, we find true peace and rest. The psalmist encourages us to shift our focus from anxious toil to trusting in God's faithful presence. This is especially relevant as we navigate the anxieties and uncertainties of life, whether it's the start of a new school year, financial concerns, or future plans. We are reminded that God is building something beautiful in our lives, and we are called to trust in His process. [26:43]
Psalm 127:1-2 (ESV): "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to God? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 2: Navigating Uncertainty with Faith
Description: As we face uncertain times, whether it's an election season or personal challenges, we are called to live differently. Philippians encourages us to shine like stars by trusting in God and serving others, rather than clamping down in fear. This faith-driven approach allows us to be a light in our community. By focusing on God's promises and His faithfulness, we can navigate through uncertainties with a sense of peace and purpose. This perspective helps us to trust in God's ongoing presence and love, reducing our anxieties about the future. [17:13]
Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV): "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."
Reflection: Think of a current uncertainty or challenge you are facing. How can you actively choose to trust God and serve others in this situation today?
Day 3: Extravagant Generosity
Description: In times of uncertainty, our natural inclination is to hunker down and protect ourselves. However, we are called to exercise faith through extravagant generosity. By trusting in God's provision and giving generously, we can be a love letter from God to our community, shining brightly in a world filled with fear. This act of generosity not only blesses others but also strengthens our own faith as we witness God's provision in our lives. It is a powerful testimony of God's love and faithfulness. [18:28]
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: Identify one way you can practice extravagant generosity this week. How can you trust God to provide for you as you give generously to others?
Day 4: God's Faithfulness Over Time
Description: Reflecting on past experiences can remind us of God's faithfulness. Just as God has been with us through previous challenges, He will continue to guide and support us in the future. This perspective helps us to trust in God's ongoing presence and love, reducing our anxieties about the future. By remembering God's past faithfulness, we can find the strength and courage to face current and future challenges with confidence. This reflection is a powerful tool for building our faith and trust in God. [39:11]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can this memory encourage you to trust Him with your current challenges?
Day 5: Living in Community
Description: Engaging in community through Bible study, prayer vigils, and church events helps us to grow in faith and support one another. These practices allow us to tune into God's Spirit and walk together in healthy, faith-filled ways. Community life is essential for spiritual growth and navigating life's challenges. By participating in these communal activities, we can encourage one another, share our burdens, and celebrate our victories together. This sense of community strengthens our faith and helps us to live out our Christian walk more effectively. [31:20]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you actively engage in your church community this week? What steps can you take to encourage and support others in their faith journey?
Quotes
1. "What is causing you to eat of the bread of anxious toil? What is causing you to eat of the bread of anxious toil? What's causing you to lose sleep? What's causing you not to be able to rest, to really rest? What causes and things bubble up in your mind and your heart when you get still enough that cause you to go back on your phone and zone back out again to not think about it?" [26:43] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The reality is control is an illusion. And we know that. But our response and the uncertainty to our health, to the health of people we love, is we just keep clamping down more, white-knuckling it more, planning more, strategizing more. And we go from tasting to eating to feasting on the bread of anxious toil." [29:48] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Ours is not a God who is just off in heaven looking down on us. Saying, I hope that you can figure this out. But that ours is a God whom we refer to as Emmanuel, God with us. And the psalmist is saying is, don't you remember? God's the one who does the building. God's the one who's with you. You're not having to figure this out alone. God is with you. God is for you." [31:20] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Unless the Lord builds the home, those who build it labor in vain. I've thrown a lot of information at you today. And so I don't want to sit here and like just detail out how we do this with just more information. Part of what our fall guides are for is in the rhythms of solitude, community, and service, these habits that we seek to build, that we become people of faith who can tune into God, who can tune into the spirit, who can walk in community in healthy ways." [31:20] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The question is not how do we figure and strategize the way out. The question for us to sit with as a family is, what do you think God might want to do next? Because he has been calling you, forming you, shaping you, guiding you, loving you, even in the moments where things have been hard, and God hasn't brought you this far just to drop you now." [39:11] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "No matter what it is that bubbles up inside of you and in this world this day, this week, in the months to come, you are not facing it alone. And the God who has been with you has not brought you this far just to drop you and make you figure it out now yourself." [40:49] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We are going to journey through it trusting, trusting we are not on this journey alone. That the Lord is building something new. that we don't need to eat of the bread of anxious toil. Because he'll never leave our side." [57:08] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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