Deep Longing: Embracing God's Grace and Purpose

 

Summary

Psalm 42:1-7 paints a vivid picture of a soul yearning for God amidst deep despair. The psalmist, likely David, finds himself exiled and overwhelmed by sorrow, longing for the joy of worship he once knew. This imagery of "deep calling unto deep" serves as a profound metaphor for the tumultuous experiences of life, where external and internal struggles converge, creating a symphony of chaos and longing. In the grandeur of nature, such as a tempest, we see a reflection of our own inner turmoil, where the depths of our soul cry out for divine intervention and solace.

The sermon explores the concept of "deep calling unto deep" in various dimensions, beginning with the eternal purposes of God. The mystery of predestination and divine decrees is likened to an unfathomable ocean, beyond human comprehension. Yet, within this mystery lies the assurance that God's purposes are always fulfilled, even amidst the free will of angels and humans. This divine orchestration is a testament to God's omnipotence and wisdom, where every event aligns with His eternal plan.

The sermon also addresses the deep afflictions faced by believers, emphasizing that extraordinary trials are met with extraordinary grace. Just as deep trials call for deep faith, God's faithfulness is unwavering, providing comfort and strength in times of distress. The depth of human misery, resulting from sin and rebellion, is met by the even greater depth of divine grace. Through Christ's atonement, the vastness of God's mercy overcomes the depths of human depravity, offering redemption and transformation.

Furthermore, the depth of God's love for His people calls for a deep response of consecration and devotion. The immeasurable love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice demands a life fully surrendered to God, where every aspect of our being is dedicated to His service. This love also compels us to love others and forgive as we have been forgiven.

Finally, the sermon warns of the deep forbearance of God towards the impenitent, which will ultimately be met with the depth of divine justice. Yet, for the saints, there is a deep of eternal joy and bliss awaiting in heaven, calling us to live with hope and gratitude. As we anticipate the glory of being with Christ, we are encouraged to live in the light of this future reality, allowing the deep of heavenly joy to transform our present lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Mystery of Divine Purposes: The eternal purposes of God are a profound mystery, beyond human comprehension. Yet, within this mystery lies the assurance that God's will is always fulfilled, even amidst the free will of angels and humans. This divine orchestration is a testament to God's omnipotence and wisdom, where every event aligns with His eternal plan. [06:24]

2. Grace in Deep Afflictions: Extraordinary trials are met with extraordinary grace. Just as deep trials call for deep faith, God's faithfulness is unwavering, providing comfort and strength in times of distress. In proportion to our tribulations, we receive divine consolations, reminding us that God's grace is sufficient for every challenge we face. [17:06]

3. Redemption from Human Misery: The depth of human misery, resulting from sin and rebellion, is met by the even greater depth of divine grace. Through Christ's atonement, the vastness of God's mercy overcomes the depths of human depravity, offering redemption and transformation. This profound grace assures us that no sin is beyond God's power to forgive and heal. [25:13]

4. Call to Consecration: The depth of God's love for His people calls for a deep response of consecration and devotion. The immeasurable love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice demands a life fully surrendered to God, where every aspect of our being is dedicated to His service. This love also compels us to love others and forgive as we have been forgiven. [32:29]

5. Hope in Eternal Joy: For the saints, there is a deep of eternal joy and bliss awaiting in heaven, calling us to live with hope and gratitude. As we anticipate the glory of being with Christ, we are encouraged to live in the light of this future reality, allowing the deep of heavenly joy to transform our present lives. [44:18]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Yearning for God
- [01:10] - Nature's Symphony
- [03:38] - David's Exile and Sorrow
- [05:22] - Internal and External Struggles
- [06:24] - The Mystery of Divine Purposes
- [11:29] - The Mystery of Providence
- [15:04] - Grace in Deep Afflictions
- [20:33] - Trials and Divine Faithfulness
- [22:06] - Redemption from Human Misery
- [27:03] - Call to Consecration
- [33:59] - Divine Forbearance and Justice
- [42:02] - Hope in Eternal Joy
- [44:18] - Anticipating Heaven's Glory
- [47:22] - Closing Blessing

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 42:1-7: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, 'Where is your God?' These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me."

#### Observation Questions
1. What imagery does the psalmist use to describe his longing for God, and how does this reflect his emotional state? [00:10]
2. How does the psalmist describe his past experiences of worship, and what impact does this have on his current feelings of despair? [00:24]
3. What does the phrase "deep calls to deep" signify in the context of the psalmist's struggles? [01:10]
4. How does the psalmist express his hope and trust in God despite his feelings of being overwhelmed? [00:37]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon interpret the concept of "deep calling unto deep" in relation to God's eternal purposes and human experiences? [06:24]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that extraordinary trials are met with extraordinary grace, and how does this relate to the psalmist's experience? [17:06]
3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between human misery and divine grace, particularly through the lens of Christ's atonement? [25:13]
4. What does the sermon say about the depth of God's love and the expected response of consecration and devotion from believers? [32:29]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a deep yearning for God similar to the psalmist. How did you respond to that longing, and what can you learn from that experience? [00:10]
2. The sermon speaks of God's eternal purposes as a profound mystery. How do you find comfort in the assurance that God's will is always fulfilled, even when life feels chaotic? [06:24]
3. Consider a current trial you are facing. How can you seek and recognize God's extraordinary grace in this situation? [17:06]
4. The sermon emphasizes the depth of God's love calling for a deep response of consecration. What specific steps can you take to deepen your devotion and service to God this week? [32:29]
5. How does the promise of eternal joy and bliss in heaven influence your daily life and decisions? What changes can you make to live more in light of this future reality? [44:18]
6. The sermon warns of God's forbearance towards the impenitent. How does this challenge you to share the message of God's grace and justice with others? [34:15]
7. Reflect on the depth of God's forgiveness in your life. How can this inspire you to forgive others and extend grace in your relationships? [31:11]

Devotional

Day 1: The Unfathomable Depth of God's Purposes
The eternal purposes of God are a profound mystery, beyond human comprehension. Within this mystery lies the assurance that God's will is always fulfilled, even amidst the free will of angels and humans. This divine orchestration is a testament to God's omnipotence and wisdom, where every event aligns with His eternal plan. The concept of "deep calling unto deep" reflects the convergence of life's tumultuous experiences with God's eternal purposes. In the midst of chaos and longing, there is a divine order that assures us of God's sovereign control over all things. [06:24]

"For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?" (Isaiah 14:27, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle to trust God's sovereign plan? How can you remind yourself of His omnipotence and wisdom today?


Day 2: Grace Meets Us in Our Deepest Trials
Extraordinary trials are met with extraordinary grace. Just as deep trials call for deep faith, God's faithfulness is unwavering, providing comfort and strength in times of distress. In proportion to our tribulations, we receive divine consolations, reminding us that God's grace is sufficient for every challenge we face. The depth of human misery, resulting from sin and rebellion, is met by the even greater depth of divine grace. Through Christ's atonement, the vastness of God's mercy overcomes the depths of human depravity, offering redemption and transformation. [17:06]

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)

Reflection: What is a current trial you are facing, and how can you actively seek God's grace and strength in this situation today?


Day 3: Redemption from the Depths of Human Misery
The depth of human misery, resulting from sin and rebellion, is met by the even greater depth of divine grace. Through Christ's atonement, the vastness of God's mercy overcomes the depths of human depravity, offering redemption and transformation. This profound grace assures us that no sin is beyond God's power to forgive and heal. The sermon emphasizes that the depth of God's love for His people calls for a deep response of consecration and devotion. The immeasurable love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice demands a life fully surrendered to God, where every aspect of our being is dedicated to His service. [25:13]

"He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure." (Psalm 40:2, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a sin or area of brokenness in your life that you feel is beyond redemption? How can you invite God's transformative grace into this area today?


Day 4: A Call to Deep Consecration
The depth of God's love for His people calls for a deep response of consecration and devotion. The immeasurable love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice demands a life fully surrendered to God, where every aspect of our being is dedicated to His service. This love also compels us to love others and forgive as we have been forgiven. The sermon warns of the deep forbearance of God towards the impenitent, which will ultimately be met with the depth of divine justice. Yet, for the saints, there is a deep of eternal joy and bliss awaiting in heaven, calling us to live with hope and gratitude. [32:29]

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." (Romans 12:1, ESV)

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 5: Living in the Hope of Eternal Joy
For the saints, there is a deep of eternal joy and bliss awaiting in heaven, calling us to live with hope and gratitude. As we anticipate the glory of being with Christ, we are encouraged to live in the light of this future reality, allowing the deep of heavenly joy to transform our present lives. The sermon emphasizes that the depth of God's love for His people calls for a deep response of consecration and devotion. The immeasurable love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice demands a life fully surrendered to God, where every aspect of our being is dedicated to His service. [44:18]

"But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.'" (1 Corinthians 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: How can the promise of eternal joy and bliss in heaven influence the way you live your life today? What specific actions can you take to live with hope and gratitude?

Quotes



"what a depth what an inscrutable mystery that the infinitely pure and holy God should have determined to allow the intrusion of sin into his universe that he should suffer evil to drag down an angel and debase him into a devil that the adoring hosts of Heaven should be thinned by sinful desertion from a loyalty so well deserved" [07:32]

"Brethren I cannot contemplate the doctrines connected with predestination true as they are without a shudder of reverential awe read that ninth chapter of the Romans and while you are silenced by the voice of Paul neighbor o man who art thou that replies against God shall the thing formed say to him that formed it why hast Thou made me thus" [10:01]

"Brethren some of you are enduring deep affliction all are not tried alike God has not been pleased to deal out the wormwood and the Gaul to all in a cup of the same fashion and the same measure there are some whose Pathway to the skies is comparatively smooth others go through fire and through water men do ride over their heads" [15:04]

"if you have shallow Sorrows you shall receive but shallow graces but if you have deep afflictions you shall obtain the deeper proofs of the faithfulness of God I could feign lay me down and die when I think of the trials of this life but I recover myself and laugh at them all even as the daughter of Zion shook her head and laughed at her foes when I remember that the Mighty God of Jacob is our refuge" [17:19]

"Brethren into what an awful State our race fell we were attentive for high treason through the sin of our father Adam the dignity and honor of our race were forfeited we were each one of us born in sin and shapen in iniquity with a natural tendency towards evil we came into this world and since we have been in this world we have wickedly and willfully rebelled against God" [22:08]

"there is a deep which answers to the Deep of human ruin and it is the Deep of divine grace there can be no evil in man which the infinite mercy of God cannot overcome behold God himself incarnate in the person of the Nazarene behold the Son of God spending on earth a life of service and of condescension Behold Him dying a death of ignominy and pain" [24:37]

"study my dear brethren for a minute quietly the depth of the love of God to you his people He Loved You Without a Cause what was there in you that could Merit his steam or give the Creator Delight it was even so father you ever must see for so it seemed good in thy sight he loved you without beginning before years and centuries and millenniums began to be counted your name was on his heart" [27:03]

"Brethren if God so love us it calls to another deep we ought also to love one another if God forgave us behold another deep of obligation to forgive all those who have offended against us how could I love the saints of God enough who are the Brethren of him who love me even to the death as for poor Sinners if God saved me how I ought to lay out my life to try and save them" [31:08]

"there is a depth in this world a depth of divine forbearance towards impenitent and graceless men and depend upon it it answers to another deep a deep of immeasurable and never-ending wrath in the world to come it is a very solemn subject and I desire to speak most solemnly therefore I entreat you to hear most earnestly especially you unconverted ones" [33:59]

"there is Brethren a blessed deep of holy happiness and Bliss for the Saints in heaven and today it calls to the Deep of joy and thankfulness within saintly Hearts who were lingering here below yes the day is coming and all the wings of time are bringing it nearer when we shall be emancipated from the body of this death we are not forever to be sickly sinful and Sorrowing we shall soon be set free from everything that encumbers us" [42:02]

"Christian you shall soon be like Jesus as well as with him you shall be crowned as he is and blessed as he is oh how satisfied shall you be when you wake up in his lightness I could not go further for though I were to talk of the harps of gold of the streets that shine with unearthly light of gates of pearl of the never-ending song and of the gentle flowing river of the Water of Life amidst the trees that yield their 12 manner of fruits" [43:50]

"oh let the thought of it awaken the deeps of your souls Heaven is yours for he hath said I go to prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am there you may be also for we know that if our Earthly House of this Tabernacle were dissolved we have a building of God and house not made with hands" [44:37]

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Transcript
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