Experiencing God's Presence in Adversity

 

Summary

In the 63rd Psalm, David finds himself in the wilderness, pressed by enemies and in great trouble. Despite his dire circumstances, David's focus is not on his physical survival but on his relationship with God. He declares that God's loving kindness is better than life itself. This profound statement encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith: a living, vital experience of God through Jesus Christ. In times of adversity, when all earthly comforts fail, it is the knowledge of God's loving kindness that sustains us. This is not just a theoretical understanding but a deep, personal experience that transforms our lives.

David's experience is not unique. Throughout the Bible, we see figures like Moses and Paul who valued their communion with God above all else. This knowledge of God is not reserved for a select few; it is available to all believers. The Bible encourages us to seek this experience, to know God personally and intimately. This is the secret to triumphant living and true evangelism. When others see the reality of God in our lives, they are drawn to Him.

To obtain this knowledge, we must first believe it is possible. Many today dismiss such experiences as emotionalism or something reserved for biblical times. However, the Bible and the history of the church testify that this is meant for all believers. We must seek God earnestly, not just in moments of crisis but continually. This involves a passionate pursuit, a longing to know God more deeply.

Recollection is a vital part of this pursuit. By remembering God's past faithfulness and blessings, we stir our hearts and renew our desire for Him. Praise and thanksgiving are also essential. As we count our blessings and express gratitude, we open ourselves to a deeper experience of God's presence.

Ultimately, this knowledge of God is a gift, but it is a gift we must actively seek. Like a child persistently asking a parent, we must ask, seek, and knock until we receive. This is not about intellectual assent but a heart knowledge that brings joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Key Takeaways:

- The essence of the Christian faith is a living, vital experience of God, not just theoretical knowledge. In times of adversity, it is this personal relationship with God that sustains us. [03:21]

- The knowledge of God is not reserved for a select few; it is available to all believers. The Bible encourages us to seek this experience, which is the secret to triumphant living and true evangelism. [06:49]

- To obtain this knowledge, we must first believe it is possible. Many dismiss such experiences as emotionalism, but the Bible and church history testify that this is meant for all believers. [12:18]

- Recollection is vital in our pursuit of God. By remembering God's past faithfulness and blessings, we stir our hearts and renew our desire for Him. [38:29]

- Praise and thanksgiving are essential. As we count our blessings and express gratitude, we open ourselves to a deeper experience of God's presence. [42:27]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Psalm 63
- [00:51] - David's Wilderness Experience
- [01:57] - The Value of Knowing God
- [03:39] - The Importance of Personal Experience
- [04:57] - Evangelism Through Living Faith
- [07:27] - How to Obtain This Knowledge
- [08:18] - Believing in the Possibility
- [10:11] - Misconceptions About Personal Experience
- [12:37] - The Gift for All Believers
- [14:17] - The Danger of Intellectual Belief
- [19:59] - The Bible's Teaching on Experience
- [23:19] - Historical Testimonies of Experience
- [32:31] - Seeking God Earnestly
- [38:29] - The Art of Recollection
- [42:27] - The Importance of Praise and Thanksgiving

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 63:1-3
- Philippians 3:10-11
- Psalm 81:10

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Observation Questions:

1. In Psalm 63, what does David express as his deepest longing while in the wilderness? How does this reflect his priorities? [00:12]

2. According to the sermon, what common trait did David and Moses share that was crucial to their leadership and faith? [01:57]

3. How does the sermon describe the reaction of people when they see God’s presence in the lives of believers? [05:47]

4. What does the sermon suggest is the primary way to attract others to the faith? [06:49]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does David’s statement that God’s loving kindness is better than life challenge modern perceptions of success and fulfillment? [02:46]

2. The sermon mentions that many dismiss personal experiences of God as emotionalism. How does this perspective affect one's pursuit of a deeper relationship with God? [08:52]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of recollection in deepening one's faith and relationship with God? [38:29]

4. How does the sermon interpret the concept of "opening your mouth wide" in Psalm 81:10 in the context of seeking God? [47:30]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in a "wilderness" situation. How did your relationship with God sustain you during that time? [03:53]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God earnestly and continually. What practical steps can you take to make this a regular part of your life? [33:47]

3. How can you incorporate the practice of recollection into your daily routine to remind yourself of God's past faithfulness? [38:29]

4. In what ways can you express praise and thanksgiving more consistently in your personal prayer life? Consider setting a specific time each day for this practice. [42:27]

5. The sermon suggests that a living experience of God is available to all believers. What barriers might be preventing you from experiencing this, and how can you address them? [12:18]

6. Identify one area of your life where you can demonstrate the reality of God’s presence to others. How can you intentionally live out your faith in that area this week? [06:49]

7. Consider the idea of "opening your mouth wide" to receive from God. What specific requests or desires do you need to bring before God with greater expectation and faith? [47:30]

Devotional

Day 1: Experiencing God Beyond Knowledge
In times of adversity, David's focus was not on his physical survival but on his relationship with God. He declared that God's loving kindness is better than life itself, which encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith: a living, vital experience of God through Jesus Christ. This profound statement highlights that in moments when all earthly comforts fail, it is the knowledge of God's loving kindness that sustains us. This is not just a theoretical understanding but a deep, personal experience that transforms our lives. [03:21]

Psalm 63:3-4 (ESV): "Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands."

Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from your current struggles to deepening your relationship with God today?


Day 2: The Universal Call to Know God
The knowledge of God is not reserved for a select few; it is available to all believers. The Bible encourages us to seek this experience, which is the secret to triumphant living and true evangelism. When others see the reality of God in our lives, they are drawn to Him. This personal relationship with God is the foundation of a vibrant faith that impacts the world around us. [06:49]

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"

Reflection: How can you actively seek a deeper knowledge of God in your daily routine, and how might this impact those around you?


Day 3: Believing in the Possibility of Divine Experience
To obtain this knowledge, we must first believe it is possible. Many dismiss such experiences as emotionalism, but the Bible and church history testify that this is meant for all believers. This involves a passionate pursuit, a longing to know God more deeply, and a belief that such a relationship is attainable. [12:18]

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."

Reflection: What doubts or misconceptions might be hindering your belief in a personal experience with God, and how can you address them today?


Day 4: The Power of Recollection
Recollection is vital in our pursuit of God. By remembering God's past faithfulness and blessings, we stir our hearts and renew our desire for Him. This practice of looking back on God's goodness helps us to trust Him more fully in the present and future. [38:29]

Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV): "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds."

Reflection: Take a moment to recall a specific instance of God's faithfulness in your life. How can this memory encourage you in your current circumstances?


Day 5: The Transformative Power of Praise and Thanksgiving
Praise and thanksgiving are essential. As we count our blessings and express gratitude, we open ourselves to a deeper experience of God's presence. This practice not only honors God but also transforms our perspective, allowing us to see His hand at work in every aspect of our lives. [42:27]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Reflection: What are three specific things you can thank God for today, and how can expressing gratitude change your outlook on life?

Quotes

"David here doesn't plead for Life what he wants is the loving kindness of God having that he says I'm ready to face everything this is the most important thing in the whole of his life and of his experience now I I come back again to this because here surely is the very essence of the Christian faith this is what we are all meant to have not a mere head theoretical knowledge but a living vital experience of God through our Lord and savior Jesus Christ." [00:28:29]

"People are not interested in something theoretical they have their own theoretical interests and they can put up that against what you claim to believe but the thing that always convinces people is reality if they see that there's something about your life a certain quality a certain calmness and Equanimity a certain ability to be more than conqueror in every kind of circumstance if they see that when everything is against you you still Triumph and Prevail whereas they don't they'll become interested in what you've got they'll want to know more about it." [00:06:07]

"The first answer I would give to this question is this we must believe that it is possible to us obviously that must come first if you don't believe in the possibility of this well then you will never seek it and obviously you will never find it and there are many today who not do not seek this and that is because they do not believe in it there are many today who would regard this kind of thing as exstasy or enthusiasm and they dislike it heartily and speak against it." [00:08:23]

"The Bible nowhere confines this to a particular age or to a particular type of person or to only select people the Bible offers this to all now the Epistles are surely full of this rejoice in the lord always says the Apostle to the Philippians and again I say rejoice now that doesn't mean a sort of backs slapping and a carnal joviality and Hell fellow well met it doesn't mean that you can't imagine such things in connection with the Apostle Paul no no it's a joy which is unspeakable and full of Glory it is a holy Joy it's a deep Joy like a mighty River like a great river flowing down to the Sea and this is something that is offered for all." [00:20:17]

"Recollection you notice coton mether said that his heart was like a stone we know about that don't we you believe the truth as it is in Christ Jesus but what's your heart like someone came in to see me in my vest here once indeed it's happened many many times to me and he said you know what bothers me I said no he said that I can sit and listen to what you've been saying about the Savor Savior and be so unmoved he was quite right he believed it all but he wasn't moved there wasn't Rapture he felt there should be and there should love so amazing So Divine demands my soul my life my all." [00:38:29]

"Count your blessings name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord ha done in other words it's no use trying to work up your heart to try to work up your feelings people who try to work up their feelings in connection with religion are just displaying that they're ignorant of the whole thing you can't do it but what you can do is this count your blessings just remind yourself of facts things that have actually happened to you go over them and as you're doing so you will find that your heart does begin to melt but you've got to make the intellectual effort you've got to exercise your will and you've got to count your blessings." [00:39:34]

"How much do you praise God my friends in your prayers in your private devotions what element how much does this element of Praise come in now look at the Apostle Paul he puts this again so perfectly in writing to the Philippians in chapter 4 in nothing be anxious but in all things with prayer and supplication and Thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God and then the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and Minds in the knowledge of Christ Jesus." [00:42:27]

"David answers the question for us this is the gift of God there's no question about that but the fact that it is the gift of God doesn't mean that we do nothing rather because we believe it is the gift of God we should be seeking it the parent has the gift in his or her possession and the child knows that does that mean that the child does nothing but just acts in a passive manner hoping that the parent is going to give no no it asks and asks and asks and keeps on asking asking and becomes a nuisance until it's got it quite right that's the teaching of the scripture you can't command it you can't take it by faith whenever you like no no it is The Sovereign gift of God but that means that you should seek it." [00:32:24]

"Once a man realizes this possibility it does indeed monopolize him he's got to do his work of course his business his profession whatever it is and he's got to give his full mind to that but all his leisure time this is the big thing this is the thing that monopolize and here he says even when I'm lying on my bed at night that's the source that's the ground of my meditation when I remember thee upon my bed and meditate on thee in the night watches there's no doubt about this once a man has had a glimpse of this he becomes what has once been called a god intoxicated man." [00:33:54]

"Do we know anything about this eagerness my friends is this the big concern the big Quest the big Passion Of Our Lives you read the biographies of the Saints like the people I've been reading from this morning and ordinary Saints you'll find that that is the thing they're seeking all that I knew where I might find him they're seeking and there's an eagerness one thing I do says the Apostle forgetting the things that are behind I press toward the mark this eagerness I follow hard after to the here it is and it has always I say been a characteristic of the people who have come to rejoice in this the highest blessing that the Christian salvation affords." [00:36:19]

"Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it is your mouth wide open or have you got a nice smug little evangelicalism which doesn't expect anything further tells you you've had it all at your rebirth and conversion there it is all you do now is to yield yourself more and more the answer is open your mouth wide and let something of the fullness of God enter in oh this pernicious Doctrine this sanism this modern sanim iism that keeps it entirely to the mind and is not interested in the heart and even distrusts warmth and immersion is so afraid of excesses that it quenches the spirit God have mercy upon it open thy mouth why listen to God speaking to you this is what he says here all my people and I will testify unto the O Israel if thou Wilt hearken unto me and God does it where goes on and complains oh that my people had hearkened unto me and Israel had walked in my ways I should soon have subdued their enemies and turned my hand against their adversaries." [00:47:26]

"Seek great things from God expect great things from God Thou Art coming to a King large petitions with thee bring for his great Grace and power are such you can never ask too much so go on asking him that you may know him with a personal intimate knowledge that will ravish your heart go on asking him until you have received ask seek knock and it shall be open." [00:49:20]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?