Finding God in Life's Hardships: A Journey of Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound question, "Where is God when life is hard?" Drawing from Psalm 73, we delved into the psalmist's struggle with reconciling his belief in God's goodness with the harsh realities of his life. The psalmist begins with a strong theological statement: "Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart." Yet, he finds himself grappling with the apparent contradiction between this belief and his own suffering. He admits that his feet had almost slipped, overwhelmed by the prosperity of the wicked and his own hardships.
We discussed how the psalmist's experience mirrors our own when we face chronic illness, financial struggles, or relational pain. The psalmist's honesty in expressing his doubts and frustrations to God is a powerful reminder that it's okay to bring our raw emotions before Him. The turning point for the psalmist comes when he enters the sanctuary of God. It is here that he gains a spiritual perspective, understanding that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting and that God's ultimate justice will prevail.
We also examined the dangers of allowing bitterness to take root in our hearts during times of hardship. Bitterness can lead to a downward spiral, causing us to act out in ways that are contrary to our faith. The psalmist warns against this, urging us to seek God's grace and not let bitterness defile us.
Finally, we learned that true spiritual transformation often occurs in the valleys of life, not on the mountaintops. It is in these moments of struggle that we meet the real God, who assures us of His presence and goodness. The psalmist's journey from doubt to a renewed faith culminates in a profound declaration: "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you." This is the ultimate realization that God Himself is our greatest treasure, far beyond any earthly blessing.
### Key Takeaways
1. Honesty in Prayer: The psalmist's raw honesty in expressing his doubts and frustrations to God teaches us that it's okay to bring our true feelings before Him. God is not shocked by our emotions; He invites us to be real with Him. This honesty can be the first step toward healing and understanding. [04:09]
2. The Danger of Bitterness: Allowing bitterness to take root in our hearts during times of hardship can lead to a spiritual and moral downfall. Bitterness can cause us to act in ways that are contrary to our faith, leading to destructive behaviors. It's crucial to seek God's grace to cleanse our wounds and prevent bitterness from taking hold. [20:59]
3. Spiritual Perspective: Gaining a spiritual perspective is essential for understanding our hardships. The psalmist found clarity and peace when he entered the sanctuary of God. By immersing ourselves in God's Word and seeking His presence, we can gain a higher perspective that transcends our immediate circumstances. [25:59]
4. Eternal Focus: Looking at life from an eternal perspective helps us navigate our present struggles. The psalmist shifted his focus from the immediate prosperity of the wicked to their ultimate destiny. This eternal viewpoint helps us understand that our current sufferings are temporary and that God's justice will ultimately prevail. [28:35]
5. God as Our Ultimate Desire: The psalmist's journey leads him to the profound realization that God Himself is our greatest treasure. In the end, he declares that there is nothing on earth he desires besides God. This shift from seeking God's blessings to seeking God Himself is the essence of true spiritual maturity. [30:59]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:01] - Bob's Testimony and Health Struggles
[02:06] - Introduction to the Topic: Where is God When Life is Hard?
[03:07] - Turning to Psalm 73
[04:09] - The Honesty of the Psalms
[05:24] - Good Theology vs. Life's Realities
[06:15] - The Psalmist's Struggle
[07:18] - The Experience of Slipping Faith
[08:10] - Questioning God's Goodness
[09:04] - Various Struggles We Face
[09:57] - The Psalmist's Conclusion
[10:55] - The Misery of Comparison
[11:40] - The Prosperity of the Wicked
[12:26] - The Psalmist's Envy
[13:03] - The Oppressiveness of Doubt
[13:54] - The Enemy's Tactics
[14:22] - Doubting God's Promises
[15:03] - Recognizing God's Blessings
[15:43] - The Oppressiveness of Understanding
[16:17] - The Mystery of God's Ways
[17:06] - God's Higher Ways
[17:45] - The Vastness of God's Wisdom
[18:13] - Paul's Encouragement in Hardship
[18:58] - Transformation in the Valley
[19:32] - The Danger of a Bitter Heart
[20:17] - The Psalmist's Bitter Condition
[20:59] - The Warning Against Bitterness
[21:34] - The Consequences of Bitterness
[22:15] - The Root of Bitterness
[22:46] - Cynicism and Faith
[23:24] - The Downward Spiral of Bitterness
[24:02] - The Impact of Bitterness
[24:54] - Escaping the Downward Spiral
[25:59] - Finding Meaning in the Sanctuary
[27:00] - Bringing Meaning to Life
[27:53] - Looking at the End of Life
[28:35] - Considering the Final Destiny
[29:54] - The Consequences of Rebellion and Obedience
[30:59] - God as Our Ultimate Desire
[31:56] - The Psalmist's Conversion
[33:16] - Longing for God
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 73:1-28 - The primary text for the sermon, focusing on the psalmist's struggle with understanding God's goodness amidst personal suffering and the prosperity of the wicked.
2. Hebrews 12:15 - A warning against allowing bitterness to take root in our hearts.
3. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - Paul's encouragement in hardship, emphasizing that we are hard-pressed but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair.
#### Observation Questions
1. What theological statement does the psalmist begin with in Psalm 73:1? How does this statement contrast with his personal experiences? [05:24]
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the struggles the psalmist might have been facing? [08:10]
3. How does the psalmist describe the prosperity of the wicked in Psalm 73:3-12? [11:40]
4. What is the turning point for the psalmist in Psalm 73, and what does he realize when he enters the sanctuary of God? [25:59]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that the psalmist expresses his doubts and frustrations to God? How does this honesty impact his spiritual journey? [04:09]
2. How does the psalmist's envy of the wicked affect his faith and perception of God's goodness? [11:40]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the dangers of allowing bitterness to take root in our hearts during times of hardship? [20:59]
4. How does gaining a spiritual perspective in the sanctuary of God help the psalmist understand his hardships? [25:59]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like the psalmist, questioning God's goodness in the midst of your struggles. How did you express your feelings to God, and what was the outcome? [04:09]
2. Have you ever experienced bitterness during a difficult season in your life? How did it affect your actions and relationships? What steps can you take to seek God's grace and prevent bitterness from taking hold? [20:59]
3. The psalmist finds clarity and peace in the sanctuary of God. What practices or habits can you incorporate into your life to regularly seek God's presence and gain a higher perspective on your circumstances? [25:59]
4. How can looking at life from an eternal perspective help you navigate your current struggles? What specific changes can you make to shift your focus from immediate challenges to God's ultimate justice and plan? [28:35]
5. The psalmist ultimately realizes that God Himself is his greatest treasure. How can you cultivate a deeper desire for God in your daily life, beyond seeking His blessings? What practical steps can you take to prioritize your relationship with God? [30:59]
6. Think of a recent hardship you faced. How did you respond to it? In what ways can you allow this experience to transform your faith and draw you closer to God? [18:58]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel overwhelmed or oppressed. How can you bring this issue before God and seek His guidance and peace? What support or resources within the church community can help you in this process? [16:17]
Devotional
Day 1: Honesty in Prayer
The psalmist's raw honesty in expressing his doubts and frustrations to God teaches us that it's okay to bring our true feelings before Him. God is not shocked by our emotions; He invites us to be real with Him. This honesty can be the first step toward healing and understanding. When we face chronic illness, financial struggles, or relational pain, it is natural to question God's goodness and presence. The psalmist's experience mirrors our own, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. By bringing our raw emotions before God, we open the door to a deeper relationship with Him, one that is built on trust and authenticity. [04:09]
Psalm 62:8 (ESV): "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us."
Reflection: Think of a recent struggle or doubt you have faced. Can you take a moment today to honestly pour out your heart to God about this issue, trusting that He is your refuge?
Day 2: The Danger of Bitterness
Allowing bitterness to take root in our hearts during times of hardship can lead to a spiritual and moral downfall. Bitterness can cause us to act in ways that are contrary to our faith, leading to destructive behaviors. It's crucial to seek God's grace to cleanse our wounds and prevent bitterness from taking hold. The psalmist warns against this, urging us to seek God's grace and not let bitterness defile us. Bitterness can lead to a downward spiral, causing us to act out in ways that are contrary to our faith. [20:59]
Hebrews 12:15 (ESV): "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled."
Reflection: Is there a situation or person in your life that has caused bitterness to take root in your heart? How can you seek God's grace today to begin the process of healing and forgiveness?
Day 3: Spiritual Perspective
Gaining a spiritual perspective is essential for understanding our hardships. The psalmist found clarity and peace when he entered the sanctuary of God. By immersing ourselves in God's Word and seeking His presence, we can gain a higher perspective that transcends our immediate circumstances. This spiritual perspective helps us to see beyond our current struggles and understand that God's ultimate justice will prevail. [25:59]
Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to immerse yourself in God's Word and seek His presence, allowing Him to give you a higher perspective on your current struggles?
Day 4: Eternal Focus
Looking at life from an eternal perspective helps us navigate our present struggles. The psalmist shifted his focus from the immediate prosperity of the wicked to their ultimate destiny. This eternal viewpoint helps us understand that our current sufferings are temporary and that God's justice will ultimately prevail. By focusing on eternity, we can find hope and strength to endure our present hardships, knowing that God's ultimate plan is for our good. [28:35]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from your immediate struggles to the eternal perspective that God offers? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of this eternal viewpoint daily?
Day 5: God as Our Ultimate Desire
The psalmist's journey leads him to the profound realization that God Himself is our greatest treasure. In the end, he declares that there is nothing on earth he desires besides God. This shift from seeking God's blessings to seeking God Himself is the essence of true spiritual maturity. When we come to understand that God is our ultimate desire, we find true contentment and peace, regardless of our circumstances. [30:59]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: Reflect on your desires and priorities. Are there areas in your life where you are seeking God's blessings more than God Himself? How can you realign your heart to desire God above all else today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "How many have been... How many of you have... Have been through or are going through a really difficult time right now? You can identify with, oh, man, I can't believe what I'm going through. I've been praying about what to really talk about. I've gotten around. I like getting together with people and doing breakfast, doing lunch, and just finding out about what's going on in people's lives. And as I have talked to people, I felt like God wanted me to share a message on... Where is God when life is hard? How many have asked that question when you're going through a really tough time? It's like, God, where are you? I mean, I'm praying. I'm doing what I think I'm supposed to be doing. But where are you?" [02:06] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. Here's a wonderful statement of good theology. Surely God is good. Do you believe that? Yeah. So, God is good to his people Israel. And God is good to anyone whose heart is not divided. Whose heart is pure. Whose heart is to seek him. So, what's the problem that the psalmist is having? Well, the problem is, and maybe you can identify with this, is that my life doesn't always look like it squares with that. Can you identify with that?" [05:24] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You know, it's okay. It's okay to express your feeling to God. You know, a lot of times we kind of think, oh, I can't let God know how I'm really feeling. As if God's going to go like, oh my gosh, I had no idea you felt that way. You know what I'm saying?" [04:09] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "See, it's okay to sit in the mystery of what God is doing and just rest in his goodness that he knows what he's doing. I don't know about you, but I have found, and I'm convinced that the most transformational moments in my life, and probably in yours, are not in times when you are most successful. I believe the most transformative moments come in your life when you are struggling in the valley. It's when you meet the real God who shows himself to you and says, I am a good God. I will not leave you alone. In this world, you will have trouble, but don't be afraid. I'll be with you." [18:58] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "How many ate breakfast this morning? You had food to eat. How many had a place to sleep last night? How many woke up and took a breath of air? God has given us life. God has blessed us with so many things, but the enemy, and he brings it so close, we can't see anything." [15:43] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I don't know about you, but I have found, and I'm convinced that the most transformational moments in my life, and probably in yours, are not in times when you are most successful. I believe the most transformative moments come in your life when you are struggling in the valley. It's when you meet the real God who shows himself to you and says, I am a good God. I will not leave you alone. In this world, you will have trouble, but don't be afraid. I'll be with you." [18:58] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When a person becomes bitter, almost any sin, any behavior is possible. And I mean any sin and any behavior. When you allow bitterness to take root in your life, I've seen it over and over again. You know, a person gets hurt. They, maybe they're hurt by something the church does. Hello. Maybe they feel like life is not treating them unfairly. Maybe they're hurt by another Christian. Maybe they're hurt by their spouse. Maybe they're hurt because they don't know or they don't feel like they're getting what they deserve. But then, they don't deal with the hurt. They don't bring it before the Lord. They don't allow that wound be cleansed." [21:34] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You don't get meaning by analyzing life. Let me say that again. You don't get meaning by analyzing life. You bring meaning to life. That's spiritual thinking. When you come at life having discovered meaning and you find that meaning in the sanctuary as you listen to and you learn the word of God and you allow your mind to be transformed and you take on the mind of Christ and you begin to look at things from what you've learned from the word and having discovered meaning in the scriptures, you apply that meaning to life. You come at life saying, here is what God says about my circumstances. Not life, here's what life says. Here's what God says about my circumstances. Here's how God, God wants me to look at what I'm going through." [27:00] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I don't think there's any more dangerous spiritual condition to be in than having a bitter heart. He said, my spirit was embittered. There's a great scripture in, in Hebrews 12, where it warns us about allowing bitterness to take root in us. It says this, see to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Why? Why in seasons of hardship and questioning, why is it so important to not allow, bitterness to take root in your heart?" [20:59] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I don't love you anymore because of what you could give me. I love you because I love you. I don't love you because of your blessing. I love you. I don't pursue you anymore with the mindset, what am I getting out of this deal? I pursue you as a blessing. As one who looks at you and I adore you. I'm longing for the day. Are you longing for the day when this life will pass away and I'll be able to see you face to face? There's nothing I desire, God, more than you. That's where God is taking us. That's our goal. Amen?" [33:16] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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