Finding Hope and Deliverance in Brokenness

Summary

Psalm 34:17-19 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering presence and deliverance in times of distress. The passage emphasizes that the righteous, those who seek to live in alignment with God's will, will face many afflictions. However, the Lord promises to deliver them from all their troubles. This assurance is not just a comforting thought but a profound truth that we can hold onto when life seems unfair. David, in his own life, experienced the reality of this promise. Despite being pursued by Saul and facing numerous challenges, he found solace in crying out to God. His psalm, written during a time of fear and uncertainty, begins with praise and thanksgiving, demonstrating that worship is not contingent on circumstances but is a constant posture of the heart.

Crying out to God is a theme that resonates throughout the scriptures. It is an act of vulnerability and faith, acknowledging our dependence on God. The act of crying out is not just about expressing our pain but also about releasing the emotions that can otherwise become toxic if bottled up. The Bible is replete with examples of men and women who cried out to God in their distress, and each time, God responded. This teaches us that God is not distant or indifferent to our struggles. Instead, He is near, especially to those with a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

A broken heart, as described in the sermon, is a state of extreme grief or loss. It is when our inner being feels shattered, and our will is broken. Yet, it is in this brokenness that God is closest to us. The sermon challenges the notion that afflictions are a sign of God's displeasure. Instead, it affirms that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but God delivers them from all. This deliverance is not just a future hope but a present reality because God is near. The sermon concludes with an invitation to surrender to God, acknowledging that our righteousness is not based on our performance but on our relationship with Him.

Key Takeaways:

- The Power of Crying Out: Crying out to God is an essential practice for believers. It is an expression of faith and vulnerability, allowing us to release our emotions and connect with God on a deeper level. Crying out is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of trust in God's ability to hear and respond to our needs. [12:53]

- God's Nearness in Brokenness: God is especially close to those who are brokenhearted. In our moments of deepest sorrow and grief, God is present, offering comfort and healing. This nearness is a reminder that we are never alone, even when life feels overwhelming. [25:27]

- Afflictions of the Righteous: The righteous will face many afflictions, but this is not a sign of God's displeasure. Instead, it is an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness by delivering us from all our troubles. Our trials are not in vain, and God uses them to draw us closer to Him. [30:23]

- The Role of Surrender: Surrendering to God is a crucial step in experiencing His deliverance. It involves acknowledging our limitations and trusting in God's sovereignty. Surrender is not about giving up but about giving over our burdens to the One who can truly handle them. [39:21]

- The Assurance of Deliverance: God's promise to deliver us from all our troubles is a source of hope and strength. This assurance is not just for the future but is a present reality because God is near. Our deliverance is certain because of God's faithfulness and love. [18:54]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:51] - Introduction to Psalm 34
- [01:48] - David's Experience and Context
- [04:02] - The Importance of Praise
- [10:12] - Crying Out to God
- [12:53] - The Power of Vulnerability
- [16:21] - The Assurance of Deliverance
- [18:54] - God's Promise to Deliver
- [21:46] - Understanding a Broken Heart
- [23:17] - Sorrow Leading to Surrender
- [25:27] - God's Nearness in Our Pain
- [30:23] - Afflictions of the Righteous
- [37:46] - The Role of Surrender
- [39:21] - Invitation to Surrender

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 34:17-19
- Psalm 18:6
- Romans 8:15

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Psalm 34:17-19, what is God's response to the cries of the righteous? How does this passage describe God's proximity to those who are brokenhearted?

2. In the sermon, how does David's experience with King Saul illustrate the theme of crying out to God? [01:48]

3. What examples from the Bible were given in the sermon to show that crying out to God is a common practice among believers? [10:12]

4. How does the sermon describe the emotional and physical benefits of crying out to God? [12:53]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean for God to be "near" to the brokenhearted, and how might this understanding affect a believer's response to personal grief or loss? [25:27]

2. How does the act of crying out to God demonstrate vulnerability and faith, according to the sermon? Why is this important for a believer's spiritual journey? [12:53]

3. The sermon suggests that afflictions are not a sign of God's displeasure. How does this perspective challenge common beliefs about suffering and righteousness? [30:23]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that surrendering to God can lead to deliverance? How is this different from simply giving up? [39:21]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt brokenhearted. How did you experience God's nearness during that time, and how might you seek His presence more intentionally in future moments of distress? [25:27]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of crying out to God. What are some practical ways you can incorporate this practice into your daily life, especially during challenging times? [12:53]

3. Consider the afflictions you are currently facing. How can you shift your perspective to see them as opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness? [30:23]

4. Surrendering to God involves acknowledging our limitations. What specific burdens are you holding onto that you need to surrender to God, and what steps can you take to do so this week? [39:21]

5. The sermon mentions that crying out can release emotions and promote healing. How can you create a safe space for yourself or others to express emotions without judgment? [12:53]

6. How can you support someone in your life who is experiencing a broken heart, ensuring they feel God's nearness through your actions and words? [25:27]

7. Reflect on the role of praise and thanksgiving in your life, even during difficult times. How can you cultivate a heart of worship that is not dependent on circumstances? [04:02]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: The Strength in Vulnerability
Crying out to God is an act of profound faith and vulnerability. It is not merely a plea for help but a declaration of trust in God's ability to hear and respond. This practice allows believers to release pent-up emotions and connect with God on a deeper level. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples of individuals who cried out to God in their distress, and each time, God responded with compassion and deliverance. This teaches us that God is not distant or indifferent to our struggles. Instead, He is near, ready to listen and act on behalf of those who call upon Him. [12:53]

Psalm 18:6 (ESV): "In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you feel overwhelmed. How can you practice crying out to God today, trusting in His ability to hear and respond?

Day 2: God's Presence in Our Pain
God's nearness is most profoundly felt in our moments of brokenness. When we experience deep sorrow or grief, it is easy to feel isolated and alone. However, the truth is that God is especially close to those who are brokenhearted. He offers comfort and healing, reminding us that we are never truly alone. This nearness is a testament to God's love and compassion, providing us with the strength to endure even the most challenging circumstances. [25:27]

Isaiah 57:15 (ESV): "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'"

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt brokenhearted. How did you experience God's presence during that time, and how can you seek His comfort today?

Day 3: Trials as a Pathway to Deliverance
The righteous will face many afflictions, but these challenges are not a sign of God's displeasure. Instead, they are opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness by delivering us from all our troubles. Our trials are not in vain; they serve a greater purpose in drawing us closer to God and refining our faith. This perspective shifts our understanding of suffering, allowing us to see it as a means through which God works for our good and His glory. [30:23]

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: Consider a current trial you are facing. How can you view this challenge as an opportunity for God to demonstrate His faithfulness and draw you closer to Him?

Day 4: The Freedom in Surrender
Surrendering to God is a crucial step in experiencing His deliverance. It involves acknowledging our limitations and trusting in God's sovereignty. Surrender is not about giving up but about giving over our burdens to the One who can truly handle them. This act of surrender allows us to experience the freedom and peace that come from trusting in God's perfect plan for our lives. [39:21]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you struggle to surrender control. What steps can you take today to trust God more fully in this area?

Day 5: The Certainty of God's Deliverance
God's promise to deliver us from all our troubles is a source of hope and strength. This assurance is not just for the future but is a present reality because God is near. Our deliverance is certain because of God's faithfulness and love. This promise encourages us to persevere through difficulties, knowing that God is actively working on our behalf and will ultimately bring us through to victory. [18:54]

Psalm 91:14-15 (ESV): "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him."

Reflection: Reflect on a past experience where you witnessed God's deliverance. How does this memory strengthen your faith in His promise to deliver you from current or future troubles?

Quotes

- "David's running for his life he goes to a place called Gath to meet with King Akish but the king's servants recognized David and the servants started saying saying, isn't this the man that the people were talking about?" [00:03:11] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

- "says i cry out to god most high to god who fulfills his purpose for me psalm 18 6 in my distress i called upon the lord to my god i cried for help from his temple he heard my voice and my cry to him reached his ears romans 8 15 says for you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear but you have received the spirit of adoption as sons by whom we cry abba father crying out and not holding back tears is important because it allows the healthy emotions to be released" [00:08:09] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

- "all of us have emotions i know you may think that you don't have emotions i know you may think that you all hard and all that and big stuff but i came by to let you know that everyone that god created has emotions because we were created in the image of god and my bible shows a god who reflects emotions even jesus had emotions without crying out you won't release emotions healthily you won't alleviate the stress that they're creating and you won't be able to process through what you're experiencing and they can even contribute to physical well -being just by releasing did you know that when we cry chemicals like oxytocin and endorphins that promote good feelings and and our well -being is characterized by healing with violence and can release essentially acting as a natural coping mechanism against emotional overload sometimes you just need to cry out loud" [00:08:48] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

- "but were also rooted in faith that God would make everything right. And so Jeremiah, the prophet, Jeremiah who stood up to a nation, Jeremiah cried. David cried out to God, presenting his pain before his creator. Peter, when Peter walked out on the water to Jesus' invitation and began to sink, the Bible says he was afraid and began sinking and cried out to the Lord. Lord, save me. But Emmaus, the blind beggar, it says, who was on the side of the road, when he heard that it was the son of David, he cried out, Jesus, son of David, have pity. Show your mercy on me. When the lepers who were on the outskirts of civilization saw that it was Jesus walking by, they didn't even go up to him. They cried out from where they were. And Jesus spoke a word to them. Job cried out to the Lord. Joseph was the second most powerful man in Egypt. And yet the Bible declares that he cried on Benjamin, his brother's neck. He sobbed each and every time I see a man of God in the Bible. He cries out. Elijah, the prophet, cried out to God. King Hezekiah cried out to God. Prayer into the heavenly. Paul cried out to the Lord. Timothy cried out to the Lord. John cried out to the Lord. And even Jesus, as" [00:10:12] (94 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

- "Stop holding all that in. Stop bottling all that up. Stop pretending like you are more of a man or more of a woman because you want to let God to see what he already knows." [00:11:54] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

- "because God will deliver them from all the dirty diapers from all the hunger pains from all the troubles whatever is troubling you what David is telling us is The day will come where God delivers you from whatever is troubling you." [00:17:38] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

- "to come out but the text doesn't stop there David knows that we need some help because as believers as the righteous we will find ourselves in similar predicaments as he and he says the Lord is near those who have a broken heart and saves such as have a contrite spirit a broken heart can be defined as a state of extreme grief or loss when high hopes and expectations go unfulfilled and unmet I heard one person say that being a Dallas Cowboys fan I didn't say anything yet I" [00:20:22] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

- "when my soul is broken when my heart is shattered when my mind is under great distress discombobulated can't remember what day of the week it is David says when we're broken God is near in other words for those this morning who are sitting with loved ones taking their final breaths God's near for families who have just received shattering news God is near for those waiting for an organ donation God is near God is with the person heartbroken from a breakup separation or divorce God is with those who don't know how they're going to roll themselves out of bed this morning anyone living in heartbreak right now God is near God is near God is with you those dealing with oppression those dealing with systematic issues those dealing with heartbreak hotel God is near as a matter of fact God checked in with you when you checked in the heartbreak hotel God checked in with you God has not left you God has not forsaken you God is with the broken hearted" [00:27:17] (91 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?