Finding Hope: Defeating Disappointment Through God's Presence
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the theme of "Defeating Disappointment," drawing from the rich tapestry of scripture to understand how God meets us in our moments of despair. We began by honoring our veterans, acknowledging their sacrifices, and then transitioned into a time of worship, recognizing the presence of the King among us. Our primary texts were Ezekiel 1 and Psalm 107, which provided a framework for understanding how God operates in our lives, even when we feel like we've missed our appointments or opportunities.
Ezekiel's vision by the river Kabar, on what should have been a significant day in his life, serves as a powerful reminder that no place is too far for God to reach us. Despite being in Babylon, a place of exile and broken dreams, Ezekiel experienced the heavens opening and saw visions of God. This illustrates that even in our darkest moments, God is present and working.
Psalm 107 offers a structured approach to understanding disappointment through its four stanzas, each representing different types of disappointments: accidents, wrongs done by others, personal failures, and running from God. Each stanza ends with a call to give thanks to the Lord, emphasizing that crying out to God in our distress leads to deliverance. This psalm reassures us that God is never late, and He is always ready to guide us back to the right path, heal our wounds, and calm our storms.
We also discussed the importance of having an active relationship with the Holy Spirit, likening it to having an instructor who guides us through life's challenges. Without this guidance, we risk walking through life with a list of instructions but no understanding of how to apply them. The Holy Spirit is essential for living a life of faith and overcoming the disappointments that inevitably come our way.
Ultimately, the message is one of hope and encouragement. No matter the source of our disappointment, whether it be external circumstances, personal failures, or running from God, He is always ready to meet us where we are. We are reminded that God is not only present in our lives but actively working to bring about His purposes, even when we cannot see it.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Presence in Exile: Ezekiel's vision by the river Kabar teaches us that no place is too far for God to reach us. Even in our darkest moments, God is present and working, reminding us that we have not missed our divine appointments. [01:01]
- Understanding Disappointment: Psalm 107 provides a framework for understanding different types of disappointments, whether they are accidents, wrongs done by others, personal failures, or running from God. Each type of disappointment is met with God's deliverance when we cry out to Him. [19:48]
- The Role of the Holy Spirit: Having an active relationship with the Holy Spirit is crucial for navigating life's challenges. Without this guidance, we risk walking through life with a list of instructions but no understanding of how to apply them. The Holy Spirit is our instructor, guiding us in faith. [08:18]
- God's Timeliness: One of the most important truths is that God is always on time. We may feel like we've missed our opportunities, but God is already in our future, working things out for our good. Our disappointments are not the end of the story. [09:26]
- Hope in God's Deliverance: Regardless of the source of our disappointment, God is always ready to meet us where we are. He is actively working to bring about His purposes, and our role is to trust Him and cry out in our distress, knowing He will deliver us. [27:53]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:01] - Opening Scripture: Ezekiel and Psalms
- [01:51] - Defeating Disappointment
- [03:51] - Personal Reflections and Humor
- [05:49] - The Importance of an Instructor
- [08:18] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [09:26] - Understanding Disappointment
- [10:24] - Personal Story of Disappointment
- [13:42] - Structure of the Psalms
- [15:24] - The Five Books of Psalms
- [17:13] - The Enemy Stealing Your Song
- [19:00] - Structure of Psalm 107
- [22:49] - Stanza Two: Disappointment by Others
- [24:20] - Stanza Three: Personal Failures
- [26:23] - Stanza Four: Running from God
- [28:26] - God's Deliverance in Disappointment
- [31:07] - Ezekiel's Vision and God's Timing
- [32:36] - God's Reach: Even in Babylon
- [35:17] - Crying Out to God
- [37:41] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Defeating Disappointment
Bible Reading:
- Ezekiel 1:1
- Psalm 107:39-43
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Observation Questions:
1. In Ezekiel 1:1, what significant event occurs while Ezekiel is by the river Kabar, and how does this setting contribute to the theme of God's presence in exile? [01:01]
2. Psalm 107 is structured with four stanzas, each representing different types of disappointments. What are these types, and how does each stanza conclude? [19:48]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the role of the Holy Spirit as an instructor in our lives, and what analogy is used to explain this concept? [08:18]
4. What personal story does the pastor share to illustrate the feeling of disappointment, and how does it relate to the sermon's message? [10:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Ezekiel's vision by the river Kabar serve as a reminder of God's ability to reach us in our darkest moments, and what does this imply about divine appointments? [31:07]
2. In Psalm 107, how does the repeated call to give thanks to the Lord after each type of disappointment reflect the psalmist's understanding of God's deliverance? [19:48]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of an active relationship with the Holy Spirit. How might this relationship change one's perspective on life's challenges and disappointments? [08:18]
4. Reflecting on the pastor's personal story of missed opportunities, how does the sermon suggest we should view our own disappointments in light of God's timing? [10:24]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in "exile" or far from God. How did you experience His presence during that time, and what steps can you take to remain aware of His presence in future challenges? [31:07]
2. Consider the different types of disappointments outlined in Psalm 107. Which type resonates most with your current life situation, and how can you apply the psalmist's call to give thanks in your circumstances? [19:48]
3. The sermon highlights the necessity of the Holy Spirit's guidance. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more active relationship with the Holy Spirit in your daily life? [08:18]
4. Think about a recent disappointment you faced. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to align your response with the sermon's message of hope and God's timing? [10:24]
5. The pastor shared a personal story about missed opportunities. Reflect on a time when you felt you missed an opportunity. How can you trust that God is working things out for your good, even when it seems like you've missed your chance? [10:24]
6. How can you support someone in your life who is currently experiencing disappointment, using the insights from the sermon and the passages discussed? [27:53]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel like you're "running from God" or avoiding His call. What steps can you take this week to turn back to Him and seek His guidance? [26:23]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Reach in Our Exile
In moments of exile and despair, God’s presence is unwavering. Ezekiel's vision by the river Kabar serves as a profound reminder that no place is too distant for God to reach us. Even when we find ourselves in situations that feel like exile—whether due to personal failures, external circumstances, or broken dreams—God is actively present and working. Ezekiel's experience in Babylon, a place of captivity and lost hopes, illustrates that God can open the heavens and reveal His presence even in our darkest moments. This truth reassures us that we have not missed our divine appointments, and God is always near, ready to meet us where we are. [01:01]
Ezekiel 11:16 (ESV): "Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: Though I removed them far off among the nations, and though I scattered them among the countries, yet I have been a sanctuary to them for a while in the countries where they have gone.’"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel exiled or distant from God? How can you invite His presence into these areas today?
Day 2: Understanding and Overcoming Disappointment
Psalm 107 provides a structured approach to understanding the various types of disappointments we encounter: accidents, wrongs done by others, personal failures, and running from God. Each stanza of the psalm ends with a call to give thanks to the Lord, emphasizing that crying out to God in our distress leads to deliverance. This psalm reassures us that God is never late and is always ready to guide us back to the right path, heal our wounds, and calm our storms. By recognizing the different sources of our disappointments, we can better understand how to seek God's deliverance and find hope in His promises. [19:48]
Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: Identify a recent disappointment in your life. How can you actively cry out to God for deliverance and trust in His timing?
Day 3: The Holy Spirit as Our Guide
Having an active relationship with the Holy Spirit is crucial for navigating life's challenges. Without this guidance, we risk walking through life with a list of instructions but no understanding of how to apply them. The Holy Spirit acts as our instructor, guiding us in faith and helping us overcome the disappointments that inevitably come our way. By cultivating a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, we can gain clarity and wisdom in applying God's truths to our daily lives, ensuring that we are not merely hearers of the Word but doers as well. [08:18]
John 14:26 (ESV): "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in a specific area of your life where you feel lost or confused?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing
One of the most important truths is that God is always on time. We may feel like we've missed our opportunities, but God is already in our future, working things out for our good. Our disappointments are not the end of the story. By trusting in God's perfect timing, we can find peace and assurance that He is orchestrating our lives according to His divine plan. This trust allows us to let go of our anxieties and embrace the hope that God is actively working to bring about His purposes, even when we cannot see it. [09:26]
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you felt you missed an opportunity. How can you trust in God's timing and believe that He is working for your good?
Day 5: Hope in God's Deliverance
Regardless of the source of our disappointment, God is always ready to meet us where we are. He is actively working to bring about His purposes, and our role is to trust Him and cry out in our distress, knowing He will deliver us. This message of hope and encouragement reminds us that God is not only present in our lives but is also working to bring healing, restoration, and peace. By placing our hope in God's deliverance, we can face our disappointments with confidence, knowing that He is faithful and will guide us through every storm. [27:53]
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Reflection: What is one area of disappointment in your life where you need to trust in God's deliverance? How can you actively place your hope in Him today?
Quotes
"Some, not all, but some of the disappointments that we face in our lives are the direct result of walking around with a card with earplugs in, not listening to the instructor. A disappointment. What is a disappointment? A disappointment is the feeling that you get when you feel like you've missed an appointment." [08:44]
"One of the most important things that you can understand is that no matter who you are, where you're going and what circumstance you find yourself in, God is on time. You didn't miss it. It's not too late. God is already in your future." [09:26] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"If you find yourself in a place where your own sins have gotten you in the trouble that you're in, I'm here to tell you that those, verse 19, that those who cry out to God in their distresses and acknowledge him in their troubles, verse 20, he sends his word and he heals those." [25:13] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"It does not matter how big the disappointment is. I'm telling you, my God is big enough to fix it. And he already has the answer prepared. If you are someone who's hurt and broken, what did we just read? The Bible said he will send his word and heal them." [28:37]
"It doesn't matter how far you go. It doesn't matter what the circumstances say. It doesn't matter how many people around you threw their harps up into the tree. Don't you give up on God. Come on, somebody. God is too good. He's brought you too far. And I'm here to tell you, even in Babylon, he will come get you." [31:07] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Even in Babylon, he will come get you. And here's the thing. Here's the thing. Hey, don't check out on me. Stay with me. He didn't just get a vision. Go to verse two. On the fifth day of the month, which means he sat there for five days, which was the fifth year of King Jehoiakim's captivity." [31:33] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"If there's one place God can't be, it's got to be Babylon. Babylon's too far. Babylon's too far. If you remember, oh, I'm about to mess y 'all up. In the dead center of book five is Psalm 139. Just two chapters after this. This is sitting by the river. And here's what it says." [32:50] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Hold on that was cute then they sang prettily to the Lord and he heard their distresses then they sang then they sang just quiet enough that my neighbor can't see can't hear that I'm tone deaf when they cried out to the Lord let me go ahead and let you know something the measure of you that you put in the cry equals the measure of him you get is your answer." [33:55] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"It doesn't matter if you're at the very gates of hell he'll go there so we're gonna try this one more time and we're gonna cry out to God maybe you've got everything all together maybe everything's okay for you but I got some things I need God to do in my life I got a little boy that needs healing I got all kinds of stuff going on so excuse me if I'm a little excited up here because God is." [35:40] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God. It's the ones who are desperate. The people that are desperate and they cry out to God for help. Look what he does. He sets them high, far from affliction. I was reading this last night and you might, God is setting you on high." [38:11] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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