Finding Hope Through the Psalms: A Journey of Faith

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, Crossland Community Church. Today, we concluded our series on the Psalms and the Key of Life by exploring the profound themes within these ancient songs. The Psalms, written over centuries, capture the full spectrum of human experience and emotion. They are divided into four primary themes: harmony, disorientation, reorientation, and enthronement.

We began by discussing the moments of harmony, or shalom, where everything feels right in our lives. However, much of life is spent in disorientation, where our world is turned upside down. The Psalms teach us to be honest with God during these times, expressing our pain and confusion. This honesty is a testament to our faith, as it shows we believe in a God who can handle our deepest emotions.

The journey through disorientation leads us to reorientation, a place of spiritual centering and renewal. This is akin to the resurrection after the crucifixion, a reminder that even in our darkest times, hope and renewal are on the horizon. Ultimately, the Psalms point us to the enthronement of God, a future reality where God's reign is fully realized. This future is not a fantasy but a literal reality that can deeply impact our present lives.

We also discussed the concept of a preferred future, which is a vision of what we long for and strive towards. This vision affects our daily lives, much like how the anticipation of a vacation can bring joy and motivation. The Psalms of enthronement remind us that our ultimate preferred future is heaven, a place of perfect justice, equity, and peace. This future reality should inspire us to live with hope and purpose today.

In conclusion, the Psalms encourage us to use our imagination to connect with the future reality of God's reign. This imaginative engagement can transform our perspective, giving us the strength to endure present challenges and the hope to look forward to a glorious future with God.

### Key Takeaways

1. Honesty in Disorientation: The Psalms teach us to be brutally honest with God during times of disorientation. This honesty is a profound act of faith, acknowledging that God can handle our deepest emotions and doubts. It is through this raw expression that we begin to find spiritual centering and renewal. [28:08]

2. The Journey to Reorientation: Life's disorienting moments are not the end. The Psalms guide us through a journey from disorientation to reorientation, where we find a new sense of spiritual balance and hope. This journey mirrors the resurrection after the crucifixion, reminding us that renewal follows our darkest times. [29:00]

3. The Power of a Preferred Future: The concept of a preferred future, as seen in the Psalms, is a vision of what we long for and strive towards. This vision can deeply impact our present lives, much like the anticipation of a vacation brings joy and motivation. Our ultimate preferred future is heaven, a place of perfect justice and peace. [30:41]

4. Imagination and Reality: Engaging our imagination to connect with the future reality of God's reign can transform our present perspective. This imaginative engagement helps us endure current challenges and live with hope and purpose, knowing that a glorious future with God awaits us. [36:04]

5. The Eternal Impact of Heaven and Hell: The reality of heaven and hell should deeply impact our lives. Heaven offers eternal joy and presence with God, while hell represents eternal separation and agony. This stark contrast should motivate us to live in a way that aligns with God's will and to share the hope of heaven with others. [01:13:22]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[24:07] - Introduction to Send Relief
[25:17] - Overview of the Psalms
[26:19] - Themes in the Psalms
[27:16] - Disorientation in Life
[28:08] - Honesty with God
[29:00] - Journey to Reorientation
[29:46] - The Final Orientation
[30:41] - Preferred Future
[32:05] - Local and National Impact
[33:39] - Voting Biblically
[34:21] - Power of Heaven
[36:04] - Imagination and Reality
[37:37] - God's Reign
[39:03] - Historical Examples
[42:10] - Justice and Equity
[43:43] - Dethroning Earthly Powers
[45:20] - Samuel and Saul
[47:09] - Eternal Perspective
[50:10] - Singing a New Song
[51:56] - Shout for Joy
[54:45] - Creation's Response
[56:21] - Willful Worship
[58:05] - New Heaven and New Earth
[01:01:29] - Overcoming Catastrophe
[01:03:18] - God's Dwelling Place
[01:07:22] - No More Death or Pain
[01:09:12] - The Old Order is Gone
[01:11:15] - Becoming a New Creation
[01:13:22] - Reality of Hell
[01:15:12] - Choosing Your Future
[01:17:39] - Prayer and Invitation
[01:19:41] - Celebration and Dismissal

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 98:1-9 - "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King. Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity."

2. Psalm 99:1-5 - "The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. Great is the Lord in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. Let them praise your great and awesome name—he is holy. The King is mighty, he loves justice—you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy."

3. Revelation 21:1-4 - "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the four primary themes of the Psalms as discussed in the sermon? ([25:17])
2. How do the Psalms encourage us to handle moments of disorientation in our lives? ([28:08])
3. What is the significance of the "preferred future" mentioned in the sermon? ([30:41])
4. How does the sermon describe the impact of imagining the future reality of God's reign on our present lives? ([36:04])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is honesty with God during times of disorientation considered a profound act of faith? ([28:08])
2. How does the journey from disorientation to reorientation mirror the resurrection after the crucifixion? ([29:00])
3. In what ways can the vision of a preferred future, as described in the Psalms, impact our daily lives? ([30:41])
4. How does engaging our imagination with the future reality of God's reign help us endure current challenges? ([36:04])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent time of disorientation in your life. How did you express your emotions to God, and how did it affect your faith? ([28:08])
2. Think about a moment when you experienced reorientation after a difficult period. How did this experience strengthen your hope and faith? ([29:00])
3. How can you incorporate the vision of your preferred future into your daily routine to bring more joy and motivation? ([30:41])
4. What are some practical ways you can use your imagination to connect with the future reality of God's reign and let it transform your present perspective? ([36:04])
5. How does the reality of heaven and hell influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? ([01:13:22])
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to be more honest with God about your emotions. What steps will you take this week to open up to Him? ([28:08])
7. How can you encourage others in your small group to live with hope and purpose by focusing on the future reality of God's reign? ([36:04])

Devotional

Day 1: Honesty in Disorientation
Description: The Psalms teach us to be brutally honest with God during times of disorientation. This honesty is a profound act of faith, acknowledging that God can handle our deepest emotions and doubts. It is through this raw expression that we begin to find spiritual centering and renewal. The Psalms encourage us to pour out our hearts to God, expressing our pain, confusion, and even anger. This level of transparency is not a sign of weak faith but rather a testament to our trust in God's ability to handle our most intense emotions. By being honest with God, we open ourselves up to His healing and guidance, allowing Him to lead us through our disorientation to a place of reorientation and renewal. [28:08]

Psalm 13:1-2 (ESV): "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?"

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt disoriented and confused. How can you be more honest with God about your feelings today?

Day 2: The Journey to Reorientation
Description: Life's disorienting moments are not the end. The Psalms guide us through a journey from disorientation to reorientation, where we find a new sense of spiritual balance and hope. This journey mirrors the resurrection after the crucifixion, reminding us that renewal follows our darkest times. The process of reorientation involves a shift in perspective, where we begin to see God's hand at work even in our struggles. It is a journey of faith, where we learn to trust in God's promises and His ability to bring about transformation and renewal in our lives. By embracing this journey, we can find hope and strength to endure our present challenges, knowing that God is leading us towards a brighter future. [29:00]

Psalm 30:11-12 (ESV): "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!"

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced a shift from disorientation to reorientation. How did God bring about renewal in your life, and how can you hold onto that hope today?

Day 3: The Power of a Preferred Future
Description: The concept of a preferred future, as seen in the Psalms, is a vision of what we long for and strive towards. This vision can deeply impact our present lives, much like the anticipation of a vacation brings joy and motivation. Our ultimate preferred future is heaven, a place of perfect justice and peace. This future reality should inspire us to live with hope and purpose today. By keeping our eyes on this preferred future, we can find the strength to endure present challenges and the motivation to live in a way that aligns with God's will. The Psalms remind us that our ultimate hope is in the future reality of God's reign, where all things will be made new and perfect justice and peace will prevail. [30:41]

Isaiah 65:17-18 (ESV): "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness."

Reflection: What is your vision of a preferred future, and how does it impact your daily life? How can you live today in a way that aligns with this vision?

Day 4: Imagination and Reality
Description: Engaging our imagination to connect with the future reality of God's reign can transform our present perspective. This imaginative engagement helps us endure current challenges and live with hope and purpose, knowing that a glorious future with God awaits us. By using our imagination, we can envision the beauty and perfection of God's future kingdom, allowing this vision to inspire and motivate us in our daily lives. The Psalms encourage us to dream and imagine the fullness of God's reign, where justice, peace, and joy will prevail. This imaginative engagement can help us see beyond our present struggles and find hope in the promise of God's future kingdom. [36:04]

Revelation 21:1-4 (ESV): "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'"

Reflection: Take a moment to imagine the future reality of God's reign. How does this vision inspire you to live with hope and purpose today?

Day 5: The Eternal Impact of Heaven and Hell
Description: The reality of heaven and hell should deeply impact our lives. Heaven offers eternal joy and presence with God, while hell represents eternal separation and agony. This stark contrast should motivate us to live in a way that aligns with God's will and to share the hope of heaven with others. The Psalms remind us of the eternal consequences of our choices and the importance of living with an eternal perspective. By keeping the reality of heaven and hell in mind, we can find the motivation to live faithfully and share the message of hope with those around us. This eternal perspective can help us prioritize what truly matters and live with a sense of urgency and purpose. [01:13:22]

Matthew 25:31-34, 41 (ESV): "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.' ... Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'"

Reflection: How does the reality of heaven and hell impact your daily choices and actions? How can you share the hope of heaven with someone in your life today?

Quotes

1. "Two-thirds of the compilation of songs is about disorientation. We know that much of life is in these moments where life erupts, that we're now finding ourselves... This is like the way life was always meant to be, and this is the way life you never thought it could be. I mean, it just absolutely kicks your feet out from under you. Your compass is broken. And there are a variety of causes to this. Thankfully, the psalmists don't really get into a litany of what caused it, because then we'd be comparing... It doesn't matter what the cause is. The cause is not as important as the condition that it creates within us." [27:16] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "In this moment, the most important thing a follower of Christ can do is be honest. You know, the psalmists really let it loose. Real visceral language, vitriol. They're questioning God, His character, His goodness, His sovereignty. I mean, it is all the gamut. They're throwing it at God, which is good. Because then it gets out of you, and He can handle it. It proves that you believe He exists. You wouldn't go to Him disappointed in Him if you didn't believe He existed. It is, in one way, a great statement of faith that you have. That you're actually in a relationship that can withstand this kind of language." [28:08] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "This is Easter Sunday. That's Crucifixion Friday. That's the theology right there. That's the connection to the New Testament. That even on Friday, as a follower, I know Sunday's coming. We don't like to silence. We don't like to silence of Saturday because of the devastation of Friday. But you just hold on in faith because you know Sunday's coming. And ultimately, and beautifully, and wonderfully, as Bible-believing followers of Christ, we know something. Heaven's coming. The final orientation." [29:00] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The future rule and reign of God Almighty can deeply affect our life and its living. How you go about the daily life, okay? I'm telling you, this is not about wishing for a unicorn. That's a very different, don't even do it, a very different thing. This is using your imagination to connect with a future reality so that it penetrates and has an effect on you. It changes your altitude so you have a different perspective. It can change your attitude so you have a different approach, okay?" [36:04] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "There will not be perfect equality and equity until we're in heaven. And when you and I are having to live in the face of inequitable situations because of race, how do you get your head around that? How do people of color continue to deal with the stupidity and the ignorance of so many people? You got to remember there's a moment. It's coming. It's a big ask. But I do know that the imagination, the power of your imagination to take you to that place can help you get through these moments. Because God loves justice. And we just got to hold on in the midst of all the inequitable realities and all the inequitable realities." [40:38] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Exalt the Lord our God and worship him at his footstool because he is holy. Again, he's enthroned. He's enthroned. And in those moments in life where it feels like somebody else is on the throne or somebody else is on a throne, but it's not the throne. We've got to take our mind back. We got to take our mind forward to the reality of who our God is and where we're going to be. It's a guaranteed reality. Your vacation is awaiting you and it knows no end, okay? I promise you that." [42:10] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "And the psalmist is like, that is not the emotive response we're looking for. And he's not telling you and me to shout, although that would be an appropriate response. It should make you want to, because it makes me want to shout, kick my head, right? I mean, it's like, come on, get fired up, right? And you should be bursting into jubilant song. Make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp. And the sound of singing with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn, shout for joy before the Lord. He's your king." [53:19] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "And the greatest tragedy that ever happened on this earth was overcome. By a powerful and almighty God. This is what we long for. All of those things. Think about individual interpersonal relationships. God started relationships because it's not good for man to be alone. And yet when sin entered, we've been murdering one another since the first two brothers. Family was supposed to be the safest place on the face of the earth. And for so many, so many children in America and around the world, it's the most dangerous place they could possibly be. That's all gone." [01:01:29] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "And he who is seated on the throne said, oh, praise God Almighty, I'm making everything new. I'm making it. Please do not use the ingredients of this broken world to make what we so desperately long for in the next world. He's not going to use curdled milk in this beautiful cake. Just breathe. Feel the power of the imaginative capacity. That you have to draw heaven into your very existence. And so, yes, no question. Heaven is a miracle in the making, but it's still not God's greatest work, creating everything new. He's done that before. His greatest work is that he longs to make you new." [01:11:15] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "If you believe in your heart that God raised his son from the dead and speak with your mouth that Jesus Christ, he's your choreos, he's your Lord, he's on your throne, you will be saved. You will be. Guaranteed. Guaranteed. So today would be a very, very important day for you individually. Please contemplate this. We are not happy that you're condemned. We do everything we can. We give everything we've got. This group of people literally gives millions of dollars a year to create environments for you and your children. And your friends and this community to alter your eternity, to take your eternity into your own hands because that's where it is." [01:15:12] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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