Finding Peace and Deliverance in Distress
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we embark on a new sermon series titled "The Upward Journey," focusing on the Psalms of Ascent, specifically Psalm 120. These psalms were traditionally sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem, symbolizing a spiritual journey towards God. Our journey begins in a place of distress, much like the psalmist who cries out to the Lord for deliverance from deceitful people. This distress is something we can all relate to, especially when we feel trapped by the lies and slander of others.
The psalmist's immediate reaction to distress is to turn to God, not to vent to others or seek human solutions. This teaches us the importance of bringing our burdens to the Lord, who is always ready to listen and help. The psalmist recalls God's past faithfulness, which gives him the confidence to seek deliverance once again. This is a powerful reminder that God knows our hearts and the truth about us, even when others spread lies.
The psalmist also expresses a longing for justice, asking God to deal with the deceitful people in his life. While this may seem harsh, it reflects a deep desire for God's righteous judgment. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. Jesus teaches us to turn the other cheek and to love our enemies, emphasizing the importance of grace and forgiveness.
The psalmist's journey is not just about seeking deliverance but also about yearning for peace. He feels out of place in a world filled with conflict and deceit, much like we do today. Whether it's in our marriages, workplaces, or extended families, we often find ourselves surrounded by those who oppose our faith. Yet, we are called to be peacemakers, reflecting the peace of God in our lives.
As we partake in communion, we remember the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made to bring us peace with God. This peace enables us to live contentedly, even in a world that feels foreign and hostile. Let us commit to being agents of peace, bringing our distress to the Lord and trusting in His perfect plan.
### Key Takeaways
1. Immediate Turn to God in Distress: The psalmist's first reaction to distress is to call upon the Lord, not to seek human solutions or vent to others. This teaches us the importance of bringing our burdens to God, who is always ready to listen and help. Reflect on how you can make turning to God your first response in times of trouble. [57:06]
2. God Knows the Truth: The psalmist finds comfort in knowing that God knows the truth about him, even when others spread lies. This is a powerful reminder that God sees our hearts and understands our struggles. Trust in God's knowledge and justice, and let it bring you peace amidst slander and deceit. [59:55]
3. Longing for Justice: The psalmist's desire for justice reflects a deep yearning for God's righteous judgment. While this may seem harsh, it underscores the importance of justice in God's eyes. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to extend grace and forgiveness, even to those who wrong us. [01:03:20]
4. Yearning for Peace: The psalmist's longing for peace in a world filled with conflict and deceit resonates with our own experiences. Whether in our marriages, workplaces, or families, we often find ourselves surrounded by opposition. Yet, we are called to be peacemakers, reflecting the peace of God in our lives. [01:09:01]
5. Communion as a Reminder of Peace: As we partake in communion, we remember the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made to bring us peace with God. This peace enables us to live contentedly, even in a hostile world. Let us commit to being agents of peace, bringing our distress to the Lord and trusting in His perfect plan. [01:19:04]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[10:21] - Fellowship Events
[11:43] - Bryce Davis' Testimony
[51:26] - Introduction to Pilgrim's Progress
[52:30] - Psalms of Ascent Overview
[53:00] - Purpose of Psalms of Ascent
[54:35] - Launching the Series
[55:11] - Opening Prayer
[56:03] - Psalmist's Distress
[57:06] - Turning to God in Distress
[59:55] - God Knows the Truth
[01:03:20] - Longing for Justice
[01:09:01] - Yearning for Peace
[01:19:04] - Communion and Peace
[01:31:58] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 120:1-7 (ESV)
> In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue. What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue? A warrior's sharp arrows, with glowing coals of the broom tree! Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war!
2. 1 Kings 8:39 (ESV)
> Then hear in heaven your dwelling place and forgive and act and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways (for you, you only, know the hearts of all the children of mankind).
3. Romans 8:26 (ESV)
> Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
### Observation Questions
1. What is the psalmist's immediate reaction to distress in Psalm 120? How does this reflect his faith? [57:06]
2. According to 1 Kings 8:39, who knows the hearts of all the children of mankind? How does this provide comfort to the psalmist in Psalm 120? [59:55]
3. In Romans 8:26, how does the Spirit assist us in our prayers? How does this relate to the psalmist's experience in Psalm 120? [01:01:01]
4. What are the psalmist's feelings about living among deceitful people, as expressed in Psalm 120:5-7? How does he describe his longing for peace? [01:09:01]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the psalmist choose to turn to God first in his distress rather than seeking human solutions? How does this reflect his understanding of God's character? [57:06]
2. How does the knowledge that God knows the truth about us, as mentioned in 1 Kings 8:39, influence the psalmist's response to slander and deceit? [59:55]
3. What does the psalmist's longing for justice in Psalm 120:3-4 reveal about his understanding of God's righteousness? How does this compare to Jesus' teachings on grace and forgiveness? [01:03:20]
4. How does the psalmist's yearning for peace in Psalm 120:5-7 resonate with our own experiences in a world filled with conflict and deceit? What does it mean to be a peacemaker in such a context? [01:09:01]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent time of distress in your life. How did you respond? What steps can you take to make turning to God your first reaction in future times of trouble? [57:06]
2. When faced with slander or deceit, how can you find comfort in knowing that God knows the truth about you? How can this knowledge help you respond with grace and forgiveness? [59:55]
3. Think of a situation where you have longed for justice. How can you balance this desire with Jesus' call to love your enemies and extend grace? [01:03:20]
4. In what areas of your life do you feel surrounded by conflict and deceit? How can you actively pursue being a peacemaker in these situations? [01:09:01]
5. During communion, we remember Jesus' sacrifice for our peace with God. How can this remembrance inspire you to live contentedly and be an agent of peace in a hostile world? [01:19:04]
6. Identify a specific relationship or situation where you feel out of place or opposed because of your faith. What practical steps can you take to reflect the peace of God in that context? [01:09:01]
7. How can you support others in your small group or community who are experiencing distress or opposition? What role can you play in helping them turn to God and find peace? [01:09:01]
Devotional
Day 1: Turning to God in Times of Distress
When we find ourselves in distress, our first instinct might be to seek human solutions or vent to others. However, the psalmist in Psalm 120 teaches us a different approach. In his moment of distress, he immediately turns to God, crying out for deliverance from deceitful people. This act of turning to God first is a powerful reminder that our Heavenly Father is always ready to listen and help. By bringing our burdens to Him, we acknowledge His sovereignty and trust in His ability to provide the best solution. Reflect on how you can make turning to God your first response in times of trouble. [57:06]
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: Think of a recent situation where you felt distressed. How did you respond? What steps can you take to ensure that your first response in future moments of distress is to turn to God in prayer?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Knowledge and Justice
The psalmist finds comfort in knowing that God knows the truth about him, even when others spread lies. This is a powerful reminder that God sees our hearts and understands our struggles. In a world where deceit and slander are prevalent, trusting in God's knowledge and justice can bring us peace. We can rest assured that God knows the truth and will act justly on our behalf. Trust in God's knowledge and justice, and let it bring you peace amidst slander and deceit. [59:55]
Psalm 139:1-4 (ESV): "O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt misunderstood or falsely accused. How can trusting in God's knowledge and justice help you find peace in such situations?
Day 3: Yearning for God's Righteous Judgment
The psalmist's desire for justice reflects a deep yearning for God's righteous judgment. While this may seem harsh, it underscores the importance of justice in God's eyes. As followers of Christ, we are called to extend grace and forgiveness, even to those who wrong us. This higher standard set by Jesus teaches us to turn the other cheek and love our enemies. By doing so, we reflect God's grace and mercy in our lives. [01:03:20]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Think of someone who has wronged you. How can you extend grace and forgiveness to them, following the example of Jesus?
Day 4: Being Peacemakers in a World of Conflict
The psalmist's longing for peace in a world filled with conflict and deceit resonates with our own experiences. Whether in our marriages, workplaces, or families, we often find ourselves surrounded by opposition. Yet, we are called to be peacemakers, reflecting the peace of God in our lives. By striving to be agents of peace, we can bring a sense of calm and reconciliation to our surroundings, even in the midst of turmoil. [01:09:01]
Matthew 5:9 (ESV): "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Reflection: Identify a situation in your life where there is conflict. What practical steps can you take to be a peacemaker in that situation?
Day 5: Communion as a Reminder of Peace with God
As we partake in communion, we remember the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made to bring us peace with God. This peace enables us to live contentedly, even in a hostile world. By reflecting on Jesus' sacrifice, we are reminded of the profound peace that comes from being reconciled with God. Let us commit to being agents of peace, bringing our distress to the Lord and trusting in His perfect plan. [01:19:04]
Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV): "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."
Reflection: As you prepare for communion, take a moment to reflect on the peace that Jesus' sacrifice has brought into your life. How can you share this peace with others in your daily interactions?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "We recognize that we're Pilgrims too We're a passing through This world We realize we ultimately Don't belong here But are headed for a better place The new heavens and the new earth Where righteousness dwells And where Jesus rules Visibly from his throne" [52:00] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The first thing he does Is take his problem to the Lord He can vent there To the Lord And we'll see that he does That's wise Because our God Loves us He's a good, kind Father We, living on the other side of the cross Especially know that Through faith in his one and only Son, Jesus We become his sons and daughters We're adopted into his family Co-heirs with Christ And he's there to hear us And he has all the time in the world" [57:06] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The desire for justice As expressed by our psalmist Is good and right But we always must remember That if God were to rightly judge us We would have no hope Our hope is in the Savior He said Not in the righteous life We think we might be living And so as we wrestle with the Lord In our prayers And as we vent to him About those who hate us And try to harm us We always must come back To the gospel" [01:08:26] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Bible teaches that In our natural condition We're born into this world As God's enemies Because He's holy And we're not We rebel against Him We want to run our lives The way we want to Thank you very much But out of His great love Even for enemies God sent His own Son To make peace with us Paul writes in Romans 5 Therefore since we have been justified by faith We have peace with God Through our faith Through our Lord Jesus Christ" [01:15:31] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Do not be anxious About anything but in everything By prayer and supplication With thanksgiving Let your requests be made known to God And the peace of God Which surpasses all understanding Will guard your hearts and your minds In Christ Jesus Peace with God Leads to the peace of God Which leads to our being Peacemakers" [01:17:59] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "In tough times He doesn't Google How to handle difficult people Or deceitful people Or he doesn't just get mad And vent his frustrations To whomever might be near No, his knee-jerk reaction The first thing he does Is take his problem to the Lord He can vent there To the Lord And we'll see that he does That's wise Because our God Loves us He's a good, kind Father" [57:06] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The psalmist isn't taking matters Into his own hands He's not getting his revenge personally But he's bringing his burden He's bringing his distress Before the Lord in prayer Actually in song This isn't wrong However This is where we come to the doctrine Of progressive revelation That is That God adds to his word And refines his word And through his Messiah Fulfills his word Over time As the Bible is put together" [01:04:40] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The desire for justice As expressed by our psalmist Is good and right But we always must remember That if God were to rightly judge us We would have no hope Our hope is in the Savior He said Not in the righteous life We think we might be living And so as we wrestle with the Lord In our prayers And as we vent to him About those who hate us And try to harm us We always must come back To the gospel" [01:08:26] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Bible teaches that In our natural condition We're born into this world As God's enemies Because He's holy And we're not We rebel against Him We want to run our lives The way we want to Thank you very much But out of His great love Even for enemies God sent His own Son To make peace with us Paul writes in Romans 5 Therefore since we have been justified by faith We have peace with God Through our faith Through our Lord Jesus Christ" [01:15:31] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Do not be anxious About anything but in everything By prayer and supplication With thanksgiving Let your requests be made known to God And the peace of God Which surpasses all understanding Will guard your hearts and your minds In Christ Jesus Peace with God Leads to the peace of God Which leads to our being Peacemakers" [01:17:59] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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