Finding Peace in Life's Storms Through God's Sovereignty
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Waymark Church. Today, we celebrate the baptism of Caitlin Keaton, who recently surrendered her life to Jesus Christ. This joyous occasion reminds us of the abundant life Christ offers through salvation. As we delve into Psalm 29, we explore the awesomeness of God, especially during life's storms. Often, we misuse the word "awesome" for trivial things, but true awesomeness belongs to God alone. Life is unpredictable, filled with both jubilant moments and distressing difficulties, but God's nature remains unchangeable.
We discussed the story of Horatio Spafford, who, despite losing his fortune and children, wrote the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul," exemplifying faith in God's sovereignty even in the darkest times. Similarly, David's Psalm 29 illustrates how we should respond to life's storms by recognizing God's unchanging awesomeness. David's life was filled with storms, yet he consistently acknowledged God's greatness.
We examined the concept of storms, both literal and metaphorical, and how they serve as divine disturbances meant to draw us closer to God. Historically, the earth was protected by a firmament, a buffer that shielded it from cosmic disturbances. This protection was lost due to sin, leading to the chaotic weather patterns we experience today. Similarly, the storms in our lives often arise in areas where we haven't fully surrendered to God.
David's Psalm teaches us to "ascribe" to the Lord, a term that means to come, give, and go. This three-part action—coming to God, giving our burdens, and going forth in faith—mirrors the Trinity and is essential for experiencing God's power and peace. The voice of the Lord, as described in the Psalm, is powerful and majestic, breaking cedars and shaking deserts, symbolizing how God's word can break and reshape our lives.
In conclusion, the storms we face are opportunities to witness God's awesome power and providence. By submitting to His lordship, we find strength and peace. As we navigate life's storms, let us remember to ascribe to the Lord, worship Him, and trust in His unchanging nature.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Unchanging Nature in Storms: Life is unpredictable, filled with both joyous and distressing moments, but God's nature remains unchangeable. Our circumstances do not define His character. Jesus assured us that in this broken world, we will face trials, but He has overcome the world, and through Him, we can too. [30:22]
2. The Power of Ascribing to the Lord: The term "ascribe" means to come, give, and go. This three-part action is essential for experiencing God's power and peace. By coming to God, giving our burdens, and going forth in faith, we align ourselves with His divine will and experience His transformative power. [56:23]
3. God Speaks Through Storms: God's voice is often heard in the results of the storms in our lives. These storms break us down, shake us, and strip us bare, making us vulnerable and dependent on God. This process is a form of divine discipline, meant to bring us closer to Him and align us with His will. [01:07:20]
4. Submission to God's Lordship: True peace and strength come from submitting to God's lordship. David's repeated use of the term "Lord" in Psalm 29 emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty. By submitting to Him, we find the strength to endure and overcome life's storms. [01:16:43]
5. Historical Examples of Faith in Storms: The stories of Horatio Spafford, David, and even Jesus illustrate how faith in God's sovereignty can bring peace amidst life's greatest storms. These examples remind us that by coming to God, giving our burdens, and going forth in faith, we can find peace and strength in any situation. [01:26:57]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[12:30] - Caitlin's Baptism
[26:40] - Opening Prayer
[28:39] - Introduction to Psalm 29
[29:36] - God's Unchanging Nature
[31:10] - Story of Horatio Spafford
[33:26] - Facing Life's Storms
[35:22] - The Firmament and Sin
[37:24] - Ascribing to the Lord
[40:54] - David's Experience with Storms
[42:25] - Historical Context of Storms
[45:02] - The Flood and Firmament
[47:31] - Modern Storms and God's Protection
[50:38] - Surrendering to God in Storms
[53:25] - God's Directives, Power, and Providence
[55:00] - Worshiping God in Storms
[56:23] - The Meaning of Ascribe
[59:02] - The Power of Worship
[01:00:35] - Experiencing God's Power
[01:01:52] - Hearing God's Voice
[01:03:21] - God's Simple Commands
[01:04:40] - Elijah's Experience
[01:05:57] - The Voice of the Lord
[01:07:20] - God's Discipline Through Storms
[01:09:05] - Breaking and Shaking
[01:10:41] - Shaking Until Something Comes Out
[01:11:16] - Twisting and Stripping Bare
[01:12:36] - God's Loving Discipline
[01:14:18] - Vulnerability in Storms
[01:15:09] - Financial and Career Storms
[01:15:51] - Relational Storms
[01:16:43] - Submission to God's Lordship
[01:18:12] - David's Humility and Worship
[01:19:04] - Results of Worship and Submission
[01:20:29] - The Principle of Worship
[01:21:52] - Peace Beyond Understanding
[01:22:56] - Spiritual Warfare and Discouragement
[01:23:59] - Historical Examples of Faith
[01:26:11] - David and Goliath
[01:26:57] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Resurrection
[01:28:17] - The Power of Ascribing
[01:29:05] - Surrendering to God
[01:29:51] - Closing Prayer
[01:36:16] - Announcements and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 29:1-11: "Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon leap like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning. The voice of the Lord shakes the desert; the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, 'Glory!' The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace."
### Observation Questions
1. What does the term "ascribe" mean in Psalm 29, and how is it used in the passage? ([37:24])
2. How does David describe the voice of the Lord in Psalm 29? List the different ways it is depicted. ([37:58])
3. What historical example was given in the sermon to illustrate faith during life's storms? ([31:10])
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the firmament mentioned in the creation account? ([42:25])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "ascribing" to the Lord (coming, giving, and going) relate to experiencing God's power and peace? ([56:23])
2. In what ways do the storms in our lives serve as divine disturbances meant to draw us closer to God? ([50:38])
3. How does the story of Horatio Spafford and his hymn "It Is Well With My Soul" exemplify faith in God's sovereignty? ([31:10])
4. What does it mean to submit to God's lordship, and how does this submission bring peace and strength during life's storms? ([01:16:43])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent storm in your life. How did you respond to it, and did you recognize God's unchanging nature during that time? ([30:22])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of "ascribing" to the Lord. What specific burdens do you need to give to God, and how can you go forth in faith this week? ([56:23])
3. Think about a time when you felt God's voice during a difficult situation. How did that experience shape your faith and dependence on Him? ([01:07:20])
4. How can you practice submitting to God's lordship in your daily life? Identify one area where you struggle with control and discuss practical steps to surrender it to God. ([01:16:43])
5. The sermon mentioned that storms often arise in areas where we haven't fully surrendered to God. What area of your life do you feel is most vulnerable to storms, and how can you work on surrendering it to God? ([50:38])
6. How can you use the story of Horatio Spafford to encourage someone else who is going through a storm? What specific aspects of his faith and response can you share? ([31:10])
7. Reflect on the concept of divine discipline mentioned in the sermon. How can you view your current challenges as opportunities for growth and alignment with God's will? ([01:07:20])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Unchanging Nature in Storms
Life is unpredictable, filled with both joyous and distressing moments, but God's nature remains unchangeable. Our circumstances do not define His character. Jesus assured us that in this broken world, we will face trials, but He has overcome the world, and through Him, we can too. This truth is a cornerstone of our faith, reminding us that no matter what storms we face, God's love, power, and presence are constant. We can find solace in knowing that while our situations may change, God's nature does not. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, providing a firm foundation for our lives. [30:22]
Psalm 102:25-27 (ESV): "Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end."
Reflection: Think about a recent storm in your life. How did you see God's unchanging nature in the midst of it? How can this understanding help you face future challenges?
Day 2: The Power of Ascribing to the Lord
The term "ascribe" means to come, give, and go. This three-part action is essential for experiencing God's power and peace. By coming to God, giving our burdens, and going forth in faith, we align ourselves with His divine will and experience His transformative power. This process mirrors the Trinity and is a practical way to engage with God's presence daily. When we ascribe to the Lord, we acknowledge His sovereignty and invite His intervention in our lives. This act of worship and submission opens the door for God's power to work in and through us. [56:23]
1 Chronicles 16:28-29 (ESV): "Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness."
Reflection: What burdens are you carrying today that you need to give to God? How can you practically come to Him, give these burdens, and go forth in faith?
Day 3: God Speaks Through Storms
God's voice is often heard in the results of the storms in our lives. These storms break us down, shake us, and strip us bare, making us vulnerable and dependent on God. This process is a form of divine discipline, meant to bring us closer to Him and align us with His will. When we face life's storms, we have the opportunity to hear God's voice more clearly, as He uses these moments to teach, correct, and guide us. Embracing this perspective can transform our view of trials, seeing them as opportunities for growth and deeper intimacy with God. [01:07:20]
Job 37:2-5 (ESV): "Keep listening to the thunder of his voice and the rumbling that comes from his mouth. Under the whole heaven he lets it go, and his lightning to the corners of the earth. After it his voice roars; he thunders with his majestic voice, and he does not restrain the lightnings when his voice is heard. God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent storm in your life. How did you sense God speaking to you through it? What lessons or guidance did you receive?
Day 4: Submission to God's Lordship
True peace and strength come from submitting to God's lordship. David's repeated use of the term "Lord" in Psalm 29 emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty. By submitting to Him, we find the strength to endure and overcome life's storms. This submission is not a sign of weakness but a declaration of trust in God's ultimate authority and goodness. When we humble ourselves before God, we open ourselves to His guidance, protection, and provision, allowing His peace to rule in our hearts even amidst chaos. [01:16:43]
James 4:7-8 (ESV): "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you struggling to submit to God's lordship? What steps can you take today to surrender these areas to Him?
Day 5: Historical Examples of Faith in Storms
The stories of Horatio Spafford, David, and even Jesus illustrate how faith in God's sovereignty can bring peace amidst life's greatest storms. These examples remind us that by coming to God, giving our burdens, and going forth in faith, we can find peace and strength in any situation. Their lives serve as powerful testimonies of God's faithfulness and the peace that comes from trusting Him. Reflecting on these stories can inspire us to hold onto our faith, even when circumstances seem overwhelming, knowing that God is with us and will see us through. [01:26:57]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: Think of a historical or biblical figure whose faith in the midst of storms inspires you. How can their example encourage you to trust God more deeply in your current situation?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "So let me just say this. God is still awesome even when you and I are going through a storm. God is still awesome even when you don't know how you're going to get out of bed the next day. Your problem, your issue, the trial that we are going to does not change his nature." [29:36] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We know that there's times. There's times when we're experiencing bountiful blessings and it seems like God is just pouring his goodness and his mercy on our life. And then the next thing you know, you're experiencing a very distressing difficulty. Can I tell you something? God's still awesome." [30:22] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Peace begins when we make a decision to worship God in the storm. Let's start in Psalm 29, one and two. Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings. Ascribe to the Lord, glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord, the glory due his name." [55:00] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Lord gives strength to his people and the Lord blesses his people with peace. Did you hear that? Can I just tell you what he's saying there? Ascribe to the Lord." [01:19:04] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When it is finished, it will be well with your soul. When it is truly finished, when you're finished with you, it will be well with your soul." [01:29:51] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Your situation that you are in in this moment of your life does not define his character. We have got to get that in our hearts, in our minds. Because Jesus told us, he confirmed to us that we live in a broken world. Persecution. Tough times are going to come. But he says, take heart for I have overcome the world. And Jesus that overcome the world wants us to overcome the world with him." [30:22] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The true revelation of the awesomeness of God is built upon the foundation of the testimony of his divine attributes. That's when we read his word. And it says, as we prepare for the meat of this sermon today, listen to me, church. It's very important. I can't stress this to you enough." [35:22] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The storms are going to come in those areas of life that you have not surrendered to. And I will guarantee you right now, whatever storms is going through in your life, whether it's a financial storm, whether it's a relational storm, whether it's a storm in your health, it's your career, whatever it is, I can just about guarantee you that that's an area of your life that you have not totally surrendered to God." [50:38] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The identity of our awesome God will give witness to his sovereign power as we understand that his voice is made available in his word. Now, as we dive into this text, you're about to see where David is going to talk about the power of God. He's going to talk about how he is speaking to us through his voice through this storm." [01:00:35] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we realize God's awesome providence in the storms of life, it's only in our submission to his lordship that he strengthens us to endure these storms. Did you grasp? That our submission, his lordship, but oftentimes we reverse the roles. When we pray to God, we become the Lord and that's God to submit to our desires. Can I just remind you something? He's God. He don't work that way." [01:16:43] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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