Finding Refuge: Deepening Intimacy with God
Summary
The sermon explores the theme of seeking refuge in God, drawing on the imagery of God's sheltering presence and the example of King David's life. The speaker begins by discussing the progression of intimacy with God, as depicted through various metaphors such as a high crag, a tower, a tent, and ultimately, the shelter of God's wings. This imagery, as described by Derek Kidner, reflects the deepening relationship one can have with God, moving from a sense of aloofness to one of affectionate parental care. David's confidence in God's loving shelter is highlighted, emphasizing that we too can find safety and inheritance in God's name, as outlined in Psalm 16.
Reflecting on past experiences with Jesus is crucial for understanding present circumstances. The speaker warns against forgetting God's past faithfulness, which is akin to dishonoring Him. Instead, one should remember God's consistent love and look forward to the time when all chaos will cease, and we will dwell in God's presence eternally. This eternal longing for God's presence is exemplified by David's desire to dwell in God's tent forever.
The speaker shares a personal story from a recent mission trip, underscoring the importance of not assuming everyone in ministry has a personal relationship with God. They extend an invitation to those who may not know God to accept Jesus as their savior and experience transformation. The speaker also reflects on David's response to adversity, choosing worship and obedience over anger and estrangement from God. This choice is presented as a model for us to follow, encouraging us to run towards God with increasing intimacy in the face of challenges.
The sermon also touches on the importance of understanding our identity in Christ, as taught by Neil Anderson. This understanding helps silence the diminishing voices of culture and reinforces our security in Christ. The speaker shares another personal story of a friend enduring pain but desiring not to waste the experience, encouraging listeners to seek a divine perspective in adversity.
Lastly, the speaker discusses the importance of crying out to God in prayer during difficult times, sharing emotions and struggles with Him. They recount David's experience of feeling overwhelmed and separated from Jerusalem, yet understanding that physical separation did not equate to separation from God. The sermon concludes with a call to remember God's past deliverance and to trust in His faithfulness.
Key Takeaways:
- The progression from seeking God as a distant refuge to experiencing His intimate shelter illustrates the deepening of our relationship with Him. Just as David found solace under God's wings, we too can find comfort and safety in the personal care of our heavenly Father. This progression is a journey of faith, where each step draws us closer to the heart of God and His protective embrace. [01:12:18]
- Remembering God's past faithfulness is essential for facing current and future challenges. It is a spiritual discipline that anchors us in God's unchanging character and promises. When we recall how God has been faithful over and over again, it not only honors Him but also strengthens our trust and hope in His continued provision and protection. [01:06:10]
- The invitation to know God personally is not limited to those already within the church; it extends to all who have yet to experience a relationship with Jesus. The speaker's mission trip story reminds us that transformation is available to everyone, and it begins with recognizing our need for Jesus, confessing our sins, and inviting Him into our lives as Lord and Savior. [01:21:55]
- In times of adversity, we are presented with a choice: to turn away from God or to run towards Him with greater intimacy. The speaker's personal anecdotes and the example of David demonstrate that choosing to seek God's presence and refuge can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of His love and protection. [01:18:41]
- Prayer is a powerful tool for maintaining a connection with God, especially during times of distress. The speaker emphasizes that God is not surprised by our emotions and is always present to hear our cries. By engaging in honest dialogue with God, we affirm our trust in His omnipresence and His ability to see us through any circumstance. [52:26]
Study Guide
Bible Reading
- Psalm 61:1-4
- Psalm 139:7-12
- Romans 5:3-5
Observation Questions
1. In Psalm 61:1-4, what are the different metaphors used to describe God's protection and care?
2. How does Psalm 139:7-12 express the omnipresence of God?
3. What sequence of character development is outlined in Romans 5:3-5, and how does it begin?
Interpretation Questions
1. Considering the metaphors in Psalm 61, what might be the significance of progressing from a rock to a tower, and finally to dwelling under God's wings?
2. In light of Psalm 139, what might it mean for someone to feel overwhelmed or distant, yet still acknowledge that they cannot escape God's presence?
3. Reflecting on Romans 5, how could suffering be seen as an opportunity for growth rather than a reason for despair?
Application Questions
1. Identify a recent challenge or adversity you faced. How can you use that experience to develop perseverance and hope, as suggested in Romans 5:3-5?
2. Think of a time when you felt distant from God. What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of God's constant presence as described in Psalm 139:7-12?
3. Choose a day this week to find a quiet space and reflect on God as your refuge. How can you symbolically "dwell in His tent" during this time?
4. Recall a moment when you witnessed God's faithfulness in your life. How can you share this experience with someone who is currently going through a difficult time to encourage them?
5. Consider the metaphor of God as a sheltering wing from Psalm 61. What is one way you can seek comfort under God's wings in a moment of stress or anxiety this week?
Devotional
Day 1: Intimacy with God Deepens Refuge
As one progresses in faith, the experience of God's refuge transforms from a distant concept to an intimate reality. This journey mirrors King David's own path to finding solace under God's wings, where the initial aloofness gives way to a profound sense of parental care and protection. It is a reminder that as believers grow in their relationship with God, they can expect to feel His presence more tangibly and find comfort in His shelter. [01:12:18]
Psalm 61:3-4 - "For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings."
Reflection: How has your perception of God as a refuge evolved over time? Can you identify moments when you felt a shift from distant respect to intimate trust?
Day 2: Honoring God Through Memory
Remembering God's past faithfulness is a vital spiritual practice that not only honors Him but also fortifies one's faith. It is through recalling His consistent love and deliverance that believers can face current and future challenges with confidence. This act of remembrance is a testament to God's unchanging nature and a source of hope that His protection and provision will persist. [01:06:10]
Lamentations 3:21-23 - "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when God's faithfulness was evident in your life? How can this memory serve as an anchor for you in current trials?
Day 3: Transformation Through Knowing Jesus
The invitation to form a personal relationship with Jesus is open to all, including those who have not yet encountered Him within the church community. Transformation begins with the recognition of one's need for Jesus, followed by confession and the welcoming of Him as Lord and Savior. This step is the gateway to a changed life and a new identity in Christ. [01:21:55]
Ephesians 2:12-13 - "Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ."
Reflection: Have you ever taken the time to share your personal journey with Jesus with someone who might not know Him? What opportunity could you take today to do so?
Day 4: Choosing God in Adversity
In the face of adversity, believers are presented with a choice: to turn away from God or to draw nearer to Him. The decision to seek God's presence and refuge in difficult times can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of His love and protection. This choice, exemplified by King David, is a model for how to respond to life's challenges with worship and obedience. [01:18:41]
Psalm 27:4-5 - "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock."
Reflection: When faced with adversity, how do you typically respond? What steps can you take to choose to seek God's presence more intentionally during these times?
Day 5: Prayer as Connection in Distress
Prayer is a powerful means of maintaining a connection with God, especially during times of distress. It is an opportunity to share one's emotions and struggles honestly with God, affirming trust in His omnipresence and His ability to provide comfort and guidance. Engaging in prayer is a way to remember that physical separation from sacred spaces does not equate to separation from God's presence. [52:26]
Psalm 142:2-3 - "I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way."
Reflection: How can you incorporate a more honest and vulnerable approach to prayer in your daily life? What is one struggle you can bring before God today?
Quotes
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find Refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and your Rampart." [01:09:32]
"We should not be looking at our present or presumed future circumstances apart from the context of those great memories of how God has worked in our life in the past." [01:06:52]
"I don't ever want to make the assumption that when we're in this type of ministry together that everybody is experiencing what I'm talking about." [01:21:55]
"David is orienting himself toward God in the midst of this circumstance and choosing this path in the midst of adversity, betrayal, and failed relationship." [01:11:34]
"It's okay to cry out to God... it is an appropriate time to cry out to him when things get difficult." [53:12]
"God's safekeeping is viewed here in increasingly personal terms as the aloof ruggedness of the high Crag of verse two gives place to the purpose-built Tower of verse three." [01:12:18]
"For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe." [01:03:17]
"Culture screaming at us that we're this and we're not actually clear from the scriptures of who we really are that's a recipe for disaster." [01:15:37]
"Even in this moment the spirit of God is saying to you come to me, invite me into your life and I will do for you what I have done for David, what I have done for people down Through the Ages." [01:22:35]
"No matter where you are, no matter how bad things seem, God is with you today. Run to him." [01:20:06]
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