Inviting God's Presence: From Hiding to Healing
Summary
In our journey through Psalm 139, we have discovered the profound truth that God is intimately acquainted with us. He knows us completely, and His presence is inescapable. We have learned that our relationship with God is the only one that can truly satisfy the deep longings of our souls. We have been encouraged to practice God's presence, to be aware of His nearness, and to embrace the truth that we are fearfully and wonderfully made with eternal purpose.
Last week, we were reminded that God's thoughts toward us are precious and immeasurable. We were challenged to let these thoughts shape our identity. Today, we conclude our series with the final verses of Psalm 139, which call us to move from hiding to inviting God's searching gaze into our lives.
The Psalmist, David, expresses a desire for God to deal with the wicked, but this is not a call for us to harbor hatred. Instead, it is an expression of loyalty to God. Jesus taught us to love our enemies, and this is the attitude we must adopt. David's loyalty to God leads him to a place of vulnerability, where he invites God to search his heart and lead him in the way everlasting.
We often try to hide from God, much like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. But the truth is, there is no need to hide. God's intentions for us are good, and He desires to lead us in paths of righteousness. We must move from hiding to inviting God to search us, reveal what He finds, and lead us in His everlasting way.
Navigating life without God's guidance is like trying to land a plane without communication with the control tower. We need God's expert guidance to lead us out of our sin and into His everlasting way. We must remain connected to Jesus, the vine, to bear good, everlasting fruit. It is only through a continuous connection with Him that we can live lives that bless others and leave a positive mark on the world.
Key Takeaways:
- God's intimate knowledge of us and His omnipresence are not threats but assurances of His loving care and guidance. We can take comfort in the fact that the God who knows us best is also the one who loves us most. His desire is to lead us into a life of peace, joy, and righteousness through His Holy Spirit. [49:30]
- The transition from hiding from God to inviting God into our lives is a transformative step in our spiritual journey. It requires humility and trust but leads to a deeper relationship with our Creator. When we invite God to search our hearts, we open ourselves to His loving correction and guidance. [50:15]
- Our own understanding is limited, and our perspective is often clouded by sin. Acknowledging this and seeking God's perspective is essential. He is the expert who can navigate us through life's complexities and lead us in the way everlasting. [56:07]
- Bearing good, everlasting fruit is only possible when we remain in Jesus. Our lives are meant to be connected to Him, the vine, and it is through this connection that we can truly impact the world for good. This connection is not just for our benefit but for the flourishing of all creation. [53:26]
- The prayer at the end of Psalm 139 is a powerful daily prayer for every believer. It is a prayer of surrender, asking God to search us, reveal our sins, and lead us in His perfect ways. This humble posture is foundational to our relationship with God and is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. [01:01:27]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 139:1-24 - The entire Psalm, focusing on God's intimate knowledge of us, His omnipresence, and the call to invite His searching gaze into our lives.
2. John 15:4-5 - Jesus' teaching on remaining in Him to bear good, everlasting fruit.
3. Matthew 5:43-45 - Jesus' command to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 139:1-2 reveal about God's knowledge of us? How does this knowledge extend throughout the Psalm? [33:15]
2. According to John 15:4-5, what is necessary for us to bear good fruit? How does this relate to our connection with Jesus? [53:26]
3. In Matthew 5:43-45, how does Jesus instruct us to treat our enemies? How does this compare to David's expression of loyalty to God in Psalm 139? [43:33]
4. What does David ask God to do in the final verses of Psalm 139, and why is this significant? [49:03]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the understanding that God knows us completely and is always present impact our daily lives and decisions? [49:33]
2. What does it mean to move from hiding from God to inviting Him to search us? How does this transition affect our spiritual growth? [50:15]
3. How can Jesus' command to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-45) be reconciled with David's plea for God to deal with the wicked in Psalm 139? [43:33]
4. What are the implications of remaining in Jesus, the vine, for our ability to bear good, everlasting fruit? How does this connection influence our actions and relationships? [53:26]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the need to hide from God. What were the circumstances, and how did you eventually come to invite God into that situation? [47:01]
2. How can you practice being more aware of God's presence in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to cultivate this awareness? [34:03]
3. Identify an area in your life where you need God's expert guidance. How can you actively seek His direction and remain connected to Him in this area? [56:07]
4. Think of someone who has wronged you or whom you consider an enemy. How can you apply Jesus' teaching to love and pray for them this week? [43:33]
5. What does it look like for you to bear good, everlasting fruit in your current season of life? What specific actions can you take to remain connected to Jesus and impact the world positively? [53:26]
6. How can you incorporate the prayer from the end of Psalm 139 into your daily routine? What changes do you expect to see in your spiritual life as a result? [01:01:27]
7. Reflect on a recent decision or action. How might seeking God's perspective have changed the outcome? How can you make seeking His guidance a regular part of your decision-making process? [56:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Intimate Knowledge
God's intimate knowledge of us is not a threat but a profound assurance of His love and care. This knowledge surpasses mere facts about our lives; it encompasses a deep understanding of our innermost being. The Creator of the universe is not distant or indifferent; He is deeply involved in the details of our lives. This realization should bring immense comfort and peace, knowing that the One who knows us best loves us most. His omnipresence means we are never alone, and His guidance is always available to us. This divine companionship offers a life of peace, joy, and righteousness, as we are led by the Holy Spirit. Embrace this truth and let it transform the way you view God's presence in your life. [49:30]
"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." - Psalm 139:1-3 ESV
Reflection: How does the knowledge that God is intimately aware of every aspect of your life change your perception of His presence and care for you?
Day 2: From Hiding to Inviting
The transition from hiding from God to inviting Him into our lives is a significant spiritual milestone. It requires humility to acknowledge that we cannot navigate life's complexities alone and trust that God's intentions for us are good. When we invite God to search our hearts, we are not only acknowledging His sovereignty but also expressing our desire for His loving correction and guidance. This act of vulnerability opens the door to a deeper relationship with our Creator, where we can experience His transformative power. Let this invitation be a daily practice, where you seek to align your heart with God's will and purpose for your life. [50:15]
"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" - Psalm 139:23-24 ESV
Reflection: What fears or hesitations do you have about inviting God to search your heart, and how can you overcome them to deepen your relationship with Him?
Day 3: Seeking God's Expert Navigation
Our understanding is limited, and our perspective is often clouded by our sinful nature. Acknowledging our need for God's guidance is crucial. He is the expert navigator who can lead us through life's complexities. When we seek God's perspective, we admit our own inadequacy and open ourselves to His wisdom and direction. This humility allows us to follow the path He has set for us, which leads to the way everlasting. Trust in God's expertise and let Him guide you through every decision and challenge you face. [56:07]
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to relinquish control and seek God's expert guidance, and what practical steps can you take to do so?
Day 4: Connected to the Vine
Bearing good, everlasting fruit is only possible when we remain connected to Jesus, the true vine. Our lives are meant to be intertwined with His, drawing sustenance and strength from our relationship with Him. This connection is not solely for our benefit but also for the flourishing of all creation. As we abide in Jesus, we are empowered to impact the world positively, reflecting His love and grace. Remember that our ability to produce fruit is not independent but is a result of our continuous connection with Him. [53:26]
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5 ESV
Reflection: How can you cultivate a more consistent connection with Jesus, and what might be the first step in bearing fruit in your current season of life?
Day 5: A Prayer of Surrender
The prayer at the end of Psalm 139 is a powerful expression of surrender, asking God to search us, reveal our sins, and lead us in His perfect ways. This humble posture is foundational to our relationship with God and is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. By praying this prayer daily, we invite God's refining process into our lives, allowing Him to mold us into the image of Christ. Let this prayer be the starting point of each day, setting the tone for a life lived in surrender to God's perfect will. [01:01:27]
"Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." - Psalm 143:8 ESV
Reflection: What does a daily practice of surrender to God look like for you, and how can you incorporate this prayer of surrender into your morning routine?
Quotes
1) "We all want to live a meaningful life that blesses other people and leaves a positive mark on the world. Jesus calls this bearing good fruit." [52:44] (Download)
2) "The only way to bear eternally good fruit in our lives is to remain connected to Jesus, to abide in him." [53:26] (Download)
3) "Navigating out of our sinful ways is impossible without God's expert guidance. But guided by His Spirit, we can know what to do." [54:10] (Download)
4) "We need God's help to navigate. For example, we need help discerning what is good and bad. Only God can accurately judge what's truly good." [54:52] (Download)
5) "There is no better place for our sinful hearts to turn than to an omniscient and loving God. The God who is near, offering to lead you in His everlasting way." [58:46] (Download)
6) "God is the only one worthy of trusting to lead our lives because he's the only one that knows where we're really coming from and where we're supposed to be going." [59:25] (Download)
7) "Humble, trusting surrender to God's ways is the foundational heart posture of our relationship with God." [01:01:27] (Download)
8) "Search me God, reveal from your perfect vantage point the habits and actions in my life that cause you grief or cause others harm, and lead me in your perfect ways." [01:02:07] (Download)
9) "David's invitation for God to search him, to reveal what he finds, and then to lead him forward is a critical moment in this Psalm." [45:46] (Download)
10) "God wants us to be able to come to him from where we're at, before we've got it all figured out, and just express what's on our hearts." [42:08] (Download)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?