Responding to God's Revelation: Faith, Lament, and Gratitude

Devotional

Day 1: Faith in Action

Description: Faith is more than just an intellectual acknowledgment of God's existence; it requires active pursuit and engagement with Him. Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes that true faith involves both believing in God and diligently seeking Him. This dual aspect of faith is crucial for a genuine relationship with God. It means that our faith should be evident in our actions, decisions, and daily lives. We are called to respond to God's revelation by living out our faith in tangible ways, demonstrating our trust and commitment to Him. [41:37]

Bible Passage: "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." (Hebrews 11:6, ESV)

Reflection: Think of one specific way you can actively seek God today. How can you incorporate this action into your daily routine to strengthen your faith?

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Day 2: The Power of Lament

Description: Lament is an essential aspect of our relationship with God, allowing us to express our sorrow, confusion, and struggles. Psalms of lament, such as Psalm 62 and Psalm 77, teach us that it is okay to bring our deepest emotions before God. These Psalms remind us to wait on God and remember His past deeds when He seems silent. Lamenting is a form of honest communication with God, acknowledging our pain while trusting in His ultimate plan. It is through lament that we can find comfort and hope, knowing that God hears our cries and is with us in our suffering. [47:46]

Bible Passage: "For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken." (Psalm 62:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent struggle or sorrow in your life. How can you bring this before God in honest lament, trusting in His presence and faithfulness?

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Day 3: Responding to God's Revelation

Description: Our response to God's revelation is crucial in our walk with Him. Psalm 1 and 2 emphasize the importance of responding to what we already know about God. Our actions should reflect our understanding of His word and His sovereignty. This response is not just about worship but also about living a life that aligns with God's revealed wisdom. It means making decisions and taking actions that honor God and demonstrate our commitment to His ways. By responding to God's revelation, we show our reverence and trust in His guidance and sovereignty. [53:32]

Bible Passage: "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you need to align your actions with God's revealed wisdom. What specific steps can you take today to live in accordance with His word?

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Day 4: Gratitude in All Circumstances

Description: Psalms of thanksgiving, such as Psalm 40, teach us to respond with gratitude for God's actions in our lives. Even in the midst of struggles, we can find reasons to thank God for His past faithfulness and present help. Gratitude shifts our focus from our problems to God's goodness, reminding us of His constant presence and provision. By cultivating a heart of gratitude, we can experience greater joy and peace, knowing that God is always at work in our lives. Gratitude is a powerful response to God's revelation, reflecting our trust and appreciation for His ongoing care. [01:12:55]

Bible Passage: "I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure." (Psalm 40:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: Think of three specific things you are grateful for today. How can you express your gratitude to God and others in a meaningful way?

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Day 5: Continuous Worship

Description: Psalm 136 exemplifies continuous worship, repeating the phrase "His steadfast love endures forever." This repetitive praise serves as a reminder of God's unchanging love and faithfulness. Our lives should be a continuous act of worship, reflecting our gratitude, trust, and reverence for God. Continuous worship means acknowledging God's presence and goodness in every aspect of our lives, not just during designated times of worship. It involves living in a way that honors God and brings glory to His name, recognizing His steadfast love in all circumstances. [01:15:29]

Bible Passage: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever." (Psalm 136:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate continuous worship into your daily life? What specific practices or habits can you adopt to keep your focus on God's steadfast love throughout the day?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into the book of Psalms to explore our second core value: our response to God's revelation. We began by emphasizing the importance of our youth ministries and praying for more workers to join in this vital mission. We then transitioned to the Psalms, a book that serves as a guide for expressing our responses to God. Our core values are structured in pairs, starting with God's revelation and followed by our response. This structure underscores that while God initiates, we must reciprocate.

We revisited Hebrews 11:6, which teaches that faith involves both believing in God's existence and actively seeking Him. This dual aspect of faith is mirrored in our core values: His revelation and our response. We explored how the Psalms, as wisdom literature, guide us in responding to God through various forms of worship, lament, and praise.

Psalm 1 and 2 set the stage for the entire book, teaching us to respond to what we already know and to praise God for His sovereignty. We also examined Psalms of lament, like Psalm 62 and Psalm 77, which teach us to wait and remember God's past deeds when He seems silent. Finally, we looked at Psalms of thanksgiving, such as Psalm 40 and Psalm 136, which encourage us to respond with gratitude for God's actions in our lives.

In summary, our response to God should be multifaceted, involving worship, lament, and thanksgiving. We must remember that God values our response just as much as He values revealing Himself to us. Our lives should be a continuous act of worship, reflecting our gratitude, trust, and reverence for God.

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Key Takeaways

1. Faith Requires Action: Hebrews 11:6 teaches that faith is not just about believing in God's existence but also actively seeking Him. This dual aspect of faith is crucial for a genuine relationship with God. We must not only acknowledge His revelation but also respond to it through our actions and decisions. [41:37]
2. The Importance of Lament: Psalms of lament, like Psalm 62 and Psalm 77, remind us that it's okay to express our sorrow and confusion to God. These Psalms teach us to wait and remember God's past deeds when He seems silent. Lamenting is a form of honest communication with God, acknowledging our struggles while trusting in His ultimate plan. [47:46]
3. Responding to God's Revelation: Psalm 1 and 2 emphasize the importance of responding to what we already know about God. Our actions should reflect our understanding of His word and His sovereignty. This response is not just about worship but also about living a life that aligns with God's revealed wisdom. [53:32]
4. Gratitude in All Circumstances: Psalms of thanksgiving, like Psalm 40, teach us to respond with gratitude for God's actions in our lives. Even when we are in the midst of struggles, we can find reasons to thank God for His past faithfulness and present help. Gratitude shifts our focus from our problems to God's goodness. [72:55]
5. Continuous Worship: Psalm 136 exemplifies continuous worship, repeating the phrase "His steadfast love endures forever." This repetitive praise serves as a reminder of God's unchanging love and faithfulness. Our lives should be a continuous act of worship, reflecting our gratitude, trust, and reverence for God. [01:15:29]
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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[39:00] - Prayer for Youth Ministries
[40:16] - Introduction to Core Values
[41:37] - Faith Requires Action
[43:06] - His Revelation, Our Response
[44:38] - The Error of Theological Living
[46:16] - The Wise and Foolish Builders
[47:46] - The Importance of Lament
[50:42] - Structure of the Psalms
[52:12] - Categories of Psalms
[53:32] - Responding to What We Know
[55:03] - Wisdom Literature
[57:37] - Meditating on God's Word
[59:16] - Praising God's Sovereignty
[62:48] - Responding to What We Remember
[72:55] - Responding with Thanksgiving
[75:29] - Continuous Worship
[78:25] - Final Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 11:6, what are the two essential components of faith? How do these components relate to our response to God? [41:37]
In Psalm 1, what actions does the blessed man avoid, and what does he delight in instead? How does this set the stage for the entire book of Psalms? [53:32]
Psalm 62 speaks about waiting in silence for God. What does the psalmist say about God during this period of waiting? [01:04:27]
How does Psalm 1 describe the outcome for the wicked compared to the righteous? What imagery is used to illustrate this? [56:19]

Interpretation Questions

Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes that faith involves both belief and action. How does this dual aspect of faith challenge the idea that belief alone is sufficient for a relationship with God? [41:37]
Psalm 1 highlights the importance of meditating on God's law. How does this practice influence a person's actions and decisions according to the psalm? [53:32]
The sermon mentioned that lament is a form of honest communication with God. How does Psalm 62 exemplify this, and why is it important to express our sorrows to God? [47:46]
The psalmist in Psalm 62 waits in silence for God. What does this teach us about the nature of God's revelation and our response to it? [01:04:27]

Application Questions

Hebrews 11:6 states that faith requires actively seeking God. What are some practical ways you can seek God more actively in your daily life? [41:37]
Psalm 1 encourages delighting in the law of the Lord. How can you incorporate regular meditation on Scripture into your routine? What specific steps will you take this week? [53:32]
The sermon emphasized the importance of lament. Have you ever felt hesitant to express your sorrows to God? How can you begin to incorporate lament into your prayer life? [47:46]
Psalm 62 speaks about waiting in silence for God. In our noisy world, how can you create moments of silence to wait and listen for God's voice? What distractions might you need to eliminate? [01:04:27]
The sermon mentioned that our response to God should be multifaceted, involving worship, lament, and thanksgiving. Which of these areas do you find most challenging, and why? How can you grow in this area? [49:17]
Reflecting on Psalm 1, how can you ensure that your actions and decisions align with God's revealed wisdom? What changes might you need to make in your life to live more righteously? [55:03]
The sermon highlighted the importance of gratitude in all circumstances. Think of a recent struggle you faced. How can you find reasons to thank God for His past faithfulness and present help in that situation? [01:12:55]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Remember Jesus said in Matthew 7, as we studied Matthew in the Sermon on the Mount, he says that anyone who hears my word and then continues to live their life just like they normally would is the wise man who builds his house upon the rock. Wrong, right? Anyone who hears my word and does it, anyone who hears from me, experiencing me, sees me, and then does something about it, that is the wise builder." [44:38] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords. This goes on for like 25 verses, so you better start enjoying it, okay? To him alone that does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever." [01:15:29] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "How do you respond to God? Very simple question today. How will you respond to God? Let's pray. God, we thank you for your psalms the lord when you are real in our lives when we see you face to face we can say his steadfast love endures forever we can praise you and thank you for we are fearfully and wonderfully made we can look at the ways you've done and we can praise you and we can thank you but lord when your voice is far from us when we are surrounded by tension and pain and conflict we can wait patiently for you we can even lament in sorrow and know you are there with us." [01:18:25] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Serve the Lord with fear. What an incredible, incredible way to respond to God, to actually do something for his people, with his people, in his kingdom, to do something, to not just come and sit. Serve the Lord with fear. Rejoice with trembling. I wonder if you tremble in worship. Not clap, not praise, not stomp, though those are all great things, but tremble in awe and reverence of who God is. While we rejoice." [01:00:54] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Blessed is the man, Psalm 1, blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the law of the Lord. And on his law, he meditates day and night. Now, if you've ever studied this Psalm, these three actions, right? Walking, standing, sitting, right? It's kind of this whole life of a person, that this person does not walk in the way of the wicked. They do not stand in the way of sinners. They do not sit in the seat of scoffers, right?" [53:32] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "We certainly can get to a point even where we think so highly of God and what, and what he's done. We trust him so highly that actually even a personal relationship would almost seem heretical to say that God is so sufficient. God is so powerful. God is so, and for us to do anything in response would be, oh, that would trivialize it. But that's not true, right? The scriptures make it very clear, as we just saw in Hebrews 11, 6, the scriptures make it very clear that if you are to have a relationship with God, if you are to draw near to him, you must believe he exists." [44:38] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "When God reveals himself, we need to respond. Now, last week, we talked about that God, historically, has revealed himself in three primary ways. God has revealed himself through creation, through his word, and through his son, right? That God has revealed himself, and we see this in Romans, right? That God has revealed himself through creation, through his word, and through his son. But then through his son, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ reveals himself also in three ways. Jesus Christ reveals himself through his word, his spirit, and his people." [47:46] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We respond to what we already know. And that's, again, what Psalm 1 strikes at, right? This is the Psalm that kind of introduces the whole book of Psalms. And it gets to the idea that we respond to what we already know. Blessed is the man, Psalm 1, blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the law of the Lord. And on his law, he meditates day and night." [53:32] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We respond to God with what we know. We respond to God with what we remember because sometimes we don't hear him, we don't sense him, we don't feel him, and it's easy to feel like he's forgotten us. But then finally, yes, of course. The Psalms also tell us we do respond to God with experience. How God does in your life show himself to you. We ought to respond first with thanksgiving." [01:11:23] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I waited patiently for the Lord. He inclined to me and heard me. He heard my cry. Isn't that an amazing thing when maybe for a decade you're praying a lament Psalm and then all of a sudden God does answer you? it's like a cold water on a hot day. I waited patiently for the Lord. He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, up out of the miry bog, set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God." [01:12:55] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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