Setting the Tone: Trusting God in Challenging Times
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the theme of setting the tone in our lives, especially during challenging times. We began by acknowledging that God is not done with us yet and that He is more than able to fulfill His promises. We then transitioned into a time of prayer for our nation, recognizing the crisis we face and the need for divine intervention. We emphasized that our hope is not in political figures or systems but in God and His people rising to their calling.
We delved into Psalm 62, focusing on how David set the tone in his life despite facing immense pressure and stress. David teaches us to be quiet and wait for God, not engaging in the same negative behaviors as those who oppose us. This is crucial in maintaining our spiritual integrity and trust in God. We also discussed the importance of waiting on the Lord, drawing from Isaiah 40:31, which speaks of renewing our strength through waiting.
David's example shows us that setting the tone involves both silence and active trust in God. He encourages us to pour out our hearts to God, making Him our refuge. This is especially relevant in today's world, where we are bombarded with conflicting agendas and voices. We must stand firm in our faith, not compromising on God's Word, and be the light in a dark world.
We concluded by emphasizing the need for the church to rise and shine, to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities. This involves not tolerating sin and being proactive in prayer and action. We are called to set the tone, not just in our personal lives but also in our collective witness as the body of Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. God is Not Done with Us: We must remember that God is still at work in our lives and our nation. Despite the darkness we see, God has a plan, and He is more than able to fulfill His promises. Our role is to trust Him and continue to partner with Him in faith. [41:48]
2. Set the Tone by Being Quiet and Waiting for God: David teaches us to be silent and wait for God, especially when facing opposition. Engaging in negative behaviors or retaliating in kind only detracts from our spiritual integrity. Instead, we should take our concerns to God in prayer and trust His timing. [59:31]
3. The Power of Waiting on the Lord: Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that waiting on the Lord renews our strength. Whether we are soaring like eagles, running without growing weary, or walking without fainting, waiting on God is an active process that strengthens our faith and prepares us for His promises. [01:03:42]
4. Show the Tone Through Consistent Trust: Setting the tone is not a one-time act but a continuous process. David's repeated declarations of trust in Psalm 62 show us that we must continually reaffirm our faith, especially during prolonged trials. This consistent trust reflects our deep reliance on God. [01:09:04]
5. The Church Must Rise and Shine: In these perilous times, the church must not back down but rise to its calling. We are to be the light and witness in a world filled with darkness. This involves not tolerating sin, being proactive in prayer, and standing firm on God's Word. Our collective witness can bring healing to our land. [01:14:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[41:48] - Offering and Prayer
[43:07] - Checking In and Announcements
[43:38] - Addressing Current Events
[44:42] - Prayer for the Nation
[48:46] - Introduction to Psalm 62
[49:54] - Setting the Tone with Philippians 4:13
[50:57] - Trusting God in Difficult Times
[52:29] - David's Stress and Setting the Tone
[53:56] - Dealing with Difficult People
[55:25] - Personal Story of Slander
[59:31] - Be Quiet and Wait for God
[01:03:42] - The Power of Waiting on the Lord
[01:09:04] - Consistent Trust in God
[01:14:13] - The Church Must Rise and Shine
[01:17:05] - Closing Thoughts and Prayer
[01:29:50] - Encouragement to Stand Firm
[01:32:13] - Final Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 62:1-8 (NIV)
> Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down— this leaning wall, this tottering fence? Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
2. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
> But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
3. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
> If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 62, what are the characteristics of God that David relies on during his times of stress and pressure? ([52:52])
2. In Isaiah 40:31, what are the three actions that those who hope in the Lord will be able to do?
3. What does 2 Chronicles 7:14 say is required for God to heal the land?
4. How did David describe the behavior of his adversaries in Psalm 62:3-4? ([53:24])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "wait silently for God" as described in Psalm 62:1? How does this apply to dealing with difficult people? ([59:31])
2. How can the promise in Isaiah 40:31 about renewing strength through waiting on the Lord be practically applied in our daily lives? ([01:03:42])
3. In what ways does 2 Chronicles 7:14 emphasize the role of the church in national healing and revival? ([45:10])
4. How does David's example in Psalm 62 of setting the tone through trust and silence challenge our natural responses to stress and opposition? ([01:00:14])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition or stress. How did you respond, and how might you apply David's approach of waiting silently for God in a similar situation? ([59:31])
2. Isaiah 40:31 speaks of renewing strength through waiting on the Lord. Identify a current challenge in your life. How can you actively wait on God in this situation? ([01:03:42])
3. 2 Chronicles 7:14 calls for humility, prayer, and turning from wicked ways. What specific steps can you take this week to humble yourself and seek God's face more earnestly? ([45:10])
4. David poured out his heart to God and made Him his refuge. What are some practical ways you can make God your refuge in your daily life? ([52:52])
5. The sermon emphasized the church's role in rising and shining in dark times. How can you contribute to your church's collective witness and action in your community? ([01:14:13])
6. Think of a difficult person or situation you are currently dealing with. How can you set the tone by being quiet and waiting for God instead of engaging negatively? ([01:00:14])
7. The sermon mentioned not tolerating sin and being proactive in prayer. What is one area of your life where you need to stop tolerating sin and start being more proactive in prayer? ([46:02])
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in God's Ongoing Work
God is not done with us; He is still at work in our lives and our nation. Despite the darkness we see, God has a plan, and He is more than able to fulfill His promises. Our role is to trust Him and continue to partner with Him in faith. This means recognizing that our hope is not in political figures or systems but in God and His people rising to their calling. We must remember that God is more than capable of fulfilling His promises, and our trust in Him should be unwavering.
[41:48]
Isaiah 46:10-11 (ESV): "Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust that God is still at work? How can you actively partner with Him in faith today?
Day 2: Be Quiet and Wait for God
David teaches us to be silent and wait for God, especially when facing opposition. Engaging in negative behaviors or retaliating in kind only detracts from our spiritual integrity. Instead, we should take our concerns to God in prayer and trust His timing. This practice of being quiet and waiting on God helps us maintain our spiritual integrity and trust in Him, even when we are under immense pressure and stress.
[59:31]
Lamentations 3:25-26 (ESV): "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."
Reflection: When faced with opposition or stress, how can you practice being quiet and waiting for God? What steps can you take to avoid engaging in negative behaviors?
Day 3: Renew Your Strength by Waiting on the Lord
Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that waiting on the Lord renews our strength. Whether we are soaring like eagles, running without growing weary, or walking without fainting, waiting on God is an active process that strengthens our faith and prepares us for His promises. This active waiting involves trusting in God's timing and allowing Him to renew our strength, even in the midst of challenges.
[01:03:42]
Psalm 27:14 (ESV): "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"
Reflection: How can you actively wait on the Lord in your current circumstances? What does it look like for you to renew your strength through this process?
Day 4: Consistent Trust in God
Setting the tone is not a one-time act but a continuous process. David's repeated declarations of trust in Psalm 62 show us that we must continually reaffirm our faith, especially during prolonged trials. This consistent trust reflects our deep reliance on God and helps us maintain our spiritual integrity and strength, even when faced with ongoing challenges.
[01:09:04]
Psalm 62:8 (ESV): "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us."
Reflection: In what ways can you consistently reaffirm your trust in God, especially during prolonged trials? How can you make this a daily practice?
Day 5: The Church Must Rise and Shine
In these perilous times, the church must not back down but rise to its calling. We are to be the light and witness in a world filled with darkness. This involves not tolerating sin, being proactive in prayer, and standing firm on God's Word. Our collective witness can bring healing to our land, and we must be the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities.
[01:14:13]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you and your church community rise and shine in these challenging times? What specific actions can you take to be the light and witness in your community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "He's more than able He's more than able to do everything that he's promised Everything that he's shown you He's not finished with you yet Would you find three people around you this morning And just greet them and let them know Hey, God's not done with me yet He's not done with you either." [41:48] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Our hope is not in a man Or a woman Or government Or anything else Our hope is in you And your people And your body In this day and hour Arising and taking our place We're not going to sit back, Father We're not going to be quiet But we're going to be the light That you've called us to be." [47:05] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I believe that Jesus is coming soon But I'm not going to sit on my hands When there's breath in my lungs And there's strength in my body I've been called to be a watchman on the wall And I'm going to stay on the wall Until he comes to take me out of this place." [01:21:38] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you're here and you need to get right with God, and you don't know Jesus, and you're looking for hope, you've been searching this world over, and you've tried many things, and none of these things are going to work. None of them has paid the bill, so to speak. Friend, I can tell you what you're looking for, and I can tell you what you need. You need Jesus." [01:29:50] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "David gives us Some insight here In how to set the tone When we're walking through A challenging situation And this will apply personally But then also I'm going to Spend the rest of my time Doing this in light of What happened yesterday And transpired yesterday And last evening Corporately for all of us Number one David says here To be quiet and to wait for God." [59:11] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When David here is talking In verse number 1 And he says be silent Or silently wait for God I don't think David is telling us Not to declare God's word God's promises Standing on the ground God's word I believe David is telling us Do not engage The same way they're engaging Because when you find yourself In a place where you're dealing With difficult people And they are just hammering you Like this You want to repay in kind You want to lash back out." [01:00:14] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The psalmist tells us to be silent And to wait And then secondly we see what he says In verses 5 through 7 I want you to look at this Psalm 62 verses 5 through 7 He says my soul waits silently for God alone For my expectation is from him He only is my rock and my salvation He is my defense I shall not be moved And God is my salvation and my glory The rock of my life is my defense The rock of my strength And my refuge is in God." [01:08:31] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I believe that One of these days When we stand before the Lord We will give an account For everything that we have Come into agreement with Be mindful Be prayerful About what you need to do And let God Work through you that way." [01:17:05] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are surrounded by the reality Of all kinds of voices This is this And that is that And this person If they believe this Then this and that This is our truth And this has to be what we Stand on Believe in Trust in." [01:13:03] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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