Trusting God: Finding True Security and Fulfillment
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth that our ultimate trust and reliance should be placed in God rather than in worldly possessions or systems. We began by acknowledging the unease many feel due to the volatility of the stock market and the uncertainty of political landscapes. However, the core message is that our security and peace should not be anchored in these temporal things but in the eternal and unchanging nature of God.
Reflecting on the words of the prophet Jeremiah, we were reminded of the dangers of turning away from God and placing our trust in idols, whether they be physical or metaphorical. The Israelites, despite witnessing God's mighty works, turned to worthless idols, which led to their downfall. This serves as a cautionary tale for us today, highlighting the futility of seeking fulfillment in anything other than God.
We discussed the importance of relationships over material wealth, emphasizing that true satisfaction and peace come from our connection with God and others. The greatest blessings in life are not found in riches but in meaningful relationships and a life aligned with God's will.
God's love for us is profound and active. It is not merely an emotion but a commitment to care for, protect, and guide us. Despite our shortcomings, God sees our potential and desires to fill our lives with His living water, offering us a life of abundance and purpose.
Finally, we were encouraged to humble ourselves and seek God earnestly. It is through humility and a genuine desire for God that we can experience His transformative power in our lives. God is ready to restore and bless us beyond measure if we turn to Him with open hearts.
Key Takeaways:
1. Trust in God, Not Worldly Systems: In times of uncertainty, it's crucial to place our trust in God rather than in unstable worldly systems like the stock market or political promises. God is unchanging and faithful, providing a firm foundation for our lives. [51:04]
2. The Danger of Idolatry: Just as the Israelites turned to idols and faced consequences, we too can fall into the trap of idolizing money, success, or other worldly things. These idols cannot fulfill our deepest needs, and turning away from God leads to spiritual emptiness. [01:02:34]
3. The Value of Relationships: True wealth is found in relationships, not material possessions. At the end of life, people seek the comfort of loved ones, not financial advisors. Investing in relationships aligns with God's design for a fulfilling life. [58:58]
4. God's Active Love: God's love is demonstrated through His actions—protecting, providing, and guiding us. Unlike human love, which can be fickle, God's love is steadfast and based on His commitment to our well-being. [01:16:30]
5. The Power of Humility: Humbling ourselves before God opens the door to His blessings. When we let go of pride and seek God earnestly, we position ourselves to receive His living water, which refreshes and sustains us. [01:33:25]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:51] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
- [02:30] - Trust in God Over Worldly Systems
- [05:45] - The Danger of Idolatry
- [10:00] - The Value of Relationships
- [15:30] - Jeremiah's Warning to Israel
- [20:00] - God's Love and Faithfulness
- [25:00] - Personal Testimony of God's Call
- [30:00] - The Power of Humility
- [35:00] - Invitation to Seek God
- [40:00] - Encouragement and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Jeremiah 2:5-6 (NET)
2. Psalm 20:7 (NET)
3. John 7:38 (NET)
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Observation Questions:
1. In Jeremiah 2:5-6, what does God accuse the Israelites of doing, and what are the consequences of their actions? [01:06:43]
2. According to Psalm 20:7, what are the two things that people often place their trust in, and what does David suggest as the better alternative? [51:04]
3. How does the sermon describe the nature of God's love compared to human love? [01:16:30]
4. What example from the sermon illustrates the futility of idol worship, and how does it relate to the Israelites' experience? [01:02:34]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does God describe Himself as the "fountain of living water" in Jeremiah 2:13, and what does this metaphor suggest about His role in our lives? [01:13:21]
2. How does the sermon explain the relationship between humility and experiencing God's blessings? [01:33:25]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that worldly systems, like the stock market, can become idols in our lives? [51:04]
4. How does the sermon use the story of the Israelites to caution against turning away from God? What lessons can be drawn from their experience? [01:06:43]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current sources of security. Are there any worldly systems or possessions you are relying on more than God? How can you shift your trust to God this week? [51:04]
2. Consider the relationships in your life. How can you invest more in these relationships to align with God's design for a fulfilling life? [58:58]
3. Think about a time when you felt God's love through His actions. How can you demonstrate this kind of active love to someone in your life this week? [01:16:30]
4. Identify an area in your life where pride might be hindering your relationship with God. What steps can you take to humble yourself and seek God earnestly? [01:33:25]
5. Reflect on any "idols" in your life, whether they are physical or metaphorical. What practical steps can you take to remove these idols and refocus on God? [01:02:34]
6. How can you incorporate the metaphor of "living water" into your daily spiritual practices to ensure you are continually refreshed by God's presence? [01:13:21]
7. Think of a specific situation where you need to trust in God's unchanging nature. How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness in that situation this week? [51:04]
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in God's Eternal Stability
In a world filled with uncertainty, it is easy to place our trust in the tangible systems around us, such as financial markets or political structures. However, these systems are inherently unstable and can lead to anxiety and fear when they falter. Instead, we are called to anchor our trust in God, who is unchanging and eternally faithful. By doing so, we find a firm foundation that offers true security and peace, regardless of external circumstances. This trust in God allows us to navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing that He is in control and will provide for our needs. [51:04]
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are currently placing more trust in worldly systems than in God? How can you begin to shift your trust to Him today?
Day 2: The Perils of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but can also manifest in the form of money, success, or other worldly pursuits that we prioritize over God. The Israelites' downfall serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God to follow these empty pursuits. When we place our trust in idols, we find ourselves spiritually empty and unfulfilled. True fulfillment comes from a relationship with God, who alone can meet our deepest needs and desires. By recognizing and turning away from our idols, we open ourselves to the abundant life that God offers. [01:02:34]
Isaiah 44:9-10 (ESV): "All who fashion idols are nothing, and the things they delight in do not profit. Their witnesses neither see nor know, that they may be put to shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol that is profitable for nothing?"
Reflection: Identify one "idol" in your life that you have been prioritizing over your relationship with God. What steps can you take to dethrone this idol and refocus your heart on God?
Day 3: The Richness of Relationships
In a society that often equates wealth with material possessions, it is crucial to remember that true wealth is found in relationships. At the end of life, people seek the comfort of loved ones, not financial advisors. Investing in meaningful relationships aligns with God's design for a fulfilling life and brings true satisfaction and peace. By prioritizing our connections with God and others, we experience the richness of life that cannot be measured by material wealth. This perspective encourages us to nurture and cherish the relationships that God has placed in our lives. [58:58]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life that needs nurturing. What is one practical step you can take this week to invest in and strengthen that relationship?
Day 4: Experiencing God's Active Love
God's love for us is not passive but active, demonstrated through His protection, provision, and guidance. Unlike human love, which can be inconsistent, God's love is steadfast and rooted in His commitment to our well-being. This active love invites us to trust in His care and to rely on His guidance in our daily lives. By embracing God's love, we open ourselves to the abundant life He desires for us, filled with purpose and joy. This understanding of God's love encourages us to live confidently, knowing that we are deeply cared for by our Creator. [01:16:30]
Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV): "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent experience where you felt God's active love in your life. How can you respond to His love by showing love to others today?
Day 5: The Transformative Power of Humility
Humility is the key to experiencing God's transformative power in our lives. By humbling ourselves before God, we open the door to His blessings and position ourselves to receive His living water, which refreshes and sustains us. Letting go of pride and earnestly seeking God allows us to experience His restoration and abundant blessings. This posture of humility invites us to rely on God's strength rather than our own, leading to a life of purpose and fulfillment. Embracing humility is a daily choice that aligns us with God's will and opens us to His transformative work. [01:33:25]
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle with pride? What is one step you can take today to practice humility and invite God's transformative power into that area?
Quotes
"My, my, my, my. Such a sweet presence of the Lord. It's so good to see you. Turn to your neighbor around you, anybody around you, and greet them. Say, man, you're looking good. Good to see you. Praise God. If you don't know somebody, introduce yourself. I'm going to go to the net Bible. Jeremiah 2 and 5 up there. Amen. Praise God. Well, anybody feel like me? It feels so good to be in the house of God. Amen. You know, you could be a lot of places today." [00:48:46] (57 seconds)
"He's going to wrap this thing up. And I want to make sure I'm on his team when the time's up. Praise God. Amen. God's so good. Now I got, I'm going to read several things. So we're just going to pray and then I'm going to let you be seated. Lord, we're so thankful to come together today. We appreciate the opportunity to come and to worship you, to be together with believers of like precious faith, people that love you, people that are seeking you, people that need you, people that have come here because they really don't have what they need and they're looking for an answer. We're asking for you to grant that today." [00:50:08] (43 seconds)
"who take who take who covers you who takes care of you I mean do you work for the federal government or does God take care of you it's who's who's got your back you can put you David put it this way said some men trust in in chariots and some trust in horses of course he's a king and and that was the major that's like saying you know cruise missiles and and guided bombs you know some men trust in these things but we will trust in the name of the Lord our God and and David's the king run the land and there's people invading all the time trying to take it it's not like today well close but it's really bad and and he's saying listen our help comes from above and and he's trying to get people to get a grip of that and today you know you can trust in Franklin you can trust in Jefferson and and Harrison that's faces on bills but I trust you right I tell you right now you better trust in the name of the Lord because God is greater than all this stuff he is he is he's great he's a lot bigger than money you've heard me say for decades money's the easiest thing there is for God to do because it's just stuff it's paper for crying out loud now people that's complicated they've got wheels and attitudes and opinions but money is just paper and if God wants to add it he can add it and he can take care of you but that that the the the common denominator and whether that's going to happen or not is faith" [00:54:09] (122 seconds)
"what do you believe in the federal government the stock market or God you know who takes care of you and uh what's your what's your where's your mind at who has God ever has God ever blessed anybody in this house raise your hand right now if God's blessed you give him glory give him thanks right now God you've blessed me you have blessed me you have blessed me amen God has blessed me and blessed me and blessed me and blessed me and blessed me God the smartest thing I ever did in my life was was was turned to God" [00:56:11] (40 seconds)
"the most amazing day of my life I suppose I know getting the Holy Ghost there's been a lot of amazing things but when God spoke to me and said why don't you try me and I'm just I'm not going to church anywhere haven't been church anywhere Never went to church anywhere. Zero religious background. And God said that to me, well, I got a cup of coffee on a Saturday morning, sitting down just to drink a cup of coffee and enjoy the spring weather. And he says, why don't you try me? And, folks, that redirected my entire life. It redirected." [00:56:57] (39 seconds)
"And I didn't know the voice of the Lord. And at that moment, I didn't know it was the Lord's voice. I learned that. But at that moment, I said, well, that's about the only thing you haven't tried. And then I thought, how in the world would a man find God? And immediately that same voice said, in the Bible. And after meditating and thinking and drinking a couple cups of coffee, I went to a store and bought a Bible. And it changed my whole life. It redirected my whole life." [00:57:49] (43 seconds)
"Now, and I, at that time, if you were to ask me, what do you want to be? At that time, if you'd asked me, if you said, Brother Davidson, what do you want out of life? And I would have said this. I want to be rich. Now, that's what I would have said. I want to be rich. You know? I, that was a goal. It was a goal. I felt like, here's why. That'll take care of everything. That'll, that'll like, man, won't that take care of everything? Every need in my life will be satisfied. But no, that's just so untrue. Rich people kill themselves." [00:58:19] (38 seconds)
"Rich people up in their lives all the time. Some of the most miserable people in the world are rich people. It's not true. It's just money doesn't satisfy every need. Spiritual needs are never touched with money. You know what the greatest blessing in life is? Relationships. It's true. Relationships. Your mom, your dad, if you're married, your spouse, your children, your family. You know, I've preached a lot of years. I've been to a lot of deathbeds where people were dying. And nobody says, bring my broker. Quick," [00:58:58] (56 seconds)
"I'll tell you who they want at their bedside. They want family, relationships. And some of the saddest deathbeds I've been to is when there's not a soul to be there. I'll tell you who they want. All right. Let's go. And so, we need to set priorities in life. We need to think about that. I'm going to read here. Now, this is out of Jeremiah, the prophet. He's called the weeping prophet. He prophesied over and over about Israel's backslidings and trying to turn Israel around. And during his life, he saw Israel and Judah, Judah go into captivity. He saw it all fall apart. In his lifetime, he watched that. And so, he says here, this is what the Lord says, what fault, this is God talking red letters straight through the mouth of Jeremiah, what fault could your ancestors have possibly found in me that they strayed so far from me?" [00:59:59] (60 seconds)
"They paid allegiance to worthless idols and so became worthless to me. Did you catch that? You become like what you worship. You're going to become like whatever it is you worship. Yeah. If you're, if you worship idols, you'll become like that. Anybody ever been to idol worship place? You know, I've been many of them. I've walked through Buddhist temples. I've went in just checking them out. You know, no, no, no, not a Buddhist. Just like men in the center. What in the world? Well, I'm going to check it out. You know, you're not supposed to take pictures. You can't take pictures in there unless you're Paul Sharp." [01:01:00] (46 seconds)
"And then you sneak behind pillars and they got these big monks that are like bouncers, man. They're like 380 pound old muscle monks that are standing in there because people walk up and throw money on the altar and all this kind of stuff, you know, and Buddha can't protect it. So this guy protects it. And, and, you know, they're there to throw you out if you got a camera or whatever. So you just, you know, slipping around the posts and snapping shots and all this kind of stuff. And, but it, but, but, but it's, it's kind of eerie to watch people walk up and, and kneel and pray to a golden idol. You know, and, and they're talking to statues. And, and it's just, it's, it's eerie. It's a little weird. And it's like what you're putting your faith in the, in a piece of metal. And you're laying your money out there. We're all in the hand of Buddha." [01:01:46] (62 seconds)
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