Trusting God Through Sorrow: A Journey of Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in God's Sovereignty

In the midst of life's sorrows and sins, trusting in God's sovereignty is a profound act of faith. This trust is not about the absence of trouble but about the assurance of God's presence and His ability to redeem and restore. When David committed his spirit into God's hands, he demonstrated a deep reliance on God's power to rescue and redeem, even in the darkest moments. This act of surrender is a declaration that God is in control, and His plans for us are good, even when we cannot see the outcome. [03:21]

Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's sovereignty? How can you actively choose to surrender this area to Him today?

Day 2: Acknowledging Our Brokenness

David's transparency in acknowledging his feelings of being spent, forgotten, and broken invites us to do the same. Honest confession before God is the first step towards healing and restoration. By admitting our struggles and weaknesses, we open ourselves to God's transformative power. This act of confession is not about dwelling in our brokenness but about inviting God into our pain, trusting that He is both aware of our struggles and capable of delivering us from them. [17:22]

Psalm 51:17 (ESV): "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."

Reflection: What is one area of brokenness in your life that you need to bring before God today? How can you create a moment of honest confession with Him?

Day 3: The Power of Calling on God

In times of distress, calling upon the Lord is a powerful act of faith. It shifts our focus from our circumstances to God's ability to deliver and transform. When we call on God, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and invite His intervention in our lives. This act of calling is not just about seeking help but about aligning our hearts with God's promises and trusting in His power to act on our behalf. [22:21]

Psalm 18:6 (ESV): "In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears."

Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you intentionally call upon God today and trust in His ability to intervene?

Day 4: Worshiping in Trials

Worshiping God even in the midst of trials demonstrates a deep faith in His steadfast love. This act of worship is not dependent on our circumstances but on the unchanging nature of God's goodness. When we choose to worship in difficult times, we declare that God's love and faithfulness are greater than our struggles. Worship becomes a powerful expression of trust and hope, reminding us of God's presence and His promises. [23:04]

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine, especially during challenging times? What specific song or scripture can you use to focus your heart on God's goodness today?

Day 5: Experiencing God's Abundant Provision

God's goodness is stored up for us, ensuring that we have all we need even when we don't see it. This provision is not just for the future but is available to us now, offering hope and assurance in the midst of life's challenges. God's abundant provision reminds us that He is a generous and loving Father who delights in caring for His children. By trusting in His provision, we can face each day with confidence, knowing that He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. [25:11]

2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you experienced God's provision. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust in His ongoing provision today?

Sermon Summary

Psalm 31 offers profound insights into the human experience of sorrow and sin, and the divine remedy available through faith and trust in God. In this exploration, we delve into the depths of David's cries and the transformative power of committing our spirit into God's hands. David's plea, "Into your hand I commit my spirit," echoes Jesus' words on the cross, highlighting a profound trust in God's sovereignty even amidst life's most challenging moments. This act of surrender is not just a relinquishing of control but a declaration of faith in God's ability to rescue and redeem.

The psalm identifies three of the most heartbreaking experiences: feeling spent, forgotten, and broken. These are not just fleeting emotions but chronic conditions that can weigh heavily on the soul. David's acknowledgment of these struggles is a reminder that we are not alone in our pain. The psalmist's transparency invites us to bring our own burdens before God, trusting that He is both aware of our struggles and capable of delivering us from them.

The remedy for these deep-seated issues lies in a threefold response: trust, call, and worship. Trusting in God's abundant goodness, calling upon His name in times of distress, and worshiping Him even in the midst of trials are powerful acts of faith that align our hearts with His promises. These actions are not contingent upon the resolution of our circumstances but are expressions of faith that God is working for our good, storing up His goodness for those who fear Him.

God's response to our cries is multifaceted. He pulls us out of the nets that entangle us, stores up abundant goodness for us, and covers us with His presence. This divine covering assures us that we are never alone, even when we feel isolated or forgotten. The perseverance of the saints is not about our ability to hold on to God but about His unwavering commitment to hold on to us, ensuring that the work He began in us will be brought to completion.

Key Takeaways

1. Trust in God's Sovereignty: In the midst of sorrow and sin, the act of committing our spirit into God's hands is a profound declaration of trust. This trust is not based on the absence of trouble but on the assurance of God's presence and His ability to redeem and restore. [03:21]
2. Acknowledge and Confess: David's transparency in acknowledging his feelings of being spent, forgotten, and broken invites us to do the same. Honest confession before God is the first step towards healing and restoration. [17:22]
3. The Power of Calling on God: In times of distress, calling upon the Lord is a powerful act of faith. It shifts our focus from our circumstances to God's ability to deliver and transform. [22:21]
4. Worship in the Midst of Trials: Worshiping God even when we are in a besieged city demonstrates a deep faith in His steadfast love. This act of worship is not dependent on our circumstances but on the unchanging nature of God's goodness. [23:04]
5. God's Abundant Provision: God's goodness is stored up for us, ensuring that we have all we need even when we don't see it. This provision is not just for the future but is available to us now, offering hope and assurance in the midst of life's challenges. [25:11]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Psalm 31
[00:46] - The Remedy for Sorrow and Sin
[01:29] - David's Cry for Refuge
[02:13] - Committing Our Spirit to God
[03:21] - Trusting God in Crisis
[04:00] - The Heartbreaking Words: Spent, Forgotten, Broken
[05:03] - The Impact of Sorrow on Body and Soul
[06:38] - The Long-Term Struggle with Sin
[08:30] - The Battle with Faith and Doubt
[10:11] - Feeling Forgotten and Isolated
[12:21] - The Pain of a Broken Heart
[14:20] - Breaking Agreements with Lies
[15:27] - The Remedy: Trust, Call, Worship
[18:26] - The Finished Work of Christ
[23:04] - Worship in the Besieged City
[25:11] - God's Abundant Goodness Stored Up
[28:40] - The Work of Christ in Our Lives
[32:39] - Covered by His Presence
[33:59] - Perseverance of the Saints
[37:34] - Be Strong and Take Courage

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Psalm 31

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 31:1-24
- Luke 23:46
- Romans 14:23

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Observation Questions:

What are the three most heartbreaking experiences mentioned in Psalm 31, and how do they affect David? ([04:00])
How does David express his trust in God despite his circumstances in Psalm 31? ([03:21])
What does David mean when he says, "Into your hand I commit my spirit," and how is this echoed in the New Testament? ([02:13])
How does the sermon describe the impact of sorrow and sin on both the body and soul? ([05:03])

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the act of committing one's spirit into God's hands serve as a declaration of trust in God's sovereignty? ([03:21])
In what ways does the sermon suggest that acknowledging and confessing our feelings of being spent, forgotten, and broken can lead to healing? ([17:22])
How does the sermon explain the power of calling on God during times of distress, and what shift does this create in our focus? ([22:21])
What role does worship play in the midst of trials, according to the sermon, and how does it demonstrate faith in God's steadfast love? ([23:04])

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt spent, forgotten, or broken. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now in light of Psalm 31? ([04:00])
How can you practice committing your spirit into God's hands in your current life situation? What specific steps can you take to trust in His sovereignty? ([03:21])
Identify a situation where you need to call upon God. What specific prayer or action can you take this week to shift your focus from your circumstances to God's ability to deliver? ([22:21])
Consider a trial you are currently facing. How can you incorporate worship into your response to this challenge, and what impact might this have on your faith? ([23:04])
God's goodness is described as being stored up for us. How can you remind yourself of this truth when you feel like you are lacking? What practical steps can you take to align your heart with this promise? ([25:11])
The sermon mentions the perseverance of the saints as God's commitment to us. How can you rely on this truth in moments of doubt or struggle? ([33:59])
Reflect on the concept of breaking agreements with lies. What lies have you believed about yourself, and how can you replace them with God's truth this week? ([14:20])

Sermon Clips

David is crying out to God here in in a midst of a a storm a crisis struggle that he's going through and it's not a short-lived one it's a it's it we'll see in scripture here that it's something that's been uh lasting for a long time it would be considered a chronic problem of Sorrow a chronic problem of sin transgression that he's struggling with and the the cry here into your hands I commit my spirit I believe is the the key that unlocks the text of Psalm chapter 31. [00:02:26]

David is saying here the King David is saying pull me out of these things isn't that your heart's desire today pull me out of sorrow and years of sighing pull me out of the circumstances that are causing that and the mindset that I have pull me out of the grief of my soul and body pull me out of my strength failing pull me out of being forgotten pull me out of being broken take me from all of these things to say that I think this is important for us to understand for us to say pull me out means that we're actually in it. [00:16:22]

It's an honest confession to God I am broken I am hurt I am spent I feel like giving up it's an honest confession of these things and it's a cry of Hope I'm going to commit my soul my spirit my life into your hands because I know you and your graciousness will pull me up out of this pit out of this net that I found myself in I'm not even sure how I got in it but I can tell you honestly God I'm in it and I need you to pull me out. [00:17:19]

The first one is found in verse 14 but I trust in you oh God and I say you are my God you see verse 19 let's look at that briefly says oh how abundant is your goodness and now he's about to describe various ways that God reveals himself as so good that we can with confidence put our Spirit into his hands put our body into his hands put our life into his hands and so we see here out of abundance goodness the first thing is to trust I believe you're good I believe you have power to pull me out. [00:19:42]

I believe you can help me overcome my loneliness my sin my grief my sorrow all of these things in my life Lord I believe you can be the solution therefore I put my trust in you and verse 14 says but I trust in you that word but right at the beginning of that I have all these circumstances is going on but but I trust in you it doesn't say I'll trust in you when those circumstances change he's saying these circumstances are still a reality in my life but I'm still trusting in you. [00:20:34]

Calling on Lord I'm in a pit pull me out Lord I'm spent give me energy Lord I'm struggling with iniquity cleanse my unrighteousness and cause me to walk in the strength of your spirit Lord I'm I feel forgotten Lord I feel brokenhearted I'm calling on you in all these Realms and and I believe that I can trust in you and call call on you and you'll Hear My Cry and the third one is in verse 21 blessed be the Lord for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city. [00:22:40]

When I was in these three elements these three difficulties that we find ourselves in as David did he he begins to worship blessed be the Lord he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me even when I was in the besieged city it doesn't say when I got out of the besieged city it's when I was in in it he showed his love to me today Jesus wants to show his love to you to demonstrate his power in your life to show you that he's going to accompany you with the sweetness of his spirit. [00:23:00]

The love we have for God is is moving the heart of God towards bringing things into our life that we have not seen or heard or or even imagined God's prepared those things that are beyond what our comprehension can contain and he's storing them up for us and he's going to show them and most of them are revealed in in heaven but there are many many a plethora of them that are restored and given to us here on Earth the good news is that it's priorly prepared it's it's not something that he's going to try to run around and get done at the last minute. [00:26:37]

He's even though you're in trouble now he's already beforehand prepared the remedy for you another good thing about this what is stored up is that it never runs out the the supply is is more than sufficient for the need it this may sound strange but I would say suggest to you it's always in stock have you ever tried to we we we my wife and I tried to order a game on line on Amazon and we got a email back saying it was out of stock small disappointment in life but the joy of the Lord is never out of stock. [00:27:20]

The Peace of Christ is never out of stock the the presence of God is never out of stock it's it's available to you at all times and I love this too it won't go to anyone else it's for for you that's what it says my my goodness is stored up for those of you who fear it's the word there is you it's it's stored up for you sometimes you think somebody else might grab it somebody else might buy the last one you might go into the grocery store and feel like oh there's no more ice cream that my favorite brand no those are small things but in the large scale God won't let anyone else take what he's promised for you. [00:28:04]

The perseverance of the Saints and it sounds like we're saying the Saints are going to persevere but it's God's persevering upon us that this is speaking of it's not our work to persevere ourselves so that God will continually accept us it is God persevering to show his acceptance his righteousness imputed to us that his work is finished in us here are some scriptures that if you have a struggle believing that God's going to keep you that that he who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it. [00:33:59]

I hope this just frees you I hope it makes you uh sense the power of the work of God God in your life I trust that it causes you to to to not be stuck in that wallowing in that net to to know that the work of Jesus has has pulled you up it's not something he's just going to do in the future but but but he's provided all the things for us to be pulled up into a newness of Life what Joy what Delight what freeing what what rest what what what ability to put a once anxious head on a pill and find comfort and peace and and and a sleep that is without anxiety or stress. [00:36:58]

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Trusting God Through Sorrow: A Journey of Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in God's Sovereignty

Day 2: Acknowledging Our Brokenness

Day 3: The Power of Calling on God

Day 4: Worshiping in Trials

Day 5: Experiencing God's Abundant Provision

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Trusting God Through Sorrow: A Journey of Faith

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