Trusting God's Sovereignty in Times of Distress

 

Summary

In Psalm 31, David finds himself in a state of deep distress, feeling forgotten and pursued by enemies. Yet, amidst his trials, he places his trust in God, declaring, "Thou art my God" and "My times are in thy hand." This profound trust in God's sovereignty and timing is a central theme, offering a powerful reminder of the peace and assurance that comes from knowing our lives are under divine care.

David's declaration is not just a statement of faith but a profound claim of ownership and relationship with God. To say, "Thou art my God," is to assert a connection that surpasses any earthly possession or status. It is a claim that brings comfort and strength, knowing that the Creator of the universe is intimately involved in the details of our lives.

The sermon emphasizes that all aspects of our lives—our joys and sorrows, successes and failures—are in God's hands. This truth provides a foundation for peace, as it assures us that nothing happens by chance. Every event, whether seemingly trivial or significant, is orchestrated by God's wisdom and love. This understanding should lead us to a life free from anxiety, as we trust in God's perfect plan and timing.

Moreover, recognizing that our times are in God's hands encourages us to live with a sense of purpose and dedication to His service. When we entrust our lives to God, we are freed from the burdens of worry and fear, allowing us to focus on serving Him wholeheartedly. This trust also fosters a spirit of independence from worldly pressures and a deep sense of contentment, knowing that our ultimate security and fulfillment are found in God alone.

In conclusion, the assurance that our times are in God's hands is a source of immense comfort and strength. It calls us to a deeper faith, a life of service, and a peace that transcends understanding, rooted in the unchanging love and sovereignty of God.

Key Takeaways:

1. Trust in God's Sovereignty: David's declaration, "My times are in thy hand," is a profound expression of trust in God's control over every aspect of life. This trust provides peace and assurance, knowing that nothing happens by chance and that God's wisdom and love guide all events. [04:27]

2. The Power of Personal Faith: Claiming God as "my God" is a powerful assertion of personal faith and relationship. It surpasses any earthly possession or status, offering comfort and strength in knowing that the Creator is intimately involved in our lives. [03:00]

3. Freedom from Anxiety: Recognizing that our lives are in God's hands frees us from anxiety and worry. This understanding allows us to live with peace and contentment, trusting in God's perfect plan and timing for our lives. [12:22]

4. Living with Purpose: When we entrust our lives to God, we are freed to focus on serving Him wholeheartedly. This trust fosters a spirit of independence from worldly pressures and a deep sense of contentment, knowing that our ultimate security is in God. [41:05]

5. God's Nearness and Care: The belief that our times are in God's hands brings a sense of God's nearness and active involvement in our lives. It assures us of His constant care and protection, encouraging us to live with confidence and hope. [19:29]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - David's Distress and Trust
- [01:12] - The Power of Faith
- [02:11] - The Shield of Faith
- [03:00] - Claiming God as My Own
- [03:56] - My Times in God's Hand
- [04:42] - God's Sovereign Control
- [05:25] - God's Care and Protection
- [06:25] - Divine Arrangement of Our Lives
- [07:39] - Predestination and Providence
- [09:35] - Oneness with Christ
- [10:53] - God's Wisdom in Our Lives
- [12:08] - Assurance in God's Hand
- [14:06] - God's Nearness in Our Lives
- [19:29] - God's Constant Care

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 31:12-15

---

#### Observation Questions

1. In Psalm 31, how does David describe his emotional state and the threats he faces from his enemies? [00:11]

2. What specific declaration does David make about his relationship with God in Psalm 31:14? [03:00]

3. How does David express his trust in God's control over his life in Psalm 31:15? [03:56]

4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of David's statement, "My times are in thy hand"? [04:27]

---

#### Interpretation Questions

1. What does it mean for David to claim God as "my God," and how does this personal relationship impact his faith and actions? [03:00]

2. How does the sermon explain the concept of God's sovereignty over the events in our lives, and what implications does this have for believers? [04:27]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that recognizing God's control over our lives can lead to freedom from anxiety and worry? [12:22]

4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between trusting in God's plan and living with a sense of purpose and dedication to His service? [41:05]

---

#### Application Questions

1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's challenges. How might David's trust in God's sovereignty inspire you to respond differently in similar situations? [00:11]

2. Consider your personal relationship with God. How can you deepen this connection to experience the comfort and strength that David describes? [03:00]

3. What are some practical steps you can take to remind yourself that your life is in God's hands, especially during moments of uncertainty or fear? [04:27]

4. How can you cultivate a spirit of independence from worldly pressures by trusting in God's perfect plan and timing for your life? [12:22]

5. Identify an area of your life where you struggle with anxiety. What specific actions can you take to entrust this area to God and experience His peace? [12:22]

6. How can you live with a greater sense of purpose and dedication to serving God, knowing that your ultimate security and fulfillment are found in Him? [41:05]

7. Think of a recent situation where you felt pressured by societal expectations. How can the assurance of God's nearness and care help you navigate such pressures with confidence? [19:29]

Devotional

Day 1: Trust in God's Sovereignty
In Psalm 31, David expresses a profound trust in God's sovereignty, declaring, "My times are in thy hand." This statement reflects a deep assurance that every aspect of life is under divine control. Trusting in God's sovereignty means believing that nothing happens by chance and that every event is guided by His wisdom and love. This understanding provides peace and assurance, allowing individuals to rest in the knowledge that their lives are orchestrated by a loving Creator. By embracing this truth, one can find comfort in the midst of life's uncertainties, knowing that God's perfect plan and timing are at work. [04:27]

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 struggle to trust God's timing? How can you actively surrender this area to His control today?


Day 2: The Power of Personal Faith
Claiming God as "my God" is a powerful assertion of personal faith and relationship. This declaration surpasses any earthly possession or status, offering comfort and strength in knowing that the Creator is intimately involved in one's life. It is a profound claim of ownership and connection, bringing a sense of belonging and assurance. By recognizing God as "my God," individuals can experience a deep sense of peace, knowing that they are not alone and that the Creator of the universe is actively engaged in their lives. This personal faith fosters a strong relationship with God, providing strength and comfort in times of need. [03:00]

Psalm 73:25-26 (ESV): "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a personal way. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Him today?


Day 3: Freedom from Anxiety
Recognizing that our lives are in God's hands frees us from anxiety and worry. This understanding allows individuals to live with peace and contentment, trusting in God's perfect plan and timing for their lives. By acknowledging that every aspect of life is under divine care, one can let go of the burdens of worry and fear. This freedom from anxiety enables individuals to focus on living a life of purpose and dedication to God's service. Trusting in God's sovereignty provides a foundation for peace, allowing individuals to experience a deep sense of contentment and assurance in His love and wisdom. [12:22]

Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Reflection: Identify a specific worry or fear that you are holding onto. How can you release it to God and trust in His provision today?


Day 4: Living with Purpose
When individuals entrust their lives to God, they are freed to focus on serving Him wholeheartedly. This trust fosters a spirit of independence from worldly pressures and a deep sense of contentment, knowing that ultimate security is found in God. By living with purpose and dedication to God's service, individuals can experience a fulfilling and meaningful life. This sense of purpose is rooted in the assurance that one's life is under divine care and guidance. By embracing this truth, individuals can live with confidence and hope, knowing that their lives are aligned with God's perfect plan. [41:05]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Reflection: What is one way you can serve God more wholeheartedly in your daily life? How can you align your actions with His purpose for you?


Day 5: God's Nearness and Care
The belief that our times are in God's hands brings a sense of God's nearness and active involvement in our lives. It assures individuals of His constant care and protection, encouraging them to live with confidence and hope. By recognizing God's intimate involvement in the details of life, individuals can experience a deep sense of peace and assurance. This understanding fosters a strong relationship with God, providing comfort and strength in times of need. By embracing the truth of God's nearness and care, individuals can live with a sense of security and fulfillment, knowing that they are never alone. [19:29]

Psalm 139:1-3 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: How can you become more aware of God's presence in your daily life? What practices can you incorporate to remind yourself of His constant care and involvement?

Quotes


David was sad, his life was spent with grief and his years with sighing. His sorrow had wasted his strength and even his bones were consumed within him. Cruel enemies pursued him with malicious craft even seeking his life. At such a time he used the best resource of grief for he says in verse 14 but I trusted in thee o lord. [00:01:18]

He had no other refuge but that which he found in faith in the lord his god. If enemies slandered him he did not render railing for railing if they devised to take away his life he did not meet violence with violence, but he calmly trusted in the lord. [00:01:41]

The greatest claim that man has ever made, I said thou art my god. He that can say this kingdom is mine makes a royal claim. He that can say this mountain of silver is mine makes a wealthy claim. But he that can say to the lord thou art my god hath said more than all monarchs and millionaires can reach. [00:02:45]

The great truth is this, all that concerns the believer is in the hands of the almighty god my times, these change and shift, but they change only in accordance with unchanging love and they shift only according to the purpose of one with whom there is no variableness nor shadow of attorney. [00:04:25]

My times, that is to say my ups and my downs my health and my sickness my poverty and my wealth all these are in the hand of the lord who arranges and appoints according to his holy will the length of my days and the darkness of my nights. [00:04:49]

The ultimate result of his work of grace upon us and of his education of us in this life are in the highest hand. We are not in our own hands nor in the hands of earthly teachers but we are under the skillful operation of hands which make nothing in vain. [00:05:48]

Not only are we ourselves in the hand of the lord, but all that surrounds us, our times make up a kind of atmosphere of existence, and all this is under divine arrangement. We dwell within the palm of god's hand, we are absolutely at his disposal and all our circumstances are arranged by him in all their details. [00:06:22]

If our lives were not appointed of heaven we should wish they were. If there were no overruling providence we would crave for one. We would merge our own wills in the will of the great god and cry not as we will but as thou wilt. [00:08:50]

Everything in the hand of god is where it may be left without anxiety, and it is where it will be carried through to a prosperous issue. Things prosper which are in his hand, my times are in thy hand is an assurance that none can disturb or pervert or poison them. [00:11:46]

A clear conviction that our times are in the hand of god will create within us a sense of the nearness of god. If the hand of god is laid upon all our surroundings, god himself is near us. Our puritanic fathers walked with god the more readily because they believed in god as arranging everything in their daily business and domestic life. [00:13:58]

The wicked may gnash their teeth at believers but they cannot destroy them. Here is their comfort they have committed their spirit to the hand of god and he will sacredly preserve the precious deposit. Fear not the judgments of men, appeal to a higher court take the case to the king's bench. [00:27:00]

The hand of god ensures success all along the line, in that day when we shall see the tapestry which records our lives we shall see all the scenes therein with wandering eye. We shall see what wisdom what love what tenderness what care was lavished upon them. [00:45:34]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Nov 27, 2021. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?