Yearning for God's Presence: A Journey of Trust
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. It's a joy to be in the house of the Lord today. Last Sunday, we had a wonderful time as ten people were baptized in the river, including some spontaneous decisions to follow Christ. This morning, we are diving into Psalm 84, focusing on the theme of "Yearning for God." The psalmist expresses a deep longing for God's presence, describing it as a soul-deep need that can only be satisfied by the Lord. This yearning is universal, as Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that God has placed eternity in our hearts. People often try to fill this void with various pursuits, but true satisfaction comes only from God.
Psalm 84:4 reminds us that those who dwell in God's house are blessed and ever-praising Him. This dwelling is not a brief visit but a continuous, abiding presence, as Jesus describes in John 15. Abiding in Christ and being filled with the Holy Spirit are essential for experiencing sustained joy and spiritual growth. Ephesians 5:18 encourages us to keep being filled with the Spirit through songs of praise and thanksgiving, which draw us closer to God.
Verses 5 and 7 of Psalm 84 speak of a persevering strength that comes from relying on God. This strength leads to stability, growth, and even blessings in various aspects of life. As we persevere in our walk with God, we are transformed from one degree of glory to another, becoming more like Christ. This transformation is similar to how people who spend a lot of time together start to resemble each other in mannerisms and viewpoints.
The psalmist also emphasizes the importance of prayer and trusting in God's goodness. Verses 10 and 11 highlight that one day in God's presence is better than a thousand elsewhere. God's presence brings light, protection, and countless benefits, including forgiveness, healing, and renewal. Romans 8:28 assures us that God works for the good of those who love Him, even when circumstances seem unfavorable.
Finally, verse 12 sums it up: "Blessed is the man who trusts in You." Trusting God leads to true joy, happiness, and success. This trust is not just verbal but a lived experience of relying on God's goodness and faithfulness. As Warren Wiersbe says, walking by faith means putting God first and keeping our priorities straight. When we trust God completely, we understand that there is nothing better than connecting with Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Yearning for God: Every human heart has a built-in desire for God, a void that only He can fill. This yearning is not just an emotional need but a deep-seated spiritual hunger. People often try to satisfy this longing with temporary pleasures, but true fulfillment comes only from a relationship with God. [38:02]
2. Abiding in God's Presence: Dwelling in God's presence is more than a Sunday morning visit; it is a continuous, abiding relationship. Jesus teaches in John 15 that abiding in Him is essential for bearing fruit and experiencing sustained joy. This abiding is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who fills us as we engage in praise and thanksgiving. [40:58]
3. Persevering Strength: Psalm 84:5 and 7 speak of a strength that comes from persevering in our walk with God. This strength leads to stability, growth, and blessings in various aspects of life. As we rely on God and persevere, we are transformed from one degree of glory to another, becoming more like Christ. [43:12]
4. The Power of Praise: There is a profound connection between praise and God's presence. When we sing songs of praise and express gratitude, we draw closer to God and are filled with the Holy Spirit. This practice is essential for maintaining a vibrant spiritual life and experiencing God's joy and peace. [42:06]
5. Trusting in God's Goodness: Trusting God leads to true joy, happiness, and success. This trust is not just verbal but a lived experience of relying on God's goodness and faithfulness. Romans 8:28 assures us that God works for the good of those who love Him, even when circumstances seem unfavorable. [51:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:18] - Baptism Testimonies
[38:02] - Yearning for God
[39:42] - Dwelling in God's Presence
[40:58] - Abiding in the Vine
[42:06] - The Power of Praise
[42:47] - Persevering Strength
[43:12] - Stability and Growth
[44:54] - Transformation in Christ
[46:55] - The Impact of Being with Jesus
[48:09] - Expecting God to Listen
[48:49] - The Joy of God's Presence
[50:04] - God's Benefits
[51:08] - Trusting in God's Goodness
[52:05] - Living by Faith
[53:34] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 84:1-12 - "How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. Hear my prayer, O Lord God Almighty; listen to me, O God of Jacob. Look upon our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one. Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you."
### Observation Questions
1. What does the psalmist express in Psalm 84:1-2 about his desire for God's presence?
2. According to Psalm 84:4, what is the result of dwelling in God's house?
3. How does Psalm 84:5-7 describe the strength that comes from relying on God?
4. What benefits does the psalmist mention in Psalm 84:10-11 about being in God's presence?
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to have a "soul-deep need" for God as described in the sermon? How does this align with Psalm 84:2? [38:02]
2. How does the concept of "abiding in God's presence" in John 15 relate to the continuous dwelling mentioned in Psalm 84:4? [39:42]
3. In what ways does persevering in our walk with God lead to transformation, as mentioned in the sermon and Psalm 84:7? [43:12]
4. How does the sermon explain the connection between praise and being filled with the Holy Spirit, as seen in Ephesians 5:18 and Psalm 84:4? [42:06]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a deep yearning for something more in life. How did you try to fill that void, and how did it compare to the fulfillment found in God? [38:02]
2. What practical steps can you take to ensure that you are continuously abiding in God's presence throughout the week, not just on Sundays? [39:42]
3. Think about a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you rely on God's strength to persevere and grow through this experience? [43:12]
4. How can you incorporate more praise and thanksgiving into your daily routine to draw closer to God and be filled with the Holy Spirit? [42:06]
5. In what ways have you experienced God's goodness and faithfulness in your life, even during difficult times? How can this trust in God lead to true joy and success? [51:08]
6. Identify one area of your life where you need to trust God more fully. What steps can you take this week to place your trust in Him and experience His blessings? [52:05]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to seek a deeper connection with God and experience the joy of His presence? [53:34]
Devotional
Day 1: The Deep Longing for God
Description: Every human heart has a built-in desire for God, a void that only He can fill. This yearning is not just an emotional need but a deep-seated spiritual hunger. People often try to satisfy this longing with temporary pleasures, but true fulfillment comes only from a relationship with God. Psalm 84 beautifully captures this yearning, describing it as a soul-deep need that can only be satisfied by the Lord. Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that God has placed eternity in our hearts, indicating that this longing is universal and divinely implanted. When we recognize this, we can turn our focus away from temporary pursuits and seek the eternal satisfaction that only God provides. [38:02]
Psalm 42:1-2 (ESV): "As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?"
Reflection: What are some temporary pleasures you have been seeking to fill the void in your heart? How can you turn your focus towards seeking a deeper relationship with God today?
Day 2: Continuous Abiding in God's Presence
Description: Dwelling in God's presence is more than a Sunday morning visit; it is a continuous, abiding relationship. Jesus teaches in John 15 that abiding in Him is essential for bearing fruit and experiencing sustained joy. This abiding is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who fills us as we engage in praise and thanksgiving. Psalm 84:4 reminds us that those who dwell in God's house are blessed and ever-praising Him. This dwelling is not a brief visit but a continuous, abiding presence. Ephesians 5:18 encourages us to keep being filled with the Spirit through songs of praise and thanksgiving, which draw us closer to God. [40:58]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more moments of praise and thanksgiving into your daily routine to ensure you are continuously abiding in God's presence?
Day 3: Strength Through Perseverance
Description: Psalm 84:5 and 7 speak of a strength that comes from persevering in our walk with God. This strength leads to stability, growth, and blessings in various aspects of life. As we rely on God and persevere, we are transformed from one degree of glory to another, becoming more like Christ. This transformation is similar to how people who spend a lot of time together start to resemble each other in mannerisms and viewpoints. The strength we gain from God is not just for our benefit but also for the benefit of those around us, as we become more Christ-like in our actions and attitudes. [43:12]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on God's strength rather than your own? How can you practice perseverance in your walk with God this week?
Day 4: The Power of Praise
Description: There is a profound connection between praise and God's presence. When we sing songs of praise and express gratitude, we draw closer to God and are filled with the Holy Spirit. This practice is essential for maintaining a vibrant spiritual life and experiencing God's joy and peace. Ephesians 5:18 encourages us to keep being filled with the Spirit through songs of praise and thanksgiving. This continuous filling of the Spirit through praise helps us to stay connected to God and experience His presence in a powerful way. [42:06]
Psalm 100:4-5 (ESV): "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."
Reflection: How can you make praise and thanksgiving a more integral part of your daily life? What specific steps can you take to ensure you are regularly expressing gratitude to God?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Goodness
Description: Trusting God leads to true joy, happiness, and success. This trust is not just verbal but a lived experience of relying on God's goodness and faithfulness. Romans 8:28 assures us that God works for the good of those who love Him, even when circumstances seem unfavorable. Psalm 84:10-11 highlights that one day in God's presence is better than a thousand elsewhere. God's presence brings light, protection, and countless benefits, including forgiveness, healing, and renewal. Trusting in God's goodness means putting Him first and keeping our priorities straight, understanding that there is nothing better than connecting with Him. [51:08]
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 find it difficult to trust in God's goodness? How can you take a step of faith today to trust Him more fully in that area?
Quotes
1. "Every person has a built-in desire for God, whether they realize it or not. And that is why people are always searching for something to satisfy. You know, the next greatest adventure, the latest gadget. Knew this, knew that. You know, there is a built-in desire for something more. And when not handled properly, this built-in desire can lead to all kinds of addictive behaviors. Drugs, alcohol, sexual deviances, and so on. People are trying to find a satisfaction that can really only be found in the Lord." [38:02] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Blessed are those who dwell in your house. They are ever praising you. And you are blessed when you connect with the Lord. His presence brings joy and happiness like nothing else can. You may have been lacking in the arena of personal happiness and joy. And if that's the case, it's time to reconnect with God. Because He's the one that can really put joy in your life. And here it says, He who dwells in your house. And the idea is to make the effort to connect with God and then stay connected." [39:42] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There is a connection, I've been saying this, that there is a connection between praise and God's presence. When we praise Him, when we express gratitude, it draws us into God's presence and it fills us yet again with the Holy Spirit. We need to keep on being filled with the Spirit. Amen? And that's why music is an important part of our weekly gatherings. We spend a chunk of time singing songs of praise." [42:06] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you abide in the Lord, and you keep on persevering, you grow in a lot of different ways. You become more stable over time. You grow in your abilities. And His righteousness rubs off on you. And even your personal wealth might be affected by you staying connected with God. I'm not preaching a prosperity gospel, but sometimes God blesses you financially because you're faithful." [43:12] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we really rely on God and persevere. 2 Corinthians 3.18 talks about seeing God's glory and being transformed from one degree of glory to another. The more we abide in His presence, the more we keep our focus on Him, the more we grow, grow, grow. As we focus on the Lord and His glory, we are personally transformed, and we grow more and more into the likeness of Christ. Who wants to be more like Jesus? As we focus on Him, we grow more like Him." [43:58] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When you connect with God in such a way that you know He can really satisfy that inner thirst, that yearning in your soul, then you just love spending time with Him. Do you have a good friend or a family member that just kind of recharges you when you're together? They have an effect. They don't even have to necessarily say anything profound. They just recharge you. It's the same with the Lord." [48:49] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When you come to see God in this light, drawing near to Him over and over again, you understand that God is not holding out on you. He is always working for your good. Romans 8.28 We know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him. And we know that in some things on some days, God works for our good. And we know that only when everything is going well, God works for our good. That's not what it says. It says in all things. In all things. Even when it doesn't seem like it." [51:08] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When you trust God, you are blessed. You're joyful. You're happy. You're successful. This trust of God is more than just words. It means you replace your reliance upon God. Having full confidence in His good will toward you. It's more than just saying, I trust You, Lord. It's actually living life on the edge because you trust Him. You can count on Him." [52:05] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When you come to the point of trusting God this completely, then you are truly blessed. You then understand the earlier verses. One day with God is better than thousands elsewhere. If you really trust the Lord and you know Him this way, you know that's the truth. The thirst within your soul is finally satisfied in God's presence. So stop looking elsewhere for fulfillment in life. Instead, look to God. Praise Him. Persevere in your walk with Him. Pray. Put your trust in Him. Pursue Him above all other things and you will be blessed." [53:34] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "There is nothing better than connecting with God. There is nothing better than connecting with God. Sometimes, you know, we can read that Psalm and we're going to sing this song and the words come out, but do we really get it? There is nothing better connecting with God. That is the gospel truth. There is nothing better. Lord, help us to get that." [54:18] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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