dealing with discouragement

“Embracing Change To Experience Life!”

“Embracing Change To Experience Life!”

Psalm 61:1–8Psalm 61:1–8

This message shows us….

Your situation doesn’t

change a bit about GOD –

• WHO HE IS• WHAT HE CAN

DO• HIS GOODNESS

• WHO HE IS• WHAT HE CAN

DO• HIS GOODNESS

Psalm 61:1,2…. Psalm 61:1,2….

“(v.1) Hear my cry, O God;listen to my prayer.

(v.2) From the ends of the earth

I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to therock that is higher than I.”

(NIV)

“(v.1) Hear my cry, O God;listen to my prayer.

(v.2) From the ends of the earth

I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to therock that is higher than I.”

(NIV)

David FEELS that God isa million miles away.

David FEELS that God isa million miles away.

means “to shroud,” “clothed in darkness.”

(overwhelmed)

We are imperfect people in an imperfect world

BUT praise Godwe serve a PERFECT GOD!

We are imperfect people in an imperfect world

BUT praise Godwe serve a PERFECT GOD!

In times of

discouragement, we must learn to turn to Him.

RESPECT HIS POSITION!

Isaiah 25:1…. Isaiah 25:1….

“LORD, you are my God;I will exalt you and

praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you

have done marvelous things, things planned

long ago.”(NIV)

“LORD, you are my God;I will exalt you and

praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you

have done marvelous things, things planned

long ago.”(NIV)

David goes on to say….

“Lead me to the rockthat is higher than I.” 

(Psalm 61:2b; NIV)

“Lead me to the rockthat is higher than I.” 

(Psalm 61:2b; NIV)

Psalm 61:3,4…. Psalm 61:3,4….

“(v.3) For you have been my refuge, a strong tower

against the foe. (v.4) I long to dwell in your tent

forever and take refuge in the shelter of your

wings.”(NIV)

“(v.3) For you have been my refuge, a strong tower

against the foe. (v.4) I long to dwell in your tent

forever and take refuge in the shelter of your

wings.”(NIV)

David speaks of this“PROTECTION”

in 3 tenses….

David speaks of this“PROTECTION”

in 3 tenses….

“For you have beenmy refuge

[a shelter for me],a strong tower

against the foe [enemy].”Psalm 61:3, NIV Psalm 61:3, NIV

Psalm 57:1…. Psalm 57:1….

“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in

you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the

shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.”

(NIV)

Just think back to the

horrors of your past. Look to all of the times

that God has PROTECTED you from harm.

Just think back to the

horrors of your past. Look to all of the times

that God has PROTECTED you from harm.

“I long to dwell in your tent forever and takerefuge in the shelter

of your wings.”(Psalm 61:4; NIV)

“I long to dwell [abide]in your tent forever.”

David refers to himself

as an everlasting guestin the tent of the Lord.

The word “wings” is mentioned in connection with

the protection of God.

Romans 8:15…. Romans 8:15….

“For you did not receivea spirit that makes youa slave again to fear,

but you received the Spirit

of sonship. And by himwe cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ ”

(NIV)

“ (v.5) For you have heard my vows, O God; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. (v.6) Increase the days of the king’s life, his years for many generations. (v.7) May he be enthroned in

God’s presence forever; appoint your love and

faithfulness to protect him.” (NIV)

Psalm 61:5-7…. Psalm 61:5-7….

In times of

David praised the Lord for

His blessings on his lifeand the lives

of the people of Israel.

Carried thro the trials of faith!

Carried thro the trials of faith!

Praising in difficult timesis not always easy

BUT if we want to overcome discouragement,

it is a requirement.

Our problem is thatwe (many Christians)

DON’T EVEN praise Godin the good times.

You don’t know whatyou’ve got TILL IT’S GONE!

We take for grantedthe uncounted blessings

of life UNTIL they areremoved from us? 

Is it for ….

or

“Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after

day.” (NIV)

Psalm 61:8…. Psalm 61:8….

How could David dothis in a time of

It’s by….

The Lord’s Position

In The Lord’s Protection

The Lord’s Provision

Let’s pray! Let’s pray!