24 January 2010

Text: Psalm 59

“I WILL WAIT FOR YOU, O YOU HIS STRENGTH”

(I) FACING THE PERSISTING PROBLEMS OF LIFE

1. Struggling when God seems slow in answering

a) In problems that are life threatening (Psalm 59:1-2)

b) In problems that are no fault of ours (Psalm 59:3-4)

2. Being anxious when problems persist as a daily dilemma

a) The problem returns in the evening (Psalm 59:6)

b) The problem causes us to doubt God (Psalm 59:6)

c) The problem of being cursed at (Psalm 59:12)

d) The problem of being lied to (Psalm 59:12)

3. Pleading for God to answer quickly (Psalm 59:1-5)

(II) LEARNING TO WAIT UPON THE LORD AS OUR STRENGTH

1. Relating to God at a deeper level

a) “O Lord God of Hosts” (Psalm 59:5)

b) “The God of Israel” (Psalm 59:5)

c) “His strength…” (Psalm 59:9)

d) “For God is my defence.” (Psalm 59:9)

e) “O Lord, our shield” (Psalm 59:11)

2. Seeking strength from God through prayer

“I will wait for You, O You his strength;…” Psalm 59:9

3. Waiting with certainty in God

a) A God of mercy

“My God of mercy shall come to meet me…” Psalm 59:10

b) A God who rules forever

‘And let them know that God rules in Jacob to the ends of the earth.” Psalm 59:13

(III) WHEN PROBLEMS CONTINUE DESPITE WAITING ON THE LORD

‘And at evening they return, they growl like a dog, and go all around the city. They wander up and down for food, and howl if they are not satisfied.” Psalm 59:16

1. Problems still there

2. Problems still persisting

(IV) RESPONSE OF PRAISE TO GOD AS OUR STRENGTH

“To You, O my strength, I will sing praises.” Psalm 59:17

1. Choosing to sing of the Lord (Psalm 59:16)

a) Starting the day by singing to God (Psalm 59:16)

b) Finding good reasons and joy to sing (Psalm 59:16-17)

i) God’s power given

ii) God’s mercy shown

iii) God had been a real defence

iv) God was a refuge in the day of trouble

2. Cultivating a spirit of praise to God (Psalm 59:16-17)