14 February 2010

Text: Psalm 52

“I WILL WAIT ON YOUR NAME, FOR IT IS GOOD”

(I) STRUGGLES IN LIFE

1. To be expected

2. To be overcome

(II) STRUGGLES TO WAIT ON GOD IN A POTENTIALLY DEADLY SITUATION

1. Against evil

2. Against mighty men given to evil (Psalm 52:1)

3. Painful Realities

a) The use of the Tongues

i) The deadly use of the tongue (like a sharp razor) (Psalm 52:2)

ii) The use of the tongue to bring about destruction (Psalm 52:2)

iii) The use of the tongue in deception (Psalm 52:2, 4)

iv) The use of the tongue in lying (Psalm 52:3)

b) The arrogance of man

i) Trusts in the abundance of his riches (Psalm 52:7a)

ii) Strengthens himself in wickedness (Psalm 52:7b)

(III) STRUGGLING IN PRAYER

1. The Elements that make up Imprecatory prayer

a) Frustration

b) Anger

c) Judgment

2. Imprecatory prayer offered

a) God’s punitive judgment contemplated (Psalm 52:5-7)

b) God’s punitive judgment pronounced (Psalm 52:5)

(IV) STRUGGLES OVERCOME THROUGH WAITING ON THE LORD

1. Choosing innocence

“But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God” Psalm 52:8a

2. Choosing to trust

“I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever” Psalm 52:8b

3. Choosing to praise

“I will praise You forever…” Psalm 52:9a

4. Choosing to wait on the Lord

“I will wait on Your name, for it is good” Psalm 52:9c