26 May 2003

Text: Psalm 77
Asaphic Collection
Danger: A Complaining Spirit

THE SPIRIT BEHIND PRAYER

1. The Offering up of Prayer
"I cried out to God with my voice-
To God with my voice…" Psalm 77:1

2. The wrong spirit
"My soul refused to be comforted." Psalm 77:2b

"I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed." Psalm 77:3b

"I am so troubled I cannot speak." Psalm 77:4b

ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM OF A COMPLAINING SPIRIT

1. Think!
"I have considered the days of old…" Psalm 77:5a

2. Remember!
"I call to remembrance my song in the night…" Psalm 77:6a

3. Meditate!
"I meditate within my heart…" Psalm 77:6b

4. Search!
"And My spirit makes diligent search." Psalm 77:6c

5. Re-examine Basic Theological Understanding and Faith
"Will the Lord cast off forever?
And will He be favourable no more?
Has His mercy ceased forever?
Has His promise failed forevermore?
Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies?" Psalm 77:7-9

a) The concept of the Lord "casting off"
b) The concept of His "favour"
c) The concept of "His mercy"
d) The concept of "His promise"
e) The concept of "His graciousness"
f) The concept of "His tender mercies"

CONCLUSION OF SEARCH

"This is my anguish..." Psalm 77:10

1. Associated with our being human

2. Associated with our sinfulness

3. Associated with the sufferings that we will experience in life

4. Associated with the problem of the spirit of complaining