As a pastor, it is hard to find the right words to help people in various situations of their life. Our minds grasp for something to help them. At the same time, they are seeking help from the Lord and whoever else. It is very likely that you could identify with the statement, “The blind leads the blind!” This sermon outline seeks to shed some light on what some people need to do when faced with trials in their life. No matter how spiritual you think you are, this Psalm makes you take a seat in the classroom of God’s School of Trials!Title: “Taking Ownership Of Our Infirmities!”
Text: Psalm 77:10
(Psalms 77:10) “And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.” (KJV)
Introduction:
• Many times in life we happen across seasons and situations that we do not prefer!
• Problems arise and we have no answers. It seems that moments are now hours, and hours are now months!
• We find no rest for our souls and we feel forsaken and abandoned by God! Such was the case of our Psalmist!
• The turning point in the writer’s life was when he took ownership of his trial and affliction. “This is my infirmity”. Out of his claim came a renewed sense of God’s greatness; He turned his eyes back toward of God and removed them from his circumstances!
• I want us to dive into the mind of the Psalmist. I want us to understand that it is okay to have this ordeal unfold in our lives. (It often does, but we do not admit it!)
• We must take ownership of our “cross” and make it our own! We must refrain from blaming someone else for our problems… especially God!
Proposition: There are four things I want us to see in our Psalm that should help us take ownership of our infirmities!
I. Notice The Turmoil! Verses 1-6
A. (Psalms 77:1) Prayed and he knew God heard him!
B. (Psalms 77:2) From the outset of the problem, help was sought. However, the flesh found little comfort!
C. (Psalms 77:3) A sense of being overwhelmed was felt when trying to find God!
D. (Psalms 77:4) No sleep was found and no more speech could be made!
E. (Psalms 77:5) He meditated on the works of God and the actions of man from years gone by!
F. (Psalms 77:6) Remembered the joy of old, the heart began to enjoy the satisfying search!
G. Do we not feel these same things at times in our life! We must admit this and seek to correct!
II. Notice The Talking Points! Verse 7-9
A. Question #1 – Will the Lord cast off forever? (turn His back)
B. Question #2 – Will he be favourable no more? (show favor)
C. Question #3 – Is his mercy clean gone forever?
D. Question #4 – Doth his promises fail for evermore?
E. Question #5 – Hath God forgotten to be gracious?
F. Question #6 – Hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies?
G. We have many of these same questions! However, we must still take ownership of our infirmity as the Psalmist does!
III. Notice The Truth! Verse 10a
(Psalms 77:10) “And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.” (KJV)
A. The Psalmist finally saw a great truth in the midst of his despair that many a Christian should mark: IT WAS HIS INFIRMITY!!!!!!
B. What joy must have soared into his soul when he got his eyes turning toward the Son of God!
C. During his affliction he had his turrets sighted upon the shores of Heaven; ready to fire at any time! But how patient God is to let men do this and yet He does not fire back!
D. Consider what Charles Spurgeon had to say about this:
“He has won the day, he talks reasonably now, and surveys the field with a cooler mind. He confesses that unbelief is an infirmity, a weakness, a folly, a sin. He may also be understood to mean, “this is my appointed sorrow,” I will bear it without complaint. When we perceive that our affliction is meted out by the Lord, and is the ordained portion of our cup, we become reconciled to it, and no longer rebel against the inevitable. Why should we not be content if it be the Lord’s will? What he arranges it is not for us to cavil at.”
E. We must stop and remember that God has thought enough of you that he can trust you with this trial of affliction!
IV. Notice The Triumph! Verses 10b-20
A. The Psalmist records for us, the train of thought he had, once he took ownership of his issue and put his eyes back on God!
B. He remembers the lengthy times of God blessing and wonderful works that were wrought in the past which serve to inspire for today and tomorrow! Psalms 77:10-12
C. Who is as great as the God of the Sanctuary? Psalms 77:13
D. He remembered that God strengthens his people and redeems them! He mentions by name two individuals who had unique situations. Psalms 77:14-15
i. Jacob – caused much of his own problems!
ii. Joseph – was the recipient of gracious Providence!
iii. Both took ownership of their “CROSS” and God blessed them!
E. He remembered how God, though His omnipotent hand, manipulated the portions of nature to afflict, and rescue people at the same time! That is, God used Moses to lead his people out of Egypt, and guided them through the wilderness for 40 years! Psalms 77:16-20
F. What triumph the Psalmist had as he remembered what God had done for people in the past!
G. It would do us good to reflect on what God has brought us and others through, when we are afflicted with infirmities that rob our soul of its joy in the God of Heaven!
Conclusion:
To The Sinner:
• Repent of your sins and place your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation!
To The Christian:
• Take ownership of your cross and carry it with the help of God!
• Remember it is okay to have experiences like we have learned about to today as we grapple with life’s problems, but we must be careful not to let them drive us away from the Savior who loves us much!
Would you consider purchasing…
 |
All God’s Comfort |
By Herbert Lockyer / Hendrickson Publishers
The classic “All Series” books have graced the shelves of pastors, students, and laypeople alike for decades. All God’s Comfort continues the series’ tradition of offering a faithful and comprehensive treatment of biblical subjects. All God’s Comfort explores the divine work of comforting those who suffer the effects of this fallen world. “In our complex lives today, the need to know God’s comfort is more necessary than ever,” states the Preface. After studying the God of comfort and exploring His promises, Lockyer applies these truths systematically to the common valleys of human grief and fear. Wth an approach that is pastoral and practical, Lockyer uses Scripture and the writings of scholars, poets, and hymnists to encourage those who need comforting. He also provides guidance to those who seek to become comforters and describes the individual and community benefits of doing so. Grieving people and those who care about them will find Lockyer’s book an insightful guide to availing oneself of God’s comfort.
