Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. Psalm 103 thus far

a. The challenge is to “Bless the LORD”

b. We have read about how we must not forget the LORD

c. We have seen how the LORD is merciful and gracious

2. How do we respond to the LORD?

a. David’s answer is found in this phrase, “To those who fear Him”

b. This phrase was repeated 3 times in Psalm 103    (Psalm 103:11,13,17)

3. Why is it important that we respond with the fear of the LORD?

a. When there is no fear of the LORD, the heart will take things for granted

b. There will be no appropriate regard for the LORD or His blessings

c. Neither will we be able to bless the LORD

4. David learned to fear God

a. How did he do so?

b. How may we also learn to fear God?

OUR STRUGGLES WITH HUMAN FEAR

1 O God, You have cast us off;
You have broken us down;
You have been displeased;
Oh, restore us again!
2 You have made the earth tremble;
You have broken it;
Heal its breaches, for it is shaking.
3 You have shown Your people hard things;
You have made us drink the wine of confusion.   Psalm 60:1-3

1. David may seem very strong and courageous on the surface

2. In reality, he struggled with many fears

3. Psalm 60 speaks of a moment when David feared greatly

4. Context of Psalm 60

a. David was in battle against the Edomites

b. The battle was turning against him

c. He was in a state of distress, desperation and near-panic

5. The things David feared

a. Being cast off by God

b. Being broken down

c. Facing God’s displeasure

6. The imagery of an earthquake

a. It is destructive, it wipes out entire cities

b. David was describing how destructive it was to be cast off by God

7. What David experienced in that moment

a. Hard things

b. The wine of confusion

LEARNING TO FEAR GOD IN THE MIDST OF HUMAN FEAR

1. God allowed David to experience human fear so that he would learn to fear God

a. Without fear, we tend to take things for granted

i. We take what we have in life for granted

ii. We take God for granted

b. But when there are moments of fear

i. We realise how much we need God

ii. We learn to cry out to God in fear of Him

iii. We learn that we cannot take God for granted

2. The banner of God given

4 You have given a banner to those who fear You,
That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah
5 That Your beloved may be delivered,
Save with Your right hand, and hear me.   Psalm 60:4-5

a. The LORD as the Commander-in-Chief

b. The LORD’s presence and power among the people

c. The LORD alone can turn the tide of the battle and lead to victory

3. This banner is given to those who fear God

a. God will deliver His beloved

b. God will save and hear those who fear Him

MOVING FROM FEAR TO A FRESH FAITH IN THE LORD

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
14 For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.   Psalm 103:11-14

1. From the fear of God, David found a fresh faith in God

2. A fresh faith means

a. A fresh appreciation

b. A fresh perspective

c. A fresh sense of reverence and regard for the LORD and all He does for us

3. A fresh appreciation of the relationship God has extended to us

a. The greatness of His mercy

i. As the heavens are high above the earth

ii. So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him

b. The removal of our transgressions

i. As far as the east is from the west

ii. Permanent removal of our transgressions

c. The gentle and compassionate ways in which God relates to us

i. As a father pities his children

ii. So the LORD pities those who fear Him

4. Whereas these things were once taken for granted

The fear of God now enables us to appreciate them with fresh faith

LOOKING FORWARD TO FULLNESS OF LIFE AND FAITH

1. The Apostle Paul prayed that we may be filled with all the fullness of God   (Ephesians 3:14-19)

2. This fullness is prayed for because it may not be experienced yet

3. The fear of God allows us to enter into the realm of faith

4. With fresh faith, we begin to understand the Person of God

a. He is merciful and gracious

b. He relates with great compassion

5. From there, we may seek fullness

a. Fullness of understanding

b. Fullness of faith

c. Fullness of life

ENCOURAGEMENT TO US ALL

1. To allow our human fears to teach us to fear God

2. To move from the fear of God to a fresh faith in God

3. With fresh faith in God, to seek fullness of faith and life