Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. Pulpit theme: “God of all comfort”

2. How do we derive comfort when we go through afflictions?

a. We derive comfort when those we love draw near

b. How much more will we derive great and divine comfort when the God of all comfort draws near!

3. The focus of this message

“The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart
And saves such as have a contrite spirit”   Psalm 34:18

a. To examine why we may struggle to find God near

b. To show us how we may seek a restored relationship with God

THE PROBLEM OF A STRAINED RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

1. An important truth-principle to remember

1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened,
That it cannot save;
Nor His ear heavy,
That it cannot hear.

2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God;
And your sins have hidden His face from you,
So that He will not hear.   Isaiah 59:1-2

2. There was a period when David was far from God

a. Although Psalm 34 has happy overtones

i. Blessing the LORD at all times

ii. Seeking the LORD

iii. Bearing testimony of the LORD’s deliverance

iv. Speaking of the goodness of God

v. Teaching others to fear God

b. These lessons were learnt from a dark period in David’s life

i. He once had a dynamic faith (facing Goliath)

ii. But his faith became defective and degenerated

iii. He committed disgraceful acts

c. The truth principle of Isaiah 59:1-2 would apply to David then

i. From nearness to distance

ii. From closeness to estrangement

iii. How did David return to God?

RETURNING TO GOD WITH A BROKEN HEART

“The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart”   Psalm 34:18

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart –
These, O God, You will not despise.”   Psalm 51:17

1. Learning lessons from Psalm 51

a. Though this Psalm had a different context altogether

b. The lessons are applicable

2. There must be candid admission of sin   (Psalm 51:3-4)

a. Acknowledgement of transgressions

b. Sinning against God

3. There must be thorough cleansing sought   (Psalm 51:7-9)

a. Purge me

b. Wash me

c. Hide your face from my sins

d. Blot out all my iniquities

4. There must be a plea for God to create a clean heart in us (Psalm 51:10-13)

a. Create in me a clean heart

b. Renew a steadfast spirit within me

c. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation

d. Uphold me by Your generous Spirit

RESTORED BY THE POWER OF GOD

1. In Psalm 34, we see how David was restored by God

a. He had a clean heart

b. He now had a steadfast spirit

c. His joy was restored

d. He learnt many lessons afresh and learnt them well

2. The result of restoration is righteousness   (Psalm 51:15,17,19,21)

a. David could now speak of righteousness

b. He was now teaching God’s ways to others

3. David had been wonderfully redeemed   (Psalm 51:22)

a. The LORD redeems the soul of His servants

b. He would not be condemned for his sins

RE-DISCOVERING CLOSENESS WITH GOD

“The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart
And saves such as have a contrite spirit”   Psalm 34: 18

1. There was a fresh appreciation of the presence of God

a. God was close to him once more

b. There was no longer distance and estrangement

c. There was now nearness

2. God will save (deliver)

a. David now had this assurance

b. His spirit was humble and contrite

ENCOURAGEMENT TO ALL AT BETHANY

1. Return to God

There is a way back to God according to His Word

2. Be restored to God

God alone has the power to fully restore!

3. Re-discover the reality of a close relationship with God

He is all we could ever want

4. Find a sense of renewal

a. Of faith

b. Of strength

c. Of hope