When the Heart is in Turmoil
Text: Psalm 42-43
17 July 2005
(I) AN HONEST REVIEW OF LIFE
1. There are Times of Blessing “I remember these things…
I used to go with the multitude;
“I went with them to the house of God,
With the voice of joy and praise,
With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast” Psalm 42:4
2. There are Times of Turmoil
“Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?” Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:5
“My tears have been my food day and night,
while they continually say to me, ‘Where is your God?'” Psalm 42:3
(II) APPLICATION OF FAITH IN TIMES OF TURMOIL
1. A Natural Reaction of the Soul
“As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God” Psalm 42:1
2. Acting upon the Stirring of the Soul
“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?” Psalm 42:2
3. Utilising our Sense of Hope
“Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,
for the help of His countenance” Psalm 42:5b, 11b
4. Mustering and pouring faith in Prayer
“O my God, my soul is cast down within me…” Psalm 42:6a
“In the night His song shall be with me-
A prayer to the God of my life” Psalm 42:8b
(III) FINDING RENEWED STRENGTH
1. Through God’s Word
“Oh, send out Your light and Your truth!
Let them lead me;
Let them lead me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle” Psalm 43:3
2. Through Worship
“Then I will go to the altar of God,
To God my exceeding joy;
And on the harp I will praise You,
O God, my God.” Psalm 43:4
3. Through Application of Faith (Interactive)
“Hope in God
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God” Psalm 42:11b
POEM
O GOD, I NEED THEE
O God, I need Thee
When morning crowds the night away
And the tasks of waking seize my mind,
I need Thy Poise.
O God, I need Thee!
When clashes come with those
Who walk the way with me,
I need Thy smile.
O God, I need Thee!
When the path to take before me lies,
I see it- courage flees-
I need Thy faith.
O God, I need Thee!
When the day’s work is done,
Tired, discouraged, wasted;
I need thy Rest.
– Anonymous –