A Deeper Heart of Love

Text: Psalm 116
30 July 2006

(I) AFFLICTIONS IN LIFE

“It is good that I have been afflicted
That I may learn Your statutes” Psalm 119:71
“I am afflicted very much,
Revive me according to Your word” Psalm 119:107

1. Afflictions- a common fact of life

2. Afflictions can be very highly instructive

3. Afflictions can be viewed in a positive manner

(II) AFFLICTIONS ENDURED

“The pains of death surrounded me,
And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me
I found trouble and sorrow” Psalm 116:3
“I was brought low…” Psalm 116:6b
“For You have delivered my soul from death,
My eyes from tears,
And my feet from falling” Psalm 116:8

1. Pain

2. Trouble

3. Sorrow

4. Near death experience

5. Tears

6. Falling

(III) DELIVERANCE FROM AFFLICTIONS

“Then I called upon the name of the LORD;
‘O LORD, I implore You, deliver my soul'” Psalm 116:4
“Gracious is the LORD, and righteous;
Yes, our God is merciful
The LORD preserves the simple
I was brought low, and He saved me.” Psalm 116:5-6

1. In answer to prayer

2. Deliverance from God

a) Gracious

b) Righteous

c) Merciful

(IV) APPROPRIATE RESPONSES

“I love the LORD
Because He has heard my supplications
Because He has inclined His ear to me,
Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live” Psalm 116:1-2

1. Deep love for God

a) Generated

b) Growth

2. Determination to relate to God for life in prayer

a) Natural

b) Developed