The
Power of Hope
Introduction:
Psalm 3 is a hymn of individual lament. Some
have said this was David’s darkest hour. We go through dark hours in life,
don’t we? It may appear that any light that comes in – is only an
oncoming train. How many here have been smacked, beat down, and kicked by life?
The message behind our lesson today is to help us remember that there is a way
out – even in the darkest hours of life. Every personal trial teaches
believers to trust God more fully.
I. Psa. 3:1-2 – David’s problems.
A.
David is running for his life from his rebellious son.
B.
3:2 - Even
those closest to him were telling him God was no longer on his side.
1.
Public
opinion indicated that not even God could help him now.
1.
2 Sam. 15:25-26 – Did David begin to wonder?
C.
Christians
have not been exempted from dark hours.
1.
Proverbs 13:12 – hopelessness is not a fun place.
2.
Hopelessness
leads to absolute thinking.
D.
But there is
a way out. There is another way.
1.
Maybe you
realize that through personal reflection.
2.
Maybe it is a friend, parent, elder, preacher who comes through
and says something that instills a ray of light into your dark situation.
II. Psa. 3:3-4 – David’s protection
A.
At very height of crisis – David makes right choice. He turns to God.
1.
God was his impenetrable defense! God was his shield!
B.
When David reflects on God’s divine protection – His spirits
are lifted.
1.
3:3 – note how the terms grow more & more positive.
C.
When we feel let down by life we still have hope. God is our hope!
1.
Eph. 6:10-17
– our faith is our shield!
D.
God can restore our crumbling lives & provide great deliverance!
E.
God stands
ready to answer our prayer. Prayer
connects us w/God!
1.
Phil. 4:4-7 – God will hear our pleas for help!
III.
David’s peace – 3:5-6
A.
Remember Phil. 4:7 – peace
that surpasses all comprehension…
B.
Why do we make it harder for self & refuse to lay our troubles
on God’s shoulder?
C.
And yet Jesus stands by – patiently waiting saying, “just
let Me help…”
1.
Mt. 11:28-30; Heb. 2:14-18
D.
Never forget God is our all-sufficient protector!
1.
Psa. 3:6 – when God is on our side- we’re in the majority!
IV.
David’s protection – 3:7
A.
David petitions God to action.
B.
It is OK for us to pray to God for deliverance/mercy & for justice!
V. From God comes deliverance – 3:8
A.
There is a definite connection between salvation &
deliverance!
1.
God
specializes in hopeless situations.
a)
Ex. 14 – Israel trapped between wilderness; sea;
and Egyptians
2.
Acts 12:5-17 – Peter was a dead man –
delivered by God.
B.
We
need to develop an extreme trust in God & ACT upon our faith!
Conclusion:
A.
From the Lord comes deliverance!
B.
He can deliver you from a truly hopeless situation – your
sin!