Category: Despair
Subject: Despair
Sermon: When Adversity Hits
A discussion of Lamentation 3:19-33 reveals 5 principles that we should remember when adversity strikes, whether a consequence of our own sins, or the vagaries of a fragile life.
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My Soul Melts
It is commonly known that the 119th Psalm is a discourse on the greatness of God’s will, at that time encompassed by the Law of Moses. It is 176 verses long, and verse after verse reveals how wonderful God’s ways, statutes, commands, instructions, testimonies, precepts, etc., truly are. They are the directions of life that bring God’s blessings. As such they are to be meditated upon and obeyed in order to please Him. Continue reading “My Soul Melts”
Why God? Why?
In the 10th Psalm, the writer asks a question that many of us can relate to: “Why do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why do You hide in times of trouble?” (1). His question is raised because of the wickedness in the world, and because wicked men “are always prospering” (5).
This does seem to be the case, doesn’t it? The wicked seem to have their way in the world, and the righteous are often oppressed by their duplicitous and evil ways. Take time to read the Psalm. The descriptions of the wicked man will seem familiar to you, and are well summarized by the following observations: “He has said in his heart, ‘God has forgotten; He hides His face; He will never see’” (11); and, “Why do the wicked renounce God? He has said in his heart, ‘You will not require an account’” (13).
Of course, this is not true. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). The thing is, ultimately all scores are settled in judgment. While for a time the wicked may have their way, in the end the righteous will rise up victorious. This is God’s promise to us. “Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7).
The Psalmist knew this… “But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief, to repay it by Your hand.” (14)
COVID-19 (29) Why Are You Cast Down?
The first verse of Psalm 43 reads, “Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!” It is a natural petition made by a man of God to His Master. The word “vindicate” comes from a Hebrew word which indicates a request for God to undertake his cause, to ensure that justice is done in his conflict with his enemy.
COVID-19 (2) The Trouble with Brooding
Are you familiar with the term brooding? How about the etymology of the word? It is of Germanic origin, and originally referred to breeding. The term is a figurative use of the idea of a hen sitting on her eggs, or sitting with her chicks under her wings.
In fact, country folk are familiar with a broody hen:
“A broody hen is a chicken that has decided to sit on and hatch a clutch of eggs. The eggs may be fertilized or unfertilized. The broody hen will sit on the eggs day and night, leaving only once daily to eat, drink, and poop. If you try to remove her from her eggs, she may hiss at you and peck you.” (thespruce.com)
Today, the word brooding refers to “showing deep unhappiness of thought.”
Sermon: How Jesus Overcame Discouragement
We have a wonderful Savior who has experienced what it means to be human. He had discouraging things happen to him, just as we do. He handled it in such a way as to be a wonderful example to emulate.
FB: The Cure for Despair
Despair is a condition common to man. Even those who are strongest spiritually come across circumstances and times where they can cope only with the help of the Lord. The Psalmist felt this way, and said:
“To You I will cry, O Lord my Rock: do not be silent to me, lest, if You are silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit” (Psalm 28:1).
Can you imagine crying out to a God who has no concern for your welfare? To make your petition known, only to expect and receive no help? Fortunately, we know and understand that God loves His children. Those who are His can:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
The Psalmist knew of the tender mercies of His God. In the midst of his despair he cried out, expected and received an answer from His God:
“Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplications! The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him” (Psalm 28:6-7).
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Sermon: God of All Comfort
Paul reveals God as the source of all comfort, in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. His comfort for us allows us in turn to offer comfort to others.
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
Lesson 9 of 9, Fall 2016 Gospel Meeting. Speaker: Jeremiah Cox.
A helpful explanation of the Lord’s words on the cross when He died for our sins. The text of Psalm 22 is used to explain the phrase.
Seeing the Unseen
Lesson 4 of 9, Fall 2016 Gospel Meeting. Speaker: Jeremiah Cox.
An exegetical study of 2 Corinthians 4, emphasizing the importance of keeping our focus on spiritual, eternal matters – so that we do not become discouraged.
Sermon: Despair – A Motivation to Share the Gospel
So many are lost in sin and despairing, not knowing where to turn. The gospel is a beacon of hope. As Christians, we should be motivated to share that precious message of salvation.
Invitation: A Matter of Perspective
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
The apostle Paul shows in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, that regardless of our affliction in this life, there is no need to lose heart.
Sermon: The Best Way to Live Your Life
The wise man of the book of Ecclesiastes describes the despair of a life lived without God, the best way to be content while living upon the earth, and his final conclusion concerning the best way to live your life, for God (Ecclesiastes 12:9-13).
Sermon: Defeatism
In this sermon by Bob Ward, Bob discusses the defeatist attitude which can harmfully effect the Christian’s life and profession of faith.
