November 29, 2023
Battle in the Mind #
Psalm 42:1-6
Introduction
These Psalms often gives us a lot of insight into the thoughts and emotions of the Psalmist. We find they are men like us. Men who suffer hardship. Face enemies, and even within themselves struggle to remain faithful in hard times.
The reality is we are all cut out of the same cloth, sinful cloth, that has inherent flaws. We must recognize the flaws we have and not let them get the best of us, but continue battling them.
I. Reflection and Pondering (1-3, 9-10) #
A. Necessities - God is not an option (1-2) #
1. Water to a thirsty soul (1-2) #
2. Wonder of time (2b) “when shall I come and appear before God?” #
Gal. 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
3. God is required to keep things right! #
B. Negative Feelings #
1. Inflicted by self (3) Pity party #
2. Insults by enemies (9-10) #
- Pity party (9)
Heb. 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
II. Remember of Past (4, 6) #
A. Pleasant times (4) 4 things listed here. #
1. “I had gone with the multitude” #
2. “I went with them to the house of God” #
3. “with the voice of joy and praise” #
4. “with a multitude that kept holyday.” - #
B. Providential Provisions (6) #
1. Land of Jordan #
2. The Hermonites (represents mountain peaks of victory (Deut 4:47-48) #
III. Resolve of the Psalmist (5, 7-8, 11) #
A. Help from God (5) #
1. Presence! #
2. Ask for help! #
Heb. 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
B. Hope in God (5, 11) #
1. Questions self (5) #
- “Why art thou cast down, O my soul?” - no need to be discouraged!
- “why art thou disquieted in me?” - moping, wow is me.
- “HOPE THOU IN GOD!” - It is a reminding statement to himself! (repeated in vs 10 with same questions)