December 13, 2023
Trusting through Trials #
Psalm 44:1-8
Introduction
This is an excellent Psalm that helps us when we are in tough times. We often find ourself in difficult situations not even a result of our own sin. Much like the life of Job, sometimes trials come our way. The trials of our faith are to strengthen us!
1Pet. 1:6 ¶ Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
I. Past Revealed (1-3) #
“History teaches us that man learns nothing from histroy.” - Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (German philosopher)
A. Fathers #
1. Give - pass it down! (1) #
2. Glorify God! (2-3) - “For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them” #
Matt. 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
B. Forever recorded in the Bible #
1. Record – it is accurate, it is preserved #
2. Read it! #
II. Proclamation (4-8) #
A. Acceptance of God (4) “Thou art my K” #
B. Acceptance of God’s Strength (5) “through thee” #
1. It is not our strength, or intelligence! #
Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
C. Acknowledge God’s Protection (6-8) #
Prov. 21:31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
1. Possessed a bow and sword (6) #
2. Professed victory through God (7-8) #
III. Pain of defeat (9-14) #
A. You will go through defeat #
B. Note their feelings: #
1. 9- Shame (like God abandoned them) #
2. 10- defeated #
3. 11- Vulnerable #
4. 12- Worthless #
5. 13- Reproach (disgrace) #
6. 14- Embarrassment #
7. 15-16- Confusion #
IV. Perplexity (15-16, 17-22) #
A. Confusion (15-16) #
Prov. 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.