April 17, 2024
Finding Assurance #
Psalm 55:1-7
Introduction
We find the Psalmist in great distress, feeling very betrayed. He was hurt, but not by the typical enemy, who he knew was against him, but notice in verse 12-14.
12 For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: 13 But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. 14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.
Nothing hurts more than being hurt by those you love. No pain is greater felt, than having a trusting relationship with someone who would betray you, and hurt you in ways that only someone close to you can.
Every person will be hurt in this way during their lifetime.
I. Call for Attention (1-14) #
A. Attention to my Prayer (1-2) #
1. The Psalmist Feels distant from God #
2. God hides, or shields his face from sin #
Deut. 31:18 And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods.
Is. 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
- Knowingly living in sin, is to effectively God off from your side.
Ezek. 39:23 ¶ And the heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so fell they all by the sword. 24 According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions have I done unto them, and hid my face from them.
- Micah 3:4
B. Attention to my Problem (3) #
1. Vocal Opposition #
C. Attention to my Pain (4-5) #
1. Fear #
2. Overwhelm #
D. Attention to my Propensity (6-8) #
1. Fly away (6) #
2. Escaping your problems is not the answer #
E. Attention to my Persecutors (9-11) #
1. Violence (9) #
2. Without stop (not a one time act) (10) #
3. Deceit (11) #
F. Attention to my Personal Hurts (12-14) #
1. Pain of Personal betrayal! #
II. Cry for Action (15-18) #
A. Action to Punish (15) #
1. Asking God to judge, punish #
2. Asking God, not doing it himself! #
B. Action to Pray (16-17) #
1. Call on God #
2. Constancy – not once, but on a continual basis. God is moved by persistence. #
C. Action to Protect (18) #
III. Comforting Assurance (19-23) #
A. Prayers are heard (19) #
Heb. 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 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. Protection is granted (20) #
C. Prudence of God (21-22) #
1. God is not fooled by their deceptive practices #
Gal. 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.