BIG IDEA:
CONTINUED HOPE IN GOD IS THE ONLY ANSWER FOR THE SOULSEARCHING QUESTIONS OF THE ISOLATED BELIEVER (PART 2)
INTRODUCTION:
(must be read in conjunction with Psalm 42 as a unit)
(Review of Questions from Psalm 42)
I. (:1) QUESTION FROM THE SCOFFERS TO THE ISOLATED BELIEVER:
“WHERE IS YOUR GOD?”
Cut off from the worship of God at the temple in Jerusalem
and from the fellowship with the people of God
II. (:2a) QUESTION FROM THE BELIEVER TO HIS GOD:
“WHY HAST THOU REJECTED ME?”
Cut off from God’s answered prayer and deliverance from enemies
II. (:2b,5) QUESTION FROM THE BELIEVER TO HIS OWN THIRSTY SOUL:
“WHY ARE YOU IN DESPAIR?“
“Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”
Cut off from the enjoyment of the lovingkindness of the Lord;
overwhelmed with sorrow
Look at how the Psalmist deals with all of these questions as a unit:
A. (:1) Character of the Scoffers
1. ungodly
2. deceitful
3. unjust
B. (:1) Need for Vindication and Deliverance
“Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case”
“deliver me”
C. (:2) Character of God = Grounds for Vindication
my God is Strong: “Thou art the God of my strength”
He needs to demonstrate to those around me that He is strong on my behalf
D. (:2) Painful Present Reality = Oppression rather than Deliverance
“Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”
E. (:3) Pathway to Vindication and Deliverance = God’s Truth
“send out Thy light and Thy truth”
F. (:4) Restoration to Public Worship and Praise
“to God my exceeding joy”
ANSWER: (:5B)
“HOPE IN GOD, FOR I SHALL AGAIN PRAISE HIM,
THE HELP OF MY COUNTENANCE, AND MY GOD.”