Point of Grace Online Worship 7.26.20

Sermon Notes - “Psalms – Ancient Prayers for Unprecedented Times!”

1 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. 6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

Psalm 34 – Invitation to Encouragement

We need encouragement and the humility to not fight what we need!

Helps:

- Psalm 34 is a Hebrew Acrostic Poem

- The Superscription: “Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him away, and he left.

- Notice how vs. 6 deals with “shame”. Shame is a debilitating, encouragement zapping posture of the heart relieved only through receiving forgiveness.

5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

- What about “fear”? There seems to be a good, healthy kind as well as a debilitating, life-destroying kind! 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

-“fear of the Lord” – A healthy respect and awe born out of humility, love and trust that draws one closer!

“fear of whatever” – A debilitating fright or terror born out of facing overwhelming opposition alone.

Vs. 8-23 – Be encouraged: “Life is better with Yahweh (Jesus) … It just is!”

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. 9 Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. 14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; 16 but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth. 17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; 20 he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

21 Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. 22 The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

How can I be a good receiver of the encouragement God has for me?

Homework: Read and pray Psalm 34 every day this week! (Hint: Follow the reading schedule in the notes below.)

Join in on “After Thoughts” Thursday at 7 pm – Facebook Live or go to www.pog.church/live to view.

Resources which will help you “Pray Psalm 34” this week.

The Scripture Reading schedule for this week is somewhat unique. Our goal is to meditate on Psalm 34 all week taking in small new portion of the Psalm as we go. The meditation hints below may help you. The following suggested daily rhythm reflects adding in more of the Psalm each day meditating specifically on the new portion of the Psalm for that day. Journaling where God leads you with each new portion what He says to you is invaluable as you meditate

Mon – Psalm 34:1-3 Tue – Psalm 34:1-3 and 4-7 specifically Wed – Psalm 34: 1-7 and 8-10 specifically Thu – Psalm 34: 1-10 and 11-16 specifically Fri – Psalm 34:1-16 and 17-22 specifically Sat - Psalm 34: 1-22

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.

Songs of Jesus by Timothy Keller excellent daily devotional based on the Psalms

Restoration Year by John Eldredge – A 365 Day Devotional - These daily devotions are excellent encouragement to live by the Spirit each day.

Check out bibleproject.com. Look for their videos on the Psalms.

The “One Minute Pause” App by Ransomed Heart (use is multiple times every day)

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (Devotional Book)