PSALM 9 - PRAISE & VICTORY

INTRODUCTION

Read Psalm 9

David was a man who loved to PRAISE THE LORD and so was my dad. I don't know anything about his conversion story, but I do know one of his favourite songs of victory: "Since Jesus Came into My Heart"
I can still here those `Hallelujahs' and `Praise the Lords' ringing out as my dad sang:

"What a wonderful change is my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart.  
I have light in my soul for which long I have sought, since Jesus came into my heart." 1

My dad fought an ongoing battle with grief and depression most of his life after the death of his brother, son and later my mother. It is interesting to note that the writer of this hymn, Rufus McDaniel, a Southern Ohio pastor, wrote this hymn with one aim in mind, to bring joy and hope into the life of he and his wife after the death of their son.

Last week when I returned to my psychologist I was discouraged as I wrote on my form, `I'm back, I've fallen, I am losing the battle again'. Fifteen months ago, I thought I had won the victory.  I was sure it would be the last battle as with renewed confidence in the Lord and myself, I was weaned off my medication.  As I read this Psalm, I am encouraged that like David and my dad who fought many battles; they still continued to sing God's praises. Why?  Because, they knew, like I do that since Jesus came into my heart, I am `possessed with a hope that is steadfast and sure'.  We can PRAISE GOD through all our battles for we know we have an ETERNAL VICTORY!

1. Battles may be on going, but so can be the victories.  

a) Do you know any people in your life who have learnt this truth about praise?  What is it about their life that shows us this?

b) Have you learnt it?  How can you be an encouragement to others?


JOY COMES THROUGH PRAISE AS ENEMIES ARE DEFEATED

Read Psalm 9:1-6;  2 Chronicles 20:15-24

In these first 6 verses of this Psalm David praises God for His mercies and for all the great miracles God had done throughout his life. We know David had fought many battles, both with literal enemies and those of the soul.  We also know he fought them not in his own strength; for he learnt from an early age that God was stronger and bolder than any enemies David fought, so he was never on his own. In the end, David's enemies would always be made to turn away.

In this passage in 2 Chronicles we meet another king who faced a battle, and like David, he learnt that praising God and resting in Him was certainly the way to boldly conquer enemies. While spending time in praise and worship, their enemies were busy fighting amongst themselves.  When the Army of Judah arrived, all they saw were dead bodies.


Sometimes God tells us, like he did Jehoshaphat: `You won't even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord's victory'.  Other times, like David, God will want us to fight the battles; but whatever we need to do, one thing is sure, we have this promise `GOD IS WITH YOU'. All we need to do is `GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HIS MERCY AND LOVINGKINDNESS ENDURE FOREVER'.


This was the essence of God's battle plan for Jehoshaphat, for David, and I know it always was for my Dad too. He was always singing praises. Oh he wasn't necessarily thanking God for his troubles, but praising God for being there with him as he went through them.





2. Jehoshaphat and David were just two kings in the Old Testament that God spoke to about waiting on him for victory.  Do you have a favourite?  Share the story with the group.  Maybe you have `battle story' of your own you might like to share.


THE LORD OUR DEFENDER

Read Psalm 9:7-10; 2 Samuel 22:30-51

Praise is the best weapon of warfare.  Armed with praise and his shield of faith,  David would go forth and not only pursue, but drive his enemies away.

"God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises are true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a Solid Rock? God is my strong fortress and He makes my way perfect." 2 Samuel 22:31-33

We know God is our eternal defender. He sent His Son Jesus as our Redeemer, so we can have the ultimate ETERNAL VICTORY over our enemy.

"The Lord rules forever. He sits on the throne to judge and he will judge the world in fairness and He will decide what is fair for the nations. The Lord defends those who suffer; He defends them in times of trouble. Those who know the Lord trust Him because He WILL NOT LEAVE those WHO COME TO HIM." Psalm 9:7-10

What PROMISES!  What VICTORY! What a CHOICE we now need to make. Yes, the promises are there for us to grasp, but only if we make the right choices. We can trust the Lord who has a plan for our lives - a victorious life, a life of salvation in His Son, a life of strength and comfort through trials, a life with a God who will not leave our side.

LET THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD SAY SO

Read Psalm 9:11-14

"At the gates of Jerusalem, I will praise You. I will rejoice because you saved me." Psalm 9:11

I remember in the 80's and 90's when I thought I could sing, I would lead the worship in Church. We would sing simple songs of praise with guitars.  Then came the modern hymns of revival, which I sung with gusto, but discovered you actually had to know a little about music to lead. But I have always been a lover of praise and worship music.

We used to sing a simple ditty that went like this:

"Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so
I'm redeemed, I'm redeemed, praise the Lord". 2

I believe these words must have been pretty important to God, because 30 years later, for a new generation, the words were revived by Israel Houghton and Michael Gungor.   3

But David knew a long time before I ever did the importance of this salvation message.  When he wrote this psalm he knew that one day salvation would come to his people, and if people were to know about and return to the Lord, he had to tell them about it.  He had to sing His praises.  Praise the Lord!! SALVATION HAS COME TO US, but we still need to keep singing those praises , and let others know.

Don't worry, I promise I won't take up worship leading or singing in public again (except in the pew), but I might do a dad trick now and then.  He used to embarrass us in the most public of places with those `hallelujahs' and `praise the Lords'.  He just couldn't help himself!

WE HAVE A CHOICE!

Read Psalm 9:15-20, 2 Corinthians 12:9&10

The wicked will fall and people will one day discover that they cannot rely on their own strength, but until then there would be further troubles ahead.  David knew this, and we can be sure, there is still more trials and tribulation ahead in our day, but we also know, as David did, that we don't have to face these troubles alone. The choice was THERE'S and the choice is OURS still. We cannot find answers in our own power, we can only TRUST in the ONE TRUE GOD.

Do we face our troubles alone?  Or do we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, and face them with Him as our omnipresent guide and friend?

Paul also reminded us that when we are in Christ Jesus and His Spirit is within us, we can live in His power, His strength and His grace. God is greater than all our suffering and any of our battles.

"My grace is sufficient for You, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

"That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insult, in hardship, in persecution, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."  2 Corinthians 12:10. 

CONCLUSION

What more can I say? David knew it. The hymn and songwriters knew it. My Dad knew it and I know it.  PRAISING GOD IS THE ESSENCE OF VICTORY! When you TRUST HIM, acknowledge Him as your Lord and Saviour, what more do you want to do but PRAISE HIS NAME!!


1. "Since Jesus Came Into My Heart" (1912) Rufus McDaniel

2. "Let The Redeemed of the Lord Say So" (1978) Ward Ellis

3 "Say So" (2005) Israel Houghton & Michael Gungor.

* The Complete Book of Hymns , Bill & Ardythe Peterson, Thomas Nelson Publishers
* The Power of Praying Through the Bible (2008) Stormie Omartian, Harvest House Publishers
* New Living Translation Bible 

PSALM 8 - LIVING AS A VALUED CHILD OF GOD

INTRODUCTION

Read Psalm 1:1&2

God created us with a desire to be loved and needed; in most of us a longing to contribute to the needs of others. As a majestic and sovereign God who created all things, his best creation was indeed HIS CHILDREN - we are a celebration of His love and He has placed great value on us.

One of the things about being a cancer survivor is that when you start feeling fit and healthy again there is this real pressure (you place on yourself) to do something significant. As a survivor, you know you must have been chosen by God to`change the world'. You see people on TV who are doing all these amazing things, and you wonder, well, what can I do?

About 18years ago I was in a similar place.  I had just lost my younger sister to breast cancer, and although I was in `survivor' mode, I was grieving. I was 35 years old and desperately felt the need to make a difference in the world. I was very much alive - physically - so I knew God had a special purpose for my life. I was a wife, a mother, a parent helper at my school, and up until moving to Adelaide where teaching R.E in Schools was no longer permissable, I had been very involved with children's and women's outreach in the army communities in which I had lived. But suddenly depression and anxiety had overtaken me, so much so that my life had become rather debilitating. Yes, I had a heart to serve, but suddenly I had lost the ability.

My journey back began in this psalm, so as I come here again I am seeking that renewal and refreshing I found back in 1995, though I realize it may come in a different way.  Once again stuck in this vicious cycle - with a heart and a passion to live a life for the Lord, yet lacking the emotional vitality to do so, the Lord may have a new lesson to teach me.

Like all David's psalms they are not simply `reflections of a creative artist', but led by the Holy Spirit, His words are promises from God. Back in 1995, I discovered this promise:

"When I consider the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you CARE for him?" Psalm 8:3&4

It has taken me a little longer to discover that this value and care God places on me does not depend on me accomplishing His work. I don't have to earn His love. You see God honours us by accomplishing His work through us.  I have found that when I do His work it brings me so much pleasure,  but it is not a way to earn God's love or the love of others.  It is definitely not a way to earn salvation, for that we know is only earned by GOD'S GRACE.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift from God, not by works, so that anyone can boast. We are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God has prepared in advance for us to do."  Ephesians 2:8-10.

We have been placed a `little lower than the angels' and have been crowned, just liked His Son Jesus Christ, `with glory and honour'. Join me today and claim this promise of God's personal GRACE, LOVE AND CARE. This promise will never change over the years.

1.a) Was there a time in your life when have felt the need to `change the world'? 

b) Have you ever felt the need to earn God's love? How did this make you feel?

c) How did you feel when you discovered the truth about GRACE?

If you haven't discovered this truth yet, I am here or can lead you to someone who can help you. 

OUR MAJESTIC GOD

Read Psalm 1&2

"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your Name in all the earth!" Psalm 1:1

Many well known praise and worship choruses from the 80's and 90's use these words, but the original come from David himself. It is believed he wrote them just after he had defeated Goliath.

When David returned from killing Goliath and watching the Philistines flee, the people were dancing, singing and playing their musical instruments, celebrating his win. But David knew better - the true glory for the battle  needed to go to our omnipotent, all powerful, all sovereign God and Father. Even as a young child David knew that God was the one that He needed to praise and adore, and that no enemy could defeat Him.

"David celebrates the supreme power of God over everything. He declares from the beginning that God has no rival. He is subject to no other power and He reigns supreme." Charles R Swindoll.

2. Can you think of a praise and majestic chorus that you love to sing with these words?  Maybe you can take some time to sing it now.

GOD CARES FOR YOU

Read Psalm 8:3&4, 1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 6:30

Even as a young child, David loved to stargaze. It reminded him, not only how great His God was, but how important he was to God, even though, he was only so small. As we're contemplating over the recent Boston Bombing and other disasters that have been happening all over our world, we are reminded that God has so many things to take care of. Still, David reminds us GOD CARES FOR US.  Peter later reminds us GOD CARES ABOUT YOU; and even Jesus Himself took the time to make sure we knew that GOD CERTAINLY CARED FOR YOU.

"What is mortal man that you remember us, or the Son of Man that you take care of Him" Psalm 8:4 (GWT)

"Turn all your anxiety over to God because He cares for You." 1 Peter 5:7(GWT)

"If that is how God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?" Matthew 6:30  (NLT)

3. Take some time now to think about some things in your life that you need to bring before the Lord.  Remember he cares about what you may seem are even the simplest things. 

GOD HAS GIVEN YOU A TRUE PLACE OF DIGNITY

Read Psalm 5-8, Matthew 10:5-10

It doesn't always feel like it, but God has given us a place of dignity in the world, for his purpose is more important than anything you could imagine; and this is highlighted in this Psalm.

Not only are we `higher than the angels' (in some versions, it is put, `a little lower than God'), we are placed equal with Jesus Christ, God's own Son.  We have been given charge over everything in the world, God has made.  A great responsibility.  You bet - and sometimes a little overwhelming.

I am not a Catholic, but one of the greatest blessings I have had over my years of ministry has been able to worship interdenominationally.  One Catholic service I attended was dedicated to St Francis of Assisi, who I learnt was the patron saint of nature. This Sunday the children had been encouraged to bring their pets to Church, and it was the first time I heard this story:

"St Francis (born in 1182) was the son of rich man who sold fine cloth. Francis also loved bright clothing and fine things, but as a child he was also known for his charitable heart and his love of nature. One day he saw a child in the market place who was cold, and he took one of his father's finest coats, and gave it to her.

Later in 1201, after returning from military service where he had been a captive, Francis had a spiritual experience. He was in his church praying.  It was a very run down Church and needed a lot of work.  It is said he saw a vision of Jesus who told him to `go and repair my house which as you see is falling into ruins'.  He took this to mean he was have the Church rebuilt, and using his profits from his father's business he did just that.  Not happy with him, Pietro, his father, beat him and after legal precedings, Francis disowned his father and set out to serve the Lord.  For two years he lived in the countryside surrounding Assisi, and rebuilt the little chapels in the surrounding towns.

In 1209, in one of these Chapels, Francis heard a sermon that changed his life. Based on Matthew 10, where Jesus sent out his disciples to minister.  

"Don't take any money in your money belts - no gold, silver or even copper coins. Don't take a travelling bag for your trip, a change of clothes, sandals or a walking stick. After all, the worker deserves to have his needs met." Matthew 10:9&10

Francis set out, making a vow of poverty, clad in a rough garment, barefoot, sharing the gospel of repentance. To cut a long story short, St Francis as he later became known, devoted his life to poverty, missions work, caring for God creature's and sharing the gospel."

Now I don't believe Jesus was necessarily telling us we have to live in poverty, but I do believe that St Francis got the message, as David shared in this Psalm, that as valued children of God, created like His Son Jesus Christ, we are to live a life as Jesus did, caring and loving all God's creatures. Most importantly we are to follow the example of St Francis sharing the gospel of salvation with those who have ears to hear.

4.  What is something you can do today to show that you love and care for God's creatures like Jesus did?

BENEDICTION

Read Psalm 8:9

David began with a Doxology, praising and adoring his great God, and he finished exactly the same way.  The greatest lesson I learnt back in 1995, that is still relevant today, is that no matter how honoured I feel for the work I do for the Lord, no matter how loved and recognized, all glory goes to God. St Francis of Assissi also knew this when he wrote his well known hymn back in 1225, "All Creatures of Our God and King", and David knew it when when he finished this psalm with these words:

"O Lord, O Lord, how majestic is Your Name throughout the earth." Psalm 8:9 (GWT)

* Living in the Psalms (2012) Charles H Swindoll, Worthy Publishing

*God's Word Translation (2003) Green Key Books

* Wikipedia .org.Francis of Assisi 

* The Complete Book of Hymns, Bill & Ardythe Peterson.

* New Living Translation (1996) Tyndale Publishers

PSALM 7 - I WILL PUT MY TRUST IN THE LORD

INTRODUCTION

Read Psalm 7

David begins this psalm with a confession of his faith:

"O Lord, my God. in THEE do I put my TRUST." (KJV)

"Lord, my God, I take REFUGE IN YOU." (NIV)

"I come to YOU FOR PROTECTION, O Lord my God." (NLT)

 Why, at this particular time did he need this refuge and protection?  Why, at this moment was trusting God so important?

This psalm was written `concerning CUSH THE BENJAMITE.  Now we know little about Cush.  Some say he was a relative of Saul, others, an enemy of David's, and others even believe it may have been Saul himself. Whoever he was, we do know he was out to cause trouble for David.  He was out to slander him and bring him down.

It makes little difference who he was, the fact is is, `when in trouble, David went to the Lord'.

We will later discover that David was not guilty of the accusations made against him. Still, he would have been feeling hurt and a little `hard done by'. He may have even been a little discouraged. But, he wasn't bitter, and he didn't sit around worrying or feeling sorry for himself.  What did David do? He went to the all knowing (omniscient), faithful and merciful judge, in which he knew he could put his TRUST.

"Be strong and courageous. Don't be frightened by the King of Assyria or the crowd that is with him. Someone GREATER is on OUR SIDE. The king of Assyria has human power on his side, but the LORD OUR GOD is on OUR SIDE, and will help us fight our battles." 
 2 CHRONICLES 32:7&8  (NLT)

(These are the words of King Hezekiah, who was "good and right and true to the Lord His God.")

1.  Are there things or people in your life that have hurt you, and still, at times make you feel discouraged?  

Pray now that God will help you remember, that in faith, you can have deliverance.

WHY WERE THEY AFTER HIM?

Read Psalm 7: 1&2, 1 Samuel 18:-5-15

Since David had defeated Goliath,Saul had become jealous of him. God had `removed His spirit' from Saul, and this was also the start of David's battle. In spite of all the good things David did for him - up to now all he had sought to do was to serve God and the king - Saul had tried to kill him six times. Saul was afraid of David, because with God on his side, David was succeeding in everything he did.

David called his enemies `lions', because he knew how to fight them. Only as David continued to focus on God was he able to survive Saul's (the lions') attacks. God continued to sustain David during this difficult situation, and he can sustain you too, as the `Sauls (lions)' in your life continue to bring you down. Through every attack, whether it be against your body or spirit, you can have faith and confidence in a God who will continue to strengthen you. There is nothing that cannot be overcome if you have the Lord as your defender.

Read 1 Samuel 18:1-4; 1 Samuel 19:1-7;  1 Samuel 20

David also had a close friend in Jonathon, Saul's son, and he was able to give David help and encouragement during these difficult times. Make sure that you have people around you, special friends `on your side'. God has anointed these people to be your help and encouragement when things get too difficult for you to handle on your own.

2. Think of some people who you know will be by your side in the hard times. Ask them if they will be your PRAYER PARTNERS, and always know they are there for you at the end of the phone or an email. 


WAS DAVID GUILTY?

Read Psalm 7: 3-5

In these verses David declares his innocence. He had been accused of treason; lies had been told about him, and there had been lots of gossip. But how could he be guilty of these accusations?  All David wanted to do was to love and serve his king.  He knew that one day, he would be king, but not yet.  God said he could do what he liked to Saul, but David would do nothing to this man God had ordained. He even grieved at his death and wrote a song of mourning for him and his son Jonathon. (2 Samuel 1:17-27)

"It would be unthinkable for me to raise my hand against his majesty, the Lord's anointed king, since he is the Lord's anointed."  (1 Samuel 24:6) (NLT)

"Then David grabbed his own clothes and tore them in grief." (2 Samuel 2:11) (NLT)

Read Matthew 5:43-48

"You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbour and hate your enemies", but I say to you, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. If you do this you will be children of your Father who is in Heaven."  Matthew 5:43 (NLT)

Jesus gave us this `command' many years after David had written this psalm, but what an example David had been of this love. There were these people saying bad things about him, wanting to destroy him, but what did David do: he focused on God, and what God would want of him - to love his enemies and to pray for those who persecuted him.

3. What are some ways we can show love to those we feel are often `persecuting' us?  What kind of things could we say in our prayers?

GOD IS THE JUDGE, NOT US

Read Psalm 7:6-17

When I was going through a bad time and felt that `the world was against me', I used to read these words of David and think: "great, the Lord will bring `fire and brimstone' down on my enemies".

"Arise in anger, O Lord, stand up against the fury of my attackers."  Psalm 7:6  (NLT)

"Let the evil in wicked people come to an end." Psalm 7:9 (NLT)

That's what bitterness does! Now when I read these words, and others like them in David's Psalms, I see them as what they are - prayers.  I see that yes, David is seeking justice for the evil that has been done against him, but he is also asking God to bring the evildoers to repentance, so like him they can know the joy that comes from salvation and righteous living.

Jesus died on the cross for his enemies and our enemies, again many years after this psalm was written, but David knew, even then, that salvation came from having a relationship with God. David knew that God would defend him because he was righteous, but he also knew it was up to him to live this righteous life before his enemies, so they too could be redeemed.

"If you hate your enemies, you have no way to redeem or transform them."  Martin Luther King Jnr.

David had confidence in his God, his Protector and his Saviour. He knew God was the righteous judge who showed favour to the righteous.  God's justice would also see that all that was unfair would be dealt with; but most of all what David wanted was to see the redemption of his enemies, which is ultimately GOD'S PLAN OF SALVATION.

4. Can you think of a time when you were falsely accused of something? What did you do? Did you turn to God, or take matters into your own hands?

TRUST - BETTER THAN WORRY AND BITTERNESS.

Read Matthew 6:25-34;  Philippians 4:6&7; Ephesians 4:31&32

I've spent a lot of time over the years living in bitterness and worrying about things that may not happen. But, I have also learnt some important lessons:

1) WORRY AND BITTERNESS ACCOMPLISH NOTHING.  They are simply 2 ways that the devil uses to draw us away from God by damaging our relationship with Him.

"Let the wrongs we receive from others not kindle or arouse our anger, but rather kindle and arouse our devotion to God."  Matthew Henry.

2. WORRY AND BITTERNESS ARE NOT HEALTHY.  They not only become a spiritual burden, but can take away our physical strength.  I have medical proof, but I truly believe that my cancer was partly due to the stress I put myself through after my termination from work.

"Worry weighs a person down, an encouraging word cheers a person up."  Proverbs 12:25 (NLT)

"But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will sour high on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint."  Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)

3. WORRY AND BITTERNESS TAKE OUR FOCUS OFF GOD.  God has a plan for our lives and even in the difficult times, He takes cares of us. This is what we need to focus on, not on the thing or people that are causing our distress.

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."  Jeremiah 29:11

"Give all your worries and cares to the Lord." 1 Peter 5:7

4. WORRY AND BITTERNESS ARE THE OPPOSITE OF TRUST. I know from experience that when you trust in the Lord, it feels like the `weight of the world' has been taken off your shoulders. You no longer feel that you need to solve the problem and that you need to take charge. The pressure is off you and now on God.  Accept that God knows what is best for you and HE CAN HANDLE ANYTHING!!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."  Proverbs 3:5&6

5. These are some lessons I have learnt about trusting in God.  Have you any lessons you would like to share? 

CONCLUSION

David made the choice, like we can, to focus on God and what He could do for him, rather than to get bitter and worry about what his enemies would do to him. He knew that praying for his enemies and loving them was their only way to redemption. He knew that trusting in God and in the protection of the righteous judge was where he would find peace and joy.

"I will thank God because He is just. I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High."  Psalm 7:17

PSALM 6 - THE WEEPING PROPHET

INTRODUCTION

Read Psalm 6

Humans love to complain. We complain when things aren't going right and we even complain when things are pretty good. We are never satisfied unless things are going our way. There is this old song from the late 70's by Evie Tornquist that always pricks my conscience about this.

Why complain about the way that you look,
Why complain about the scolding that you took.

Why complain when so many cannot run,
Why complain when you're having so much fun.

CHORUS

Just be thankful for the good things that you've got
Oh be thankful for the good things that you've got.
The good things that you've got are for many just a dream.
So be thankful for the good things that you've got.

Why complain about your clothes and your shoes,
Why complain about your teacher and her rules.
Why complain when so many have no home,
Why complain when you have one of your own.

I have to confess I am a bit of a complainer, a weeper, and the Lord and I have `little chats' about this. But that's why I like this psalm. I am in good company with David and my other bible friend Jeremiah. Both these great men of God liked to share their problems - their true feelings, often with lots of tears.  Some might call this `complaining' - personally I call it being honest with God.

In August 1930, 40 year old Joseph Crater, a well known judge in New York, waved goodbye to his friends after an evening meal in a restaurant.  He flagged down a taxi and rode off, never to be seen again. He left a note with his wife. It simply said: `I am weary'.

This is the story of an honest, desperate man, not unlike David and maybe yourself. For David this psalm was a lamentation, as a worn out man was sobbing openly and honestly, seeking the mercy of a God in whom he trusted.  Yet, it finishes, like most of David's psalms, with confident words of joy and thanksgiving.

Many years later Jeremiah may have been reading this psalm when he was lamenting over the state of  Jerusalem. He, like David was seeking the Lord's grace and salvation for himself and his people.

A number of years ago now, I sat on a plane, on the way to my step-mother's funeral.  I was weeping and complaining, reminded again of the words of Evie's song. I was feeling alone and wondering why Mark had decided that he and Aaron would not accompany me on this trip.  I didn't understand why as Mark was usually so compassionate, and as a family we had always gone through things together. So I decided to `have a little chat with my Father', and as I looked out the window of the plane, I saw in the clouds the face of God  and His hands reaching out to me.  I had learnt, like David and Jeremiah, how important it was to bring to God all my deepest feelings, even if it meant a little weeping and complaining.  I knew, like David and Jeremiah, that I had a God who was always there to listen and care.

HAVE A LITTLE CHAT

Have a little chat with the Father, it can really be lots of fun.

He loves to talk and listen too, when He's sitting there with His Son.

Have a little chat with the Father, each and every day.

It's amazing how peaceful you feel, as He listens when you pray.

Have a little chat with the Father, conversation is a two way thing

I can tell you from experience, it has a lot of joy to bring.

Our relationship with God, our Father can only grow with prayer

So take a little time each day to listen and talk - just SHARE!

1. a) What has you a little weary and tearful? Pray - be honest with your feelings, with confidence in a God who listens and cares.

ANSWERS TO OUR WEARINESS.

Read Psalm 6:1-3; Lamentations 3:1-40

We already know a lot about David's life.  A shepherd boy who became a king. We know of his indiscretions, mistakes and failures.In no way do we applaud what David did; but now as he prays to God, crying out in remorse and repentance, we can feel for him.  He had faced the consequences of his actions, and now he was seeking the Lord's mercy.

Like David, we can bring our physical pain and the `anguishes' of our `soul' to God and ask Him the question:

 "How long, oh Lord, until you restore me?'  Psalm 6:3 (NLT)

Oh I believe David actually knew the answer.  He may not have had any concept of time, but he knew God would restore him, because He was a God of unfailing love and mercy.

"Return, O Lord and rescue me.  Save me because of your unfailing love." Psalm 6:4 (NLT)

"The unfailing love of the Lord never ceases. By His mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is Thy faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh everyday." 

 Lamentations 3:22&23 (NLT)

Lamentations is a book of Jeremiah's complaints and `weeping'. After seeing the destruction of Jerusalem he had prophecied about, these verses in Chapter 3, are verses of encouragement and hope.  David and Jeremiah both knew that God's love and mercy were everlasting.  They knew when faced with the need to `test and examine' our ways, we can turn and repent, and God will be merciful.

"Instead, let us test and examine our ways. Let us turn again in repentance to the Lord." Lamentations 3:40 (NLT)

2. Can you remember a time in your life after you have done something against God's will?  Did you,  at that time still have a certainty of God's presence, his mercy and his everlasting love? How?

TRUE REPENTANCE AND GOD'S GRACE

Psalm 6:6&7

David was `weary from sobbing'. He had been seeking forgiveness for his sins, and now knew that healing from both physical and spiritual ailments only came one way - through the GRACE OF GOD. 

Many hymns and modern day songs have been written about this `amazing grace', but this song of David was one of the first.  David knew, like our olden day and modern day composers do, that `chains' are only `broken' and `salvation' only made available through God's mercy and our true repentance.

"Long my imprisoned spirit lay, Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;

Thine eye diffused a quickening ray,I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee."

  Charles Wesley

"My chains are gone, I've been set free

My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace."
  Chris Tomlin & Louie Giglio.

3. Do you have a favourite hymn, song or passage in the Bible that you read, or listen to, when you need a reminder of God's grace?


FREEDOM FOR OURSELVES AND OTHERS

Read Psalm 6:8-10,  Jeremiah 3:11-15

In these final three verses, David experiences `freedom'. No longer in the grip of evil and sin, he was able to pray in confidence:

"He has heard my supplications and He will receive my prayer."  Psalm 6:9 (NIV)

But it didn't stop there.  Having experienced this freedom for himself, he wanted the same for others, even his enemies.  He prayed in confidence, knowing that God was a merciful and righteous judge.

Sometimes our evil deeds need to be brought before us.  We may not come to repentance unless we are `disgraced and terrified'.  John Newton, the writer of the well know hymn, `Amazing Grace' was a slave trader. Before he could truly accept God's grace and mercy he needed to see the error of his ways; and this didn't happen quickly or easily - it took many years of challenges and near death experiences.  When he finally felt remorse for his actions and sought repentance, he was overcome with a sense of freedom, which later led to a life of service in the Church of England.

"I was a great sinner, but now Jesus Christ is my Saviour."  John Newton.

"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now I'm found, Was blind, but now I see". John Newton.

Jeremiah was known as the `weeping prophet', not only because he suffered at the hands of his enemies; but he, like David, had mourned for them.  God had given him a mission: `Bring my people back to me'. To do this he had to show them the error of their ways.  He had to encourage them, until they could `admit' their rebellion, confess their sins and return home like `wayward children'.  They needed to let go of their pride and accept salvation and the leading of the Lord.  Does this sound familiar?

4. Is there something in your life that is preventing you from accepting salvation from the Lord and following His way?

WHAT DOES PETER HAVE TO SAY ABOUT REPENTANCE?

Read Acts 3:1-26

Repentance is not just `turning from sin', but true repentance results in a CHANGE OF LIFE, and is the ONLY WAY TO SALVATION.  David and Jeremiah knew this, and so did Peter when he spoke in the temple to the Jews many years later.

"Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."  Acts 2:38 (NLT)

"Now turn from your sins and turn to God, so can be cleansed from your sins. Then wonderful times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord."  Acts 3:19 (NLT)

In this sermon in Acts 3, Peter was telling the people they needed to change their thoughts and actions. They had to turn from rejecting Christ to having true faith in Him, as their Messiah and Saviour.  Yet repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance comes from God's grace.  When God draws us near to Him, opens our eyes and changes our hearts, only then do we have salvation. Only then can the Holy Spirit touch our lives and make is willing to serve Him only. 

"The Lord isn't slow to do what He promised, as some people think. Rather, her is patient for your sake. He doesn't want to destroy anyone, but wants everyone to have the opportunity to turn to Him and change the way they think and act." 2 Peter 3:9  (GWT)

"Do you have contempt for God, who is very kind to you, puts up with you and deals patiently with you? Don't you realize that it is God's kindness that is trying yo lead you to Him and to change the way you acand think."  Romans 2:4  (GWT)

CONCLUSION

Whether it is with weeping or complaining, or any other way. It doesn't matter to God.  He is patiently waiting for your confession and repentance of sins, those things in your life that are keeping you from Him.

He wants to SAVE YOU, through HIS LOVE AND MERCY.  But as David, Jeremiah. Peter or any modern preacher today would say, the FIRST STEP needs to come from YOU!!

* `Promises from God' (2001) Ruth Cheater.

* www.cyberhymal.org.

* www.gotquestions?.org

* "Holy Bible, New Living Translation"  (1996) Tyndale Publishers (NLT)

*   The New Matthew Henry Commentary, Edited by Martin H Manser, Zondervan

*   Max Lucado Devotional Bible, New Century Version  (2003), Thomas Nelson. (NCV)

*   "God's Word Translation" (2003) Green Key Publishers  (GWT)