When Fearful Times Come!

Scripture Text

Psalm 56:3-4

Intro: Anxieties arise in our lives, not only because this is a fallen world, but God can use our anxieties in order to teach us faith. Sometimes we must be brought to the end of ourselves so we will choose to trust the Father. This is a necessary lesson and a vital part of maturing us as believers. God desires that we grow in our trust of Him.

I. Times of fearfulness will come. [Psalms 56:3a] (NKJV) Whenever I am afraid,

a. David said when I am afraid. There will be times when we are afraid. David had many enemies and problems to face each day. [v:2]

b. There are physical and spiritual enemies who hound and fight against us. Enemies are sent of Satan to destroy us. They come to keep us from experiencing God’s best for our lives. Fighting against these enemies burden us down and put pressure on us. So what do we do in these situations?

II. When fearful times come we choose our course of action. Psalm 56:3b (NKJV)  Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.

a. Every day we either choose to be afraid and succumb to our fears or we can trust in God. It’s a matter of the will. David said “I will trust in God.” The bible says in Philippians 4:6-7 ⁶ Be anxious (fearful) for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, (with thanksgiving,) let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. In troubled times our hearts and minds need protection. Prayer is the key! Take everything to God in prayer and leave it there.                                                                                                                               

III. Our trust is in the character of God and the faithfulness of His word. [Psalms 56:4] In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? David wills [chooses] to honor God's word and not fear.

a. God is more powerful than all our foes combined, and He has promised in His word to protect us from harm. Nothing can penetrate the protective hedge which He sets up around us except by His permissive will. This is why we can trust in God without a fear. If you are not close to God and growing in Him you won't be able to trust Him and you will be afraid. God has to be first in our life.

If God is first in our lives What can man or anything else do to us? Romans 8:31 -32 (NKJV) What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

CONCLUSION: So today, is your heart in despair? Are questions, painful thoughts, or fears flooding your mind? Is there overwhelming situations that you cannot handle? Do as David did and come back to the truth of your Father’s perfect provision and unfailing care for your every need. God has not and never will abandon you. He has made His people a promise in His unfailing word. Isaiah 41:13 ¹³ For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.' Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that God is holding you by your right hand. Nothing can separate you from His presence. Trust Him to help you!

Invitation: You can never trust in God or His word until you have confessed your sins to God’s Son Jesus and asked Him to forgive your sins against Father God and save you from Hell? You can choose this day to be forgiven and set free from the penalty of your sin by Asking Jesus to forgive you and save you!

Prayer: Lord, speak to the heart of those who may need to trust in Jesus for their salvation and give them the grace to respond. Lord, help us that are Your children to put our trust in You and Your word when we are afraid. Help us to have faith in Your provisions and protection. Thank You for loving us and drawing us all closer to You in Jesus’ holy name. Amen!

God is Working

Intro: As we look at what is happening in this nation and around the world we may be tempted to believe that God doesn't isn't working but God's word tells us the very opposite. God is working in us and for us through this unsettled time and at all times.

I. God is working to complete the good work He has started in our lives. Philippians 1:6 (NKJV) ⁶  being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
This is the mark of confidence in God's salvation. God will complete His good work in believers. That's His promise to His people. Confidence and assurance are two of the outstanding traits of genuine believers. The good work God has started refers to His salvation of our souls and His continued sanctification of believers. Do you realize that God is at work in your life? Paul in this scripture is describing the process of Christian growth and maturity that begins when people accept Jesus. God who began a good work of redemption in us will continue his work until it is finally finished when we believers meet Christ Jesus face to face. God works in us both to will and do His good pleasure. [Phil. 2:13] God will never stop working in our lives no matter what.                                                

II. God is working all things together for our good. Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that (all) things work together for good to (those who love God,) to those who are (the called according to His purpose.) He didn't say all things are good but He is working all things together for our good. We tend to draw closer to God when things aren't going so good such as what we are going thru right now with this pandemic. As we do we are growing in our relationship with God. We are learning to trust and rely on Him more and more no matter the situation in life we might face.

Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” A person can make all the plans they want in this life but God directs their steps. If God is directing a Christian's steps then nothing can happen to him until God calls him home. These Scriptures should give us an incredible sense of assurance in God’s faithfulness toward us who believe. It should bring a certain level of hope and encouragement to our hearts. He is the good and faithful Shepherd of our lives, God will never leave us nor forsake us, He can be trusted through every circumstance. He is the one who began the good work in us and will carry it on to completion. Yes, even now in the midst of this pandemic in our nation or whatever trial we might be going thru, He is working all things together for our good, to conform us to the image of Christ. [Rom. 8:29] This is what God is working out, it's His goal for us!

III. God works through His word. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is (living )and (powerful), and (sharper than any two-edged sword), piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. God's word separates a rebellious soul from an obedient spirit, a sinful soul from a righteous spirit. Our solid foundation is not based on the things of this earth. Most books may just sit on a shelf collecting dust, but the word of God vibrates with life. The Word of God is living and powerful, speaking truth into our lives, helping us establish a firm foundation to base our lives on while we go through life on this side of eternity. The word of God is active, life-changing, and dynamic as it works in us. The demands of the word of God require decisions. It guides our path in life. It is to be believed and obeyed above all other things we might read or hear. We not only listen to God's word, we let it shape our lives. Because the word of God is living and powerful, He uses it to accomplish His work in our lives for as long as we live on this earth. His word can be counted on when you can't count on anything else!

Conclusion: How should you respond to this truth? Begin to spend more of your time reading God's word and praying while you are staying in. Let to the Holy Spirit speak to you from God's word instead of the news report about how bad things are.

Invitation: Has God begun His good work in you? If not now is the time to confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to to forgive you and save you for heaven and from hell. Don't delay! You may not have another opportunity like you have right now. As you give your life to Him He will complete His good work in you!

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Unshakable Kingdom