God Is My Stronghold Series

BIG IDEA:

THE STRONGHOLD OF GOD IS OUR REFUGE FROM FIERCE

ATTACKERS

INTRODUCTION:

This week I had the opportunity to visit Cochises’ Stronghold in the desert outside of Tucson, AZ. Very Impressive; a place of safety and refuge; no good way for the enemy to attack

I. (:1-5) FIERCE ATTACKERS DRIVE US TO THE STRONGHOLD OF GOD

A. (:1-4) Desire for Protection from Fierce Attackers (in the Stronghold of God)

1. Appeal to God for Deliverance

Deliver me / set me securely on high (:1)

Deliver me / Save me (:2)

Arouse Thyself to help me / and See (:4)

2. Attack of Enemies (their character and strategy)

my enemies

those who rise up against me

those who do iniquity

men of bloodshed

those setting an ambush for my life

fierce men launching an attack against me

they run and set themselves against me

3. Absolution from Guilt (I don’t deserve this!)

not for my transgression

nor for my sin

for no guilt of mine

B. (:5) Desire for Punishment of Fierce Attackers

1. Appeal to God for Action

a. Appeal is addressed to God

O Lord God of hosts

the God of Israel

b. Appeal calls for action

Awake to punish

2. Appropriateness of Punishment = they are Guilty

the nations have been treacherous in iniquity

II. (:6-15) FROM THE STRONGHOLD OF GOD WE CAN SAFELY WATCH THE FRUSTRATION AND DESTRUCTION OF OUR ENEMIES

A. (:6-7) Howling and Belching = Unrestrained Foraging of our Enemies

ignorant that God hears and that they will be held accountable

B. (:8) Laughing and Scoffing = The response of our God

C. (:9-10) Watching and Looking = Our response from the safety of the Stronghold of God

1. Watching for God to Intervene (God’s lovingkindness towards us)

2. Looking at our Enemies being Destroyed (God’s strength in action)

D. (:11-13) Scattered and Destroyed = The Destruction of our enemies

E. (:14-15) Howling and Growling = The Frustration of our enemies

III. (:16-17) FROM THE STRONGHOLD OF GOD WE CAN JOYFULLY PRAISE HIM FOR HIS STRENGTH AND LOVINGKINDESS

* * * * * * * * * *

DEVOTIONAL QUESTIONS:

1) How high is the Lord able to lift us up to protect us in His stronghold from all attacks? How impressive are the highest mountains which we have been privileged to see?

2) Why do packs of dogs howl? growl? prowl? What does this teach us about the character and lifestyle of the wicked? Why do they never find satisfaction and

contentment? How should we be the exact opposite?

3) How much trouble are you in when God is laughing at you?

4) How can we sing and testify to God’s strength and lovingkindness?

Download the entire Psalms commentary in pdf format

(including notes on each psalm from other commentators)

from:

http://www.bibleoutlines.com