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
