Sermons on Overcoming Despair:

Encourage Yourself In The Lord

Contributed by Jim Mooney on Jan 9, 2001

In moments of distress you can encourage yourself in the Lord.

Encourage Yourself In The Lord 1 Samuel 30:6-8 6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. 7 And David said to Abiathar ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:6-8, Psalm 27:1-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Lifting Weights

Contributed by James May on Jul 8, 2007

This sermon deals with the problem of besetting sin that we are commanded to lay aside.

Lifting Weights By Pastor Jim May (Parts of this message were adapted from a message by Rev. David Wilkerson) Extra weight – now there’s a subject that most Americans would love to avoid. A few people are able to go about their lives without the worry of too much weight, but for most of us, it ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2

Denomination: Independent/Bible

20/20 Faith Series

Contributed by Steven Boersma on Oct 17, 2011

Seeing the past clearly enables Habakkuk to look ahead with 20/20 faith. His fear is turned to faith. His worry is transformed into worship. His terror becomes trust. His hang-ups are resolved with hope. And his anguish melts into adoration.

20/20 Faith Habakkuk 3:1-19 Introduction: 20/20 vision is a term used to express normal clarity or sharpness of vision. It is measured at a distance of 20 feet. If you are fortunate enough to have 20/20 vision, you can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance. ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 3:1-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Who Shall Roll Away The Stone?

Contributed by Allan Kircher on Apr 26, 2011

That question gathers up the mournful enquiry of the whole universe. “Who shall roll away the stone?” In man’s path of happiness lies this huge rock, which completely blocks the road to eternity. Who among the mighty shall remove the barrier?

Who shall roll away the stone? Shell Point Baptist Church Pastor Allan H. Kircher Matthew 28:2,“The angel of the Lord descended from Heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.” As the holy women went towards the tomb in the twilight of the morning ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Boxed In For Growth And Glory Part 1 Series

Contributed by David Welch on Jun 18, 2018

Message 4 in our exodus journey with the Israelites. This message explores the difficulty and deliverance at the Red Sea.

Chico Alliance Church Pastor David Welch "BOXED IN FOR GROWTH AND GLORY" INTRODUCTION This is the forth in a series of messages tracing Israel’s journey to rest. Their experience effectively illustrates the key elements involved in any walk of faith. Only a life that functions ...read more

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

From Warrior To Sorrier Then Back Again Series

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Oct 23, 2017

There was an alter sacrifice and the prophets of Baal keep chanting "oh, Baal, answer us!" for many hours, but nothing happened. Then, Elijah offered up a short prayer and God consumed the sacrifice. But soon after things took a turn for the worst.

FROM A WARRIOR PRAYER TO A SORRIER PRAYER (THEN BACK AGAIN) INTRODUCTION: When I went through the Lord's Prayer a couple of weeks ago in regards to Jesus telling us to not pray as the pagans do I mentioned the account of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. There was an alter sacrifice and the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:36-40, 1 Kings 19:1-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Danger Of Dry & Empty? Series

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Dec 11, 2014

Do we realize how dangerous being empty and dry can be? Study this lesson and warn others.

DRY AND EMPTY... GLOOM, DESPAIR, AND AGONY ON END... By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com I do this in 3 parts... I. CAN WE CLEARLY UNDERSTAND THAT DRY AND EMPTY CAN POSE MANY DANGERS TO OUR DAILY LIFE? Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Starting Fresh

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Dec 31, 2005

In a time of New Year’s resolutions and promises, which often fail, there is a new day approaching - a day to experience "Starting Fresh" through the power of God!

GIVE HIM ALL YOU’VE GOT! Starting Fresh Isaiah 43:14-21 Any number of us here today would have resolved for 2005 to GIVE HIM (the Lord Jesus Christ) ALL WE’VE GOT! Resolutions were made. Maybe a Bible verse was adopted as the theme for the year. We may have resolved to get more in touch with God ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:14-21

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Hurting Person's Guide To Recovery: Test All Spirits!

Contributed by Doug Koehler on May 8, 2009

This is a story about an individuals great trials and what God says to her, to us, to restore us and give us hope.

1 John 4: 1-11 (12-21) Remember: Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. One day Sara Jones woke up and felt completely lost. For weeks she was heading down a path full of sorrow, loneliness and ultimate insecurity but, up until this day she was able to hold onto some sort of ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6

Denomination: Lutheran

The Power To Change A World Series

Contributed by R. York Moore on Jul 18, 2007

There is a power to change the world of the cosmos that is shell-shocked and decaying because of all that is evil. The great news is that Jesus Christ has come into this world not only to take away the soul-sickness of men but also to bring the Kingdom of

The Power to Change a World ľ The eyes. They eyes tell it all. There is an entire world within every eye we look into. These amazing beings God has created, these humans, each represent for us an entire cosmos, a galaxy of potential beauty, of ability, of love, and creativity. As we gaze into ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:5

Denomination: *other

The Courage Of Peter Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Oct 9, 2016

There are times when we must rest in the unseen and believe the impossible by faith. Faith believes the impossible and trusts the Lord to meet our impossibilities. As we walk by faith on this level, great courage is also required.

Series: Walking by Faith # 5 The Courage of Peter Matthew 14:28-32 As we continue our study of walking by faith, I couldn’t imagine a series dealing with this subject without looking at the account we have read today. Mark and John also record the account of Jesus walking on the water, but ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:28-32

Denomination: Baptist

Persistence Pays Off

Contributed by Craig Condon on Mar 20, 2015

Have you prayed, and prayed, and there still seems to be no answer? Does it seem as if God is asleep, and absent from your cry? Don't give up, don't lose heart, don't quit now, but just keep praying until the answer comes.

A group of male seminary students were gathered in the chapel one day. The dean of the seminary was challenging the students in the area of prayer. He instructed them to be careful what they asked God for. He said, "Men, don't ask God for a big church, because of the stress, problems and worries ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Anglican

Heart Attacks - Pt. 1 - Believe For Hope Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Feb 23, 2016

The enemy attacks our heart in an attempt to drive us into a place of hopelessness. We must find hope again!

Heart Attacks Pt. 1 - Believe for Hope Introduction For better or worse our children reflect us. The traits and attributes that we have as a father or a mother are transferred to our offspring. We expect that as parents. It is from that vantage point that we recognize that as children of our ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 27:13-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

Shield Of Faith

Contributed by Davon Huss on Sep 27, 2025

Talking about shields, arrows and faith (Sources noted throughout the notes)

HoHum: (Opening illustration from here: https://www.sagebrush.church/next-steps-week-2/next-steps-week-2-day-4/). A woman went into her kitchen to find a robber loaded down with a bunch of stuff he was stealing from her. Not having any kind of weapon to scare him off, she raised her hand and said, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:16, Ephesians 6:10-18, Hebrews 11:1, Hebrews 11:39-40, 1 John 5:4, Hebrews 12:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God's Power Is Above All PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 23, 2024

This sermon emphasizes finding strength and refuge in God's love and protection, especially during life's trials and tribulations.

Hello, dear church family. What a joy it is to gather here together, united in spirit and in purpose, to bask in the warm embrace of our Savior's love. As we gather in this sacred space, let's take a moment to pause, to breathe, and to prepare our hearts for the wondrous truths we're about to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 18:6-19

Topics: God's Strength