Sermons on Total Despair:

Blue Christmas: A Reflection From The 137th Psalm

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Dec 12, 2020

Sometimes it is hard for people to be merry in the Christmas season.

Blue Christmas: A Reflection from the 137th Psalm Christmas is supposed to be a season of joy. It is a time we reflect upon the heavenly army singing “Peace on Earth and goodwill to men. Even the world joins in with Christmas lights and parties and singing songs like “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 137:1-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

From The Pit To Praise: Embracing God's Faithfulness

Contributed by Evangelist Thompson Seley on Jul 28, 2023

Life often throws us into pits of despair, but God is always there to lift us up and set our feet upon a rock. Exploring the powerful message of hope and deliverance offered by Psalm 40. Let us dive into this psalm of praise and discover the promises it holds for each one of us.

Title: "From the Pit to Praise: Embracing God's Faithfulness" Introduction: Dear brothers and sisters, today we gather in the presence of our loving God to be inspired and reminded of His unwavering faithfulness. Life often throws us into pits of despair, but God is always there to ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 12:11, Isaiah 43:2, Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 9:10, Psalm 40:1-8  (view more)  (view less)

Psalms Of The Sons Of Korah - Psalm 42 Part 1

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Mar 15, 2022

The Korahites were the singers and composers in the Tabernacle and Temple. Their Psalms are a rich source of spiritual teaching. Psalm 42 is a Psalm of deep personal feelings where the psalmist has lost his joy and was in a rough patch.

MESSAGE 1 - PSALMS OF THE SONS OF KORAH. - PSALM 42 Part 1 Ron Ferguson ronaldf@aapt.net.au Psa. 42. For the choir director. A Maskil of the sons of Korah. Psa 42 v 1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God. Psa 42:2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 42:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Nov 8, 2020

How do you go from deep despair to the heights of joy? Psalm 22 holds the key.

“ … when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered [Jesus] wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when He tasted it, He would not drink it. And when they had crucified Him, they divided His clothes among themselves by casting lots; then they sat down there and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:32-46

Denomination: United Methodist

Setting Hearts Free

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Oct 31, 2004

Jesus Christ sets us free from: 1. Cynicism 2. Despair 3. Self

Comedian Rodney Dangerfield, who passed away earlier this month at age 82, made his living playing the part of someone chronically depressed and making fun of himself because he “got no respect.” He would complain to his audiences with lines like: “I tell ya I get no respect from anyone. I ...read more

Scripture: John 8:31-36

Denomination: Methodist

A Glimmer Of Light In The Gloom Of Solitary Confinement Series

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

THE LONELINESS AND DESPAIR OF SPIRITUAL SOLITARY CONFINEMENT CAN ONLY BE OFFSET BY A VISION OF THE ETERNALITY AND IMMUTABILITY OF GOD

BIG IDEA: THE LONELINESS AND DESPAIR OF SPIRITUAL SOLITARY CONFINEMENT CAN ONLY BE OFFSET BY A VISION OF THE ETERNALITY AND IMMUTABILITY OF GOD I. (:1-7) THE SILENCE OF LONELINESS MAKES OUR HEART WASTE AWAY A. (:1-2) NOTHING IS MORE FRUSTRATING THAN THE SILENCE OF GOD Looking for Answers Looking ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 102:1-28

Denomination: Independent/Bible

How Long O Lord

Contributed by Lee Henry on Nov 15, 2006

This psalm shows us how we can overcome our despair through faith in God.

How Long O Lord Psalm 13 “How long O Lord?” Four times in this brief psalm, David makes this plaintive cry. “How long O Lord?” This psalm was, no doubt, written during a low point in David’s life. Possibly during the time when Saul is pursuing David to try to kill him. This story is told in ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 13:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

He Lives Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 13, 2009

The women encountered a living Jesus and seeing Jesus changed their lives from giref and despair to hope.

John 20:1-18 “He Lives” INTRODUCTION During the first three days of July in 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg raged. An argument could be made that that battle had a significant effect on the outcome of the war and ultimately on our lives. Still, having occurred over 140 years ago the battle is ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Lutheran

The Beginning Of… Covenant Promises Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Apr 22, 2010

God’s promises deliver his people from despair and empower faithful living.

Scripture Introduction Lest we suspect that God is like Santa, winking at sin and hoping we will be more nice than naughty, the Bible records the catastrophic and world-wide flood in the days of Noah – God’s judgment on the rampant violence and wickedness which characterized mankind. ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

In The Middle Of It All

Contributed by Samuel Fulkerson on Sep 19, 2013

Heaven and Earth; Life and Living; Sin and Righteous; Hope and Despair... Jesus is right in the Middle of it All!

Quotes: “There are two sides to every issue: one side is right and the other is wrong, but the middle is always evil.” -Ayn Rand “Then answered the Jews, and said unto him [Jesus], Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” –John ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 8:6

Denomination: Pentecostal

Die To Himself PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 3, 2023

Explores Elijah's despair, emphasizing the challenges of faith and the importance of trusting God's plan in times of difficulty.

Good morning, dear friends. It is a joy to be here with you today. We gather in this place of worship, in the presence of our Lord. We are united in our faith, our love for God, and our desire to understand His word. Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the book of 1 Kings. Specifically, we will ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:4

Topics: Death

The First Promise Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 20, 2014

What would you say to a man who was afraid of dying? A man who knew his death was just months away but couldn't handle that truth? Would you be able to turn his fear into hope?

OPEN: I recently listened to a man named Chris tell of visiting his relatives in Kokomo, Indiana. One night his family took him out to and treated him to a special meal at the Texas Roadhouse restaurant. Sometime during the evening, Chris got up and went into the bathroom, and while he was there ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:11-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Who Should Consider Leading? Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 4, 2021

Presumption says God’s timing or His knowledge is insufficient and I’ve got to do something to fix the problem. But there is another form of pride… DESPAIR. Despair says waiting on God is a fool’s wait. God will not fulfill His promises.

“Jazzland”, a New Orleans-themed park, was built on acres of swamp-land outside of the city in 2000, was purchased by Six Flags and changed names in 2002. During Hurricane Katrina, Six Flags was completely flooded and an estimated 70-80% of the park was destroyed, leaving it much too expensive to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Help!

Contributed by Ron Hicks on Sep 7, 2005

Our ability to help is limited by time, and resources but Christ is as close as the mention of His name, with everything you need.

HELP Ps 46:1 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. What is it that each and everyone of need right now more than anything? Is it money? Is it the accumulation of more things? ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:1

Denomination: Assembly Of God

When The Church Fails Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Mar 12, 2003

Our failures in the Christian community remind us of our need for total and complete dependance on Jesus.

Like you, I’ve been watching the terrible scandal surrounding the abuse of children by priests in the Roman Catholic church. And the worst part of the scandal isn’t the abuse of children, as horrible as that is. The worst part has the cover up, that rather than stepping in and removing sexual ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational