When Trouble Comes

When Trouble Comes

Psalm 73

Intro:

This is a Psalm of Asaph.

-He declares the goodness of God. Vs. 1

-Asaph’s concern

-BUT…as for me.

1. I am falling…vs 2

2.Because it seems the wicked are prospering. Vs 3-16

3.Then I went to God. Vs 17

4.The reality of the wicked. Vs 18-20

5.Asaph’s conviction. 21-22

6.Asaph’s conclusion. Vs 23-24

I. Rely on the grip. Vs 23

A. I am continually with thee.

-Interesting that he did not say…You are with me.

-Rather “I am with you”.

B.He recognized that he is in the grip of God’s almighty hand.

-Often we think we are hanging on to God only to find out that He is hanging on to us.

-God has a hold on you and He will not let go.

-John 10:27-29

C. David knew of God presence Psalm 139:7-10

D. Other promises of God’s grip on us…

-Psalms 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly

cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Psalms 63:8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

E. Occasionally I see a letter with the signature “In His Grip”

F. When you are discouraged and feel alone…remember

to rest in His grip.

-Quit trying to hand on…and just rest in Him…

-He has a grip on you…

II. Rely on His guidance. Vs 24

- Psalms 33:11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for

ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

-God said to Moses “Hearken now unto my voice, I will

give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee:”

Exodus 18:19

A. Following His guidance means we must be listening to Him.

-God’s counsel is found in His Word….

-God’s counsel comes through prayer…

-God’s counsel is the revelation of His will.

B. The problem is that we often what to follow man’s

counsel rather than God’s.

-Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man’s; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that

shall stand.

C. Asaph decided to rely on God’s counsel rather than

follow the crowd.

III. Remember the glory…

A. One day all this will be over…

-For the believer this world is the worse it can get.

-For the unbeliever this world is the best it can get.

B. God will receive us into His glory.

C. It will be worth it all. (sing) (Pg 674)

IV. Reclaim your place near to the heart of God. Vs 28

A. It is good to draw near to God.

-James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.

-Trust in the Lord…

B. Declare all His works….

Conclusion:

Rest in His grip

Rely on His counsel

Remember the Glory

Reclaim you place…near to His heart.