Theme: Light in the Darkness
Preacher: Rev Phil Swain
Date: 24February, 2020 (preached at the 9am worship service)
Bible Reading: Selected Verses from the Psalms
1. Crying out
Listen to my cry, O God. Listen to my prayer! Psalm 61:1
Why are you hiding from us? Don’t forget our suffering and trouble Psalm 44:24
How long must I endure this pain? How long will sorrow fill my heart day and night? Psalm 13:2
Lord, I cry to you for help Psalm 142:5
Hear my prayer, Lord and listen to my cry. Come to my aid when I weep.
Psalm 39:12
2. Worn out
I am worn out, God. … I am completely exhausted and my whole being is deeply troubled. How long, O Lord, will you wait to help me? … I am worn out with grief; every night my bed is damp from my weeping; my pillow is soaked with tears.
Psalm 6:2-3,6
When I think of God, I sigh. When I meditate, I get discouraged … I ask myself, “Has the Lord stopped loving us? Does his promise no longer stand? Has he forgotten to be merciful?” Psalm 77:3-9
Save me O God. The water is up to my neck; I am sinking in deep mud and there is no solid ground. I am out in deep water and the waves are about to drown me.
Psalm 69:1-2
I am gripped by fear and trembling; I am overcome with horror. I wish I had wings, like a dove. I would fly away and find rest. I would find shelter from the raging winds and the storm. Psalm 55:5-8
Hear me! Save me now! Be my refuge to protect me, my defence to save me.
Psalm 31:2
3. Remembering & Trusting in God
What then can I hope for, Lord? I put my hope in you! Psalm 39:7
The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
Psalm 34:18
I am ready to give up, I am in deep despair. But I remember the days gone by; I think about all that you God have done, I bring to mind all your deeds. I lift up my hands to you in prayer; like dry ground my soul is thirsty for you. Psalm 143:4-6
I look to the mountains, where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth Psalm 121:1-2
When I am afraid, O Lord Almighty, I put my trust in you Psalm 56:3
I will always put my hope in you. I will praise you more and more. I will tell of your goodness and speak of you salvation – even though it is more than I can understand. Psalm 71:14-15
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8
Even though I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me. Psalm 23:4
I waited patiently for the Lord’s help; then he listened to me and heard my cry. He pulled me out of the dangerous pit. He set me safely on a rock and made me secure. Psalm 40:1-2
God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble
Psalm 46:1
Trust in God at all time, my people. Tell him all your troubles, for he is our refuge.
Psalm 62:8
May your constant love be with us, Lord, as we put our hope in you Psalm 33:22