Light in the Darkness

Light in the Darkness

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