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Psalms of Winter:. Experiencing God in Times of Need. Experiencing God in Times of Doubt Psalm 73. I. The Problem That Gives Rise to Doubt. A. What the Psalmist Observed: Faith’s ____________, at times, seem to be at _____ with life’s ________. (1-12). expectations. odds. realities.
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Psalms of Winter: Experiencing God in Times of Need Experiencing God in Times of Doubt Psalm 73
I. The Problem That Gives Rise to Doubt A. What the Psalmist Observed: Faith’s ____________, at times, seem to be at _____ with life’s ________. (1-12) expectations odds realities 1. Faith’s expectations: Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. (v.1) Good bad * _____ things happen to _____ people; ____ things happen to ____ people. bad good
2. Life’s realities: But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. (vv. 2-3) * ____ things happen to _____ people; _____ things happen to ____ people. Bad good good bad
* Unlike me, bad people appear to be invincible. (vv.4-5) They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.
* Unlike me, they mock God and his commandments. (vv. 6-9) Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous heart comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds knows no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten opposition. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.
* Unlike me, they lead others astray. (vv. 10-11) Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. They say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”
* From all appearances, unlike me, they seem to be enjoying the good life. (v. 12) This is what the wicked are like -- always carefree, they increase in wealth.
B. What the Psalmist Concluded: I ___ on the wrong _____; it doesn’t ___ to _____ God! (13-16) bet horse pay serve Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning … When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me … (vv. 13-14, 16)
II. The Solution That Gives Rise to Faith (17-28) honest A. Be _______ about your doubts; _____ out your ______ to God! Pour heart Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked … Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in vain I have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished very morning. (v.1-3, 13-14)
B. Be _______ about your doubts; __________ you have ______________ to those around you! careful Remember responsibilities If I had said, “I will speak thus,” I would have betrayed your children. (v. 15)
C. Grasp the big _______; See ____ for who he _____ is! picture God really When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God… (vv. 16-17a)
1. God is _________; the ________ is not the ___________. sovereign present permanent … then I understood their end. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies. (vv. 17b-20)
2. God is _____; his _____ are not our _____. wise ways ways When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. (vv. 21-22)
3. God is _______; his ________ is all I _____. enough presence need Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (vv. 23-26)
D. ____ your _____; let others _____ you! Tell story bless Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. (vv. 27-28)
Psalms of Winter: Experiencing God in Times of Need Experiencing God in Times of Doubt Psalm 73