My Soul Is Troubled

Introduction:

     All of God’s children go through times of suffering, both mental and spiritual trials.  Some of these may seem overwhelming.  Our spirit is depressed and our soul is heavy.  Life may get us down and discouragement moves in. 

     This psalm teaches us that the good man is not exempt from life’s troubles; but that the God of all grace provides a way to lead us out of our troubles.

 Body:

   I. Cry Out to God  (Verses 1-3)

• David vocalizes his agony.  He unburdens his sorrow to God.  Psalms 3:4 When distressed, pray.  Pray hard, pray in earnest, pray repeatedly.  He kept asking because he needed an answer.  Psalms 86:1-7
• The Psalmist is brokenhearted.  He feels crushed.  His spirit is in anguish.  Psalms 20:1-3
• The Psalmist is so deep in despair and depression.  He thought God had hidden his face from him.  He did not feel God’s goodness like he had in times past.  Job 29:1-3 His spirit is ready to faint under the pressure of his troubles.

  II. Remember Past Blessings  (Verses 4-6)

• David tossed and turned all night.  There was no relief from his worries.
• When looking through dark glasses, he saw only the bad.      Psalms 38:3-5 Maybe his troubles were due to past sin.
• He needed to remember the ‘song in the night.’                      Psalms 42:8    Isaiah 30:29

 III. Focus Your Thoughts  (Verses 7-12)

• Verses 7-9:  Allow yourself to ask difficult questions.  Ask God to help you understand.  In difficult times, this is normal.  Don’t think you are the only one who has ever questioned God or had doubts about your faith.  Psalms 85:1-7
• Verses 10-12:  Commit to changing your thoughts.          Philippians 4:6-8  Focus on God’s wonders and mighty deeds.  Psalms 105:5

  IV. Trust in God  (Verses 13-20)

• Jehovah is not one god among many, but the God, the one and only God, the Great I AM.
• He is God, the Most High, Creator and Sustainer of the Universe.  He helps our depression.  Examples:  Creation, the Flood, Plagues in Egypt, Manna in the wilderness
• By His power He redeemed Israel.  Psalms 72:18-19
• The Psalmist refers to one of the most memorable acts of God on behalf of His people.  It was the parting of the Red Sea.  The people were in dire straits, but God led them out of slavery and delivered them through the waters.
• God cares for each of us individually as a shepherd cares for each of his sheep.
• God’s way is the best way.  “His way is holy, so obey Him.  His way is hidden, so trust him.”

 Conclusion:

     We can feel overwhelmed at times due to anguish and sorrow.  We feel that there is ‘no way out.’  We need to cry out to God, remember the good from our past, focus our thoughts on the power of God, and then trust in God and His promises.

Lamentations 3:19-24

Bobby Stafford

May 1, 2011