Desperation | Psalms of Lent Week 5 | Pastors Kent & Mary Alice Martin

Psalm 27 BSB: The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust. (MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be held high above my enemies around me. At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. (MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

Hear, O LORD, my voice when I call; be merciful and answer me. My heart said, “Seek His face.” Your face, O LORD, I will seek. Hide not Your face from me, nor turn away Your servant in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or forsake me, O God of my salvation. (MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors. Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. (MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. (MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

Wait patiently for the LORD! (MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

The Experience of Desperation (MULTILINE)

Psalm 27:7 BSB: Hear, O LORD, my voice when I call; be merciful — answer me! (MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

Psalm 27:9: Do not hide Your face from me, nor turn away Your servant in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or forsake me, O God of my salvation. (MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

(MULTILINE)

Hebrews 4:15-16 BSB: Jesus understands our every weakness, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! So whenever we’re in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and find help. (MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

The Intimacy of Desperation (MULTILINE)

Psalm 27 BSB: One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple. (MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

It doesn’t matter, really, how great the pressure we experience is. It only matters where the pressure lies. See that it never comes between you and the Lord—then, the greater the pressure, the more it presses you to His breast. — J. Hudson Taylor (MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

The Reward of Desperation (MULTILINE)

We worship the God of love, who permits many trials and suffering. But we do not worship the question… WHY??? (MULTILINE)

In the end… David had desperation to thank for re-awakening his deepest affections towards God. (MULTILINE)