The Good Life and God’s Unfailing Love

Series: The Life Worth Living

Bible Passage: Ps 118:1–29

Summary: Psalm 118 celebrates the steadfast love of God, and His love endures forever. Despite our experiences of distress, deliverance, and thanksgiving, we will be able to look back at the end of our life and see God's enduring faithfulness.

Main Point: Jesus is the Stone that the builders rejected and he came that we might have an abundant life.

1. The Good Life Starts with God’s Steadfast Love (Ps 118:1-9)

Explanation: The psalmist introduces the theme of God's steadfast love by calling for gratitude. In our moments of distress, we can turn to God's love for our refuge and strength. We must begin by acknowledging God's goodness and faithfulness, offering peace amidst life's storms. Respond with thankfulness, knowing that God's steadfast love endures forever, and approach life with trust in His divine nature.

2. God’s Strength Sustains us the Good Life (Ps 118:10-18)

Explanation: We are not immune from suffering and pain. The psalmist faced many struggles and adversities but he overcame his problems through reliance on God's enduring love. Discuss how this section reflects life’s battles, but we have the assurance of victory because of God’s presence. Hardships are opportunities for God to demonstrate His unchanging love. His support is unwavering even when we are surrounded by life’s challenges. God's love transforms our struggles into testimonies of His faithfulness.

3. Jesus is the Stone that the Builder Rejected (Ps 118:19-24)

Explanation: Once again, we see the psalmist emphasizing the Lord's presence and His steadfast love. We experience God’s love when we rejoice and worship. Christ is our foundation, we have everlasting joy and salvation, and it is not based on outward circumstances or even how we feel.

4. Our Success Comes from the Lord (Ps 118:25-29)

Explanation: The psalmist closes with prayers of salvation and thanksgiving, re-emphasizing the theme of God's everlasting love. We should end each days in humble gratitude, trusting in His love for future deliverance. Prayer is how we strengthen our relationship with God, providing reassurance of His steadfast presence. Salvation is through Jesus, who is our ultimate expression of God's enduring love.

Application: No matter what your circumstances or struggles, God's love remains constant and unchanging. Lean on the truth that God's love can carry you through your hardships and give you an abundant life.

Conclusion: God's love is not conditioned by our actions or feelings. God’s love is a powerful, unwavering force that can bring us hope even in the most dire of circumstances. We should respond with gratitude and trust.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this psalm, Christ is revealed as the ultimate demonstration of God's steadfast love; through Him, God's love is fully displayed, especially in His sacrificial death and resurrection which assures us of eternal life and relationship with Him.