Staying The Course When Things Get Tough – Part 1

Staying The Course When Things Get Tough – Part 1

INTRODUCTION

It’s easy to begin something NEW. There is always a sense of excitement about a NEW beginning. However, life isn’t just a sprint; it’s a marathon. The key is not just to begin well, but to finish well. This series is intended encourage you to make a commitment to FINISH what you start even in the face of obstacles and difficulties.

The FINISHER is one who overcomes all that is necessary to fulfill God’s purpose and end the course successfully.

Notable finishers in the Bible:

a. Paul – ;

b. Jesus – ; , “It is Finished” (tetelestai) – PAID In FULL.

In our text, DAVID is another example of one who FINISHES well. , and 5 have been described as songs of MOURNING. They pertain to David’s life when his kingship was under great attack from within and without.

What David desired the most was to seek God in helping him through a season that was tough, trying and tempting. Several things happened:

A. Prayers must be continual. ; ;

1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.

2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

1. Pray early.

2. Pray expectantly.

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B. The practice of evil must be prevented.

4 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.

5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

1. The Father takes no pleasure in wickedness.

2. The foolish will not prevail in this world.

C. Praise must be public.

7 But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

1. It’s personal.

2. It needs to be a priority.

D. People’s words must not dictate your purpose.

9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

10 Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.

11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

1. Their talk can’t be trusted.

2. Their throat is like a tomb.

E. His presence will be your protection.

12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.