Relief for Lonely Hearts

Introduction

➟ ➟ ➟ On Friday I updated my FB status - maybe you saw it & can identify: “What Day is It?”

They do all seem to be running together.

We all seem to have found plenty of ways to distract ourselves.

Taking on little projects:

➟ ➟ ➟ cleaned out the garage.

➟ ➟ ➟ mowed the yard every other day.

➟ ➟ ➟ Binge watching TV shows; wife is doing puzzles.

But … then it all starts to grow old. Gets a little frustrating. Mind begins to wander and wish for the comforts of our old norms.

➟ ➟ ➟ It’s been 6 weeks since we’ve met together in a complete setting.

We’re certainly missing each other.

I’ve been so encouraged by how so many of you are reaching out in the ways you can.

➟ ➟ ➟ 30 in 30 Bible reading - such a good thing.

➟ ➟ ➟ Kettering kids - oh what a blessing.

➟ ➟ ➟ The cards, emails, and other electronic messages you’re sending to each other.

➟ ➟ ➟ The participation in the online group meetings.

The comments and responses you’re writing in our online bible studies and on Your Pathway Home.

The way you’re sharing these programs with those you know.

All of this is great! It is the essence of making the best out of a bad situation.

We’re all encouraged and resolved when we hear of our leaders talking about the steps we need to take to reopen things.

➟ ➟ ➟ But in the meantime… how do we cope?

There are times where the relief feels so far away. Some of us may be asking:

➟ ➟ ➟ How do I handle my kids?

➟ ➟ ➟ How am I going to pay my bills if I get laid off?

What am I going to do now that I am laid off?

➟ ➟ ➟ Is my business going to fail? How am I going to pay my employees?

What if I get sick? What if I bring this home to someone I love?

➟ ➟ ➟ I feel so lonely. I miss everyone.

It can be so overwhelming.

How do we make Scripture come alive so our hearts can be reassured?

➟ ➟ ➟ That’s the question before us today. We’re going to look at two main passages: Psalm 142 and John 14.

We’ll examine Psalm 142 & see how David handled his emotions during a time of isolation and distress.

We’ll see how he placed total confidence in God’s care and provision. We serve a wonderful, caring God.

We’ll wrap up the lesson by looking at the promise of Jesus given to those in emotional distress.

Understanding Psalm 142

The heading for this psalm identifies that David wrote this in the cave.

Many think this is the cave at Adullam in 1 Samuel 22.1.

David has had to flee from Saul and go into hiding.

He is alone and hungry. He can trust no one. There is literally no sanctuary anywhere else.

The Psalm is a cry of loneliness. David is completely overwhelmed.

In we see the cycle of discouragement everyone goes through at certain points in life.

For David, things couldn’t have seen more anxious; more lonely; or more wearisome.

➟ ➟ ➟ Derek Kidner has written:

Psalms 73–150: An Introduction and Commentary Psalm 142. Hemmed In

In the present psalm the strain of being hated and hunted is almost too much, and faith is at full stretch. But this faith is undefeated, and in the final words it is at last joined by hope.

How David Handled His Emotions

How does he feel?

➟ ➟ ➟ 142.1 - he is very emotional. With my voice I cry out to the Lord.

➟ ➟ ➟ 142.3 - he is overwhelmed. My spirit faints within me.

➟ ➟ ➟ 142.4 - he is alone. There is none who takes notice of me.

➟ ➟ ➟ 142.6a - he is depressed. Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low.

➟ ➟ ➟ 142.6b - he is defeated. For they are too strong for me.

Things certainly appear hopeless.

➟ ➟ ➟ What does David show us in coping with loneliness?

It is OK to tell God how we feel. Notice how he verbalizes his emotions:

➟ ➟ ➟ 142.1 - he cries.

➟ ➟ ➟ 142.2a - he pours out.

➟ ➟ ➟ 142.2b - he tells. (reveals / declares)

This is deep honesty and intimacy with God.

We need to resist our instinct to withhold these emotions as we interact with our Father.

➟ ➟ ➟ We need to respond in the way Peter expects us to.

1 Peter 5:7 ESV

7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

By verbalizing his emotions, David reveals his great dependence upon God.

➟ ➟ ➟ Prayer is the life of our soul.

James 4:7–8 ESV

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

David visualizes his emotions.

➟ ➟ ➟ 142.3b - a hidden trap.

➟ ➟ ➟ 142.4 - he feels completely exposed. there is no refuge for me.

But he also keeps things in perspective. It’s not just about all his problems and challenges.

Note how he looks to the Lord.

➟ ➟ ➟ 142.5a - the Lord is his shelter.

➟ ➟ ➟ 142.7a - The Lord will free him from prison.

David’s Confidence in God’s Care

142.3 - Despite his sadness and concern, he has great confidence in the personal insight of God.

➟ ➟ ➟ You know my way … in the path where I walk… David’s problems were very real to God.

God was already aware of what was going on. God understands. He will take care of us.

142.5, 7 - David realizes God’s provision.

When he focuses on God’s strength - his problems begin to fade away.

➟ ➟ ➟ 142.5 - God was David’s refuge. And what a refuge He is!

Hebrews 13:5 ESV

5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

➟ ➟ ➟ 142.7 - David had complete trust in God’s goodness: for you will deal bountifully with me.

So I must ask, How deep is my trust in God?

Will I trust Him during this time of uncertainty?

How Jesus’ Promise in John 14 Can Help

Speaking of a great time of uncertainty and loneliness … Jesus’ promise of he’ll be with us is especially relevant as we close our lesson today.

Here’s the essence of John 14.1-18:

Don’t be troubled. Trust me. I myself will be your dwelling. I will get you there.

➟ ➟ ➟ John 14.3 - This is the most important statement in the section. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

It shifts the focus from place to person.

In his writing, John Piper asks what the essence of heaven is. He says, the essence of heaven is the immediate presence of Jesus.

Jesus says:

He is going to prepare a place so that when he comes he can take us to Him.

That place is himself. He’s going to do this by paying our debt for sin, clearing the way where we can have a room in the safest place in the universe … with Him.

His aim is for the apostles to trust Him. There is no need to be disturbed. No need for internal wrestling and turmoil. The promise continually repeated here is I am with you.

➟ ➟ ➟ 14.7 CSB: If you know me, you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.

➟ ➟ ➟ John 14.8 - Philip replies… Note how Jesus answers:

➟ ➟ ➟ 14.9 - The one who has seen me has seen the Father.

➟ ➟ ➟ In 14.10, he asks a question: Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?

➟ ➟ ➟ 14.11 - Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.

Over and over Jesus is stressing, I am with you. God in human form is in their very presence.

Conclusion:

You may be sitting here this morning thinking … well that sounds good, but that was then and this is now. Where is Jesus now? I can’t see him. I feel so alone.

➟ ➟ ➟ John 14.16-17 - While there are things specific to the apostles here having to do with the day of Pentecost, there is a general promise for all believers here.

Even though He is going away, Jesus promises to be with them because He will be in the Helper who comes.

He is not with us physically now, but we can know and trust that deity dwells in us spiritually.

➟ ➟ ➟ Romans 8.9-10

If you’ve been born again by the Spirit in the waters of baptism.... If the Spirit has regenerated you … then you have the Spirit. God is with you. Jesus is with you. The Spirit is in you.

➟ ➟ ➟ This is why Jesus makes the promise in John 14.18 - I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

➟ ➟ ➟ Matthew 28.20 is the fulfillment of this promise.

As Jesus gives the great commission what does He say, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

➟ ➟ ➟ As we trudge through the difficulties, uncertainties, and causes for concern with this pandemic....

As we lose track of the days...

As we worry about our economic future...

As we worry about our heath and that of those we love...

As we worry about our job security...

As we struggle with isolation, monotony, and the resulting loneliness … He is with us.

And just like David said, God is our refuge and he will deal bountifully with us.

Will you trust Him?