God of our Sorrows

Sermon notes

Text walk through

v1 - God is good to his people

v2 - But not me

v3- why is all this happening

v16 - I had a break through when i came to God

v18 - What I see is temporary but ultimately you work it out

v22- This whole time, my anger toward God was me

v23 - Either way, you walk with me

v26 - You hold me together

v28 - The only solution is being near to God

Outline:

Sometimes there is a physical solution, many times there isn't. V16-17

Emotional problems are not as much to be fixed as walked through v23

Walking by faith is the reality that works v24

Lets sit in the reality of v 26 and 28.

Since there may be no physical solution, and that may be your story in varying degrees, lets hold on to God in these verses.

Psalm 73 NKJV

A Psalm of Asaph. 1 Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm. 5 They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men. 6 Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment. 7 Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish. 8 They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; They speak loftily. 9 They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth. 10 Therefore his people return here, And waters of a full cup are drained by them. 11 And they say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?” 12 Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches. 13 Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, And washed my hands in innocence. 14 For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning. 15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,” Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. 16 When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me— 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. 18 Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. 19 Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. 20 As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image. 21 Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind. 22 I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. 23 Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. 24 You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. 26 My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27 For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. 28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your works.

verse 1 - confirmation that God is good to his people and care about them.

Verse 2 - but we find out that this person doesnt feel as loved by God as Israel. I would assume that he is a part of israel, but he feels different. why would he feel like God doesnt love him like israel?

Verse 3 - maybe we could say its a faith thing. Bad stuff happens to good people and good stuff happens to bad people. He finds himself being jealous of bad people. Saying, man i want what they have.

Verse 11 - the people say, if all this is true then what good is it to put our hope and faith in God. What in the world should i believe in God if all he is going to do is let the wicked prosper while i suffer. How can God see whats going on and let it happen and still call himself powerful.

Verse 13 - it didnt do a lick of good to stay pure, i still got dumped on in life.

Verse 16- i was about to figure out why all this is true, but honestly, it seemed very pointless to even try. Too much of a challenge to even figure out.

Verse 17 - When i went to God, it became clear.

What does he mean by “went to the sanctuary of God” ?