Verwys-Baker Message

Marvin & Lindsay – April 20, 2007

Charge to Couple

I.  Introduction

            A.  So many of the psalms written by David are lyrical songs,      many of which were put to music.

            B.  However, Psalm 37 does not seem to fit the typical style        of a lyrical song.

            C.  In fact, Psalm 37 sounds more like a series of proverbs          or wise sayings – that is why Psalm 37 is classified as a                      “wisdom” psalm

            D.  In poetic fashion, David is expressing words not only to be     sung, but words to heed and words to embrace.

            E.  To David, these were words of comfort and truth, especially   while in the midst of perilous and uncertain times.

            F.  Imagine David penning this psalm as he reflects back on his    life…

                        1.  The prophet Samuel bypasses all of his older and                    stronger brothers to anoint him, the lowly shepherd boy,                to be the next king over Israel – and he wasn’t even                    invited to the anointing ceremony at first.

                        2.  From there, life takes a drastic turn…

                        3.  He was invited to be Saul’s personal musician only                 to become target practice resulting from Saul’s                           jealousy.

                        4.  David is forced to flee for his life and spent several                years living as   a refugee and fugitive.

                        5.  Is that what it is like to be God’s anointed?

                                    a.  David is portrayed as a humble obedient                                 servant of God

                                    b.  Saul is portrayed as a mad-man who has                                turned from God

                                    c.  Yet, God’s anointed is hiding in caves, while                           Saul remains on the throne.

                                    d.  And this goes on for several years before the                                     throne is realized.

                        6. Yet in the midst of all life’s uncertainty, questions,                   and doubts David is able to write…”DO NOT FRET”                 … because wicked will not prosper and the righteous                  will be vindicated.

II.  Marvin and Lindsay – these are exciting days as you celebrate the goodness of God in calling you to salvation, in bringing you to one another, and now uniting to each another in covenant marriage before God and these witnesses.

            A.  Yet as we look past this day and as we look past your           honeymoon, there are days of uncertainty that lie ahead.

                        1.  Where are we going to live?

                        2.  Where am I going to find employment?

                        3.  When should we start having kids?

                        4.  How should we handle our finances?

            B.  David pens three words of advice that I pray would help you to not fret in days of uncertainty or doubt, but to face those days         with confidence and hope.

III.  Three words of Advice

            A.  Trust in the Lord (37:3)

                        1.  Marvin and Lindsay, as you stand here today, you                   are not only proclaiming your love and devotion to one              another, you are also proclaiming your love and                           devotion to Christ as your Lord and Savior.

                        2.  Each of you has expressed your faith commitment to              Christ.

                        3.  Marvin

                                    a.  At the age of 6, when your great uncle                                   passed away, you discussed salvation and                               where you go when you die with your mom.

                                    b.  That night, you prayed asking Christ to                                   forgive your sins.

                                    c.  But then at age 17, as a camper at Lake Ann                                     Camp, you were convicted that you were not                                  fully trusting God, giving Him your whole life.

                                    d.  That summer, you rededicated yourself to                              God.

                        4.  Lindsay

                                    a.  You were 7 yrs old when God saved you.

                                    b.  You prayed with your Awana leader at                                  Riverdale Baptist Church.

                                    c.  Then as a sophomore in high school, you                                rededicated your life to Christ and His                                           Lordship.

                        5.  Together

                                    a.  Commented on your spiritual heritage with                             godly parents and grandparents.

                                    b.  Acknowledged the crucial role that church                             has had in your life.

                                                1)  Marvin – HHBC

                                                2)  Lindsay – Riverdale Baptist, Trinity                                       Baptist

                        6.  As individuals you have trusted in Christ to save                     you, to direct you, and care for you.

                        7.  Now, as you face life together, continue to trust in                  God.

                        8.  David was able not to fret because, according to                    37:7, he was still before the Lord and he waited                          patiently for Him.

                        9.  Charge

                                    a.  Marvin, as you lead your new family, you                               need to trust in your God and model that trust to                               your new bride and to your family.  Be a man                             who chooses not to fret, but chooses to be still                                  and wait patiently for His God to direct His                                 paths.

                                    b.  Lindsay – as you submit to your husband,                               trust Him just as you trust your Savior and                                 Lord.  Be a woman who chooses not to fret                                about the worries of life, but chooses to follow                                   the leading of her God and husband.

            B.  Delight yourself in the Lord (37:4)

                        1.  Even in the uncertain times of life.

                        2.  David is not speaking of manufacturing false                          optimism; rather, the key is the phrase IN THE LORD.

                                    a.  The LORD is to be the object of our delight.

                                    b.  Delight in His salvation that he has                                         graciously provided

                                    c.  Delight that we have been given His Spirit,                             His Word, and His church as gifts to enable us                                  to live righteously and be involved in His                                     mission.

                                    d.  Delight in His promises that He will meet                               your daily needs

                        3.  We delight in the Lord because we trust in Him.

                                    a.  As our Lord, God becomes the foundation of                          our lives, marriages, and families.

                                    b.  As our Lord, God’s glory becomes our first                            and foremost priority in all things.

                                    c.  As our Lord, God’s mission in the world                                 becomes our purpose in life.

                                    d.  Christ is our foundation, our priority, and                                 our purpose becomes we are HIS!

                        4.  There is no greater joy then to live a life fully              devoted to Jesus Christ, trusting in Him and delighting                         in His ways.

                        5.  Charge

                                    a.  Marvin – Don’t allow the storms of life to                              toss you about like a small ship – James says                               this is a double-minded man who is unstable in                             all he does. Whether you experience                                            mountaintop joys or deep valley sorrows,                                     delight yourself in the Lord, in His salvation, in                               His presence, and in His promises. 

                                    b.  Lindsay – as you follow your Lord and                                   husband, delight in the Lord.  In doing so, you                          will desire what God desires, and the                                          corresponding promise is that God will give                                    you the desires of your heart.  Model for your                             husband and your family a life that finds its                                     meaning and source in Him.

            C.  Commit your way to the Lord (37:5)

                        1.  The word commit is the Hebrew word galal, which                 means “to roll an object upon, toward, or away from                    something”.

                        2.  The idea is that we are to roll our burdens on to the                Lord, committing our behavior and life to Him.

                        3.  The point is that as we trust Him and delight in Him,               we will actively roll our lives on to Him.

                        4.  Charge to the Couple - As a couple, your #1                          responsibility is to God, to honor His name, to live in                obedience to all His commands, and to serve Him with                your whole heart.

                        5.  Listen to David’s closing words of advice …

The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; He is their stronghold in time of trouble.  The Lord helps them and delivers them from the wicked, and saves them, because they take refuge in Him. (Psalm 37:39-40)