But it hurts…
Caves are places where… Psalm 142:1-7
3/19/06 AM
Pastor Brad Dyrness
Sparks Nazarene Church
Often we find God's people, during times of suffering, in the dark, in caves.
For the most part if you are in a cave, as a Bible Character, you're either hiding or dead!
That’s not to say that there are some really good reasons to hide!
Lot and His daughters
were in a cave in
Abraham and Sarah too -
it is their tomb.
Kings, Israelites, Samson, the Philistines and God's Prophets all hiding, Elijah the prophet, and even King David.
In the New Testament there were caves mentioned too - both dealt with death and… Resurrection
Caves are places where we find:
þ People Hiding,
þ Death,
þ Judgment
þ but there is also Contemplation and Resurrection!
Psalm 142
Was written in a CAVE
"The goal of suffering and difficulties is the development of trust in Jesus Christ. All people experience disturbing events in life, events that challenge even the most mature faith. These challenges necessitate the development of a richer spiritual life."
Howard Rice “The Pastor as Spiritual Guide”
David teaches us today in this Psalm…
1. God is the first stop for those who are hurting! Vs. 1, 2, 5, & 6
We can choose to hide, We can even live as if we're dead or we can look to God to be our help!
2.
Look at your problem compared to the resources of God. Vs
God says Here I am, I am waiting for you to ask and I will:
Show you the way
Hold you close (refuge)
Set you FREE
3. Others will gather around you as you trust Him in your suffering Vs. 7
If we will let believers in
on the problem they can celebrate in the solution! Look at