Old Llantrisant Hill
Introduction
- We worked in Japan for 8 years
- How much do you know of Japan?
- Many natural disasters
- Example of earthquake
- Example of typhoon
- Example of another earthquake
- Example of [false] alert of a missile strike from North Korea
- You may not have faced these challenges
- A global pandemic
- Worries about daily life - finances, health concerns, family problems, job security
- Where do we turn for refuge during these trials?
- Take refuge in God - 5 reasons
He is Listening
- v1-2
- David feels far from God - maybe physically and spiritually
- Have you felt that God is far away?
- God is listening - v5
- During the power cut after the earthquake - we saw all the stars we would not normally see
- The mind boggles at the vastness of the universe
- Yet the God who made all this - is listening to me and you
- People in Japan clap to wake up their 'gods' in the vain hope that someone is listening
He is Strong
- v2-3
- Do we seek refuge in other people who are weak?
- God is not weak but strong!
- Example of tsunami monument
- The warning was not heeded
- The tsunami of 11th March 2011 overwhelmed the defences
- Example of friends during this tsunami
- God is a strong tower and fortress!
He is Gentle
- He is not hard, cold and unfeeling due to His strength
- v4
- David wants to live in the same place as God
- An intimate/close situation
- Example of chicks under the mothers wings
- An intimate/close situation
He is Generous
- v5
- David was given a heritage
- God is generous
- God promised the land to the Israelites
- This is a foreshadow of the promised land we have in the new heaven and the new earth
- Matt 7:11 , James
- Rom 8 - The ultimate gift is Jesus Christ
- God generously gives us His Son
He is in Control
- v6
- David is not saying that he will not die but that his throne shall be established forever
- 2 Sam 7:16
- Isaiah, Luke 1
- Jesus us the King who will reign forever
- Quote from Abraham Caipher
- All the universe is His
- Quote from Matthew
What does this mean - how do you take refuge in God?
- Complete the sentence:
- I feel safe and secure when...
- It will all be okay so long as...
- I can relax if and when...
- What is our first port of call / where do we turn in anxious moments?
- Example of worldly securities
- What are we trusting in?
- Do we pray to God?
- Take refuge in God
- We can take refuge in God because of Jesus
- We have such a wonderful refuge in God - why would we turn to anything else?
- Take refuge in God
- You will never find a better refuge
- Trust in Jesus Christ and go to God
- He will not let you down
- Take refuge in God
- Our response - v8 - obedience and praise