PSALMS FOR SEARCHING SOULS- PART 7

                Sept. 9, 2007

Intro: Psalms 142- personal lamentation; another “maschil”

or “wisdom” psalm

I. ANGUISH- 142:1-2 “cry…supplication..compliant..”

1) We believe God is in control and thus ask, “why is this

happening?”

2) Listen to Job- 3:23-24; 7:11, 17-21; 10:1-5; 12:6

but he had faith- 13:15; 19:25-26

II. ADVERSITY- 142:3-4- suffering was magnified by

determination of enemies and indifference of friends.

1) “spirit overwhelmed”-  God seemed indifferent.

2) “no one acknowledges me”- no support

3) “refuge failed me”-

4) “no man cares for my soul”- Sense of isolation

and indifference of friends.

Yet, Jesus cares- Lk.19:41, Jn.11:35 & Mark 10:21

III. AFFIRMATION- 142:5-6 “you are my refuge”

1) refuge- a place of safety, aid & enablement

Difficulties motivate us to seek & find the Lord-

Proverbs on “better”- 12:9, 15:16,17, 16:32, 17:1, 19:1,

19:22, 25:24

2) “they are stronger than I”—good admission

IV. ANTICIPATION- 142:7- “that I may praise..”

Faith looks ahead, past the crisis, to a better day.