Psalm 63 | Summer in the Psalms
Sermon Summary
Psalm 63 proves that there is no circumstance that justifies apathy. It was written by King David as he was on the run from his son, Absalom, who was attempting to overthrow and kill his father. Despite these circumstances, David shows us what it looks like to love God zealously and seek Him continually.
One Big Idea
We can be zealous in all seasons and circumstances, because the blood of Jesus is stronger than our apathy.
Key Scriptures:
Matthew 22:37 (NASB): And [Jesus] said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
Psalm 63:3-4 (NASB): Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.
Psalm 47:6 (NASB): Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.
Psalm 37:5 (NASB): Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it.
John 16:33 (NASB): These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.
Truths to focus on this week:
Come to church expectant: On the way to church or lifegroup, what’s on your mind? Is it so routine that you have no expectation or excitement for what’s about to happen? Pray and believe that God will speak to you, convict you, and commission you every Sunday morning and lifegroup night.
Pursue the knowledge of God’s love, and praise Him in response: His love is objectively better than life itself. At times, we struggle to know or feel that because life’s distractions have drowned out our awareness of His love. True understanding and acknowledgment of God's love will inevitably lead to verbal and physical praise.
Be satisfied in God: Is it difficult to find comfort and strength in the Lord? Is it because you’ve gotten so used to turning to other things for comfort? The more you train yourself to go to God for satisfaction the easier it becomes.
Review your history with God: What is the last thing on your mind as you lay in bed? There isn’t a better thing to do than to spend your last waking moments remembering God and who He’s been for you. Constantly rehearse all the ways He’s helped, comforted, and sustained you.
Cling to God in the midst of alternatives: There are endless things to cling to in our culture. Clinging to God means refusing to go places or do things that do not please Him. It also means surrendering your plans to Him and saying yes when He calls you higher.
Know God upholds and delivers you: Apathy toward God comes from striving to do life in your own strength, and giving into hopelessness. Whatever tribulation or persecution comes your way, remember: Jesus has already secured your victory by defeating death.
Reflection Questions
What is louder in your mind: your physical needs or your spiritual needs? Does your physical or spirit needs drive the ship of your heart, actions and decisions? Which has been leading which?
What do you feel you’re missing in this life that seems so desirable it leaves you unsatisfied with God’s love? Could it possibly be better than His love? Of all the different things you turn to for satisfaction, what percentage of that space does God occupy?