In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of hope and faith in relation to achieving one's heart's desires. He uses metaphors such as a stone in a sling and a DC-10 airplane to illustrate the process of developing hope and releasing it in faith. The speaker also mentions the presence of Catherine Coolman, a preacher who brings the presence of the Lord Jesus and prays for healing. The sermon emphasizes the power of God and encourages listeners to trust in Him for their desires and needs.

In this sermon, Pastor Symbola encourages the congregation to put their hope in God, even when they are feeling downcast and disturbed. He shares the words of the psalmist who asks why his soul is troubled but declares his intention to praise God. Pastor Symbola emphasizes the importance of speaking these words to oneself and choosing to trust in God, even in difficult times. He reminds the congregation of God's faithfulness in the past and encourages them to continue praising Him, knowing that He will deliver them.

J.C. Philpot preaches about the tender and affectionate way David addresses his soul, questioning why it is cast down and disturbed, and encourages it to hope in God. He delves into the various causes that lead God's people to be cast down, such as guilt of sin, unceasing conflict between nature and grace, hiding of God's countenance, temptations, and afflictions. Philpot emphasizes the importance of finding hope in God, which can spring from invitations in God's word, past testimonies, and a sight of scriptural evidence raised up by the Spirit of God in the heart, ultimately providing relief and support in times of despair.

John Chrysostom preaches on Romans 15:8, emphasizing how Jesus Christ, as a Minister of the circumcision, fulfilled the promises made to the fathers, showing His concern for both Jews and Gentiles. Chrysostom highlights the importance of unity between Jews and Gentiles, with Gentiles being saved by God's mercy and Jews by promises, urging them to glorify God together. He concludes with a prayer for believers to be filled with joy, peace, and hope through the power of the Holy Spirit, encouraging them to abound in hope and good works.

F.B. Meyer emphasizes how David, despite his failures and the dire circumstances he faced, found strength and encouragement in the Lord his God. He reflects on David's ability to recall God's past faithfulness and promises, which provided him hope and peace amidst turmoil. Meyer encourages believers to similarly seek refuge in God during their trials, reminding them that even in moments of despair, God remains a present help. He draws parallels to John Knox's faith in facing death, highlighting the importance of anchoring oneself in God's word and past deliverances.

David Brainerd reflects on a moment of divine encouragement during secret prayer, where he found peace and assurance in God's plan for his future service. He prayed fervently for the salvation of souls and the expansion of Christ's kingdom, feeling calm and fully surrendered to God's will. Brainerd's faith in God's favor lifted him above worldly concerns and obstacles, allowing him to trust in God's wisdom and guidance for his life and ministry.

David Wilkerson emphasizes that in times of deep sorrow and despair, it is natural to cry and express our pain, as there is healing power in our tears. He reassures that God understands our struggles and allows us to question Him, but ultimately calls us to trust in His promises. Mourning does not equate to a lack of faith; rather, it is a part of the healing process. Wilkerson encourages believers to turn to God's Word for comfort and strength, reminding them that their trials will pass and healing will come. The sermon highlights the importance of trusting God amidst confusion and doubt.

Chuck Smith explores the profound question 'What doest thou here?' as God asks Elijah, who, after a great victory, finds himself in a desolate place of despair, depression, and fear. He emphasizes that even in our lowest moments, we must remember that God is with us and has a purpose for our lives, urging us not to let fear drive us away from our calling. Smith highlights that our greatest trials often follow our greatest victories, and we should not count ourselves out when God wants to count us in. Ultimately, God calls Elijah back to action, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.

St. Symeon the New Theologian emphasizes the importance of faith, humility, and obedience in the journey of spiritual growth and union with God. He shares stories and teachings on the transformative power of true repentance, the necessity of detachment from worldly concerns, and the significance of purity of heart in experiencing God's grace. St. Symeon highlights the role of spiritual fathers in guiding individuals towards spiritual maturity and the challenges of discerning true virtue from hypocrisy in the spiritual path.

C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the prayer 'Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation,' emphasizing that even David experienced doubts and fears, which reassures believers that they are not alone in their struggles with faith. He highlights the importance of seeking assurance from God through prayer, valuing it as essential for spiritual well-being. Spurgeon encourages believers to pursue a personal and vivid assurance of salvation, reminding them that true contentment comes from a divine testimony to their souls. He stresses the necessity of being alone with God to cultivate a clear sense of His love and presence. Ultimately, he calls for a deep, personal connection with God, where believers can confidently claim His salvation.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of David's life as a man after God's own heart, highlighting six key attributes: his skill in worship, courage, warrior spirit, prudence in speech, and comeliness, all culminating in the profound truth that 'the Lord is with him.' David's worship began in solitude, shaping his character and leading to public praise, while his courage stemmed from a deep faith in God. As a warrior, he fought for God's honor, and his prudent speech reflected a teachable spirit. Ultimately, David's life exemplified a deep relationship with God, which was evident to others, showcasing the transformative power of divine presence.

A.W. Pink addresses the issue of despondency through the lens of David's struggles, emphasizing that even in times of deep sorrow, one must confront their troubles and seek the root cause of their despair. He encourages self-examination and the importance of not succumbing to despair but rather preaching hope to oneself by trusting in God's promises. Pink highlights that despondency often stems from unbelief and a rebellious will, and he reassures that God is a present help in times of trouble. The sermon concludes with a call to hope in God's mercy, power, faithfulness, and love, reminding believers that joy will come after trials.

Thomas Reade preaches about the willingness of Christ to receive sinners, emphasizing the importance of coming to Jesus with a contrite heart, acknowledging our sinfulness, and relying on His grace for salvation. He urges believers to seek a greater conformity to Christ, desiring more of His Spirit and a transformation into His image. Reade highlights the necessity of being born again of the Spirit, having the Spirit of Christ dwell within, and being separated from the world's wickedness. He encourages sincere faith, love, and piety, leading to continual growth in grace until it culminates in glory.

Chuck Smith emphasizes the theme of divine recompense in his sermon on Ruth 2:12, illustrating how God rewards our labor and faithfulness, assuring that no effort for Him is in vain. He highlights Ruth's journey from Moab to trusting in the God of Israel, showcasing her faith amidst adversity and the importance of seeking God's reward rather than human recognition. Smith draws parallels between God's protective nature and a mother hen, encouraging believers to trust in God's providence and shelter during life's storms.

John Piper preaches about the essence of worship, emphasizing that worship should be pursued as an end in itself, not as a means to achieve something else. He reflects on the importance of honoring God with genuine feelings and emotions, highlighting that worship involves reflecting back to God the honor and glory due to Him. Piper explains that true worship is the quickening of the heart with appropriate emotions in response to God's greatness, and it should not be manufactured as a means to another experience. He concludes by urging the congregation to prepare their hearts to meet God in worship, emphasizing the significance of genuine worship as an end in itself.

Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of trusting in the name of the Lord and staying upon God, even in times of darkness and uncertainty. She emphasizes the power of hope and trust in God, as seen in the unwavering faith of Isaiah, Paul Gerhardt, Robert Leighton, and Samuel Rutherford. Tileston encourages believers to continually repeat and sing praises to God, chiding their distrustful hearts into believing and hoping for His redemptive work in their lives.

A.W. Tozer explores the dual nature of hope, describing it as both a precious treasure and a treacherous deceit. He illustrates how misplaced hope can lead to disillusionment, using examples of shipwrecked sailors, prisoners, and the families of missing soldiers who cling to false promises. Tozer warns that hope without a solid foundation can ultimately result in bitterness and despair, emphasizing the need for a hope that is anchored in truth. He concludes that without guarantees of fulfillment, hope can become a disease that misleads and ultimately harms us.

Chuck Smith discusses the various forms of opposition that arise when undertaking God's work, as illustrated in Nehemiah 4. He emphasizes that ridicule, anger, discouragement, lures, false accusations, and fear are all tactics used by Satan to hinder progress. Smith encourages believers to respond to these challenges with prayer, remembrance of God, and steadfastness in their faith. He highlights Nehemiah's example of fortifying oneself against these attacks through reliance on God and maintaining focus on the task at hand. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a reminder that opposition is a natural part of spiritual endeavors, but with God's help, we can overcome it.

James Bourne, in a letter to his cousin, reflects on his struggles and doubts, feeling confined in Doubting Castle and distant from God. Despite his ingratitude, he acknowledges God's marvellous helps and deliverances, leading to a sweeter sense of mercy from the Lord Jesus. Bourne emphasizes the importance of walking in faith, even when feeling forgotten, and encourages his cousin and children to follow the steps that lead to eternal life, contrasting the worldly ways with the safe path to salvation.