More on David Confessing the Lord as His God
The sermon emphasizes the importance of confessing the Lord as our God in every circumstance, drawing from David's experiences of sin, sickness, and abundance.
Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of confessing the Lord as our God in every circumstance, just like David did in the Psalms. David turned to the Lord in times of personal sin, sickness, lack of goodness, and joy, acknowledging God's sovereignty and power over his life. Despite facing overwhelming guilt and distress, David humbly repented and sought God's presence, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of hope and healing.
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For my iniquities have gone over my head; Like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me . . . I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long . . . in You, O LORD, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God . . . Do not forsake me, O LORD; O my God, be not far from me! (Psalm 38:4, 6, 15 and 21)
When the battles raged with pain and cruelty, David drew upon God's grace by humbly confessing the Lord as his God. "I hear the slander of many; Fear is on every side . . . But as for me . . . I say, 'You are my God' " (Psalm 31:13-14). Then David added, "My times are in Your hand" (Psalm 31:15). He knew that all of his times were in the hand of his sovereign God. David demonstrated this comprehensive dependence upon the Lord in all types of situations (not only during the agonizing betrayals that he faced).
When David experienced times of personal sin and failure, he turned to the Lord, his God. "For my iniquities have gone over my head; Like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me." The guilt of David's sins overwhelmed him like mighty flood waters and crushed him like a massive weight. "I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long." This left David distressed, greatly pressed down, and continually grieving. Thus, with a broken and humble repentance, he confessed the Lord as his God. "In You, O LORD, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God . . . Do not forsake me, O LORD; O my God, be not far from me! "
In other times, David confessed the Lord as his God. When he was sick and near to death, he turned to the Lord, confessing Him as his God. "O LORD my God, I cried out to You, And You have healed me. O LORD, You have brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit" (Psalm 30:2-3). When David was humbly aware of his lack of innate goodness, he also confessed the Lord as his remedy. "Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust. O my soul, you have said to the LORD, 'You are my Lord, my goodness is nothing apart from You' " (Psalm 16:1-2). On the other hand, when David was joyously abounding in the goodness of the Lord, he also confessed the Lord as his God. "Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; And Your thoughts which are toward us cannot be recounted to You in order" (Psalm 40:5).
Dear Lord, You are my God as well! Yet, I know that in many situations, I have not confessed You as my God. Lord, teach me to confess You as my God in every circumstance -- when I have sinned, when I am sick, when I am abased, when I am abounding. Wherever I am, whatever comes my way, may I see You as my God, lovingly and powerfully handling my times, in Jesus name, Amen.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to David's Confession - The weight of sin and its impact on David - David's reliance on God's grace
- II points: - David's Confession in Times of Sin - The burden of guilt and mourning - Turning to God for hope and help
- III points: - Confession During Illness - God's healing power - Acknowledging God's sovereignty in life and death
- IV points: - Confession in Times of Abundance - Recognizing God's goodness - Celebrating God's works
- V points: - Personal Application - Learning to confess God in all circumstances - Prayer for guidance in confession
Key Quotes
“For my iniquities have gone over my head; Like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.” — Bob Hoekstra
“In You, O LORD, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God.” — Bob Hoekstra
“Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done.” — Bob Hoekstra
Application Points
- Acknowledge your sins and turn to God for forgiveness and strength.
- Recognize God's presence and sovereignty in both difficult and joyful times.
- Make it a habit to confess God as your Lord in all aspects of your life.