INTRODUCTION

1. When Trials and Tribulations come

a) Faith can be shaken

b) Knowledge of God can be questioned

c) These are forewarned

2. The Problems of Life often arise

a) When sins are not dealt with

b) When God and His word are set aside

 

THE SINS OF ISRAEL/JUDAH

1. These were highlighted by many prophets

a) Major prophets

i) Isaiah

ii) Jeremiah

iii) Ezekiel

b) Minor Prophets

Hosea- Malachi

2. The Sins of the nation include the following:

a) “Laden with iniquity” Isaiah 1:4b

b) “Brood of evildoers” Isaiah 1:4c

c) “Children who are corrupters” Isaiah 1:4d

d) “Forsaken the LORD” Isaiah 1:4e

e) “Turned away backward” Isaiah 1:4g

 

THE WRONG WAY OF DEALING WITH PROBLEMS IN LIFE

1. Blaming God

a) “But You have cast off and abhorred” Psalm 89:38a

b) “You have been furious with Your anointed” Psalm 89:38b

2. Accusing God

a) “You have renounced the covenant of Your servant” Psalm 89:39a

b) “You have profaned the crown by casting it

to the ground” Psalm 89:39b

c) “You have broken down all his hedges” Psalm 89:40a

d) “You have brought his stronghold to ruin” Psalm 89:40b

3. Rude Questioning of God

a) “How long, LORD?” Psalm 89:46a

b) “Will You hide Yourself forever?” Psalm 89:46b

c) “Will Your wrath burn like fire?” Psalm 89:46c

 

SOBER REALISATION ABOUT LIFE

1. Brevity of life

“Remember how short my time is” Psalm 89:47a

2. Futility

“For what futility have You created

All the children of men?” Psalm 89:47b

3. Death

“What man can live and not see death?” Psalm 89:48a

4. Power of the grave

“Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave?” Psalm 89:48b

 

A VITAL TURNING POINT IN PRAYER

1. The Plea of a servant of God

“Remember, Lord, the reproach of Your servants” Psalm 89:50a

2. Bearing reproach

“How I bear in my bosom the reproach of all

The many peoples”  Psalm 89:50b

3. The enemies of God

“With which Your enemies have reproached, O LORD” Psalm 89:51a

4. God’s anointed

“With which they have reproached the footsteps

Of Your anointed” Psalm 89:51b

5. Blessing the LORD

“Blessed be the LORD forevermore!

Amen and Amen!” Psalm 89:52

a) Acceptance

b) Submission

 

CONCLUSION

1. The valley of the shadow of death

a) The way may be dark and lonely

b) There may be feelings of dread

2. The Challenge

a) To discard that which is wrong

b) To discover what is right

c) To develop anew

i) A deeper faith in God

ii) A humbler attitude to life

iii) A greater sense of wisdom