FHBC Sermon Notes

When we are driven down by life, we are sometimes filled with hopelessness. Yet as with the Psalmist we do not need to lose heart, for our Lord is a God of Hope and in him we have righteousness and salvation.

In the opening verses of this psalm, like the previously studied, we hear the lament. Yet, this follows with the hope of God's redemptive love.

How do we do this also?

Three actions to pursue the hope of God

1. Meditate on the righteousness of God.

In this we might first ask, what is righteousness? In is the perfection of God. In defines his moral character. In short, what is God, defines for us what is good.

What is righteousness not? It does not dwell on evil. The boastful will not stand. Yet, we have an issue. If this is true, how then can such suffering and evil be allowed to proper? If this is true, is he a liar? Is he apathetic, or impotent to do anything? The psalmist though reassures us and affirms that these things are not true. Let us look at the works of his mighty hands. He has made His promises and affirmed them time and time again. Most importantly if you want to see God's righteousness fully displayed, and the evil doer dwelt with, then look at the cross. God poured that wrath out on his own Son. At the cross evil was dwelt with and righteousness made victorious. For the ultimate punishment for evil, death itself at the cross, in the tomb, is conquered.

2. Align yourself with the righteousness of God. (5:1-3, 7-10)

If we are outside the hand of God, we are destroyed. Our state of rebellion is no reason for hope. It is the way of despair. God will make things right. And futhermore, despite our conviction, our mark, we can be made heirs of God's blessing. We do not want to be on the wrong side of God's righteousness. Paul quotes this Psalm in Romans 3, "none is rightous, no not one..." There is no distinction, we are all wicked and have failed. There is no point in standing on our good deeds as better than others.

How can we then be on the right side of righteousness? "lead me oh Lord..." says the psalmist. "my God and my King..." Only one in fellowship could say such a thing. He places all is hope on the steadfast love of the Lord.

Furthermore, unlike the psalmist, we stand on this side of the cross, of the resurrection of our Lord. We don't have to look for the hope in the future, for we have seen that hope revealed to all the world in a bloody cross, and an empty tomb. Our sin is forgiven and we too can say "My King and My God!"

3. Delight yourself in the righteousness of God. (v. 11-12)

We can have JOY! For by walking in his righteousness, we will have that joy. Where does the psalmist find that joy? Is it in blessings from the world, in health, weath, and prosperity? Not that joy is found in Christ alone. Surgeon says "God is the fountain that dwells up joy in our lives."

Let us not despair that wicknedness abounds. God is righteousness and his righteousness brings joy!

Amen.