Refuge in Life’s Storms Psalm 18

Refuge in Life’s Storms Crying Out for Help (18:1-6)

Do you ever feel… Anxious- “The cords of death encompassed me” (Ps. 18:4a) Fearful- “And the torrents of ungodliness terrified me.” (Ps. 18:4b) Hopeless- “The cords of Sheol surrounded me; the snares of death confronted me” (Ps. 18:5) Distressed- “In my distress I called upon the LORD” (Ps. 18:6a)

Do you ever feel… Depressed- “My tears have been my food day and night” (Ps. 42:3) Despair- “Why are you in despair, O my soul?” (Ps. 42:5a) Disturbed- “And why have you become disturbed within me?” (Ps. 42:5b) Forgotten- “I will say to God my rock, ‘Why have you forgotten me?’” (Ps. 42:9)

Key Question #1 Can I trust God?!

The Lord is MY… > Strength

The Lord is MY… > Strength > Rock

The Lord is MY… > Strength > Rock > Fortress

The Lord is MY… > Strength > Rock > Fortress > Deliverer

The Lord is MY… > Strength > Rock > Fortress > Deliverer > Refuge

Psalm 73:25-28 “Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail. But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works.”

The Lord is MY… > Strength > Rock > Fortress > Deliverer > Refuge > Shield

The Lord is MY… > Strength > Rock > Fortress > Deliverer > Refuge > Shield > Horn of Salvation

The Lord is MY… > Strength > Rock > Fortress > Deliverer > Refuge > Shield > Horn of Salvation > Stronghold

So, what am I to do?

So, what am I to do? Cry out to God for help!

Psalm 18:1-6 (The Message) I love You, God- You make me strong. God is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. My God- the high crag where I run for dear life, hiding behind the boulders, safe in the granite hideout. I sing to God, the Praise-Lofty, and find myself safe and saved. The hangman's noose was tight at my throat; devil waters rushed over me. Hell's ropes cinched me tight; death traps barred every exit. A hostile world! I call to God, I cry to God to help me. From His palace He hears my call; my cry brings me right into His presence- a private audience!

Key Question #2 Will God hear my cry?

Refuge in Life’s Storms Crying Out for Help (18:1-6) Experiencing Deliverance (18:7-29)

Psalm 18:16-19 He sent from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, And from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, But the Lord was my stay. He brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me.

“ Delight” Root: “To bend down” Meanings: 1. take pleasure in 2. to be mindful of 3. to be attentive to 4. to keep or protect

Refuge in Life’s Storms Crying Out for Help (18:1-6) Experiencing Deliverance (18:7-29) Praising His Faithfulness (18:30-50)

Applications 1. Tell God you love Him

“I love You, O Lord, my strength” (18:1) “With strong, hearty affection will I cling to thee; as a child to its parent, or a spouse to her husband. The word is intensely forcible, the love is of the deepest kind. ‘I will love heartily, with my inmost bowels.’ Here is a fixed resolution to abide in the nearest and most intimate union with the most High. Our triune God deserves the warmest love of all of our hearts. Father, Son and Spirit have each a claim upon our love. The solemn purpose never to cease loving naturally springs from present fervour of affection.” (Charles H. Spurgeon)

Applications 1. Tell God you love Him 2. Cry out to Him for help

Applications 1. Tell God you love Him 2. Cry out to Him for help 3. Pray for each other

Applications 1. Tell God you love Him 2. Cry out to Him for help 3. Pray for each other 4. Come to Him…now…sinners, poor and needy