Praise

Introduction

A. Our assembly today will revolve around 2 Samuel 22. In this text David sings a song to God. It is a song of praise thanking God for what he has done for David. Within this song several attributes about God are sounded. I would like for some of these attributes to surround our thinking and our singing. Let’s begin with prayer thanking God for who he is and that he has willingly revealed himself to us. And after that prayer, listen as the first part of this song is read.

B. Prayer and reading (2 Samuel 22:2-20).

C. In this text, David praises God for a variety of things he has done. For David, in his distress he calls to God. Why? Because he sees God as his rock, his fortress, his deliverer, his shield, his stronghold, his refuge, and his savior. For David, God is his security. In those times which are uncertain, when times are hard, God is our security.

1. Review David’s life.

   a. His battle with Goliath. God provided his strength.

   b. He became a leader of God’s army when Saul was king. God provided his strength.

   c. When Saul became so jealous that he tried to kill David, God provided David’s protection.

   d. When David needed a close friend to stick with him as Saul tried to kill him, Jonathan was provided and through Jonathan God provided a shield around David.

   e. When David lived in caves to escape Saul’s wrath, God provided his refuge.

   f. When David pretended to be insane to escape Saul, God provided a new stronghold in the land of his enemies.

   g. When David sinned with Bathsheba and had Uriah killed, God saved him from destruction.

   h. When David’s son overthrew his kingdom, God provided deliverance.

2. David learned that God doesn’t always keep bad things from happening but he never left David. Aren’t there times when it seems that you need an umbrella of protection around you? David knew there were tough times. There were times when he was encompassed by his enemies, but God gave him a sense of security. We believe that just as God gave David security when times were hard, so he, too, gives us security to meet challenges in front of us. Let’s sing about God’s security and our dependence upon him.

D. Songs

E. Reading (2 Samuel 22:21-31)

F. Away from the city lights, it is very dark. But with a full moon the light is brilliant. (Driving home from FHU) The light source, however, does not illuminate like the sun. But it is enough light to help us to see more clearly. God does not illuminate everything for us. There will be times when we aren’t sure of the outcome. But God does give us enough light so that we can with confidence and assurance walk with him. Just as God turned David’s darkness into light, so God will give us light so that we may see where to walk with him and in full assurance follow him wherever he may lead us. David often didn’t know the outcome. He didn’t know what the results would be. He didn’t know if things would turn out well. What he knew was that God was leading him. What he knew was that he wanted to follow God and God gave him enough light to see the path to walk. And in time the darkness of defeat; the darkness of uncertainty; the darkness of confusion became the light of victory, confidence, and direction. Let’s sing about God’s light and our confidence in him.

G. Songs

H. Lord’s Supper — Mike White Comments

I. Reading (2 Samuel 22:32-49)

J. We have read of those occasions when a person does something that requires superhuman strength. ILL. “Strength: Charisse Stevenson.” What about divine strength when human strength is insufficient? As we have seen, David had numerous times in which his moral fortitude failed. David was a great king in the annals of Israelite history; however, he more than once allowed his passions to rule him. What set David apart was his reliance ultimately upon the strength of God for his own strength. Ann Meade sitting by Flemon’s side for almost 4 years. Where does the strength come from to meet the very demanding challenges of life? In verses 33-36, David praises God for his strength which allowed David to stand and to not fall. Surely we have experienced those times when we are weak. Like David, God lifts us up and sets us on our feet again. He provides the strength that we need. Let’s sing about God’s strength.

K. Songs

L. Reading (2 Samuel 22:50-51)

M. David ends this song of praise with words of hope for the future. Although David could not see what the future held, he knew that God’s promise to bring a great nation through David would be fulfilled. Not knowing the future is, of course, to be expected. Trusting God to fulfill his promises is the evidence of faith. Learning to trust God is a lifetime process. There are times that we think he has failed us. There are times that we think he has left us. There are times that we wonder if he is even aware. Then there are times that we wonder if he exists at all. No one can answer all the questions that you have. But this much is true. We are left with few options. Either God exists or he doesn’t. We either trust him or ourselves. We either believe that the answer and hope for the future is within us or it belongs to One who understands us better than we understand ourselves. Whichever option we take, requires great faith. Which option fits?

1. Do you have all strength?

2. Do you have all the answers?

3. Let’s make David’s song of praise our song. There were times that David didn’t know what was going to happen, but his faith remained intact. He learned to wait for God and God did not disappoint him. Invitation

N. Invitation Song — Suggestion #463

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