A Very Present Help
Sermon Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Psalm 46
Psalm 46 (ESV)
To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song.
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Sermon Outline
There is help for those dealing with the impact of big events and challenges.
1. Why we need help
v2 “therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way”
2. Where we get help
v1 “a very present help”
vv7, 11 “the Lord of hosts is with us”
v4-5 “there is a river whose streams make glad the city of God… God is in the midst of her”
3. How we access help
v10 “Be still, and know that I am God”
v8 “Come, behold the works of the Lord”
Prayer of Confession
O Lord, our God, help us. Our world can be a terrifying place. The difficulties of life expose our weak faith, false hopes, impure motives, and problematic actions. We need forgiveness. We need help. We remember Jesus Christ, who came near to us and suffered death for our sakes. We marvel at your mercy and grace. We seek your presence in our lives. You are above all, and we confess you as our refuge and strength. Help us Lord, we pray. In Jesus name. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
How does fear effect you?
What most characterizes how you typically react to challenging situations: fight, flight, freeze, or something else? What kinds of situations are you likely to fight (face aggressively)? Flee (quickly get away)? Freeze (get stuck, detach)?
How is God’s presence a help in times of trouble?
What challenges are there to discerning, experiencing, or sensing God’s presence?
How often to you sit before God, seeking or being aware of his presence? What keeps you from regular prayer, and in particular, from sitting quietly before God?
What are some things to remember or meditate on when you consider God’s work of creation? God’s work of redemption? God’s work of providence? Which of the three do you gravitate towards? Which is hardest for you to grasp?
What about the person and work of Jesus makes it possible to access God’s help?
How can you begin a practice of prayer that helps you? What can you do to deal with anxiety, seek healing, find encouragement, get guidance, process life, stir your soul to joy, etc.? Make a plan and work at regular prayer.