Summer in the Psalms: Psalms of Lament

God doesn’t stop being sovereign when trouble comes. In fact, the conviction that God is sovereign even over the troubles of life has been a comforting and strengthening conviction for believers across the ages. Today we listen to the language of a faithful follower of God who finds himself in deep and perplexing difficulties. My hope is that you will see life’s trouble as a stage upon which God is performing the redemptive drama of your life. 

Psalm 42 A Psalm of Lament 

The DNA of a Psalm of Lament includes 

1. A Legitimate Complaint
   1. “Vindicate Me, Defend Me, Deliver Me”
   2. Because of the ungodly, deceitful, unjust  man
2. Remembrance of Time Before the Trouble
   1. I will Go to The Altar (Because if Have Driven Far From it) where i will
      1. Find my Joy
      2. Find my Worship
      3. Find my Peace
3. The Million Dollar Question: Why?
   1. Why Have You Rejected Me?
   2. Why Am I Mourning?
4. A Resolve to Remember Who God is
   1. The God of Light and Truth
5. A Determination to Move Forward in Hope 
   1. Let Them Bring Me to Your Holy Hill 

An Old Testament Pattern for New Testament Realities

1. John 16:33 We take life head on
2. 1 Peter 5:7 We cast our anxieties on the Lord
3. Philippians 4:6 We make our requests known to God
4.  Romans 8:24-25 We wait patiently, peacefully
5. 2 Corinthians 5:7 We walk by faith not by sight
6. 1 Corinthians 15:58 We are steadfast and immovable