Facing Challenging Life Situations

Bible Passage:  Psalm 46

I. The psalmist and his community (Judah) faced a situation that was beyond their ability to handle (verses 2, 6) metaphors

1. Earth shakes
2. Mountains tumble
3. Waves crash and foam
4. Mountains shake before the surging sea
5. Nations in uproar (verse 6)
6. Kingdoms are overthrown (verse 6)

II. So, they turned their situation to their God (verses, 1, 4-5)

1. Refuge
2. Strength
3. Help in times of trouble
4. No fear
5. Provision of water
6. Presence that provides security (not be tumbled cf. verse 2) (cf. verse 7, 11)
7. God becomes the Fortress

III. Lessons from verses 1-6

1. What God is to you determines how you handle your predicament
2. When your situation is much bigger than what you can humanly handle renounce your fight and turn it over to God

IV. The psalmist and his community were supernaturally delivered from their predicament (verses 8-10)

1. Their prayers became praises
2. Without waging a war, they were victorious
3. God brought glory to Himself through human predicament (verse 10)

V. Lessons from verses 8-10

1. Focus on the provisions rather than the problems
2. Focus more on God by focusing less on your problems (v. 10)
3. Suspend all your routines and take time away for rest and renewal

VI. The disciples of Jesus were in similar situation (Matthew 8:23-27)

1. Storm (v. 24)
2. Fear of death (v. 25)
3. Helplessness of their skills and knowledge (v. 25)
4. Jesus (v. 24): The divine provision

Take Away

Focus on the Provision, Jesus Christ, on whom you can cast your cares (cf. Matthew 11:28)