Series: Unusual Persons in the Bible
Sermon: Asaph – From Self-pity to Confidence in God
Bible Passage: Psalm 77 & 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

I. Observation (three emotional crises)

1. Sleeplessness (vv. 1-6)
2. Self-pity (vv. 1-6)
3. Rejection (vv. 7-9)
4. Healing (vv. 11-20)
5. The psalmist turns from self-obsession to God, which is the source of his healing
6. The psalmist was healed of his sleeplessness—note the abrupt ending of the psalm
7. The psalm seems to suggest that God moves on his own schedule and often the believers must endure the anguish of waiting

II. Similar situation in the New Testament (2 Cor 12:8-10)

1. Apostle Paul cried to God three times, but God did not provide to him what he wanted
2. Instead of developing “self-pity” Apostle Paul understood that God would not work against his wellbeing
3. In other words, God has a purpose in letting him have a “thorn in the flesh”
4. Therefore, he decided to align his will with God’s plan instead of forcing God to align with him
5. Apostle Paul developed a theology of “thorn in the flesh”
6. Unanswered prayers are not bad
7. “Thorn in the flesh” may be God’s platform to reveal His power

TAKE AWAY

1. As frequently as possible, recount how God worked in your life in the past
2. Learn to align your will with the plans of God instead of forcing God to align with you