SERMON NOTES: GOD IS NOT WEAK

Tension. We all live with it to some degree. It’s when we feel stretched between two extremes. When we see one thing happening but we’re hoping, praying and believing for another. 

Have you ever felt tension in your walk with God? You know He is all powerful, and yet, He’s not doing what you’ve been asking and praying for? 

Psalm 27 

• David is the author of this Psalm. At the time of writing it, he is living with a tension in his He is at war with his son Absalom. (2 Samuel 15) 

Part 1 (verses 1-6) 

• The first part of this Psalm is David declaring who God is. It reveals his massive amount of faith in God even when things couldn’t be any worse.
• David describes God in three ways: my light; my salvation and my stronghold.
  • God is my light– This is the only place in the Old Testament where God is called light. Light is used throughout the bible for all this is positive. It represents truth, goodness, joy and vitality. (1 John 1:5)
  • God is my salvation–One who saves. David knew that God would rescue and deliver him. He had that confidence in God. 
  • God is my stronghold– Someone who protects and provides security. It implies the place where your life can dwell in safety.
• David declared this during a moment of fear and tension in his life.

Part 2 (verses 7-12) 

• In part two of this Psalm David is asking “God where are you?”  
• Notice the language; hear my voice; be merciful to me; do not hide your face from me; do not turn; do not reject me; do not turn me over to my foes.  He’s feeling distant from God.
• He goes from a declaration to a desperate prayer. From a deep persuasion to a hopeful plea.

Reframing Tension 

• Maybe the goal of the Christian life is not to live tension free to but learn how to navigate the tension. Maybe the end goal of what God has for us is not a life without trials but a life with tests that make us who we truly need to be.
• Modern misconception– upon salvation we will be able to overcome all our sins and we will find and live our hearts desire with no issues or problems moving forward.Tension happens when we realize our old life still hangs around. Tension happens when over time it can seem like these things don’t get easier rather, they intensify. 
• There is nothing unnatural with an increase of temptations, conflicts and pressures as the Christian goes on with God. These aren’t signs of substandard Christianity. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
• We grow through adversity.  
• Tension is the opportunity for grace in our lives.  (2 Corinthians 5:21).  Grace is God moving heaven and earth to save sinners who could not lift a finger to save themselves.
• Grace includes both a will and a work of God.  Grace can only be exercised and experienced in tension.
• God exposes us to tests and trials so that we discover through grace that He is a strong rock, a firm defense, a sure refuge and a help when we are weak.
• Discover grace in your tension. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Psalm 27 – conclusion (verses 13-14) 

• Despite his tension David’s confidence never wavered.  He stood on what he knew to be true. 
• Take heart and wait for the Lord. (Isaiah 64:4)

In your tension, may you discover grace. In your tension, may you know that God is your light. God is your salvation. God is your stronghold.