September 11, 2006

Text: Psalm 119:145-152
CRYING OUT TO GOD IN DESPERATE TIMES

CONTEXT OF PRAYER
"They draw near who follow after wickedness;
They are far from Your law"    Psalm 119:150

1. The wicked are far from God's law

2. They draw near to threaten

CRYING OUT TO GOD WITH A SENSE OF DESPERATION
"I cry out with my whole heart;
Hear me, O LORD!
I will keep Your statutes"    Psalm 119:145

"I cry out to You;
Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies"    Psalm 119:146

1. Sense of desperation to be noted

2. Sense of need expressed in repeat of phrase "I cry out"

3. Specific request for deliverance is expressed in the phrase "save me"

CRYING OUT TO GOD WITH A DEEPENING SENSE OF DESPERATION
"I rise before the dawning of the morning,
and cry for help;
I hope in Your word"    Psalm 119:147

"My eyes are awake through the night watches,
That I may meditate on Your word"    Psalm 119:148

1. There is a growing sense of urgency for God to reply

2. This sense of growing desperation is evidenced in the special prayer efforts made:-

    a) Prayers for help ascend "before the dawning of the morning"

    b) Prayers for help ascend "through the night watches"

    c) Meditation on God's word was the special source of encouragement

d) Therein lies "hope"

CONSOLATION IN GOD
"Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness;
O LORD, revive me according to Your justice"    Psalm 119:149

"You are near, O LORD,
And all Your commandments are truth.
Concerning all Your testimonies,
I have known of old that You have founded them forever"    Psalm 119:151-152

1. Consolation found in the Lord's nearness

2. Consolation further found in God's word

    a) Faith in God's word as "truth"

    b) Faith in God's word as that which have been "founded forever"

    c) Faith in God's lovingkindness

    d) Faith in God's justice

COMMITMENT TO KEEP GOD'S WORD
"I will keep Your statutes"    Psalm 119:145