THE EVANGELICAL CHURCH WINNING ALL (ECWA)
5007 SOUTHSIDE DRIVE
LOUISVILLE, KY 4021
(502) 375-1904
www.ecwalouisville.org, www.ecwausa.org,
ecwaky@gmail.com
TOPIC: How to Find Hope and Encouragement In a Brokenhearted
TEXT: PSALMS 6: 1-10
Rev. (Dr.) Stephen K. Awoniyi
INTRODUCTION
The word “Brokenhearted,” could be defined or viewed as the heart-cry of any person who has experienced or going through loss, loneliness, rejection, shame, or abandonment. That is, a time of life’s darkest, empathy, or moment. In his book titled, “Singing the Songs of the Brokenhearted,” the man Bill Crowder says;
The heartache of hurting people is a universal reality that calls us to cry out to God, and to seek relief and help and hope in Him” (Crowder, 2009, page 12).
A. Universal.
1. Romans 12:3-16 (NKJV).
What does the word “Universal” really mean in the Bible? It could be explained thus;
Serve God with Spiritual Gifts
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Behave Like a Christian
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion
Romans 12:3-16 (NKJV).
Brethren, the statements above clearly indicate what we ought to focus on, but if we refuse to do it, it means we are not working in a better relationship with our Lord. The best and most important way to honestly and faithfully relate with the Lord is to work in His steps and put our hope and trust in Him. That is why the Book of Romans says,
“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”
The Book of Romans again continue saying,
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”
Brethren, unless you truly and faithfully work with the Lord Almighty, you will fail in your determinations. Therefore, trust the Lord, depend on Him, and wholeheartedly focus on Him no-matter what might be your sorrow and calamity.
B. King David’s Grief
1. Psalm 6: 1-6 (NKJV)
2. Psalm 136: 1-9 (NKJV)
KING DAVID’S GRIEF
Some theologians said there was no specific indication for King David‘s grief, but that may not be true because King David narrated some predicaments in the following way;
A Prayer of Faith in Time of Distress
1. O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger, Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure. 2. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled. 3. My soul also is greatly troubled; But You, O Lord—how long?
4. Return, O Lord, deliver me! Oh, save me for Your mercies’ sake! 5. For in death there is no remembrance of You; In the grave who will give You thanks? 6. I am weary with my groaning; All night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears (Psalm 6: 1-6 (NKJV).
When King David was in a horrible despair and pain, he sought for help from the Lord Almighty. He thought the Lord was rebuking or punishing him for something. He also thought that the Lord had deserted him therefore he cried unto the only person he knew could help him.
Brethren, for the fact that we cannot handle or carry our grief alone, therefore, we need God’s help. Be assured that only our Almighty Father can permanently rescue us from sorrow, disappointment, discouragement, doubt, and grief. We really need our Lord’s help because He is the only person who can stand in the gap for us.
Truly speaking, King David was not being proud by saying he deserves rescue. But he faithfully and honestly trusted in the Lord who was so merciful and always there for him. The man Crowder says; David seeks what he did not deserve, but what is in keeping with the character of the great God that he still trusts in spite of his grief. The Scripture again indicated it in this way;
Thanksgiving to God for His Enduring Mercy
1. Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 2. Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. 3. Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever: 4. To Him who alone does great wonders, For His mercy endures forever; 5. To Him who by wisdom made the heavens, For His mercy endures forever; 6. To Him who laid out the earth above the waters, For His mercy endures forever; 7. To Him who made great lights, For His mercy endures forever— 8. The sun to rule by day, For His mercy endures forever; 9. The moon and stars to rule by night, For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 136: 1-9 (NKJV).
CONCLUSION
Dearly beloved, the burden of fatigue may be invisible but it is a reality and is exceedingly heavy. In time of grief, you will find it difficult to sleep when nobody is there to comfort you. During the time of depression, you will not be able to see with clarity and accuracy the situations that surround you. Things may be very hard and painful when you are overwhelmed with fatigue, tear, sorrow, and fear. But there is always a situation and a rescue through Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, call on Him and put your trust in Him. Be assured that He will answer you and show you great and mighty things that you never think can happen. Be assured that our Lord is able and He will do it if you faithfully, truly, obediently, and honestly seek Him and depend on Him the more. May our Almighty God bless and uphold you in Jesus name. Amen!