God Heals the Heart

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: Psalm 6

I. Ailing hearts

A. Proverbs 12:25 – Anxiety causes depression

B. Our hearts can be in turmoil over fear of the unknown and uncertainty.

C. Many are depressed in the face of great decisions not knowing the implications of their decisions on future events. Indecision leads to deeper despair. We suffer anxiety for what may happen tomorrow.

D. We will be depressed when there is a great gulf between what we feel we should be doing and what we are actually doing.

E. Someone who knows they need to obey the gospel will often suffer inner turmoil because they know what to do but are resisting. Psalm 32:1-4 Psalm 38:1-8

F. Beaten down by life

G. Man’s days are few and full of trouble

H. Psalm 90:10 Job 14:1-2 Tennessee Ernie Ford: “You load 16 tons and what do you get? Another day older and deeper in debt.”

I. Trials and troubles (physical health, job or family situations, financial problems, or mistreatment) often cause anxiety.

J. We may feel powerless in the face of these trials because some are out of our control and ability to change. We may have to suffer consequences of other’s poor choices. We may suffer mistreatment from our enemies in our families, at work, or others around us – Psalm 6 (Bible reading)

K. A great many things can burden our heart but our God can heal its pain

II. God’s healing

A. Good word - Proverbs 12:25

B. God’s word can provide comfort when we read of those with similar anxiety who trusted in God and found peace in Him. When the burdens of life are great, we can read of heaven’s rest.

C. Sometimes the word is from a good brother or sister.

D. Proverbs 15:23 – opportune edifying word is good to hear2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – We comfort others because God comforts us We must avoid indulging in self-reproach and blame that only leads to greater misery—seek God’s word for comfort and strength.

E. Contentment

F. We must seek contentment and the peace that comes with it.

G. Ecclesiastes 9:9-101 Timothy 6:6-10 – Greed leads to turmoil; want what you have God never promised ease or comfort on earth but we can still have joy.

H. Do not worry about tomorrow

I. A great percentage of worry is about things that will never happen. Mark Twain: “I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened” Spurgeon: “Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows but only empties today of its strength.”

J. Matthew 6:24-34

K. This is our Savior and our God—this is a promise of care When we become so focused on the cares of tomorrow we serve those fears; we cannot serve two masters. God takes care of the rest of creation; He will care for us. Do not borrow from tomorrow’s sorrow.

L. How can we have such comfort?

M. God was here today. God will still be with us tomorrow. He will have the power to strengthen and comfort me tomorrow.

N. Pray

O. 1 Peter 5:6-7 – Cast your anxiety on God and trust He will care for you Matthew 11:28 – Come to Jesus for rest

P. We can draw closer to God in the midst of suffering

Q. In anxiety, we see our helplessness and weakness and God’s strength. Earl Riney: “The stars are constantly shining, but often we do not see them until the dark hours.”

R. Some refuse to seek God’s aid and comfort.

S. Asa was a king and did great things to reform Judah but in his later life he began to rely on God less and less.2 Chronicles 16:12 – would not seek God’s help for sickness Some are like that today; they will go to books, magazines, Dr. Phil, Oprah, and any other source before they will seek help from God.

T. Pray for strength and comfort

U. His power is sufficient

V. Jeremiah 32:17 – nothing is too hard for God Matthew 19:26 – With God all things are possible

W. He can give you deliverance and strength to overcome

X. Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ’s strength2 Corinthians 4:7-11- the power is of God

Y. If God does not fulfill the request, He will give aid and comfort

Z. 1 Corinthians 10:13 – We will have strength to bear temptation2 Corinthians 12:7-10 – “most gladly will I boast in infirmities”

A. Power from God begins with the power of prayer.

B. If it is sin—repent

C. Psalm 32:5-6 Psalm 38:18 – confess iniquity Psalm 51:7-12