July 29, 2018
Before We Worship
Although it is omitted in our Hymnal, Psalm 142 begins with the description “A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer.” That means this psalm is David’s prayer while he was hiding in a cave from Saul’s murderous jealousy and anger. And for what? Had David done any evil against Saul? By no means. David was loyal. And his success directly benefited Saul’s reign. Yet Saul was ever angry and suspicious of David, and persecuted him without cause. As a result David was forced to flee and hide.
David, thus betrayed by his own king and benefactor, on the run without any support, found his heart sinking. “I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him…Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no one cares for my soul.” David was terribly lonely and felt utterly forsaken.
Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever been terribly alone? When people have such experiences today, they often turn to professional help. They may end up seeing a “psychotherapist.” That’s a funny word, isn’t it? The word “psycho-therapy” comes from two Greek words which mean “soul” and “healing.” People used to turn to God for soul-healing. In many ways the modern mental health treatment is an attempt to find soul-healing apart from God. However, that does not mean mental health professionals are useless. Sometimes they can provide just the right kind of resource and prove tremendously helpful. Just as we can benefit from unbelieving physician, engineers, scholars, God provides his good gifts liberally through many different means.
Indeed, God actually provides his lavish goodness at no cost in his Word, character, and promises. Notice that David did not have “professionals” helping him through his ordeal. David had prayer. He had a compassionate God. And so he had a refuge in his affliction.
“I cry to you, O LORD; I say, “You are my refuge; my portion in the land of the living.” Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors; for they are too strong for me!” Although David was forsaken by every man, God had not forsaken him. And David’s heart was very low, the Spirit breathed prayer into his heart and interceded for him.
The psalm ends with a request. “Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me.” Well, we know what happened. The Lord delivered David. And in doing so he teaches us that no one who takes refuge in the Lord will be denied. Everyone who turns to God for help will be heard. Whether for salvation or for deliverance from trials, whether our heart is “high” or “low”, we can rest in God. He is faithful.
Call to Worship
‡ Psalm 142 (Trinity Hymnal p. 837)
‡ Trinity Hymnal #32 “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
Trinity Hymnal #731 “Doxology”
Prayer of Invocation
The Reading and Exposition of the Law
2 Timothy 4:1–5 (p. 996)
Prayer of Confession
The Proclamation of the Gospel
“And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” (Ephesians 2:17–18 ESV)
7 8 “This Is Not My Place of Resting”
The Heidelberg Catechism (1563) — Lord’s Day 29
Presentation of Gifts and Offering
Pastoral Prayer
The Proclamation of God’s Word
Amos 3:1–5 (p. 765)
No Ordinary Love
Rev. Ken Han
The Sacrament of The Lord’s Supper
We participate in the Lord’s Supper weekly. We welcome to the Lord’s Table all baptized believers who have sincere faith in Jesus Christ, and regularly worship in a Reformed or evangelical church.
The Lord’s Supper is a sign and a seal of the new covenant blessings. When we participate in the Lord’s Supper with faith, it strengthens our bond with our covenant Lord, Jesus Christ. Thus we participate properly when we come to our Savior with faith and repentance as we renew our resolve to forsake sin and live for his glory.
The Lord’s Supper also renews our bonds with God’s covenant community, the body of believers in the local church. As we receive the Lord’s Supper, we renew our pledge to give ourselves away in loving service.
During the distribution of the bread we will sing Trinity Hymnal #647 “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” stanzas 1–3, and stanzas 4–6 during the distribution of the cup.
Trinity Hymnal #37 “All That I Am I Owe to Thee”
Benediction
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Growth Resources
Family Devotion for the Week
The July 22, 2018 sermon, Amos 2:6–16 “The LORD Is Against Israel” is available on our church website. But you can catch up on older sermons from our Sermon page. You can also subscribe to sermon podcast here.
Upcoming Events and Notices
Every Lord’s Day 10:15 AM: Please join us for Hymnsing, a time of preparing our hearts for worship in praise, and for learning new hymns for worship.
Join us for “12 for 18” as we read 12 great books in the year 2018. For August we are reading Tim Keller’s “Every Good Endeavor.” And for September, John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress.” Please let Janny Ligtenberg know if you would like to order a copy of the book.
July 29 (Lord’s Day): Join us as we discuss our July book, “No Little Women” by Aimee Bird.
Nursery Volunteers
(Nursery meets in the Conference Room)
July 29: Kelly Rogers & Rebecca Rogers
August 5: Liza Beede