Sermon: Have Mercy On Us
Scripture Text: Psalm 123
Quotes for Reflection
Paul Goodman, Little Prayers and Finite Experience
Patience is drawing on underlying forces; it is powerfully positive, though to a natural view it looks like just sitting it out. How would I persist against positive eroding forces if I were not drawing on invisible forces? And patience has a positive tonic effect on others; because of the presence of the patient person, they revive and go on, as if he were the gyroscope of the ship providing a stable ground. But the patient person himself does not enjoy it.
Steven Lawson, Psalms 76-150
Herein is found the encouragement every believer needs. In this psalm is the needed motivation to look beyond all one's present circumstances to the Lord himself. Every Christian needs to be peering beyond an overbearing boss, beyond a dying parent, beyond an unfaithful friend to the Lord himself. He must be looking beyond an unexpected expense, beyond a rebellious child, beyond a stagnant ministry, and beyond a passed-over promotion to the Lord himself. This is the upward vision of faith, a focusing on God for all our needs. The eyes of faith are always looking up to God for life, direction, protection, and provision. Such an upward gaze requires a lowly submission before God, a humble reliance upon him, and a ready obedience to keep his Word.
Tim & Kathy Keller, The Songs of Jesus
Believers feel the pain of the world’s contempt. How do we keep from either adopting its views or becoming resentful and withdrawn? We must lift our eyes to God. This is more than simply to “take a look.” It denotes a steady, reflective, adoring gaze filled with longing and desire. The psalmist focuses both his attention and the yearnings of his heart on God in prayer. He became like a domestic servant, trained to respond to every indication of his master’s will. In short, the psalmist overcomes all distractions and makes knowing God experientially and serving God obediently the main business of his life.
Application Questions
1. Why is it so tempting to use worldly tactics to deal with the pain points of life? How has this impacted the credibility of Christian faith in our time?
2. Why is gathered worship so central to seeing beyond the veil of circumstance?
3. How does the gospel naturally cultivate patience in all things? How does the gospel inspire hope in particular way for your life at the present moment?