1. “Embracing Change To Experience Life!” Psalm 61:1–8

2. This message shows us….

3. Your situation doesn’t change a bit about GOD – WHO HE IS WHAT HE CAN DO HIS GOODNESS WHO HE IS WHAT HE CAN DO HIS GOODNESS

5. Psalm 61:1,2…. “ (v.1) Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. (v.2) From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (NIV) “ (v.1) Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. (v.2) From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (NIV)

6. David FEELS that God is a million miles away. David FEELS that God is a million miles away. means “to shroud,” “clothed in darkness.” (overwhelmed)

7. We are imperfect people in an imperfect world BUT praise God we serve a PERFECT GOD! We are imperfect people in an imperfect world BUT praise God we serve a PERFECT GOD! In times of discouragement, we must learn to turn to Him. RESPECT HIS POSITION!

8. Isaiah 25:1…. “LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.” (NIV) “LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.” (NIV)

9. David goes on to say…. “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2b; NIV) “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2b; NIV)

11. Psalm 61:3,4…. “ (v.3) For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. (v.4) I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.” (NIV) “ (v.3) For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. (v.4) I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.” (NIV)

12. David speaks of this “PROTECTION” in 3 tenses…. David speaks of this “PROTECTION” in 3 tenses….

13. “For you have been my refuge [a shelter for me], a strong tower against the foe [enemy].” Psalm 61:3, NIV

15. Psalm 57:1…. “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” (NIV)

16. Just think back to the horrors of your past. Look to all of the times that God has PROTECTED you from harm.

17. “I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.” (Psalm 61:4; NIV)

18. “I long to dwell [ abide ] in your tent forever.” David refers to himself as an everlasting guest in the tent of the Lord.

19. The word “wings” is mentioned in connection with the protection of God.

20. Romans 8:15…. “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ ” (NIV)

22. “ (v.5) For you have heard my vows, O God; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. (v.6) Increase the days of the king’s life, his years for many generations. (v.7) May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.” (NIV) Psalm 61:5-7….

23. In times of David praised the Lord for His blessings on his life and the lives of the people of Israel.

25. Praising in difficult times is not always easy BUT if we want to overcome discouragement, it is a requirement.

26. Our problem is that we (many Christians) DON’T EVEN praise God in the good times. You don’t know what you’ve got TILL IT’S GONE!

27. We take for granted the uncounted blessings of life UNTIL they are removed from us? Is it for …. or

28. “Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day.” (NIV) Psalm 61:8….

29. How could David do this in a time of

30. It’s by…. The Lord’s Position In The Lord’s Protection The Lord’s Provision Let’s pray!