E-pistle for September 17, 2010
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E-pistle
Dr. Dan Hite, President FreeWay Foundation September 17, 2010
The One Who Lifts Up My Head
(Psalm 3:1-8)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on David's song from a troubled heart
1. This Psalm is titled: "A Psalm of David when he fled from
Absalom his son." (See II Samuel 15:18).
2. This Psalm is David's heart cry to God over a disappointing son,
who was deceitful, disloyal, disrespectful, and who ended up dead.
3. This Psalm begins with David's lament over the increasing number
of rebellious people who are forsaking him to follow Absalom.
4. His major concern was that his enemies were saying, "There is
no help for him in God," v. 2.
II. Meditation: on God's benefits to David
1. Protection (shield), v. 3.
2. Glory (the opposite of shame), v. 3.
3. Encouragement (lifting up the head), v. 3.
4. Answered prayer (God heard), v. 4.
III. Revelation: on the resources David received
1. Peace (I lay down and slept), v. 5.
2. Refreshing (the Lord sustained him), v. 5.
3. Courage and victory (I will not be afraid . . . You have struck all my
enemies), vv. 6-7.
4. Salvation and blessing, v. 8.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Know that God is in the business of "lifting up my head."
2. Accept the responsibility and call to encourage others, Isaiah 40:1; 61:1-4.
3. Follow the example of Christ, who fulfilled and exemplified encouragement
Luke 4:18-19.
4. Perceive the truth that past blessings should bring me encouragement for
the future, II Corinthians 1:3-10: "God delivered . . . does deliver . . . will still
deliver," (v. 10)
Meditate Within Your Heart
(Psalm 4:1-8)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on man's prayers
1. "Hear me when I call, O God . . . hear my prayer," v. 1.
2. "Have mercy on me," v. 1.
3. "How long will men turn my glory to shame, love worthlessness,
and seek falsehood?" v.2.
4. "Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us," v. 6.
II. Meditation: on God's answers
1. God relieves man's distress, v. 1.
2. God sets the godly man part for Himself, v. 3.
3. God puts gladness in a man's heart, v. 7.
4. God gives peace and assurance to man, v. 8.
III. Revelation: on man's proper responses when troubles come (v. 4)
1. Anger is not, in and of itself, a sin; but anger can produce fertile
soil to grow, Ephesians 4:26-27.
2. Meditate within your heart . . . and listen for God's still small voice.
3. Offer then sacrifices of righteousness: praise and service to God.
4. Put your trust in God; live daily by faith.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Feel free to cry out to God about my distresses, problems, difficulties,
and disappointments . . . without destructive anger toward God, toward
others, or toward circumstances, because such anger could grow into
serious sins of attitudes and actions.
2. Think often about God's promises of deliverance, joy, and peace.
3. Meditate and listen for God to speak to my heart.
4. Trust the Lord, Proverbs 3:5-6.
"Every wall is a door."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
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