In these stressful times you long for a more peaceful life. I did a series based on Psalm 23 a few months ago. I was overwhelmed with the amount of stress that people carry from day to day and year to year. I want you to experience a peace release in 2009. David was no different from you. Before you can understand Psalm 23, look at the background of a broken life. This Psalm will show you how to experience a peace filled life in a stress filled world.

The Bible tells us… Everyone experiences trouble; you are not the only one!

Paul did….

“For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:”
II Corinthians 1:8

David did….

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” Psalm 42:5

The term “cast down” is a shepherds term for a sheep that has turned over on its back and cannot get up again by itself. A “cast sheep” is a very pathetic sight. Lying on its back, its feet in the air, it flails frantically struggling to stand up, without success. Sometimes it will bleat a little for help, but generally it lies there lashing about in frightened frustration. If the owner does not arrive at the scene within a reasonably short time, the sheep will die.

“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

Lets look at II Samuel chapter eleven to get a better glimpse, so that we can understand this popular Psalm...

I. THE REALITY OF DAMAGED EMOTIONS
(II Samuel 11:1-27)

A. David struggled with the emotion of guilt

“For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.” Psalm 38:4

B. David struggled with emotion of grief.

“Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.” Psalm 31:9

C. David struggled with the emotion of grudges.

“Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth:…” Psalm 58:6a

II. THE RESTORATION OF DAMAGED EMOTIONS
(II Samuel 12:1-24)

A. Confess your sin to God and receive forgiveness from God (vs 1-13)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9

B. Understand that sinful living in the past can lead to negative circumstances in the future (vs 14-15)

“7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”Galatians 6:7-8

C. Seek God’s help (v 16).

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” I Samuel 30:6

GOD’S COMFORTERS

1. God’s Word

“I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.” Psalm 119:52

Discipline #1: Daily read the Bible

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” II Corinthians 4:16

2. God’s People

“3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” II Corinthians 1:3-4

Discipline #2: Be a participator not a spectator.

“9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

3. God’s Spirit

“14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
14:17 Even the Spirit of truth;” John 14:16-17a

Discipline #3: Walk in the Spirit

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16

D. Trust God in all things. (12:17-20)

“Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” I Peter 4:19

E. Accept what cannot be changed (12:21-23)

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11

F. Focus on the future and not the past (12:24)

“18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth;” Isaiah 43:18-19a

CONCLUSION: Your goal in life should be to finish with joy.

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24