Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, Dec. 17, 2000, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.

GOD’S CARE FOR THE TROUBLED

By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5:1-7

Text: 1 Peter 5:7

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Introduction: “Merry Christmas!” “Happy New Year!” ” … Tis the season to be jolly, fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la …”

In spite of all the wishes for happiness, all of the family gatherings, all of the fine cooking, all of the gifts, all of the singing, and all of the nostalgia, many, many people are troubled right now. More people commit suicide at Christmas than at any other time of the year. More people are drunk at Christmas than at any other time of the year.

Maybe Christmas is not a difficult season for you. If that is the case, you probably had a time of trouble not too long ago. If that is not so, then you probably are going to go through some dark days right around the corner.

Job 5:7 Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.

Job 14:1 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.

I believe that one of the reasons for the popularity of comedians and humor is the fact that people are hurting. Regardless of our prosperity and blessings, people are troubled. I want to encourage you tonight to cast all of your care upon the Lord, for He cares for you.

I. HIS SYMPATHETIC EAR IS TURNED TOWARD THE TROUBL

Psalms 9:9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

A. He hears us when we cry

1. Exodus 3:7 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

B. He hurts when we hurt

1. Hebrews 4:15-16 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

C. He helps when we are in trouble

1. Psalms 20:1-2 The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; 2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;

II. HIS SPIRIT WAS SENT TO COMFORT US IN OUR TROUBLE

John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

A. The Spirit bears witness with our spirit

1. Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,that we are the children of God:
2. That we are God’s children
3. That God is with us
4. That God still loves us

B. The Spirit betters our understanding

1. Of the word of God
2. Of our trials
3. Of God’s purpose and plan for us

C. The Spirit brings the promises of God to our remembrance
Such as:

1. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
2. Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
3. The Holy Ghost brings to our remembrance that which we have heard, read, studied, and memorized.

III. HIS SCRIPTURES ARE GIVEN TO COMFORT US IN OUR TROUBLE

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

A. The Bible tells us of God’s perception of our situation

1. Psalms 121:3-4 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. 4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
2. God never sleeps, but is ever watchful over us!
3. Matthew 10:29-30 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

B. The Bible tells us of God’s protection through our troubles

1. Psalms 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
2. Satan knew that God had a “hedge” of protection about Job.
3. Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
4. Satan must get permission before he can touch you!

C. The Bible tells us of God’s power to get us through our troubles

1. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
2. Christ in you will work in you, if you let Him, to strengthen you, sustain you, and satisfy you.

IV. HIS SAINTS ARE MOTIVATED TO COMFORT EACH OTHER IN OUR TROUBLE

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 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.

A. We can comfort one another by loving one another

1. Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
2. Just “being there” helps!
3. Write a note!
4. Make a phone call!
5. Say a personal word!

B. We can comfort one another by lifting one another

1. Hebrews 12:12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
2. Lend a helping hand!
3. Give some encouragement!

C. We can comfort one another by leading one another

1. We can set an example for each other by trusting God and persevering through our OWN troubles.
2. We can lead one another by reminding each other of God’s comfort as given in this message.