Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, Feb. 17, 2002, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.
WHEN THE FLOODS LIFT UP
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Psalms 93:1-5
Text: Psalms 93:3
Psalms 93:3 The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.
Introduction: Last week I caught just a minute of a commercial for flood insurance. It said that the Number One destroyer of homes is FLOODING. I don’t know if the report was accurate or that I heard it correctly, but I’m sure that floods are one of the major causes of home loss.
The word is used in the Bible to refer to the ungodly enemies of a righteous man:
2 Samuel 22:5 When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid;
It is also used to describe any time of trouble that a person might experience:
Psalms 69:2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.
Flooding is one of the most frightening things a person can experience. It can come suddenly. It is devastating. It can destroy everything that you have.
I want us to think about life’s troubles in comparison to a flood, and remember a few truths for God’s people found in this passage.
I. WHEN THE FLOODS LIFT UP GOD’S PERSON IS SUPREME
Psalms 93:1-2 The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved. 2 Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.
A. We should lean upon God’s will
B. We should look for God’s way
- Nahum 1:3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
C. We should learn from God’s work
II. WHEN THE FLOODS LIFT UP GOD’S POWER IS SUPERIOR
Psalms 93:4 The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.
First occurrence of the word, “floods”:
Exodus 15:8 And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.
A. He called them into existence
- God allows many of our troubles to happen in order to mold us into better Christians.
- Romans 8:28 applies to all of our trials.
B. He commands them to do His will
C. He can calm them in due time
III. WHEN THE FLOODS LIFT UP GOD’S PRECEPTS ARE SURE
Psalms 93:5a Thy testimonies are very sure …
Matthew 7:24-25 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
A. God’s words will shield us during the floods
B. God’s words will support us during the floods
C. God’s words will sustain us during the floods
IV. WHEN THE FLOODS LIFT UP GOD’S PEOPLE ARE TO BE SAINTLY
Psalms 93:5b … holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever.
People are watching!
A. Glorify God in your troubles
B. Give God thanks in your troubles
C. Grow in holiness in your troubles
- Your problems can either make you bitter or better. It’s up to you!