Jesus – Our Continual Resort

Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, March 07, 2004, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia. 

JESUS – OUR CONTINUAL RESORT

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

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Scripture Reading: Psalm 71:1-8

Text: Psalm 71:3

Psalms 71:3 Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.

Introduction: Webster defines “resort” as 1. a place which people go often or generally, esp. one for rest or recreation, as on a vacation; 2. a frequent, customary, or general going, gathering together, or visiting; 3. a person or thing that one goes or turns to for help, support, etc.

We usually think of a resort as a place, but it can also be a person, as in the third definition above.

We sometimes use the expression, “our last resort.” I am afraid that often we use the Lord as our last resort. He does not have to be your LAST resort. He can be your FIRST resort (He is the first and the last). He can be your DAILY resort. He can be your ONLY resort.

I. A RESORT IS A PLACE OF REFUGE

Psalms 71:3 Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.

You need a place of refuge from

A. Rough weather
     1. Storms – Only a fool stays on the beach when a hurricane strikes
     2. Heat
     3. Trials of life – medical, mental, money, marital and family

B. Raging war
     1. The devil and his devils are after you
     2. Sometimes you get wounded
     3. Sometimes you may feel outnumbered and overwhelmed
     4. Run to the ROCK, brother!
     5. Jesus is the BEST protection you have against your enemies

Song – The Lord’s our rock, in Him we hide, a shelter in the time of storm. Secure whatever ill betides, a shelter in the time of storm.

II. A RESORT IS A PLACE OF REST

Psalms 23:1-2 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

Certain types of people have a special need for rest:

A. The sick
     1. Doctors sometimes restrict sick people to bed.
     2. If you have been hurt, you need to learn to go to the Lord Jesus Christ and rest in Him.

B. The strained worker
     1. If you don’t have Jesus Christ as your CONTINUAL resort, you will not be able to do what you ought to do. You will be too tired. It will be too much of a strain to attend every service, to take on a ministry.

C. The sore and tired runner
     1. You get tired if you’re going forward
     2. Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

D. The soldier
     1. Tired of being shot at
     2. Tired of sacrificing
     3. Tired of the rough conditions
     4. Tired of having to watch all the time

Do you need a vacation? A place of rest? but you can’t afford one? You can come to Christ for a CONTINUAL resort. You don’t have to wait for a week’s vacation to go to Him. Go to Him anytime, any day. You will find that He can give you rest even while you are laboring for Him.

III. A RESORT IS A PLACE OF REFLECTION

Notice the word “meditate” in the middle of this passage that refers to the help God provides and the shelter under His wings:

Psalms 63:5-7 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: 6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. 7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

A. Think about the sweetness of God
     1. Psalms 48:9 We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.

B. Think about the scriptures
     1. Psalms 119:148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
     2. Turn off the TV, the computer, the telephone, the radio, the CD and DVD player, and think about the eternal word of God!
     3. Get away from people and think about the commandments of the Lord!

C. Think about your self
     1. Examine yourself
     2. Psalms 119:59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
     3. Are you saved?
     4. Are you growing?
     5. Are you in God’s will?
     6. Are you faithful?

IV. A RESORT IS A PLACE OF REFRESHMENT

Psalms 23:3a He restoreth my soul …

Most people who go on vacation are more tired when they RETURN than they were before they LEFT!

A. He gave you the refreshment of salvation –  the new birth
     1. Through faith in Christ and His gospel – Romans 1:16; John 3:1-16

B. He can give you the refreshment of service
     1. A second wind
     2. A new excitement
     3. A new vision
     4. A new energy
     5. A new determination
     6. A new strength
     7. A new compassion

God intends that we allow Him to be our continual refuge, strength, and rest.

Are you looking to the Lord as your resort?
For salvation
For service
For strength
For solving your problems
For supplying your needs
For sweetening your life?

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