공동체와 양육

Growing as a Thanksgiver (Ps. 27:1~14)

2017.11.19 P. Stephen Cha

Thanksgiving is not only about thanking God for good things, but about seeking God's face and learning to trust and wait for him even when our circumstances are painful and unresolved. Psalm 27 shows this movement from bold trust to prayerful waiting, which finds its fulfillment in Jesus.

Thanksgiving continues even when God's answer is not yet seen

Thanksgiving is not only a time to name the good things we have received, such as a baby, a promotion, or a good turn of events. We must also remember who is with us in those things and celebrate God's faithfulness, even when the answer we hope for has not yet come. The Pilgrims of 1620 lost about half their number in the first year, yet in that loss they recognized God's hand guiding them and gave thanks. Paul tells us to give thanks in every circumstance, not for every circumstance. God is at work in our lives, and he loves us and is good toward us.

Seek God's face in the midst of fear (1-6절)

Psalm 27 moves in two stages. In verses 1 to 6 David boldly declares his trust, and from verse 7 he turns to prayer, asking God for grace and help. Both are true for us: we know God's past faithfulness, yet new challenges can leave us asking where God is. David's one request was to dwell in the house of the Lord and gaze upon his beauty. When we seek God's face in worship, we see that he is smiling on us and loving us, and that sight loosens the grip of our fears. A child who sings loudly for his parents while off-key shows what worship is: when our eyes are fixed on God, other things lose their power.

Pray to be taught God's ways and grow as his disciples

David also prays, Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path. Growth in God's ways is not only about our ability but about our availability: saying yes to God when he gives us a burden, so that he can work through us. Like a car stuck in snow that needs a push, we are sometimes stuck in our walk with God, and God may close doors and allow difficulties to invite us to deeper dependence on him. Growth includes assurance of salvation, learning to pray and read God's word, living by Christian values, using spiritual gifts, fighting habitual sin, serving others, and sharing the gospel.

Wait on the Lord with expectation (13-14절)

Waiting is not passive resignation. The biblical hope is confidence in God and his promises, holding on to what he has said while trusting that he is at work behind what we cannot see. Sometimes God asks us to slow down, pray, and check with him before we react, and sometimes he asks us simply to be still and let him act. In the midst of suffering, the world's brokenness and the cry of 'God, where are you?' is real, yet God has entered our suffering in Jesus. Jesus bore the rejection and forsaking on our behalf and went to the cross, so that through him God brings resolution and salvation to all who come to him.

Apply to Life

  • 우리는 좋은 일에만 감사하지 않고, 아직 응답이 없는 상황에서도 하나님의 신실하심을 기억하며 감사합시다.
  • 우리는 두려움 속에서도 하나님의 얼굴을 구하고, 예배 가운데 그분의 임재를 바라봅시다.
  • 우리는 하나님의 길을 가르쳐 달라고 기도하며, 능력보다 준비된 마음으로 하나님께 순종합시다.
  • 우리는 막혀 있는 듯한 상황에서도 하나님께 의지하며 그분의 때를 기다립시다.
  • 우리는 복음을 전하는 일을 일상의 삶에 자리 잡게 하며 주변 사람들과 예수님을 나눕시다.

This summary was made automatically from the sermon's captions and may differ from the sermon.

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