[0.00 --> 20.88] With a thousand hallelujahs we magnify your name. You alone deserve the glory, the honor and the praise. Lord Jesus, this song is forever yours. [20.88 --> 42.26] A thousand hallelujahs and a thousand more. Who else would go for a redemption? Whose resurrection means a rise. [42.26 --> 56.26] There isn't time enough to sing of all you've done. But I have eternity to try. [56.26 --> 72.26] With a thousand hallelujahs we magnify your name. You alone deserve the glory, the honor and the praise. [72.26 --> 86.26] Lord Jesus, this song is forever yours. A thousand hallelujahs and a thousand more. [86.26 --> 92.26] Praise to the Lord. [92.26 --> 96.26] Praise to the Lord. [96.26 --> 104.26] Praise to the Lord. [104.26 --> 108.26] To the Lamb. [108.26 --> 113.26] To the King of heaven. [113.26 --> 115.26] Praise. [115.26 --> 119.26] For He rose. [119.26 --> 122.26] Now He raised. [122.26 --> 127.26] We will sing forever. [127.26 --> 133.26] Praise to the Lord. [133.26 --> 134.26] Praise to the Lord. [134.26 --> 135.26] Praise to the Lord. [135.26 --> 136.26] To the Lamb. [136.26 --> 141.26] To the King of heaven. [141.26 --> 142.26] Praise. [142.26 --> 147.26] For He rose. [147.26 --> 151.26] Now He raised. [151.26 --> 156.26] We will sing forever. [156.26 --> 164.44] With a thousand hallelujahs, we magnify your name [164.44 --> 171.66] You all deserve the glory, the honor and the praise [171.66 --> 177.78] For Jesus, this song is forever yours [177.78 --> 184.82] A thousand hallelujahs and a thousand more [184.82 --> 200.18] We sing praise, we sing praise [200.18 --> 211.68] To the Lord, to the Lamb, to the King of heaven [211.68 --> 214.08] Praise [214.08 --> 225.66] When He rose, now He reigns, we will sing forever [225.66 --> 235.22] With a thousand hallelujahs, we magnify your name [235.22 --> 242.30] You all deserve the glory, the honor and the praise [242.30 --> 248.44] Lord Jesus, this song is forever yours [248.44 --> 255.52] A thousand hallelujahs and a thousand more [255.52 --> 264.82] A thousand hallelujahs and a thousand more [264.82 --> 268.74] A thousand hallelujahs and a thousand more [268.74 --> 279.82] The Lord bless you [279.82 --> 294.90] The Lord bless you [294.90 --> 301.98] The Lord bless you and keep you [301.98 --> 308.48] Make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you [308.48 --> 315.56] The Lord turn His face toward you [315.56 --> 322.64] And give His face toward you [322.64 --> 337.72] And give you peace [337.72 --> 352.80] Amen [352.80 --> 359.88] Amen [359.88 --> 363.88] Amen [363.88 --> 365.88] Amen [365.88 --> 367.88] Amen [367.88 --> 369.88] Amen [369.88 --> 386.96] Amen [386.96 --> 390.96] Amen [390.96 --> 408.54] Amen [408.54 --> 409.54] Amen [409.54 --> 426.62] Amen [426.62 --> 428.62] Amen [428.62 --> 430.62] Amen [430.62 --> 431.12] Amen [431.12 --> 432.12] Amen [432.12 --> 433.12] Amen [433.12 --> 455.70] Amen [455.70 --> 456.70] Amen [456.70 --> 471.78] Amen [479.28 --> 481.16] May His favor be upon you [481.16 --> 488.26] May His favor be upon you And a thousand generations [488.26 --> 495.46] And your family, and your children And their children, and their children [495.46 --> 501.84] May His favor be upon you And a thousand generations [501.84 --> 522.56] Give us a break for you. [531.84 --> 537.26] And the children of His presence come before you [537.26 --> 540.62] And behind you and beside you [540.62 --> 544.18] All around you and within you [544.18 --> 547.54] He is in you, He is in you [547.54 --> 550.70] In the morning and the evening [550.70 --> 554.20] And you're coming and you're going [554.20 --> 557.84] And you're leaving and rejoicing [557.84 --> 573.20] He is for you, He is for you [573.20 --> 573.98] Amen [573.98 --> 579.42] Amen [579.42 --> 582.86] Amen [582.86 --> 586.28] Amen [587.84 --> 593.12] Amen [593.12 --> 596.84] Amen [596.84 --> 600.06] Amen [600.06 --> 605.78] May His favor be upon you [605.78 --> 608.92] Yet a thousand generations [608.92 --> 610.82] And your family [610.82 --> 612.42] And your children [612.42 --> 614.24] And their children [614.24 --> 615.78] And their children [615.78 --> 617.70] And these praises [617.70 --> 619.46] Come before you [619.46 --> 621.20] And behind you [621.20 --> 622.92] And beside you [622.92 --> 624.50] All around you [624.50 --> 630.00] Good morning everyone [630.00 --> 633.26] We'll try that again [633.26 --> 634.80] Good morning everyone [634.80 --> 638.16] We're still nestling into the comfy chairs [638.16 --> 639.16] Oh my shoes! [639.34 --> 639.88] Thanks Isla [639.88 --> 641.72] I'll bring those to the chair in a second [641.72 --> 644.00] It's good to see you all this morning [644.00 --> 645.36] Good to be here in church today [645.36 --> 646.62] My name is Kevin Lover [646.62 --> 647.70] And I'm one of the pastors here [647.70 --> 648.94] The youth pastor at this church [648.94 --> 651.08] And it's a joy to be here this morning [651.08 --> 653.28] Maybe some of you were here an hour early [653.28 --> 654.26] That's good [654.26 --> 656.76] You could take a nap on these super comfortable chairs [656.76 --> 659.10] We're super glad they came in a little bit early [659.10 --> 660.64] Which is awesome [660.64 --> 660.94] So [660.94 --> 663.52] A few announcements this morning [663.52 --> 664.62] Before we begin our service [664.62 --> 666.08] First of all, youth [666.08 --> 667.46] We have youth coffee today [667.46 --> 669.24] It'll be at Fran and John Skipper's house [669.24 --> 671.06] So you can head there after the service [671.06 --> 672.20] We'll hang out [672.20 --> 672.78] We'll have some food [672.78 --> 673.54] It'll be wonderful [673.54 --> 674.72] Hope to see you all there [674.72 --> 678.14] If you are a parent or a child [678.14 --> 679.64] Who is interested [679.64 --> 681.70] I mean the parents are interested for their children [681.70 --> 682.60] I should clarify that [682.60 --> 684.50] But if you're a child who's interested in singing [684.50 --> 686.90] In the choir this coming Christmas [686.90 --> 689.32] Rehearsals for that are going to start in two weeks [689.32 --> 691.28] And so if you are interested in doing that [691.28 --> 693.58] Please sort of circle that date in your calendar [693.58 --> 694.54] Two weeks today [694.54 --> 696.10] It'll be happening after the service [696.10 --> 696.94] You can talk to Mark [696.94 --> 697.66] Is Mark here? [697.78 --> 698.58] Mark's going to wave [698.58 --> 700.38] He was here [700.38 --> 700.90] He's running [700.90 --> 701.42] Oh there he is [701.42 --> 701.88] He's in the back [701.88 --> 702.82] See hey there's Mark [702.82 --> 704.44] Go talk to Mark about that [704.44 --> 707.00] We look forward to hearing all of the kids [707.00 --> 708.80] And the choir sing at Christmas time [708.80 --> 709.66] Finally [709.66 --> 711.74] There's been an announcement in the bulletin [711.74 --> 712.70] The past couple weeks [712.70 --> 715.12] About needing some jars [715.12 --> 716.86] For the gems ministry [716.86 --> 718.52] They're doing a cookie fundraiser [718.52 --> 720.38] To help with the gems camp this year [720.38 --> 722.54] They have sold a ton of gems jars [722.54 --> 723.12] Cookie jars [723.12 --> 725.86] But we need a bunch more mason jars [725.86 --> 726.90] If you have them [726.90 --> 728.86] So they are looking for either wide mouth [728.86 --> 730.38] Or regular mouth [730.38 --> 732.16] Court sized jars [732.16 --> 733.08] So if you have those [733.08 --> 734.62] You can bring them into the church in the next week [734.62 --> 735.36] That would be wonderful [735.36 --> 738.42] And then if you want to buy some cookies from them [738.42 --> 739.66] That would also be wonderful [739.66 --> 741.40] So I'm going to invite you all now [741.40 --> 742.38] To please stand [742.38 --> 745.16] And hear God's greeting this morning [745.16 --> 750.78] God's greeting this morning [750.78 --> 752.56] Comes from Revelation 1 [752.56 --> 753.34] Where it says [753.34 --> 755.18] Grace and peace to you [755.18 --> 756.46] From him who is [756.46 --> 757.62] And who was [757.62 --> 758.88] And who is to come [758.88 --> 760.58] And from the seven spirits [760.58 --> 761.78] Before his throne [761.78 --> 763.50] And from Jesus Christ [763.50 --> 765.30] Who is the faithful witness [765.30 --> 767.36] The firstborn of the dead [767.36 --> 768.56] And the ruler [768.56 --> 770.42] Of the kings of the earth [770.42 --> 772.04] And all God's people said [772.04 --> 772.96] Amen [772.96 --> 774.56] Please take a moment to greet one another [774.56 --> 775.30] Those around you [775.30 --> 775.42] Amen [775.42 --> 805.32] Our calls to worship this morning [805.32 --> 808.08] Comes from 2 Samuel chapter 22 [808.08 --> 811.42] The Lord is my rock [811.42 --> 812.76] My fortress [812.76 --> 813.88] And my redeemer [813.88 --> 815.88] My God is my rock [815.88 --> 817.62] In whom I take refuge [817.62 --> 818.50] My shield [818.50 --> 820.66] And the horn of my salvation [820.66 --> 822.84] He is my stronghold [822.84 --> 824.02] My refuge [824.02 --> 824.84] And my savior [824.84 --> 826.54] For who is God [826.54 --> 827.44] Besides the Lord [827.44 --> 829.38] And who is the rock [829.38 --> 830.58] Except our God [830.58 --> 832.12] The Lord lives [832.12 --> 833.90] Praise be to the rock [833.90 --> 835.76] Exalted be my God [835.76 --> 836.52] The rock [836.52 --> 837.30] My savior [837.30 --> 839.66] Therefore I will praise you Lord [839.66 --> 840.84] Among the nations [840.84 --> 842.60] I will sing the praises [842.60 --> 843.46] Of your name [843.46 --> 849.84] Oooh [851.56 --> 852.12] Let us seal you in the twine [852.12 --> 853.02] Lord [853.02 --> 854.06] Thank you [854.06 --> 854.76] Thank you [854.76 --> 856.34] My savior [856.34 --> 856.84] Thank you [856.84 --> 858.08] Thank you [858.08 --> 858.96] Thank you [859.08 --> 871.00] Thanks for my [871.00 --> 876.70] I am a man [876.70 --> 880.94] Swept down into darkness [880.94 --> 886.46] Open my eyes as we see [886.46 --> 891.46] Beauty that made me [891.46 --> 894.50] This heart of love [894.50 --> 899.50] Open my eyes as we see [899.50 --> 906.76] So here I am to worship [906.76 --> 910.38] Here I am to follow [910.38 --> 913.88] Here I am to stay [913.88 --> 917.32] Love my God [917.32 --> 920.78] All together love [920.78 --> 924.44] All together glory [924.44 --> 928.06] All together hunger [928.06 --> 935.32] He through our faith [935.32 --> 937.44] King of allWE [937.44 --> 938.94] King of all maps [938.94 --> 943.98] なんです [943.98 --> 947.28] Lord, I'll sing you. [950.88 --> 957.40] I'll be a king to the earth, please. [958.12 --> 961.56] Father, I'll sing you. [965.90 --> 969.74] So here I am to worship. [969.74 --> 973.22] Here I am to bow. [973.22 --> 977.22] Here I am to sing you. [977.58 --> 980.22] Lord, I'll sing you. [980.94 --> 984.22] All together love me. [984.50 --> 987.84] All together love me. [988.12 --> 991.22] All together love me. [991.22 --> 995.22] All together love me. [995.22 --> 1002.22] I'll never know how much it comes. [1002.22 --> 1006.22] To see my sin. [1006.22 --> 1009.22] How far I've lost. [1009.22 --> 1016.22] I'll never know how much it comes. [1016.22 --> 1020.22] To see my sin. [1020.22 --> 1024.22] I'll never know how much it comes. [1024.22 --> 1028.22] Here I am to worship. [1028.22 --> 1030.22] Here I am to worship. [1030.22 --> 1032.22] Here I am to bow down. [1032.22 --> 1038.22] Here I am to say that you're my God. [1038.22 --> 1039.22] Here I am to worship. [1039.22 --> 1042.22] Here I am to worship. [1042.22 --> 1044.22] Here I am to bow down. [1044.22 --> 1045.22] Here I am to sing. [1045.22 --> 1048.22] Matthew, too. [1048.22 --> 1052.10] Okay. [1052.10 --> 1061.86] is [1068.58 --> 1077.86] together [1077.86 --> 1101.22] For Thou, O Lord, art high [1101.22 --> 1107.56] Above all the earth [1107.56 --> 1110.72] Thou art exalted [1110.72 --> 1118.36] Far above all God [1118.36 --> 1126.76] Thou, O Lord, art high [1126.76 --> 1131.16] Above all the earth [1131.16 --> 1136.32] Thou art exalted [1136.32 --> 1143.48] Far above all God [1143.48 --> 1150.64] I exalt Thee [1150.64 --> 1154.64] I exalt Thee [1154.64 --> 1160.64] I exalt Thee [1160.64 --> 1167.80] I exalt Thee [1167.80 --> 1173.80] I exalt Thee [1173.80 --> 1175.80] I exalt Thee [1175.80 --> 1182.96] I exalt Thee [1182.96 --> 1184.96] I exalt Thee [1184.96 --> 1188.96] I exalt Thee [1188.96 --> 1202.12] I exalt Thee [1202.12 --> 1203.12] I exalt Thee [1203.12 --> 1204.28] I exalt Thee [1204.28 --> 1205.28] I exalt Thee [1205.28 --> 1209.28] I exalt Thee [1210.18 --> 1219.30] For Thou, O Lord, O Lord, all기 Gay. [1221.58 --> 1229.78] Thou, I sheltered by, O God. [1229.78 --> 1237.56] I adore Thee [1237.56 --> 1247.62] I adore Thee [1247.62 --> 1252.76] I adore Thee [1252.76 --> 1257.62] I adore Thee [1257.62 --> 1262.06] I exalt thee. [1263.36 --> 1268.06] I exalt thee. [1269.42 --> 1270.96] Amen. [1274.96 --> 1276.68] You may have a seat. [1280.04 --> 1282.56] Please join me in our prayer of confession. [1283.06 --> 1283.92] Let's pray together. [1283.92 --> 1290.02] God, we can often be too busy or preoccupied, [1290.50 --> 1294.20] and we need reminders to take the time for what is important, [1295.24 --> 1296.86] our relationship with you. [1298.24 --> 1300.72] In a time now of silent prayer, Lord, [1301.34 --> 1302.90] we take time to be still [1302.90 --> 1307.00] and to be with you alone in a time of confession. [1313.92 --> 1339.32] Dear God, silence can be hard. [1339.32 --> 1344.04] Confession can be hard, and life can be hard. [1344.96 --> 1346.46] Faithful God, as believers, [1346.84 --> 1350.88] you promise to stay with us through all the difficult parts of life. [1351.68 --> 1355.76] You have heard our confessions and been with us in our silent prayers. [1356.98 --> 1360.86] For your forgiveness, faithfulness, and love, we are grateful. [1360.86 --> 1364.22] In the name of Jesus, we pray. [1365.04 --> 1365.36] Amen. [1366.64 --> 1371.08] Please stand as we hear some more words of assurance. [1372.08 --> 1375.92] As Christians, we can rejoice in good news. [1376.70 --> 1378.30] And the good news is this. [1378.98 --> 1382.18] The steadfast love of God never ceases. [1383.16 --> 1385.84] God's mercies never come to an end. [1385.84 --> 1388.04] They are new every morning. [1388.90 --> 1390.86] Great is God's faithfulness. [1390.86 --> 1391.86] Amen. [1415.84 --> 1421.46] Just not let no questions be careful. [1421.46 --> 1428.74] As God has fear, the forever will be. [1429.82 --> 1433.54] Great is thy faithfulness. [1433.54 --> 1437.34] Great is thy faithfulness. [1437.82 --> 1444.10] Morning by morning, the mercies I see. [1444.10 --> 1451.96] All I have needed, thy hand hath provided. [1452.96 --> 1456.66] Great is thy faithfulness. [1456.66 --> 1459.16] Joy unto me. [1462.16 --> 1469.40] Summer and winter and springtime and harvest. [1469.40 --> 1476.40] Sun, moon and stars, where forces above. [1476.40 --> 1484.40] Join with all nature in manifold witness. [1484.40 --> 1492.04] To thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. [1492.04 --> 1494.04] Great is thy faithfulness. [1494.04 --> 1498.04] Great is thy faithfulness. [1498.04 --> 1502.04] Great is thy faithfulness. [1502.04 --> 1503.04] Great is thy faithfulness. [1503.04 --> 1509.04] Morning by morning, new mercies I see. [1509.04 --> 1516.04] All I have needed, thy hand hath provided. [1516.04 --> 1517.04] Great is thy faithfulness. [1517.04 --> 1518.04] Great is thy faithfulness. [1518.04 --> 1519.04] Great is thy faithfulness. [1519.04 --> 1521.04] Great is thy faithfulness. [1521.04 --> 1523.04] Lord, unto me. [1523.04 --> 1525.04] Ng efectivines praying for my wisdom. [1525.04 --> 1526.04] header and cover made. [1526.04 --> 1527.04] God bless thee. [1527.04 --> 1527.36] Far Goes, Lord, to me. [1527.36 --> 1527.98] Oh heaven. [1527.98 --> 1529.04] For sin, sea. [1529.04 --> 1530.04] Reason that thy faithfulness. [1530.04 --> 1531.38] rhinos. [1531.38 --> 1532.00] tree or scow. [1532.00 --> 1536.54] in His faithfulness, [1536.54 --> 1538.86] Bae all dear paths, To cheer and to guide. [1538.86 --> 1542.06] Strength for today, and line nophor. [1542.06 --> 1549.04] Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow [1549.04 --> 1557.04] Blessings of my ten thousand stars [1557.04 --> 1567.04] Great is thy goodness, great is thy fullness [1567.04 --> 1574.62] Morning by morning will mercies I sing [1574.62 --> 1582.06] All I have needed, I have had provided [1582.06 --> 1589.38] Great is thy faithfulness, Lord and King [1597.04 --> 1627.02] All I have needed, I have had provided [1627.02 --> 1629.02] Great is thy goodness, great is thy goodness [1629.02 --> 1635.02] The grace of God, who has made everything bow down [1635.02 --> 1642.02] Who has the whisper and darkness drowns [1642.02 --> 1646.02] Only a holy God [1646.02 --> 1655.02] What a beauty to this such great soul [1655.02 --> 1661.02] What a splendor that shines the sun [1661.02 --> 1667.02] What a majesty rules it just in [1667.02 --> 1673.02] Only a holy God [1673.02 --> 1683.02] Love and behold me, the wonder we are [1683.02 --> 1694.02] Thy hope sing glory forever a holy God [1694.02 --> 1700.02] And I worship the holy God [1700.02 --> 1704.02] What a glory consumes like fire [1704.02 --> 1714.02] What a glory consumes like fire [1714.02 --> 1716.02] What a glory consumes like fire [1716.02 --> 1720.02] What a power can blaze the death [1720.02 --> 1722.02] What a glory consumes like fire [1722.02 --> 1726.02] What a glory consumes like fire [1726.02 --> 1728.02] What a glory consumes like fire [1728.02 --> 1732.02] What a glory consumes like fire [1732.02 --> 1734.02] And I worship the holy God [1734.02 --> 1738.02] Come and behold me, the wonder we are [1738.02 --> 1744.02] Come and behold me, the wonder we are [1744.02 --> 1746.02] Who cry and behold me, the wonder we are [1746.02 --> 1750.02] Who cry and behold me, the wonder we are [1750.02 --> 1752.02] Who cry and behold me, the wonder we are [1752.02 --> 1754.02] Who cry and behold me, the wonder we are [1754.02 --> 1756.02] Who cry and behold me, the wonder we are [1756.02 --> 1762.02] Who who cry and behold me, the wonder we are [1762.02 --> 1764.02] Who cry and behold me, the wonder we are [1764.02 --> 1769.02] And I worship the holy God [1769.02 --> 1775.02] Who cry and behold me, the wonder we are [1775.02 --> 1777.02] Holy God [1777.02 --> 1779.22] Come and worship [1779.22 --> 1781.02] the Holy God [1805.02 --> 1808.18] Who else could rescue me [1808.18 --> 1810.22] from my failing [1810.22 --> 1813.84] Who else would offer [1813.84 --> 1816.42] his only son [1816.42 --> 1819.94] Who else invites me [1819.94 --> 1822.30] to call him father [1822.30 --> 1827.54] Only a holy God [1827.54 --> 1832.58] Only my holy God [1832.58 --> 1839.58] Come and be holy [1839.58 --> 1842.58] The one here [1842.58 --> 1844.58] The one here [1844.58 --> 1846.58] Who else would offer [1846.58 --> 1848.58] his only son [1848.58 --> 1850.58] Come and worship [1850.58 --> 1852.58] the Holy God [1852.58 --> 1854.58] And bless you [1854.58 --> 1856.58] The Holy God [1856.58 --> 1858.58] Come and be holy [1858.58 --> 1860.58] Come and be holy [1860.58 --> 1862.58] Come and be holy [1862.58 --> 1864.58] Come and be holy [1864.58 --> 1866.58] Come and be holy [1866.58 --> 1868.58] Come and be holy [1868.58 --> 1870.58] I am [1870.58 --> 1872.92] See you [1874.12 --> 1874.58] forever [1874.58 --> 1876.58] With me [1876.58 --> 1878.58] Come and be holy [1878.58 --> 1880.82] Let's worship the Lord. [1882.26 --> 1885.60] Let's worship the Lord. [1885.60 --> 1886.72] Let's worship the Lord. [1889.26 --> 1890.52] You can have a seat. [1908.58 --> 1910.56] Good morning. [1916.56 --> 1917.46] Good morning. [1918.10 --> 1918.88] I'm Emil. [1919.22 --> 1920.52] I'm a deacon in the church. [1921.28 --> 1924.82] We continue our worship with the giving of our gifts. [1925.18 --> 1930.40] First of all, to the budget, which covers the administration of the church and its ministries, [1930.92 --> 1935.42] and the special offering, which is Seeds of Hope Children's Ministry. [1935.42 --> 1945.20] It was started in 1995 by an Abbotsford couple, Reverend John and Susan Chakias, [1945.50 --> 1951.14] after seeing the plight of children orphaned because of AIDS in Africa. [1951.92 --> 1960.46] In 1996, Seeds of Hope Children's Ministry opened the first home for HIV-AIDS-infected children in Thailand. [1960.46 --> 1970.82] Also in Thailand, at Nu Reign, HIV-infected and affected women who had been cast out from their families and society [1970.82 --> 1972.88] are able to live in a secure environment. [1973.74 --> 1981.96] These women receive love and hope through the mentorship program, a comfortable and secure home, medical care, and life skills. [1981.96 --> 1989.26] The goal is to empower the ladies to be able to one day safely integrate back into society. [1990.18 --> 1996.06] Most importantly, the ladies get to experience the love and gospel of Jesus Christ. [1996.80 --> 2003.70] Some of these women have children, and Rays of Hope provides for them as well by keeping the family together [2003.70 --> 2006.96] and making sure the children get to go to school. [2008.40 --> 2018.86] Seeds of Hope's biggest project is Grace Academy, a boarding school and home to over 170 orphaned children in Zambia. [2019.76 --> 2028.00] Grace Academy, also known as the Place of Grace, is where children are given a loving home, medical care, and good nutrition, [2028.00 --> 2036.96] which will break the cycle of poverty for the children by providing a high level of education and a mentoring program. [2037.80 --> 2044.06] Children that suffer from AIDS are given antiviral medication to improve their chances for a healthier life. [2044.70 --> 2051.28] The vision is to raise children to be the future leaders of their country and to impact their nation [2051.28 --> 2055.66] with the grace and love of Christ, which they have also received. [2055.66 --> 2060.72] We believe the way to do this is through education and opportunity. [2061.82 --> 2067.70] Seeds of Hope also has orphanages in Myanmar, which is previously known as Burma. [2068.50 --> 2069.60] Please give generously. [2070.86 --> 2074.04] One person gives freely, yet gains even more. [2074.78 --> 2077.94] Another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. [2078.82 --> 2080.54] A generous person will prosper. [2081.30 --> 2084.38] Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. [2084.38 --> 2087.90] Proverbs 11, 24, and 25. [2089.74 --> 2093.94] Next week's offering is for the Budget and Diaconal Ministries Canada. [2093.94 --> 2123.92] Thank you. [2123.94 --> 2153.92] Thank you. [2153.94 --> 2155.94] Thank you. [2183.94 --> 2185.94] Thank you. [2213.94 --> 2215.94] Thank you. [2243.94 --> 2245.94] Thank you. [2273.94 --> 2275.94] Thank you. [2303.94 --> 2305.94] Thank you. [2305.94 --> 2307.94] Thank you. [2307.94 --> 2309.94] Thank you. [2309.94 --> 2311.94] Thank you. [2311.94 --> 2313.94] Thank you. [2313.94 --> 2314.94] All right. [2314.94 --> 2319.94] Kids are already up, but if you haven't come up and you are age 3 up to grade 4, come on [2319.94 --> 2321.94] up. [2321.94 --> 2325.46] I thought it looked kind of empty here, but there's lots of kids here, which is really [2325.46 --> 2325.86] great. [2329.36 --> 2336.22] So today we are going to go off to our large group and learn more about God and God's story [2336.22 --> 2336.88] in the Bible. [2337.50 --> 2343.00] Before we do that, though, let's take a minute to pray together and then we will do the blessing. [2343.00 --> 2348.82] Lord God, thank you for this day and that we can come here to church, God, and that we [2348.82 --> 2352.46] can learn more about you and your great love for us that never ends. [2352.94 --> 2358.36] We pray that we would have open hearts and open ears to hear and learn today. [2358.36 --> 2359.36] Amen. [2359.36 --> 2360.36] Amen. [2360.36 --> 2361.36] All right. [2361.36 --> 2362.36] Let's stand up. [2362.36 --> 2363.36] Ready? [2363.36 --> 2365.36] The Lord has given me. [2365.36 --> 2368.36] All the Spirit is ready. [2368.36 --> 2369.36] The Lord has given me. [2369.36 --> 2371.36] And we are going to come to our Lord. [2371.36 --> 2374.36] And we are going to come to our Lord. [2374.36 --> 2375.36] Amen. [2375.36 --> 2376.36] Amen. [2376.36 --> 2377.36] Amen. [2377.36 --> 2378.36] Amen. [2378.36 --> 2379.36] Amen. [2379.36 --> 2381.36] Amen. [2381.36 --> 2383.36] Amen. [2383.36 --> 2384.36] Amen. [2384.36 --> 2385.36] Amen. [2385.36 --> 2386.36] Amen. [2386.36 --> 2387.36] Amen. [2387.36 --> 2388.34] Amen. [2388.36 --> 2395.06] Good morning, everyone. My name's Eric. I'm an elder here at the church. [2397.36 --> 2402.02] First I want to ask, how about those chairs? How are they? They're good? Not bad? [2403.80 --> 2409.48] Spent about 10 minutes sitting down. The rest of the morning we've been standing up, but they're still kind of comfortable, so that's all good. [2410.30 --> 2415.32] Just want to thank those who contributed to the chair fund to allow us to have these chairs here. [2415.32 --> 2420.16] They're really nice, and they look great in here, so thank you for those who've done that. [2421.66 --> 2425.00] Just a couple announcements before I get into the family prayer. [2425.74 --> 2428.26] Some of you may be wondering where Pastor Chris is this morning. [2430.96 --> 2437.34] He's in Abbotsford for the ordination of Ben Wimmers at Living Hope as the youth and family pastor there at that church. [2437.82 --> 2442.24] He'll be working with Steve Birkenpass, who's an alumni of here, of Emmanuel. [2442.24 --> 2450.24] We have just another announcement. We have an AGM congregational meeting coming up on November 23rd. [2450.82 --> 2454.86] That's a Wednesday night, so we're encouraging everyone to come and be a part of that. [2454.96 --> 2459.48] We're going to be talking a lot about the budget, so that would be good to have your input there. [2460.30 --> 2464.48] Packages will be emailed out, but if you wanted printed coffee, please contact the office. [2464.48 --> 2471.74] We have exciting news. Josh Chamberlain has been offered the position of the young adult, a ministry leader at the church, [2471.74 --> 2477.82] so he successfully passed all the tests, and we offered him the job, so that's exciting. [2481.32 --> 2486.72] We're excited to see what God has planned for you in this position over the months to come. [2486.72 --> 2495.48] A couple of other things. For some of you who are not aware, Stacy, we got word, or the Klosterhoffs got word early this week [2495.48 --> 2502.90] that Stacy's mom, Joan, had an aneurysm stroke this week, and she's not doing well, [2503.04 --> 2509.58] so our prayers go out to them as they prepare to go there to see her in the days to come. [2509.58 --> 2517.52] As well, we heard this morning from Kevin that Nikki and Jared's grandpa and Joan's dad passed away this week. [2517.60 --> 2528.40] His name's Tony. He lives in Penticton. He's in his 80s, late 80s, so prayers go out to that family as well as they mourn the loss there. [2529.94 --> 2533.80] Also, yesterday, if I know some of you were there at the Hanson funeral yesterday, [2533.80 --> 2539.12] we want to pray for the Hanson family through these difficult times ahead as they lost a brother and a son, [2539.12 --> 2545.50] a young man there, and he was an incredible man, so if you were there yesterday, that was quite something. [2546.12 --> 2549.10] So, if I can lead you into family prayer now. [2550.48 --> 2551.86] Dear God, thank you for this day. [2553.58 --> 2558.40] Thank you for this time we have together to be in fellowship with one another and to also worship you. [2559.54 --> 2563.00] As the leaves fall and the days get shorter and the days get cooler, [2563.14 --> 2567.22] we are reminded of your faithfulness and steadfastness through the changing season. [2567.22 --> 2572.92] It is a reminder that you are in control and we need to trust you for all things. [2574.94 --> 2578.14] We thank you, Lord, for all the many blessings you have given us. [2578.24 --> 2582.52] The gift of children, as we have seen here this morning, just a minute ago. [2583.58 --> 2587.54] The gifts of work, holidays, friends, community, and health. [2587.54 --> 2593.18] When we watch or hear the news, we can be thankful for living in this great country. [2594.14 --> 2599.94] When you hear about what's going on around the world in places like Ukraine and Russia, China, and other countries, [2600.02 --> 2601.82] we are thankful for this country, Canada. [2603.82 --> 2608.30] As recessions and slowing economy predictions are starting to become more common, [2608.30 --> 2612.30] we can be thankful that we can trust in you to help us wither the unpredictability. [2613.92 --> 2617.62] We are thankful, Lord, that Josh Chamberlain is our new young adult ministry leader. [2618.44 --> 2622.62] He's done great work here through you, Lord, in this ministry here at Emmanuel in the past, [2622.68 --> 2626.64] and we are excited to see what your plan is for him in the days, weeks, and months to come. [2626.64 --> 2632.62] We pray, Lord, for the handsome family this morning who shared with their community yesterday [2632.62 --> 2635.22] the life of their wonderful brother and son, Aaron. [2636.32 --> 2640.88] What a wonderful testament Aaron was to the joy and peace of following you [2640.88 --> 2643.04] and the witness he was to those around him. [2644.80 --> 2647.10] Lord, as none of us enjoy losing loved ones, [2647.24 --> 2650.62] funerals are often a great way to reflect on what's really important in life. [2651.98 --> 2655.22] At Aaron's funeral, it was clear that family, community, [2655.22 --> 2658.08] and a life of following you is what is most important. [2659.30 --> 2663.76] Chasing after material wealth or likes on social media or power at the end of the day [2663.76 --> 2667.34] are little importance when you lose a friend and a loved one. [2668.64 --> 2671.86] Lord, we ask that you would work in all of us through your Holy Spirit [2671.86 --> 2674.24] that we will continually work to follow you more [2674.24 --> 2677.84] and to live out your plan for us each and every day. [2679.54 --> 2682.06] We pray, Lord, for the Klosterhof family this morning [2682.06 --> 2685.14] as we heard that Stacey's mom had a stroke earlier this week. [2686.10 --> 2687.98] This will be difficult for the family, Lord, [2688.02 --> 2690.28] and we ask that you will give the family traveling mercies [2690.28 --> 2692.20] as they plan to see Stacey's mom [2692.20 --> 2696.06] and that they will feel your comforting presence through this difficult time. [2697.46 --> 2701.64] And Lord, with the recent news of Joan's dad, Jared, and Nikki's grandpa [2701.64 --> 2703.18] who passed away this week, Tony, [2703.88 --> 2705.50] pray that you be close to them too, Lord, [2705.56 --> 2710.56] as they work through and mourn the passing of a loved one. [2710.56 --> 2715.62] Lord, I ask that this week you prepare our hearts, Lord, [2715.72 --> 2718.32] for us celebrating Lord's Supper next Sunday. [2719.02 --> 2720.80] Please prepare our hearts and minds [2720.80 --> 2723.98] as we anticipate the sharing of the sacrament together as believers. [2726.20 --> 2729.28] Lord, as many of us has much to be thankful for in this life, [2729.38 --> 2731.78] all of us have things that are on our minds [2731.78 --> 2735.48] and add stress, anxiety, or keep us awake at night. [2736.38 --> 2738.86] It may be children that are making poor decisions, [2739.08 --> 2740.90] choices, and are struggling in life. [2741.54 --> 2743.70] It may be marriages that are on rocky ground. [2744.66 --> 2747.60] It may be a conflict at work or employment challenges. [2747.60 --> 2749.58] It may be loneliness. [2750.88 --> 2752.60] It may be mental health struggles. [2753.68 --> 2756.08] It may be difficult financial dynamics. [2757.26 --> 2758.92] It may be physical ailments. [2759.96 --> 2762.42] And it may just be the challenges of just getting older. [2764.14 --> 2766.08] Whatever it is, Lord, we bring them all to you. [2766.30 --> 2768.66] We can't make it through any of this without your support, [2768.78 --> 2771.32] and we need you to walk beside us through these trials. [2772.34 --> 2775.98] For those of us, Lord, who know a friend, a colleague, or neighbor [2775.98 --> 2777.60] that is going through a difficult time, [2777.70 --> 2779.24] please give us the words to say, [2779.64 --> 2783.02] to have that shoulder for someone to lean on or cry on [2783.02 --> 2786.44] or a hug to offer when it is needed. [2787.90 --> 2789.48] Lord, help us to live in community [2789.48 --> 2793.08] and help each other through challenging times. [2794.78 --> 2798.22] Lord, in Philippians 4, 6-7, your words from Paul say, [2798.36 --> 2799.84] Do not be anxious about anything, [2800.18 --> 2802.94] but in every situation, by prayer and petition, [2802.94 --> 2806.22] with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [2807.02 --> 2810.24] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, [2810.36 --> 2812.84] will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [2814.68 --> 2818.80] May your spirit continue to do its work in us this coming week. [2819.50 --> 2821.42] Help us be a light for you in all we do, [2821.60 --> 2824.08] and help us to glorify you in all our works and deeds. [2825.00 --> 2826.52] We ask all this in Jesus' name. [2826.86 --> 2827.08] Amen. [2832.94 --> 2833.38] Amen. [2848.26 --> 2850.28] It's good to be back with you all this morning. [2850.52 --> 2856.24] It's been a difficult, fairly heavy last couple of weeks, hasn't it? [2857.34 --> 2859.92] Personally, I think all of you heard a couple weeks ago [2859.92 --> 2862.54] some youth leaders and I were in a fairly scary car accident [2862.54 --> 2865.34] on the way to a youth leader's retreat. [2866.12 --> 2868.86] We changed lanes to go around a vehicle that had overturned [2868.86 --> 2871.18] and hit some black ice and fishtailed for quite a while [2871.18 --> 2874.20] and then ended up upside down in a ditch on the side of the highway [2874.20 --> 2876.82] on the connector between Merritt and Kelowna. [2877.68 --> 2878.38] It got as good. [2878.54 --> 2879.46] We all walked away. [2879.72 --> 2880.86] Miraculously, to be honest, [2880.96 --> 2882.92] only a couple scratches and a little bit of stiffness. [2884.02 --> 2885.96] Then a week ago, last weekend, [2885.96 --> 2888.58] many women here attended a very good, [2888.68 --> 2890.52] but again, fairly intense weekend [2890.52 --> 2893.04] at the Women's Fellowship Conference, [2893.20 --> 2894.68] which was hosted by a number of women here. [2895.62 --> 2897.56] Main topic of that weekend was grief. [2897.74 --> 2899.84] And while every report I've heard [2899.84 --> 2902.22] was how good of a weekend that was, [2903.54 --> 2904.96] weekends like that and events like that [2904.96 --> 2905.94] can certainly be heavy. [2906.68 --> 2907.96] On top of those things, [2908.64 --> 2911.78] yesterday I know many of us attended Aaron Hansen's funeral, [2911.94 --> 2913.54] which Eric just alluded to [2913.54 --> 2915.00] and prayed for a second ago. [2915.00 --> 2916.42] It was a hard day [2916.42 --> 2918.54] as we mourned and celebrated someone [2918.54 --> 2920.24] who was taken at such a young age. [2921.24 --> 2923.34] Yet the testimony shared yesterday were unbelievable [2923.34 --> 2927.10] and Aaron's life truly reflected God's light in this world. [2927.88 --> 2928.66] But it was still hard. [2930.14 --> 2931.26] It also reminds me of the many [2931.26 --> 2933.14] who are still grieving and mourning the loss [2933.14 --> 2934.68] of other family members, [2934.78 --> 2938.02] some passing away recently within the last days or weeks [2938.02 --> 2940.54] and others passing away months ago, [2940.70 --> 2941.50] even years ago. [2941.50 --> 2945.46] Now, I just wanted to name that reality here today [2945.46 --> 2947.84] because I know many of us are sitting in that. [2948.84 --> 2951.82] I also want to acknowledge that when life is rocky, [2952.24 --> 2953.90] we all want from a church service [2953.90 --> 2956.92] some sort of nice and fluffy and light passage [2956.92 --> 2959.74] that might just bring us a little bit of respite [2959.74 --> 2961.22] from the difficulty of life. [2961.56 --> 2962.72] And while that might make sense, [2963.08 --> 2965.04] I also want to name something else right now. [2965.04 --> 2969.08] As we continue through the psalms and our feelings, [2969.46 --> 2974.80] today's psalm is not that light, fluffy, cheery Bible passage [2974.80 --> 2976.78] some of us might be yearning for. [2976.86 --> 2978.58] It's not jolly or merry. [2978.68 --> 2980.30] Christmas is not quite here yet. [2982.68 --> 2983.84] Now, sometimes we get the impression [2983.84 --> 2986.28] that only psalms that sort of push through [2986.28 --> 2987.72] the doom and gloom of this world [2987.72 --> 2990.02] and end on this note of praise to our God [2990.02 --> 2991.04] make it into the Bible. [2991.04 --> 2993.96] But Psalm 88, the psalm we're going to read today, [2994.22 --> 2995.82] flies in the face of that assumption. [2997.02 --> 2999.38] Psalm 88 is called the Dark Psalm. [3000.24 --> 3001.52] And it's called that for a reason. [3001.84 --> 3003.98] So let's read it today and we'll see why. [3004.52 --> 3005.68] So if you've got your Bibles in front of you, [3005.74 --> 3006.64] please open those up. [3006.72 --> 3007.58] Please turn on your phones, [3007.68 --> 3008.74] read it on your Bible app, [3009.08 --> 3009.92] whatever you have. [3010.00 --> 3011.74] Please keep that open throughout this message. [3012.26 --> 3015.28] And I hope that we will be able to find [3015.28 --> 3017.80] the hope seen in this Dark Psalm today. [3017.80 --> 3020.56] And for those of you that were hoping [3020.56 --> 3021.72] for that light passage, [3021.86 --> 3026.06] hoping for that cheery, happy Bible text today, [3026.18 --> 3027.62] please do stay with me. [3027.82 --> 3029.32] Because I do believe that the hope found [3029.32 --> 3030.54] at the end of Psalm 88 [3030.54 --> 3033.18] is going to be worth it for you today. [3034.26 --> 3034.86] So Psalm 88, [3035.54 --> 3037.12] please listen to the language [3037.12 --> 3038.94] that the psalmist uses here. [3040.68 --> 3042.84] Lord, you are the God who saves me. [3043.22 --> 3045.36] Day and night I cry out to you. [3045.36 --> 3048.06] May my prayer come before you. [3048.40 --> 3050.24] Turn your ear to my cry. [3051.12 --> 3053.00] I am overwhelmed with troubles [3053.00 --> 3054.94] and my life draws near to death. [3055.22 --> 3057.78] I am counted among those who go down to the pit. [3058.12 --> 3060.44] I am like one without strength. [3061.24 --> 3062.84] I am set apart with the dead, [3062.92 --> 3065.26] like the slain who lie in the grave, [3065.50 --> 3066.90] whom you remember no more, [3067.48 --> 3069.04] who are cut off from your care. [3070.46 --> 3072.88] You have put me in the lowest pit, [3072.88 --> 3074.82] in the darkest depths. [3075.66 --> 3077.94] Your wrath lies heavily on me. [3078.58 --> 3081.02] You have overwhelmed me with all your waves. [3081.12 --> 3083.48] You have taken from me my closest friends [3083.48 --> 3086.02] and have made me repulsive to them. [3087.02 --> 3089.16] I am confined and cannot escape. [3089.30 --> 3091.50] My eyes are dim with grief. [3091.50 --> 3094.98] I call to you, Lord. [3095.04 --> 3097.06] Every day I spread out my hands to you. [3097.10 --> 3098.82] Do you show your wonders to the dead? [3098.90 --> 3101.24] Do their spirits rise up and praise you? [3101.50 --> 3103.42] Is your love declared in the grave, [3103.52 --> 3105.44] your faithfulness in destruction? [3105.80 --> 3108.32] Are your wonders known in the place of darkness? [3109.00 --> 3111.74] Or your righteous deeds in the land of oblivion? [3114.24 --> 3116.22] But I cry to you for help, Lord. [3116.38 --> 3119.26] In the morning, my prayer comes before you. [3119.26 --> 3123.98] Why, Lord, do you reject me and hide your face from me? [3125.22 --> 3128.54] From my youth I have suffered and been close to death. [3129.16 --> 3131.96] I have borne your terrors and am in despair. [3132.44 --> 3134.76] Your wrath has swept over me. [3135.16 --> 3137.82] Your terrors have destroyed me. [3139.02 --> 3141.62] All day long they surround me like a flood. [3142.30 --> 3144.16] They have completely engulfed me. [3145.16 --> 3148.24] You have taken from me friend and neighbor. [3148.24 --> 3152.06] Darkness is my closest friend. [3154.38 --> 3155.64] That is the word of the Lord. [3157.86 --> 3160.18] There's not a lot of hope in those words, though, is there? [3161.60 --> 3163.48] Listen to how the psalmist feels. [3163.82 --> 3165.78] Verse 3, his soul is full of troubles. [3165.90 --> 3167.46] His life draws near to death. [3167.68 --> 3169.30] In the ESV and other translations, [3169.76 --> 3171.68] he says he draws near to Sheol, [3171.82 --> 3174.96] which in the Jewish tradition was sort of the underworld of darkness [3174.96 --> 3176.26] that comes after death. [3176.26 --> 3179.72] Verses 4 to 6, he says he's been put in the pit, [3180.60 --> 3182.24] like one without strength, [3183.24 --> 3185.24] like those who lie in a grave. [3185.40 --> 3186.80] Verse 8, he feels shunned, [3187.38 --> 3188.32] taken from friends, [3188.44 --> 3190.62] made to be repulsive to them. [3192.06 --> 3194.32] Verse 14, his soul feels cast away. [3194.44 --> 3197.94] He feels rejected by the very God he is speaking to. [3197.94 --> 3204.16] Verses 15 to 17, he feels like he's been suffering the wrath of God since his youth. [3204.90 --> 3206.34] He is close to death. [3207.14 --> 3208.72] Terrors have destroyed him. [3209.78 --> 3214.78] He's been taken from his friends and his neighbors. [3214.78 --> 3217.64] He is alone. [3220.24 --> 3225.56] And verse 18 concludes with perhaps one of the most heartbreaking lines in all of Scripture. [3226.70 --> 3233.12] After countless expressions of how alone and hurt and troubled and broken he is, [3234.42 --> 3237.74] the psalmist doesn't end by turning to God in hope. [3237.74 --> 3240.28] But he ends with the line, [3240.50 --> 3242.14] darkness is my only friend. [3244.00 --> 3246.36] His friends, his community, they've all abandoned him. [3247.20 --> 3247.96] He blames God. [3248.42 --> 3251.40] What's worse is that in his suffering, [3251.56 --> 3253.40] God does not seem to be drawing close to him. [3253.54 --> 3255.78] In fact, God appears to be painfully absent. [3257.32 --> 3258.32] His closest companion, [3260.32 --> 3261.96] darkness is his only friend. [3261.96 --> 3266.22] Church, we have a word for this feeling. [3268.00 --> 3268.48] Despair. [3270.52 --> 3272.30] As the psalmist describes to us, [3272.42 --> 3274.46] despair pulls us into isolation. [3274.62 --> 3277.72] It makes us feel lonely or hollow inside. [3278.90 --> 3281.38] But what I pray we will hopefully see today [3281.38 --> 3283.52] is that when we are wallowing in despair, [3284.08 --> 3285.98] when life is so overwhelming, [3286.66 --> 3289.40] when we feel alone or we feel hopeless [3289.40 --> 3292.14] or when we feel that darkness is our only friend, [3293.48 --> 3296.10] only Jesus can enter into that hollowness [3296.10 --> 3297.62] and truly draw us near. [3298.86 --> 3300.72] When we are in the pit of despair, [3301.58 --> 3305.34] only Jesus can enter into our hearts [3305.34 --> 3306.24] and draw us close. [3308.60 --> 3310.76] So let's have fun [3310.76 --> 3312.98] and talk about despair for a second. [3314.70 --> 3316.00] In Allender and Longman's book, [3316.08 --> 3316.94] The Cry of the Soul, [3317.02 --> 3318.76] which we've been using as a bit of a companion [3318.76 --> 3319.84] along with the Psalms [3319.84 --> 3321.38] as a guide for this sermon series, [3321.88 --> 3323.12] they describe despair as this. [3323.46 --> 3324.66] The passive cousin, [3324.88 --> 3327.60] despair is the passive cousin of jealousy. [3328.34 --> 3330.06] Both are triggered by abandonment, [3330.12 --> 3332.70] which leads to a loss of hope and loneliness. [3333.26 --> 3336.10] But while jealousy fights against the loss, [3337.26 --> 3338.70] despair turns and runs. [3339.70 --> 3341.28] It's a refusal to struggle, [3342.46 --> 3343.98] deafening our hearts to the hope [3343.98 --> 3345.14] that we will be rescued, [3345.84 --> 3346.26] redeemed, [3346.50 --> 3347.36] and happy. [3347.36 --> 3349.76] Now further to that, [3349.82 --> 3350.94] they go on to describe [3350.94 --> 3352.52] a spectrum of feelings, [3352.62 --> 3352.88] sort of, [3352.92 --> 3354.10] that despair falls onto. [3354.20 --> 3355.82] And that spectrum looks like this. [3356.18 --> 3357.02] You've got regret, [3357.78 --> 3358.14] sadness, [3358.64 --> 3359.02] depression, [3359.58 --> 3360.42] and then despair. [3361.48 --> 3362.78] So when we regret something, [3362.88 --> 3364.56] we acknowledge that we've lost something. [3364.64 --> 3364.98] For example, [3365.10 --> 3367.12] I regret not taking piano lessons. [3367.92 --> 3368.14] Right? [3368.24 --> 3368.90] When I was a kid, [3368.94 --> 3370.38] I regret not taking piano lessons. [3370.52 --> 3371.94] I listened to Megan here this morning [3371.94 --> 3372.54] play piano, [3372.58 --> 3373.42] and it brings me joy. [3373.64 --> 3374.70] And I look back on my life, [3374.70 --> 3374.96] and I think, [3375.04 --> 3375.28] man, [3375.44 --> 3376.98] probably should have taken piano lessons. [3377.06 --> 3377.80] That would have been good. [3378.46 --> 3379.64] I'm not sad, [3379.72 --> 3380.26] necessarily. [3380.98 --> 3382.60] I get that life's gone on, [3382.64 --> 3383.86] and things filled up my life. [3383.86 --> 3384.60] Instead of that, [3385.30 --> 3387.34] but that's regret. [3389.10 --> 3390.80] Sadness is the next step down. [3390.90 --> 3391.22] Sadness, [3391.28 --> 3393.10] we feel when things happen in our life [3393.10 --> 3393.92] which are sad. [3394.12 --> 3396.00] We are sad if someone lies to us, [3396.08 --> 3397.36] sad if someone we are close to [3397.36 --> 3398.42] moves away from us. [3398.58 --> 3400.90] We're sad when we lose something important to us. [3400.90 --> 3402.40] It's good to be sad [3402.40 --> 3403.70] because when we feel it, [3403.82 --> 3406.84] we feel sadness in moments of life [3406.84 --> 3407.56] that are troublesome. [3409.44 --> 3412.68] Depression is the next step on the spectrum. [3413.42 --> 3415.86] Now, many people live with some form of depression. [3416.82 --> 3418.32] Depression itself is a spectrum. [3420.00 --> 3422.92] Now, I'm going to be oversimplifying [3422.92 --> 3424.50] a very complex emotion here, [3424.58 --> 3425.90] so please forgive me for that, [3426.00 --> 3428.04] but depression is feeling sad [3428.04 --> 3429.68] without a reason to feel sad. [3429.68 --> 3432.96] If this were a sermon series on depression [3432.96 --> 3434.20] or a sermon on depression, [3434.26 --> 3435.40] we would go into this a lot more, [3435.52 --> 3438.12] so please know I'm not being dismissive here, [3438.44 --> 3440.50] and I'm not minimizing this difficult emotion. [3440.62 --> 3441.66] Depression is very hard, [3442.10 --> 3443.34] and people can live in depression [3443.34 --> 3444.58] for a very long time, [3444.84 --> 3446.50] but again, oversimplifying, [3446.64 --> 3448.54] depression is this feeling of sadness [3448.54 --> 3451.70] in seasons when there's nothing to be sad about [3451.70 --> 3453.24] around you. [3455.64 --> 3457.76] And then one step down from that is despair. [3457.76 --> 3460.66] Despair is emptiness. [3461.24 --> 3464.02] It's brokenness, loneliness, hopelessness. [3465.24 --> 3468.54] People can and have learned to live with depression, [3469.14 --> 3470.88] not so much with despair. [3471.84 --> 3472.78] Despair is paralyzing. [3472.92 --> 3475.74] It lives in both the head and the heart, [3476.42 --> 3478.26] and it can drive us, [3478.30 --> 3479.86] and often does drive us, [3479.90 --> 3481.40] into intense isolation. [3481.40 --> 3485.38] Now, despair is often experienced [3485.38 --> 3487.02] because of the loss of relationship. [3487.18 --> 3488.76] In Psalm 88, which we just read, [3488.82 --> 3490.48] it was the abandonment of his friends, [3490.76 --> 3491.94] his family, and his community, [3492.02 --> 3492.86] and even his God [3492.86 --> 3494.58] that brought him despair, [3494.72 --> 3496.60] brought him into intense isolation [3496.60 --> 3498.66] where darkness was his only friend. [3498.74 --> 3501.52] Again, read verses 8 and 18 of this passage. [3502.08 --> 3503.46] But that's why it's so important [3503.46 --> 3504.64] to talk about this emotion, [3504.64 --> 3506.30] because church, [3506.54 --> 3509.66] we will likely all feel despair [3509.66 --> 3511.10] at some point in our lives. [3512.60 --> 3514.16] The loss of relationship [3514.16 --> 3516.64] is a real threat to every one of us. [3517.32 --> 3518.82] We all know people close to us [3518.82 --> 3520.28] who have lost loved ones recently. [3520.70 --> 3522.54] We attended Aaron's funeral yesterday, [3522.86 --> 3524.62] parents' and siblings' funerals [3524.62 --> 3526.46] within the last month or years. [3526.60 --> 3528.62] We've read about those in our congregation [3528.62 --> 3531.48] who are mourning the deaths of loved ones, [3531.48 --> 3534.18] but it goes beyond death. [3536.26 --> 3539.20] Divorce slices relationships in half. [3540.70 --> 3541.94] Stubbornness and pride [3541.94 --> 3545.20] splits families and friends for years, [3545.46 --> 3546.30] even generations. [3547.68 --> 3550.04] The cliche of sex, drugs, and alcohol [3550.04 --> 3551.94] have ripped people from their homes [3551.94 --> 3553.14] and plummeted others [3553.14 --> 3555.02] far away from people who love them. [3557.62 --> 3558.90] Despair finds its roots [3558.90 --> 3560.32] when we lose relationships [3560.32 --> 3561.48] with people we love, [3561.52 --> 3563.14] no matter how we lose them. [3565.48 --> 3566.84] And we have all, [3567.40 --> 3568.18] or more accurately, [3568.32 --> 3569.60] we will all experience [3569.60 --> 3571.08] this loss of relationship [3571.08 --> 3573.04] and the subsequent loss of hope [3573.04 --> 3574.74] that can come from that. [3575.28 --> 3576.88] Again, as Allender and Longman say, [3577.16 --> 3578.02] some people attempt [3578.02 --> 3579.32] to cover up their feelings [3579.32 --> 3581.78] by muttering pious platitudes, [3581.94 --> 3583.56] like, praise the Lord anyway, [3583.80 --> 3585.70] or by shooing away sadness [3585.70 --> 3587.70] through immersion [3587.70 --> 3589.62] of the hectic busyness of life. [3590.32 --> 3592.04] But every once in a while, [3592.72 --> 3593.72] life catches us [3593.72 --> 3595.44] and brings us face to face [3595.44 --> 3596.12] with the reality, [3596.28 --> 3597.72] and we feel what appears to be [3597.72 --> 3599.74] an inconsolable sadness. [3601.98 --> 3603.06] Despair is out there [3603.06 --> 3604.76] and it's lurking for us. [3604.86 --> 3605.92] The temptation of despair [3605.92 --> 3607.80] is to move towards loneliness. [3608.04 --> 3608.76] The psalmist says, [3609.16 --> 3610.54] he was set apart with the dead [3610.54 --> 3612.02] like the slain who lie in the grave. [3612.24 --> 3613.98] He was remembered no more, [3614.14 --> 3615.52] cut off from God's care. [3615.74 --> 3616.54] He was confined. [3616.66 --> 3617.60] He could not escape. [3617.60 --> 3619.36] He was taken from his friends, [3619.68 --> 3620.74] taken from his neighbors, [3620.84 --> 3622.50] and he submitted to darkness [3622.50 --> 3624.08] because that was his only friend. [3626.84 --> 3628.08] Despair looks at the world [3628.08 --> 3628.42] and says, [3628.54 --> 3629.14] I am alone. [3630.32 --> 3631.54] No one can help me. [3631.64 --> 3632.92] No one cares about me. [3632.96 --> 3633.22] It says, [3633.42 --> 3634.40] I have no hope. [3635.00 --> 3636.46] Things are not going to get better. [3638.28 --> 3638.92] And because of this, [3638.96 --> 3640.06] I must not allow myself [3640.06 --> 3640.72] to hope again [3640.72 --> 3641.88] because I will only [3641.88 --> 3643.32] be bitterly disappointed. [3643.32 --> 3646.16] loneliness becomes [3646.16 --> 3647.00] the breeding ground [3647.00 --> 3647.64] for despair. [3650.08 --> 3651.58] And when we feel despair, [3652.36 --> 3654.08] it is hard to feel [3654.08 --> 3654.90] anything else. [3656.74 --> 3657.70] And at its worst, [3658.66 --> 3659.94] even what we know [3659.94 --> 3660.84] to be true [3660.84 --> 3663.36] often isn't enough [3663.36 --> 3664.06] to mitigate [3664.06 --> 3666.00] this crippling feeling. [3668.32 --> 3669.80] But here's the shift [3669.80 --> 3670.86] that is so important. [3670.86 --> 3674.26] Even if what we know [3674.26 --> 3675.22] to be true [3675.22 --> 3676.30] isn't enough [3676.30 --> 3676.82] to mitigate [3676.82 --> 3678.04] the feeling of despair, [3679.00 --> 3680.84] faith in Jesus Christ [3680.84 --> 3682.44] allows him [3682.44 --> 3683.40] to enter [3683.40 --> 3684.58] into our despair [3684.58 --> 3686.20] and reveal his hope [3686.20 --> 3686.64] to us. [3686.82 --> 3687.62] It becomes not [3687.62 --> 3688.30] what we know [3688.30 --> 3689.06] to be true [3689.06 --> 3690.12] that will heal us, [3690.26 --> 3692.12] but he who is truth [3692.12 --> 3694.42] who comes to heal us. [3694.82 --> 3695.76] That's the difference. [3695.88 --> 3696.72] That's the shift here [3696.72 --> 3697.66] because Jesus [3697.66 --> 3698.58] is big enough. [3698.58 --> 3700.20] If Jesus is big enough [3700.20 --> 3701.84] to enter into our despair [3701.84 --> 3702.72] because of this truth, [3703.74 --> 3706.40] Jesus knows despair [3706.40 --> 3707.44] like no other. [3709.12 --> 3709.42] All right, [3709.52 --> 3709.90] here we go. [3711.06 --> 3711.94] John 11, [3712.02 --> 3713.14] verses 1 to 44. [3713.38 --> 3714.56] It's a story about Jesus [3714.56 --> 3715.96] and his friend Lazarus. [3717.64 --> 3718.62] Most Christians, [3718.82 --> 3719.28] and in fact, [3719.42 --> 3720.32] most non-Christians [3720.32 --> 3721.16] know this story. [3721.38 --> 3722.32] Lazarus gets sick [3722.32 --> 3723.58] and he eventually dies [3723.58 --> 3724.36] from this illness. [3724.90 --> 3725.98] As many people know, [3725.98 --> 3727.22] at the end of the story, [3727.34 --> 3729.78] Jesus then raises Lazarus [3729.78 --> 3730.56] from the dead. [3730.64 --> 3731.86] But what also takes place [3731.86 --> 3732.58] in this story [3732.58 --> 3733.64] is the answer [3733.64 --> 3735.48] to one of the most popular [3735.48 --> 3736.80] pub trivia night questions [3736.80 --> 3737.36] out there [3737.36 --> 3738.78] that is told in bars [3738.78 --> 3739.66] across the globe, [3740.00 --> 3741.44] what is the shortest verse [3741.44 --> 3742.10] in the Bible? [3742.46 --> 3742.72] Anyone? [3744.52 --> 3745.42] Jesus wept. [3746.22 --> 3746.84] John 11, [3747.62 --> 3748.28] verse 35. [3749.22 --> 3750.20] Now here's a question [3750.20 --> 3750.80] for you today. [3750.80 --> 3754.50] Why would Jesus weep [3754.50 --> 3756.16] when he knew [3756.16 --> 3757.54] that he had the power [3757.54 --> 3758.48] to resurrect people [3758.48 --> 3759.08] from the dead [3759.08 --> 3760.56] and was minutes away [3760.56 --> 3761.34] from doing that? [3763.50 --> 3764.48] Why didn't he just [3764.48 --> 3765.76] crack his knuckles, [3766.00 --> 3766.86] crick his neck, [3767.00 --> 3767.64] shake it off, [3767.70 --> 3768.32] look at the disciples [3768.32 --> 3768.70] and say, [3768.76 --> 3769.00] all right, [3769.10 --> 3769.82] buckle up everyone, [3770.14 --> 3770.68] watch this, [3771.00 --> 3771.26] boom. [3771.26 --> 3771.34] Boom. [3775.94 --> 3777.18] Why would sadness [3777.18 --> 3777.98] consume him [3777.98 --> 3779.36] so much in that moment [3779.36 --> 3781.54] that he would weep? [3781.68 --> 3782.82] Not just cry, [3783.32 --> 3784.26] but weep [3784.26 --> 3786.38] when he knew [3786.38 --> 3788.12] he was going to raise [3788.12 --> 3789.20] Lazarus from the dead. [3791.04 --> 3792.32] Because of one thing. [3793.62 --> 3795.02] Jesus knew that death [3795.02 --> 3795.94] was inevitable [3795.94 --> 3797.42] in this fallen world [3797.42 --> 3798.00] that we live in. [3798.22 --> 3798.86] He understood [3798.86 --> 3800.64] that though Lazarus [3800.64 --> 3801.46] would be raised [3801.46 --> 3802.06] from the dead [3802.06 --> 3803.02] in mere moments, [3804.12 --> 3804.90] Lazarus would also [3804.90 --> 3805.50] die again. [3807.58 --> 3808.10] Jesus wept [3808.10 --> 3809.00] because he understood [3809.00 --> 3810.10] that death was real, [3810.18 --> 3811.22] that death severs [3811.22 --> 3812.10] relationships, [3812.28 --> 3813.44] that death brings [3813.44 --> 3814.26] despair. [3815.02 --> 3815.64] Jesus understood [3815.64 --> 3816.80] that the emotions [3816.80 --> 3817.78] death bring to people [3817.78 --> 3818.50] and the magnitude [3818.50 --> 3819.74] of despair in this world. [3820.98 --> 3821.58] The fact is, [3821.68 --> 3823.14] Jesus lived this reality [3823.14 --> 3824.40] on the way to the cross too. [3825.56 --> 3826.44] Before his death, [3826.80 --> 3828.44] which was this horrific, [3828.82 --> 3829.78] horrific death [3829.78 --> 3830.98] involving physical [3830.98 --> 3832.02] and emotional torture, [3832.64 --> 3833.68] his best friends [3833.68 --> 3834.90] would sever their relationships [3834.90 --> 3835.70] from him as well. [3836.58 --> 3837.50] In Matthew 26, [3837.50 --> 3838.16] verse 38, [3838.28 --> 3839.94] Jesus is in despair. [3840.16 --> 3840.98] Listen to what he says [3840.98 --> 3841.50] to his disciples. [3841.64 --> 3841.88] He says, [3842.22 --> 3844.10] my soul is overwhelmed [3844.10 --> 3844.90] with sorrow [3844.90 --> 3846.34] to the point of death. [3847.54 --> 3848.90] That sounds like Psalm 88. [3849.84 --> 3851.04] My soul is overwhelmed [3851.04 --> 3851.70] with sorrow [3851.70 --> 3852.62] to the point of death. [3852.78 --> 3853.58] And then he asks them, [3853.68 --> 3855.46] please stay here [3855.46 --> 3857.28] and keep watch with me. [3858.56 --> 3859.72] He asks his friends [3859.72 --> 3860.90] to stay with him, [3860.96 --> 3862.04] be present with me, [3862.68 --> 3864.04] keep watch with me. [3864.04 --> 3866.12] But his friends [3866.12 --> 3866.82] couldn't do that. [3868.12 --> 3870.04] They kept falling asleep. [3871.14 --> 3872.04] In his despair, [3872.48 --> 3873.10] they struggled [3873.10 --> 3873.98] to be with him. [3875.06 --> 3875.70] Worse than that, [3876.04 --> 3877.00] Jesus gets arrested [3877.00 --> 3877.92] moments later [3877.92 --> 3879.48] and we read in Luke 22 [3879.48 --> 3881.18] that his closest friends [3881.18 --> 3883.86] denied that they ever knew him. [3884.62 --> 3886.02] They denied any connections [3886.02 --> 3887.08] to Jesus at all. [3887.90 --> 3888.82] They just left him. [3888.82 --> 3891.68] Jesus was abandoned [3891.68 --> 3893.14] at the peak of his despair [3893.14 --> 3894.38] by those who loved him most. [3895.82 --> 3896.50] And church, [3896.58 --> 3897.28] not only was Jesus [3897.28 --> 3898.48] abandoned by his friends, [3898.68 --> 3899.52] but he was abandoned [3899.52 --> 3901.00] by God the Father as well. [3901.18 --> 3901.84] On the cross, [3902.22 --> 3903.40] after he had been beaten [3903.40 --> 3904.52] and mocked [3904.52 --> 3905.94] and he'd been abandoned [3905.94 --> 3906.78] by his friends [3906.78 --> 3907.40] and he's hanging [3907.40 --> 3908.42] on this piece of wood, [3908.78 --> 3910.00] nails in his hand, [3910.56 --> 3911.90] pushing up on the nail [3911.90 --> 3912.52] in his legs [3912.52 --> 3913.32] to keep his lungs [3913.32 --> 3914.12] from collapsing. [3914.44 --> 3915.32] And at the very end [3915.32 --> 3915.86] of his life, [3916.06 --> 3917.08] with whatever energy [3917.08 --> 3918.00] he has left, [3918.00 --> 3919.02] he musters up [3919.02 --> 3919.70] some strength, [3920.10 --> 3920.80] whatever strength [3920.80 --> 3922.22] is left in his mangled body [3922.22 --> 3923.62] and he cries out [3923.62 --> 3924.88] in a loud voice, [3925.18 --> 3925.82] My God! [3925.98 --> 3926.66] My God! [3926.72 --> 3928.32] Why have you forsaken me? [3931.66 --> 3932.74] My God! [3932.92 --> 3933.62] My God! [3934.04 --> 3936.30] Why have you abandoned me? [3940.84 --> 3942.12] The psalmist today [3942.12 --> 3943.40] felt like God [3943.40 --> 3944.24] had abandoned him [3944.24 --> 3945.22] in his despair. [3945.70 --> 3946.80] But on the cross, [3946.80 --> 3949.82] Jesus was abandoned [3949.82 --> 3951.68] in his despair. [3951.86 --> 3954.64] Jesus knew despair. [3957.10 --> 3958.26] And better yet, [3958.78 --> 3960.62] Jesus knows despair. [3960.78 --> 3962.52] He knows despair, [3962.66 --> 3963.32] present tense, [3963.42 --> 3965.14] because that horrific death [3965.14 --> 3965.84] on the cross [3965.84 --> 3966.98] was not the end for him. [3967.38 --> 3968.74] He knows despair [3968.74 --> 3969.98] because he still lives. [3970.34 --> 3971.32] He knows despair [3971.32 --> 3972.54] because three days later, [3972.86 --> 3974.28] Jesus rose from the dead, [3974.28 --> 3975.94] he atoned for our sins, [3976.10 --> 3977.70] he defeated sin and death [3977.70 --> 3978.74] once and for all, [3978.76 --> 3979.80] and now he sits in heaven [3979.80 --> 3980.82] and he is currently [3980.82 --> 3982.60] interceding for you [3982.60 --> 3984.22] whenever you cry out to him [3984.22 --> 3985.40] in your despair, [3985.78 --> 3987.34] entering into whatever it is [3987.34 --> 3988.28] you are going through [3988.28 --> 3989.82] when asked. [3990.44 --> 3991.06] See, Jesus, [3991.22 --> 3992.46] he went through this pit [3992.46 --> 3992.94] of despair [3992.94 --> 3993.86] and he fulfilled [3993.86 --> 3995.24] the redemption plan [3995.24 --> 3996.44] that he had known [3996.44 --> 3998.12] was necessary all along. [3998.64 --> 3998.88] Jesus, [3999.12 --> 3999.92] he didn't want to go [3999.92 --> 4000.56] through all of that. [4000.56 --> 4001.52] He didn't want [4001.52 --> 4002.56] to have to die [4002.56 --> 4003.26] in that way [4003.26 --> 4004.00] to go through [4004.00 --> 4005.16] that type of torture, [4005.50 --> 4005.88] to go through [4005.88 --> 4007.10] that type of despair. [4007.42 --> 4008.66] Matthew 26, 39 [4008.66 --> 4009.48] tells us that. [4009.74 --> 4010.36] He asked God [4010.36 --> 4011.64] to take that cup from him, [4011.84 --> 4012.48] but he knew [4012.48 --> 4013.28] that he had to. [4013.86 --> 4014.96] He knew that he had [4014.96 --> 4015.74] to endure it [4015.74 --> 4016.74] because that kind [4016.74 --> 4017.32] of suffering [4017.32 --> 4018.68] he needed to go through [4018.68 --> 4019.26] in order [4019.26 --> 4021.68] for us to be saved. [4022.60 --> 4024.24] He had to go through that [4024.24 --> 4027.80] to save us. [4028.46 --> 4029.52] He didn't want to, [4029.52 --> 4031.24] but he willingly did it [4031.24 --> 4032.26] for you and for me. [4033.10 --> 4035.14] He went into the pits [4035.14 --> 4036.00] of despair [4036.00 --> 4038.32] so that he could enter [4038.32 --> 4039.62] our despair with us. [4040.68 --> 4042.34] See, Jesus knows despair [4042.34 --> 4044.72] because Jesus conquered despair. [4045.50 --> 4047.22] Jesus' cries of despair [4047.22 --> 4047.92] on the cross [4047.92 --> 4049.54] were a promise to us all [4049.54 --> 4050.34] which transformed [4050.34 --> 4051.30] all humanity [4051.30 --> 4053.50] and all human suffering [4053.50 --> 4055.16] for those who believe in him. [4056.62 --> 4057.40] His death [4057.40 --> 4058.84] was a down payment [4058.84 --> 4059.54] on hope. [4061.36 --> 4062.26] Jesus suffered [4062.26 --> 4063.30] and so will we, [4063.88 --> 4064.84] but he has been there [4064.84 --> 4065.36] before us [4065.36 --> 4066.50] and he waits for us [4066.50 --> 4067.46] at the end of our sorrow. [4067.78 --> 4069.20] He has been perfectly [4069.20 --> 4071.18] resurrected [4071.18 --> 4073.02] through his suffering [4073.02 --> 4076.20] and so will we. [4078.20 --> 4079.14] With Jesus, [4079.28 --> 4080.32] all hopelessness [4080.32 --> 4081.02] is lost. [4082.42 --> 4083.20] With Jesus, [4083.30 --> 4083.86] all hope [4083.86 --> 4084.68] is found. [4086.42 --> 4087.02] Despair then, [4087.12 --> 4087.88] as hard [4087.88 --> 4089.04] and as isolating [4089.04 --> 4089.90] and as tragic [4089.90 --> 4090.72] as it is, [4092.18 --> 4093.20] despair can lead us [4093.20 --> 4093.72] to Jesus. [4093.94 --> 4094.80] Despair can break [4094.80 --> 4096.08] the heart open enough [4096.08 --> 4097.18] to let the hope [4097.18 --> 4097.70] of Jesus [4097.70 --> 4098.66] in. [4098.66 --> 4101.22] When things are going [4101.22 --> 4102.02] well in our lives, [4102.10 --> 4103.10] we often put our hope [4103.10 --> 4104.02] in earthly things, [4104.14 --> 4104.26] right? [4104.96 --> 4105.88] Especially people, [4106.04 --> 4106.36] actually. [4106.56 --> 4107.66] My marriage is good [4107.66 --> 4108.72] or he or she [4108.72 --> 4109.64] provides me the love [4109.64 --> 4110.04] I need. [4110.30 --> 4111.40] My friends are good. [4111.48 --> 4112.42] They bring me fun [4112.42 --> 4113.98] and joy in my life. [4114.04 --> 4114.92] My family is good. [4114.96 --> 4115.56] They care for me. [4115.62 --> 4116.12] They make sure [4116.12 --> 4117.20] that I am looked after. [4117.26 --> 4118.40] Even my boss is good [4118.40 --> 4119.42] because he provides me [4119.42 --> 4120.32] or she provides me [4120.32 --> 4121.74] the financial security [4121.74 --> 4122.88] that I do. [4123.00 --> 4123.56] And sometimes [4123.56 --> 4124.44] when things aren't good, [4124.50 --> 4126.06] we desire earthly hope [4126.06 --> 4127.56] in the form of relationships. [4127.56 --> 4128.52] Maybe sometimes [4128.52 --> 4129.66] we long for that spouse. [4129.76 --> 4129.98] We think, [4130.06 --> 4130.90] oh, if I just had a spouse, [4131.02 --> 4131.54] things would be better. [4131.72 --> 4132.80] Or if I just had a kid, [4133.10 --> 4133.70] things would be better. [4133.76 --> 4134.72] If I just had a friend, [4135.16 --> 4135.80] things would be better. [4135.88 --> 4137.40] If I just had a better community, [4137.72 --> 4138.48] I would be better. [4138.82 --> 4139.98] But the problem is [4139.98 --> 4141.22] those relationships, [4141.42 --> 4142.14] whether we have them [4142.14 --> 4142.90] or we seek them, [4142.96 --> 4143.62] they break down. [4145.38 --> 4146.28] And when they do, [4146.42 --> 4148.50] our earthly hope dissipates. [4150.62 --> 4151.66] And that's when despair [4151.66 --> 4152.76] is lurking around the corner. [4154.10 --> 4155.08] But hope in Jesus, [4155.42 --> 4157.22] hope in Jesus' gospel truth, [4157.22 --> 4158.40] hope in the understanding [4158.40 --> 4159.52] that our Savior knows [4159.52 --> 4160.32] what it means [4160.32 --> 4161.64] to live in despair. [4162.02 --> 4163.70] Hope in Jesus [4163.70 --> 4165.66] goes past earthly hope. [4166.74 --> 4167.84] And it points us [4167.84 --> 4168.82] to an eternal hope. [4170.56 --> 4171.90] Again, Allender and Longman, [4171.94 --> 4172.48] they say this. [4172.84 --> 4173.16] They say, [4173.36 --> 4174.46] ungodly despair [4174.46 --> 4176.62] is a flight from desire. [4177.42 --> 4178.40] It is a refusal [4178.40 --> 4179.66] to embrace loss [4179.66 --> 4180.42] as a deepening [4180.42 --> 4181.32] of the hollowness [4181.32 --> 4182.42] that makes more room [4182.42 --> 4182.90] for God. [4182.90 --> 4185.26] Godly despair, [4185.36 --> 4185.56] though, [4185.84 --> 4187.10] cries out for perspective. [4188.54 --> 4189.50] But it allows [4189.50 --> 4191.54] the hollowness of loss [4191.54 --> 4192.22] to move the heart [4192.22 --> 4193.04] to seek God. [4195.36 --> 4196.14] Godly despair [4196.14 --> 4196.88] seeks God [4196.88 --> 4197.88] in the midst of turmoil. [4199.40 --> 4200.06] Questioning God [4200.06 --> 4200.92] in the midst of despair [4200.92 --> 4202.04] actually honors Him. [4203.00 --> 4203.84] It turns our hearts [4203.84 --> 4205.36] away from ungodly despair [4205.36 --> 4206.84] and towards [4206.84 --> 4208.04] a passionate desire [4208.04 --> 4209.62] to comprehend God [4209.62 --> 4210.66] and His actions [4210.66 --> 4211.28] in our lives. [4211.28 --> 4212.42] That's the beauty [4212.42 --> 4213.40] of Psalm 88. [4213.64 --> 4215.34] As dark as it is, [4215.46 --> 4218.34] as hard as it is to read, [4218.42 --> 4219.24] despite everything [4219.24 --> 4220.44] that the psalmist is feeling, [4221.60 --> 4222.82] he's crying out to God. [4224.10 --> 4225.28] Even feeling as though [4225.28 --> 4226.08] God has left him, [4226.14 --> 4227.38] he starts the psalm with, [4227.54 --> 4227.74] Lord, [4227.88 --> 4228.66] You are the God [4228.66 --> 4229.42] who saves me. [4230.44 --> 4231.26] Even if that is [4231.26 --> 4232.14] simply an address, [4233.60 --> 4234.84] he is still addressing God. [4237.54 --> 4238.76] When we turn to God [4238.76 --> 4239.18] in despair, [4239.18 --> 4240.04] when we cry [4240.04 --> 4241.24] to the only being [4241.24 --> 4242.32] who can fill [4242.32 --> 4243.06] the hollowness [4243.06 --> 4244.06] left in our hearts, [4245.06 --> 4247.70] when we do that, [4247.74 --> 4248.72] we see this theme [4248.72 --> 4250.30] of hope [4250.30 --> 4251.62] enter our lives. [4251.86 --> 4252.52] We actually see [4252.52 --> 4253.36] this theme [4253.36 --> 4254.02] throughout Scripture [4254.02 --> 4254.92] time and time again. [4255.18 --> 4256.24] You see it elsewhere [4256.24 --> 4256.78] in the psalm, [4256.86 --> 4257.48] Psalm 77, [4257.72 --> 4258.74] I cried out to God [4258.74 --> 4259.14] for help. [4259.38 --> 4260.44] I cried out to the God [4260.44 --> 4260.86] to hear me. [4260.92 --> 4261.64] When I was in distress, [4261.76 --> 4262.60] I sought the Lord. [4262.84 --> 4263.18] At night, [4263.18 --> 4264.00] I stretched out [4264.00 --> 4265.10] on tiring hands. [4265.80 --> 4266.20] Psalm 30, [4266.32 --> 4266.70] David says, [4266.78 --> 4267.42] To you, Lord, [4267.42 --> 4268.14] I called out. [4268.52 --> 4269.10] To the Lord, [4269.18 --> 4270.00] I cried for mercy. [4270.14 --> 4270.78] Hear, Lord, [4270.84 --> 4272.00] and be merciful to me. [4272.10 --> 4272.40] Lord, [4272.64 --> 4273.50] be my help. [4274.22 --> 4274.70] You see it [4274.70 --> 4275.34] with the prophets, [4276.34 --> 4277.12] the entire book [4277.12 --> 4277.72] of Jeremiah. [4278.64 --> 4278.98] You see it [4278.98 --> 4279.92] with the prophet Ezekiel. [4280.00 --> 4280.36] You see it [4280.36 --> 4281.38] with the prophet Hosea. [4282.26 --> 4282.68] And of course, [4282.72 --> 4283.24] we see it [4283.24 --> 4284.54] in Jesus, [4284.66 --> 4285.12] as mentioned, [4285.20 --> 4285.82] in his life [4285.82 --> 4286.80] and his death [4286.80 --> 4287.78] and his resurrection. [4289.16 --> 4289.70] When we turn [4289.70 --> 4290.56] to God in despair, [4290.68 --> 4291.36] he is there. [4292.06 --> 4292.66] Our Savior [4292.66 --> 4293.38] is there. [4294.16 --> 4294.28] Now, [4294.28 --> 4294.70] maybe we need [4294.70 --> 4295.26] to pray like [4295.26 --> 4295.94] the psalmist [4295.94 --> 4296.62] in Psalm 88. [4296.72 --> 4297.24] Maybe we just need [4297.24 --> 4298.04] to cry out [4298.04 --> 4299.22] and demand [4299.22 --> 4300.08] God's attention. [4301.48 --> 4302.82] But Jesus is there. [4303.86 --> 4304.52] And he fills [4304.52 --> 4305.26] that place [4305.26 --> 4305.98] with his presence. [4307.74 --> 4308.82] There are so many [4308.82 --> 4309.92] stories in our world [4309.92 --> 4310.46] of this truth. [4310.60 --> 4312.00] We see broken people [4312.00 --> 4313.40] in the pit of despair [4313.40 --> 4314.22] turning to Jesus [4314.22 --> 4315.06] at the last resort. [4315.34 --> 4316.06] And what happens? [4317.08 --> 4317.66] They meet him. [4318.86 --> 4319.92] They meet him. [4321.68 --> 4322.46] If you've spent [4322.46 --> 4323.08] any time [4323.08 --> 4323.88] at Gateway of Hope [4323.88 --> 4324.40] down the road [4324.40 --> 4325.56] or Union Gospel Mission [4325.56 --> 4326.14] in Vancouver [4326.14 --> 4327.52] or Night Shift [4327.52 --> 4328.12] in Surrey, [4329.16 --> 4330.26] you hear stories [4330.26 --> 4330.64] like that [4330.64 --> 4331.62] over and over again. [4332.56 --> 4333.36] I just had the pleasure [4333.36 --> 4334.26] of chatting with Uriel [4334.26 --> 4335.30] and Jody Gonzalez [4335.30 --> 4336.02] down in Mexico. [4336.64 --> 4338.06] Uriel runs a rehab, [4338.22 --> 4339.02] a transition house, [4339.10 --> 4339.22] sorry, [4339.32 --> 4340.72] for rehabilitating men. [4341.10 --> 4342.12] And he's got story [4342.12 --> 4342.92] after story [4342.92 --> 4343.66] after story [4343.66 --> 4345.54] of these broken men [4345.54 --> 4346.72] in the pits of despair [4346.72 --> 4348.24] asking Jesus [4348.24 --> 4348.90] to enter in. [4349.00 --> 4349.72] And he does. [4349.72 --> 4350.72] He does. [4353.88 --> 4354.80] Jesus enters in [4354.80 --> 4355.28] and people are [4355.28 --> 4356.08] turning to him. [4359.08 --> 4359.84] The testimony [4359.84 --> 4360.88] from the Hanson family [4360.88 --> 4362.16] yesterday afternoon [4362.16 --> 4362.90] at Aaron's funeral [4362.90 --> 4363.96] speaks to this truth too. [4364.88 --> 4365.54] If you were there [4365.54 --> 4366.28] or you followed them [4366.28 --> 4366.66] online, [4366.72 --> 4367.44] you saw the posts [4367.44 --> 4367.92] from them, [4368.70 --> 4369.46] you see the hope [4369.46 --> 4370.26] they have in Jesus. [4370.84 --> 4371.58] Even in the midst [4371.58 --> 4372.28] of this despair [4372.28 --> 4373.10] that they're going through. [4373.74 --> 4374.68] You see the testimony [4374.68 --> 4375.82] of Aaron's life. [4376.92 --> 4377.92] You heard the gospel [4377.92 --> 4379.12] preached over and over [4379.12 --> 4380.44] and over and over again [4380.44 --> 4380.96] yesterday [4380.96 --> 4382.28] after his death. [4382.40 --> 4382.70] Jesus [4382.70 --> 4385.06] was with them [4385.06 --> 4387.08] and the people there [4387.08 --> 4387.70] at that funeral [4387.70 --> 4388.70] were turning to him. [4390.24 --> 4390.82] It doesn't mean [4390.82 --> 4391.86] it's easy. [4392.78 --> 4393.18] The Hansons [4393.18 --> 4394.26] are still heartbroken. [4396.02 --> 4396.46] But Jesus [4396.46 --> 4397.50] is filling them up [4397.50 --> 4398.60] because it is Jesus [4398.60 --> 4399.60] who enters in [4399.60 --> 4400.74] to that despair. [4403.72 --> 4404.64] I'm going to conclude [4404.64 --> 4405.02] right here [4405.02 --> 4405.62] with just a couple [4405.62 --> 4406.52] of final thoughts. [4406.82 --> 4407.34] Just a couple [4407.34 --> 4408.26] of maybe take-homes [4408.26 --> 4408.74] today. [4409.90 --> 4410.36] We're going to start [4410.36 --> 4410.92] with this one. [4412.62 --> 4413.40] Some of you, [4413.86 --> 4415.10] perhaps even many of you [4415.10 --> 4415.92] listening today, [4416.04 --> 4417.24] you might not find [4417.24 --> 4418.36] yourself in this place [4418.36 --> 4418.80] right now, [4418.86 --> 4420.06] in this place of despair. [4420.64 --> 4421.64] You might not be there. [4422.80 --> 4423.30] And that's good. [4425.14 --> 4426.16] But I would almost [4426.16 --> 4426.68] guarantee [4426.68 --> 4428.12] that everyone [4428.12 --> 4429.02] is an arm's length [4429.02 --> 4429.90] away from someone [4429.90 --> 4430.38] who is. [4431.98 --> 4433.24] So how do we then [4433.24 --> 4433.90] help those [4433.90 --> 4435.80] who are feeling [4435.80 --> 4437.54] despair right now? [4437.54 --> 4439.40] And the answer [4439.40 --> 4440.32] is to be like Jesus. [4440.44 --> 4441.40] The answer is to be [4441.40 --> 4442.86] present with them. [4442.96 --> 4443.84] Know that you are [4443.84 --> 4444.48] not Jesus. [4444.68 --> 4445.86] You cannot cure them [4445.86 --> 4446.90] of their despair. [4447.00 --> 4447.62] You're not called to. [4447.66 --> 4448.46] You're not called [4448.46 --> 4449.84] to cure that feeling. [4450.38 --> 4451.28] But we do need [4451.28 --> 4451.92] to be as hands [4451.92 --> 4452.66] and feet there. [4453.22 --> 4454.38] So enter into [4454.38 --> 4455.10] that despair [4455.10 --> 4455.60] with them. [4456.36 --> 4457.50] That's what Jesus does. [4457.56 --> 4457.92] That's what we're [4457.92 --> 4458.48] called to do. [4458.72 --> 4459.42] Be present. [4459.90 --> 4460.84] Enter into the way [4460.84 --> 4461.50] that they feel. [4461.92 --> 4462.66] Weep with them. [4463.84 --> 4464.70] Sit with them. [4464.86 --> 4465.72] Be with them. [4466.12 --> 4467.00] Speak the truth [4467.00 --> 4467.80] with them. [4468.66 --> 4469.34] Be Jesus [4469.34 --> 4470.78] for them. [4472.94 --> 4473.36] Sometimes [4473.36 --> 4474.42] well-meaning Christians [4474.42 --> 4475.28] will say to those [4475.28 --> 4475.62] struggling, [4476.10 --> 4477.00] the classic platitude, [4477.14 --> 4477.80] God won't give you [4477.80 --> 4478.80] more than you can handle. [4479.22 --> 4480.04] But that's bunk. [4480.36 --> 4481.78] That is not [4481.78 --> 4482.76] how that passage [4482.76 --> 4484.10] in 1 Corinthians 10-13 [4484.10 --> 4484.44] goes. [4484.74 --> 4485.58] Read that again with me. [4485.62 --> 4486.22] Maybe it's on the screen. [4486.28 --> 4487.08] I don't know if I put it up there. [4487.32 --> 4487.96] But it says this, [4488.22 --> 4489.40] And God is faithful. [4489.58 --> 4490.36] He will not let you [4490.36 --> 4490.90] be tempted [4490.90 --> 4492.08] beyond what you can hear, [4492.70 --> 4493.62] beyond what you can bear. [4493.62 --> 4495.82] But when you are tempted, [4495.94 --> 4496.94] He will provide a way out [4496.94 --> 4497.64] so that you can endure it. [4497.66 --> 4498.78] That's the text people quote [4498.78 --> 4499.22] when they say, [4499.28 --> 4499.96] God won't give you more [4499.96 --> 4500.86] than you can handle. [4501.02 --> 4502.34] That's a text about temptation. [4503.02 --> 4504.40] That's not a text about trials. [4506.92 --> 4508.14] There are and there will be [4508.14 --> 4509.76] many, many times [4509.76 --> 4511.00] and many, many trials [4511.00 --> 4512.46] that happen in our lives [4512.46 --> 4513.82] that we can't handle. [4515.92 --> 4516.74] But there's nothing [4516.74 --> 4517.56] that Jesus can't. [4517.56 --> 4520.10] So plenty will happen [4520.10 --> 4521.36] to people that they can't handle. [4521.42 --> 4521.96] And our calling [4521.96 --> 4523.14] is not to attempt [4523.14 --> 4524.10] to cure them [4524.10 --> 4525.00] with platitudes, [4525.46 --> 4526.96] but to enter into that despair [4526.96 --> 4527.76] as Jesus does. [4529.10 --> 4530.84] If the temptation of despair [4530.84 --> 4532.08] is to move people [4532.08 --> 4533.16] towards isolation, [4533.50 --> 4534.28] to move people [4534.28 --> 4535.10] towards loneliness, [4535.92 --> 4537.38] we need to be present [4537.38 --> 4537.76] with them [4537.76 --> 4539.28] so that they don't feel alone, [4539.64 --> 4540.56] so that they know [4540.56 --> 4541.46] they are not alone. [4541.46 --> 4546.34] Finally, [4546.72 --> 4547.84] for any of you [4547.84 --> 4548.48] who feels as though [4548.48 --> 4549.10] you might be living [4549.10 --> 4550.16] in despair right now, [4550.42 --> 4551.34] I want to encourage you [4551.34 --> 4552.00] with three things. [4552.90 --> 4553.92] The first is this. [4555.14 --> 4556.00] Please, please [4556.00 --> 4557.00] reach out to someone. [4557.60 --> 4558.44] Find someone [4558.44 --> 4559.42] you can talk to. [4559.70 --> 4560.30] Maybe it's me, [4560.40 --> 4561.32] maybe it's Pastor Chris, [4561.40 --> 4562.22] maybe it's your elder, [4562.62 --> 4563.44] maybe it's a mentor [4563.44 --> 4564.50] or a different leader, [4564.62 --> 4565.46] maybe it's a friend [4565.46 --> 4566.74] that you know really well, [4566.82 --> 4567.52] maybe it's a friend [4567.52 --> 4568.60] that you haven't been [4568.60 --> 4569.60] very vulnerable with [4569.60 --> 4570.20] for a while. [4570.82 --> 4571.38] Or maybe, [4571.46 --> 4572.20] it's actually someone [4572.20 --> 4572.90] that you've observed [4572.90 --> 4573.58] from afar. [4575.02 --> 4575.84] But you know [4575.84 --> 4576.50] that they could help [4576.50 --> 4577.46] enter into this season [4577.46 --> 4577.90] with you. [4578.80 --> 4579.60] Whoever that is, [4579.70 --> 4580.54] please don't delay. [4581.18 --> 4582.50] Don't hide in isolation. [4582.72 --> 4584.28] Don't run to the darkness. [4586.14 --> 4586.94] Find someone [4586.94 --> 4587.90] and speak to them [4587.90 --> 4588.72] about what you're feeling. [4588.88 --> 4590.16] Ask them to be present [4590.16 --> 4590.74] with you. [4590.84 --> 4591.44] Talk to them. [4592.00 --> 4592.62] Sit with them. [4593.60 --> 4594.00] And again, [4594.08 --> 4594.82] to that point, church, [4594.86 --> 4595.52] if someone comes [4595.52 --> 4596.08] and talks to you [4596.08 --> 4596.80] about how they're feeling [4596.80 --> 4597.24] this week, [4597.28 --> 4598.36] or any week for that matter, [4599.20 --> 4600.16] please enter into that [4600.16 --> 4600.52] with them. [4601.46 --> 4602.66] Be vulnerable and present. [4602.80 --> 4603.52] Pray with them. [4604.96 --> 4605.56] Which that segues [4605.56 --> 4606.44] to our second point. [4607.74 --> 4608.10] Second, [4608.18 --> 4609.46] if you're feeling despair today, [4609.96 --> 4611.56] please receive prayer. [4612.48 --> 4613.18] There's many ways [4613.18 --> 4613.68] you can do that, [4613.74 --> 4614.32] but today there's [4614.32 --> 4615.08] a specific way. [4615.12 --> 4615.60] There's going to actually [4615.60 --> 4616.62] be elders available [4616.62 --> 4617.80] pretty quick [4617.80 --> 4619.32] after the service. [4619.42 --> 4620.36] And if you feel so led, [4620.40 --> 4621.88] if Jesus has stirred [4621.88 --> 4622.96] in your heart this morning, [4623.02 --> 4624.52] I want to encourage you today [4624.52 --> 4625.96] to go up to one of our elders [4625.96 --> 4626.56] for prayer. [4626.56 --> 4628.46] So they're actually, [4628.54 --> 4628.90] they're going to make [4628.90 --> 4629.56] their way to those spots [4629.56 --> 4629.88] right now. [4629.94 --> 4630.32] So there's going to be [4630.32 --> 4631.50] an elder in this corner here, [4631.52 --> 4631.98] and there's going to be [4631.98 --> 4632.60] an elder over there [4632.60 --> 4633.18] in the back corner. [4633.24 --> 4633.50] There's going to be [4633.50 --> 4634.06] another elder [4634.06 --> 4635.52] in the multi-purpose room, [4635.58 --> 4636.34] kind of in the back [4636.34 --> 4637.54] to the right there [4637.54 --> 4638.00] in the hallway. [4638.56 --> 4639.66] And I encourage you, [4639.76 --> 4640.20] please, [4641.20 --> 4643.22] please seek them out. [4643.56 --> 4644.24] Allow them to pray [4644.24 --> 4644.84] for you today. [4645.58 --> 4646.64] They're available right now, [4646.72 --> 4648.02] during the last couple songs [4648.02 --> 4648.50] we're going to sing [4648.50 --> 4648.88] in a moment, [4649.02 --> 4650.04] and then after the service [4650.04 --> 4650.46] as well. [4650.46 --> 4653.12] I know that some of us [4653.12 --> 4654.18] are feeling in despair [4654.18 --> 4654.70] right now. [4654.92 --> 4656.12] Allow the body of Christ [4656.12 --> 4656.72] to lift you up. [4656.76 --> 4657.22] And finally, [4657.32 --> 4657.86] and really quickly, [4658.48 --> 4659.78] in the midst of everything [4659.78 --> 4660.82] you might be going through [4660.82 --> 4661.34] right now, [4661.98 --> 4662.78] please seek out [4662.78 --> 4663.60] your eternal hope. [4664.00 --> 4665.22] Find that hope in Jesus [4665.22 --> 4666.74] who knows what despair [4666.74 --> 4667.38] looks like. [4668.40 --> 4669.16] Through our sadness [4669.16 --> 4669.68] and despair, [4669.80 --> 4670.54] we learn something [4670.54 --> 4671.36] about the heart [4671.36 --> 4672.26] of our Lord, [4672.36 --> 4673.50] and when we connect [4673.50 --> 4674.64] our despair to Christ, [4674.72 --> 4675.34] when we seek [4675.34 --> 4676.78] and cry out to God, [4677.90 --> 4678.88] we can trust [4678.88 --> 4679.38] He will enter [4679.38 --> 4680.14] into our despair. [4680.46 --> 4681.28] He helps us out [4681.28 --> 4681.80] of the pit. [4683.48 --> 4684.26] And so in this way, [4685.08 --> 4686.26] let despair catapult us, [4686.32 --> 4687.78] not into the dark abyss, [4688.44 --> 4689.84] but into the bright presence [4689.84 --> 4691.54] of God. [4691.98 --> 4692.24] Amen? [4693.24 --> 4693.90] Let me pray. [4694.26 --> 4694.84] Father God, [4696.12 --> 4697.10] in a world [4697.10 --> 4698.36] where so much happens, [4699.76 --> 4700.92] in a world where, [4701.12 --> 4701.20] sure, [4701.30 --> 4702.28] we experience good, [4702.68 --> 4703.44] but we also [4703.44 --> 4704.84] experience hardship, [4705.98 --> 4706.24] Lord, [4706.32 --> 4706.86] when the loss [4706.86 --> 4707.54] of relationship [4707.54 --> 4707.86] or, [4709.10 --> 4709.90] when the loss [4709.90 --> 4710.46] of relationship [4710.46 --> 4710.98] brings us [4710.98 --> 4711.54] into the pits [4711.54 --> 4712.00] of despair, [4712.12 --> 4712.38] God, [4713.02 --> 4713.76] may we not [4713.76 --> 4715.46] turn to loneliness. [4715.96 --> 4716.88] May we not run [4716.88 --> 4717.90] to isolation [4717.90 --> 4719.08] or seek out darkness [4719.08 --> 4719.74] as our friend. [4720.96 --> 4721.16] God, [4721.20 --> 4721.96] may we cry out [4721.96 --> 4722.36] to you. [4723.50 --> 4723.74] Jesus, [4723.86 --> 4724.50] may you enter [4724.50 --> 4725.44] into the hearts [4725.44 --> 4726.52] of anyone today [4726.52 --> 4727.96] who is feeling despair. [4729.64 --> 4731.16] May your glory shine, [4731.64 --> 4732.88] and may you fill them up. [4733.08 --> 4733.36] And Lord, [4733.40 --> 4734.42] may you be with them [4734.42 --> 4735.94] as they go through [4735.94 --> 4736.62] this hard [4736.62 --> 4738.00] and difficult emotion. [4738.64 --> 4738.84] And Lord, [4738.88 --> 4739.50] as the church, [4739.62 --> 4740.82] may we be your hands [4740.82 --> 4741.22] and feet [4741.22 --> 4742.04] in the lives [4742.04 --> 4742.72] of those struggling [4742.72 --> 4743.72] with despair right now. [4744.32 --> 4744.98] May we enter [4744.98 --> 4747.20] into that situation [4747.20 --> 4749.08] and be your presence there. [4750.94 --> 4751.36] God, [4751.40 --> 4752.02] we know you live. [4753.46 --> 4754.36] May we praise you [4754.36 --> 4757.40] in the light, [4758.24 --> 4759.36] and may we praise you [4759.36 --> 4759.92] in the darkness. [4760.40 --> 4760.92] In your name, [4761.40 --> 4761.60] Amen. [4761.60 --> 4761.70] Amen. [4761.70 --> 4761.74] Amen. [4761.74 --> 4761.76] Amen. [4761.76 --> 4761.80] Amen. [4761.80 --> 4761.84] Amen. [4761.84 --> 4761.88] Amen. [4766.62 --> 4767.62] Amen. [4796.62 --> 4798.62] Amen. [4822.66 --> 4823.00] Amen. [4823.18 --> 4823.46] Amen. [4823.46 --> 4827.46] Oh, you are so lonely [4827.46 --> 4833.46] Oh, you save me [4833.46 --> 4837.46] Let my help raise you [4837.46 --> 4841.46] Oh, you take from me [4841.46 --> 4844.46] Though I will bless your name [4844.46 --> 4848.46] Though you will be [4848.46 --> 4852.46] Still I will worship [4852.46 --> 4854.46] To sing a song [4854.46 --> 4858.46] To the Lord I need [4858.46 --> 4867.46] My heart's flesh may fail [4867.46 --> 4871.46] The earth below His way [4871.46 --> 4875.46] Let my eyes, my eyes [4875.46 --> 4879.46] To sing a song [4879.46 --> 4883.46] To the high of my feet [4883.46 --> 4887.46] And hope the prayer of God's sake [4887.46 --> 4891.46] That our love can reach you [4891.46 --> 4895.46] Is working alone [4895.46 --> 4899.46] Oh, you save me [4899.46 --> 4903.46] Let my help raise you [4903.46 --> 4907.46] Oh, you take from me [4907.46 --> 4910.46] Though I will bless your name [4910.46 --> 4913.46] Though you will be [4913.46 --> 4915.46] To sing a song [4915.46 --> 4917.46] To sing a song [4917.46 --> 4919.46] To sing a song [4919.46 --> 4921.46] To sing a song [4921.46 --> 4923.46] To sing a song [4923.46 --> 4925.46] To sing a song [4925.46 --> 4927.46] To sing a song [4927.46 --> 4929.46] To sing a song [4929.46 --> 4931.46] To sing a song [4931.46 --> 4933.46] To sing a song [4933.46 --> 4935.46] To sing a song [4935.46 --> 4937.46] To sing a song [4937.46 --> 4941.46] And in the Lord [4941.46 --> 4942.46] Oh, you're in the Lord [4942.46 --> 4945.46] Oh, you're in the Lord [4945.46 --> 4947.46] Oh, you're in the Lord [4947.46 --> 4955.14] The One. [4955.14 --> 4962.34] The One. [4962.34 --> 4966.34] Oh, you can save me [4966.34 --> 4969.34] Heaven and praise me [4969.34 --> 4973.34] Heaven and take from me [4973.34 --> 4977.34] I will bless you in me [4977.34 --> 4981.34] Oh, you will look at me [4981.34 --> 4985.34] This time I will bless you [4985.34 --> 4990.34] Sing a song to the one who's above me [4990.34 --> 4999.34] Sing a song to the one who's above me [5006.34 --> 5010.34] And so, brothers and sisters in Christ, [5010.34 --> 5012.34] as we leave this place today [5012.34 --> 5015.34] After talking about the hard emotion of despair [5015.34 --> 5017.34] May we know that our hope [5017.34 --> 5020.34] Is in the one who's all we need [5020.34 --> 5022.34] May we sing a song to the one who's all we need [5022.34 --> 5025.34] May we lift up our prayers and our cries [5025.34 --> 5027.34] To the one who's all we need [5027.34 --> 5030.34] Because we know that our Savior and Redeemer lives [5030.34 --> 5034.34] And our hope can be found in Him [5034.34 --> 5036.34] And that hope is assured [5036.34 --> 5038.34] So, may we go from this place [5038.34 --> 5040.34] Whether we are feeling despair [5040.34 --> 5043.34] Or whether we are helping those who are feeling despair [5043.34 --> 5047.34] With the understanding that Jesus is all we need [5047.34 --> 5050.34] Please hear this final blessing [5050.34 --> 5053.34] The priestly blessing from number six [5053.34 --> 5057.34] The Lord bless you and keep you [5057.34 --> 5060.34] The Lord make His face shine upon you [5060.34 --> 5062.34] And be gracious to you [5062.34 --> 5064.34] The Lord turn His face toward you [5064.34 --> 5067.34] And give you His peace [5067.34 --> 5068.34] Peace [5068.34 --> 5070.34] And all God's people said [5070.34 --> 5071.34] Amen [5071.34 --> 5072.34] Amen [5073.34 --> 5074.34] Amen [5074.34 --> 5076.34] Amen [5076.34 --> 5077.34] Amen [5077.34 --> 5092.34] Amen [5092.34 --> 5097.34] I believe [5097.34 --> 5102.34] I believe [5102.34 --> 5107.34] I share this day [5107.34 --> 5109.34] I share this day [5109.34 --> 5112.34] I share this day [5112.34 --> 5115.34] I believe [5115.34 --> 5121.34] I believe [5121.34 --> 5125.34] I raise the hand of [5125.34 --> 5128.34] I love His power to the rain [5128.34 --> 5132.34] I redeem the lips [5132.34 --> 5136.34] I redeem the lips [5136.34 --> 5140.34] I redeem the lips [5140.34 --> 5146.34] I redeem the lips [5146.34 --> 5150.34] I know He has been sold [5150.34 --> 5153.34] His blood is covered by sin [5153.34 --> 5156.34] I believe [5156.34 --> 5161.34] I believe [5161.34 --> 5163.34] I share this day [5163.34 --> 5167.34] I blame his children [5167.34 --> 5168.34] I believe [5168.34 --> 5170.34] I believe [5170.34 --> 5172.34] I believe [5172.34 --> 5178.34] I raise the hand of God [5178.34 --> 5182.34] I love His glory and faith [5182.34 --> 5184.34] His glory and faith [5184.34 --> 5185.34] I redeem the lips [5185.34 --> 5187.34] I redeem the lips [5187.34 --> 5190.34] I redeem the lips [5190.34 --> 5193.34] I redeem the lips [5193.34 --> 5195.34] I redeem the lips [5195.34 --> 5203.98] i [5212.70 --> 5223.02] hello [5225.34 --> 5230.76] This is how I'm so proud to see your kingdom come. [5230.76 --> 5246.76] My Redeemer, my Redeemer, my Redeemer, my Redeemer. [5246.76 --> 5261.76] My Redeemer, my Redeemer, my Redeemer. [5276.76 --> 5306.74] My Redeemer, my Redeemer, my Redeemer. [5306.76 --> 5336.74] My Redeemer, my Redeemer. [5336.76 --> 5366.74] My Redeemer, my Redeemer.