Be Still and Know That I Am God

 Temple Baptist Church - 5-31-2026

Psalms 46

Introduction: 

A.  Psalm 46 is a psalm of confidence in troubled times.

 

1.  Many believe this psalm inspired A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, and rightly so, because Psalm 46 presents God as the unshakable refuge of His people.

 

2.  It was written both during and for future days of shaking, uncertainty, fear, and warfare. The earth is moving, mountains are collapsing, waters are roaring, kingdoms are raging — yet in the middle of all the chaos, God’s people are called to confidence, calmness, and faith.

 

3.  This psalm reminds us that while the world changes, God never changes.  Though we live in the 21^st century, we still face these things both mentally and physically. 

 

B.  Three Enemies that you and I face each day can cause us to “look back” if we are not careful.  The devil is on a rampage today and is doing all that he can to disable, discourage, defile, or destroy God’s people. 

 

1.  Worry - Philippians 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

 

2.  Fear - Deuteronomy 31:8  And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

 

3.  Discouragement - Joshua 1:9  Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

 

C.  Let’s look at the breakdown of the psalm.

 

1.  A Declaration of What God is - 1-7

 

a.  A Refuge (hiding place)- 1a

b.  A Strength - 1b

c.  A VERY Present Help - 1c

d.  A calm in the storm - 2-3

e.  A river of joy - 4

f.  An ever-present Saviour - do not have to run to our Refuge - He is there – 7

 

2.  A Declaration of What He Has Done - 8-9

 

a.  He has been victorious in every past circumstance

b.  He has never failed in His purpose

 

3.  A Declaration of What We Are To Do - 10-11

 

a.  Remain still- 10

b.  Remember who He is - 10

c.  Place your confidence in Him - 11

 

BE STILL - (When & Why?)

 

A.  Be Still When?

 

1.  Be Still When You Are Disappointed

 

Isaiah 40:31  But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

 

2.  Be Still When You Are Discouraged

 

John 16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

 

Psalms 4:4  Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

 

3.  Be Still When You Are Distressed

 

Philippians 4:6-7  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

4.  Be Still When You Are Doubtful

 

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

         

B.  Be Still Why?  (Circumstances Can Alter Our Perception Of God)

 

1.  Be Still Because God's Time May Not Be Our Time.

 

Psalms 145:15  The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.

 

2.  Be Still Because We May Not Have The Proper Perspective

 

Exodus 14:13  And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

 

3.  Be Still Because God's Will May Not Be Ours

 

2 Corinthians12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

 

4.  Be Still Because We Need To Remain Confident In Him

 

Hebrews 10:35  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

 

5.  Be Still Because He Is Still God!

 

Isaiah 43:11  I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.

The Throne of the King - The Gainsaying of Core

Temple Baptist Church - 5-3-2026

Psalm 45

Introduction:

A.   Another of the Davidic Psalms, of which he wrote 73, with two others referenced as possibly his.  The man after God’s own heart was a man of worship! The introduction to Psalm 35 is important because it sets the tone for this didactic Psalm. 

 

1.  It was written to be played by the chief Musician upon “Shoshannim,” a trumpet.  To sound aloud, to make a declaration concerning the greatness of God’s throne.

 

2.  It was written for the sons of Korah.  Korah was a son of Kohath, a son of Levi, a priest.  There were three of Levi’s sons who moved the Tabernacle in the wilderness:

 

a.  Kohath — They took down the Vail and covered the holy furniture in the Holy Place, then carried them.  A work that required the utmost respect

b.  Gershon — tore down the curtains and coverings.

 

c.  Merari — took down and carried the boards and pillars

 

3.  The sons of Kohath were in charge of the “holy things” of the Tabernacle. When the Tabernacle was moved, the sons of Kohath took down the veil, covered the holy articles of the holy place, and concealed them from the people’s view with a badger skin.

 

4. Korah took it upon himself to withstand Moses and Aaron by declaring the entire congregation to be holy, thus rejecting the holiness of these two God-called men.

 

Jude 11  Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. 

 

5.  God opened up the earth and swallowed them up.

 

6. Psalm 45 uplifts God’s throne and warns the sons of Korah that those who defile it by making it common or of lesser power and authority.  They would be destroyed as their father was.

 

“Core” is the Greek rendering of the Hebrew word “Korah.”

 

“Gainsaying:  dispute, disobedience, strife, or contradiction.

 

B.  Maschil: didactic or instructional.  To teach the people of God concerning the dangers of getting too cozy with God.

 

C.  A Song of Loves.  The word “loves” is plural, indicating the love and respect King David has for both God and the Throne of God.  This is expressed in the first statement of the Psalm:  “My heart is inditing a good matter.”  Something stirring deeply inside, then flowing outward in words with beauty, purpose, and reverence

 

D.  Hebrews 1:8 directly applies this psalm to Christ: “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever…” Thus, we are not merely looking at a king, we are beholding THE King, and more specifically, His throne.  A throne speaks of authority, dominion, rule, and majesty. In Psalm 45, we are given a panoramic view of the throne of Christ.

 

E.  With these things in mind, I want us to examine the throne of God.

 

1.  Verses 1-2.  The Sovereignty of God’s Throne.  “My heart is inditing a good matter… Thou art fairer than the children of men…” God is sovereign in His reign over the heavens and the earth.  It was in the Will of God, coupled with the Word of God, that created the World of God.  With God’s throne, there is absolute authority over all matters.  I am glad that it is God who is my Heavenly Father.  He is in total control!

 

a.  God is not an elected Ruler!

 

b.  God is not a temporary (term-limited) Authority.

 

c.  God does not receive this sovereignty from man as He possesses it eternally.

 

2.  Verse 6.  The Stability of God’s Throne.  “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever…”  Earthly thrones crumble. Kingdoms rise and fall. But Christ’s throne is never shaken.  Daniel saw kingdoms come and go, but the kingdom of Christ stands forever.  The stability of His throne gives assurance to the believer; therefore, our salvation is secured as its Owner cannot be overthrown.  (Ask Lucifer how that worked out for him!)

 

a.  It is not subject to rebellion

 

b.  It is not threatened by time

 

c.  It is not weakened by opposition

 

3.  Verses 2-3, 8.  The Glory of God’s Throne.  “Thou art fairer… grace is poured… Gird thy sword… All thy garments smell of myrrh…”  The throne of Christ is surrounded by glory, as pictured in verse 8, which depicts royal splendor—fragrance, ivory palaces, music.

This is not a dull throne, nor is it a hidden throne.  This is a glorious throne that radiates majesty.

 

a.  Glory in His person

 

b.  Glory in His speech.

 

c.  Glory in His appearance

 

d.  Glory in His presence

 

4. Verses 3-5.  The Power of God’s Throne.  “Gird thy sword upon thy thigh… Thine arrows are sharp…” Here we see the King as a warrior. Christ is not merely gentle—He is mighty, and He conquers.

 

a.  The power of His sword.  The Word of God brings judgment.

b.  The power of His arrows speaks of His precision in conquering hearts and enemies.

c.  The power of His person.  “All power” in heaven and in earth as power belongeth to God. 

 

5.  Verses 3-5.  The Rule of God’s Throne.  “The sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.”

A sceptre represents rule and governance.  His rule is perfectly just, absolutely authoritative, and completely unquestionable. His rule is right in every decision, every decree, every judgment.

 

a.  God never abuses His power.

 

b.  God never rules unjustly.

 

c.  God never makes mistakes.

 

6. Verse 7-9.  The Holiness of God’s Throne.  “Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness…”  Righteousness is the moral foundation of His throne.  He neither tolerates evil nor does He compromise with it.  Holiness is the moral foundation of His throne.  God loves righteousness and hates unrighteousness.  Christ’s throne is established upon it.  Holiness flows from:

 

a. He is holy in His nature.  God cannot sin according to James 1:13, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:”

 

b.  He is holy in His dealings.  I do not understand all that I know about God, but I do know that he is always right and does no wrong.

 

c.  He is holy in His salvation.  He has a consecrated bride.

 

7.  verses 6, 16-17.  The Eternality of God’s Throne.  “For ever and ever… I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations…”  Generations come and go, but Christ remains the same.

His name will be remembered: in every age, by every people, for all eternity!  This throne has no beginning, it has no end, and it will never be replaced. 

The LORD Reigneth

 Temple Baptist Church - 3-29-2026

Psalm 93

 

Introduction:  Three Thrones.

 

1.  There is a Heavenly Throne. 

 

Daniel 7:9  I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.

 

2.  There is an Earthly Throne. Psalm 93, a Millennial Kingdom Psalm, speaks of the Lord who will come to reign gloriously over the earth.

 

Isaiah 9:6-7  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  (7)  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

 

3.  There is a Heartly Throne. 

 

Philippians 2:9-11  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:  (10)  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;  (11)  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

4.  The Lord will reign upon two thrones, heavenly and earthly, and should reign on the third, the throne of the heart.

 

A.  It has been called “The Enthronement Psalm” because the Psalmist placed the Lord in his rightful place in both heart and life.  The same thing happens when the repentant believer believes on the Lord Jesus Christ!

 

Acts 16:30-31  And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?  (31)  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

 

B.  Many want the Lord Jesus Christ to be their Saviour but never bow to His Lordship.  LORD – JAH (YAHWEH – tetragrammaton YHWH) To exist – self-existent – eternal – Is and always will be – I AM THAT I AM.

 

C.  I said all that to say this: we neither enthrone Him nor can we dethrone Him!  We can only believe that He is by putting Him in a rightful place in our hearts and lives! 

 

Hebrews 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

 

D.  Lucifer (Satan) was a created being of almost limitless power and beauty.  The “Light Bearer,” son of the morning, tried to dethrone God.  How did that work out for him?

 

1. “I will ascend into heaven”  How did that work out for him?

 

2.  “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God”  How did that work out for him?

 

3. “I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation”  How did that work out for him?

 

4. “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds”  How did that work out for him?

 

5. “I will be like the most High”  That didn’t work out for him either!

 

E.  Psalm 93 shows us three important things:

 

1.  Verses 1-2.  The Glory Of God’s Reign.  Psalms 93:1-2  The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.  (2)  Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.

 

a.  God’s Throne Is An Eternal Throne. “ The LORD Reigneth.”  A declaration of fact!  Notice once again the “eth” ending!  He has always reigned, still reigns, and will forever reign! The psalmist lifts our eyes above earthly instability to the unchanging throne of the Lord.  The world often appears chaotic as governments change and cultures shift. Yet the central truth of this psalm is simple and powerful:

 

2 Samuel 7:16  And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

 

b.  God's Throne Is An Enduring Throne.  It is a Rock that cannot be moved!

 

Psalms 145:13  Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

 

“Whatever opposition may arise, his throne is unmoved; he has reigned, does reign, and will reign for ever and ever. Whatever turmoil and rebellion there may be beneath the clouds, the eternal King sits above all in supreme serenity; and everywhere he is really Master, let his foes rage as they may. All things are ordered according to his eternal purposes, and his will is done.”  ~ “Treasury of David.”

 

c.  God’s Throne Is A Glorious Throne.  Beyond the realm of our imagination!  Beyond the scope of our experience!

 

Isaiah 6:1-3  In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.  (2)  Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.  (3)  And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

 

 

Revelation 22:1-5  And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.  (2)  In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.  (3)  And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:  (4)  And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.  (5)  And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

 

d.  God’s Throne Is An Everlasting Throne - 2 Samuel 7:16  And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

 

2.  Verse 3.  The Sovereignty of God’s Reign.  Psalms 93:3  The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.

 

a.  God is absolutely sovereign, eternally reigning as the supreme authority over all creation, events, and creatures. His sovereignty is the exercise of His divine will, whereby He orders, governs, and sustains all things according to His own purpose and pleasure, for His glory.

 

Colossians 1:16-17  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  (17)  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

 

b.  God’s sovereignty transcends time as He alone knows the end from the beginning.  God’s sovereign will is always accomplished, for His counsel shall stand, and He will do all His pleasure.

 

Isaiah 46:10  Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

 

c.  Therefore, nothing occurs outside His knowledge, permission, or decree, and all things ultimately work according to His divine purpose. He “doeth according to his will… and none can stay his hand.”

 

Ephesians 1:11  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

 

Daniel 4:35  And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

 

d.  God does as He wills.

 

1)  God Requires No Counsel - Romans 11:34  For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

 

2)  God Seeks No Advice - 1 Corinthians 2:16  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

 

3)  God Lacks No Wisdom - James 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

 

4)  God Asks No Permission – Job 33:13  Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.

 

5)  God Answers To No Man - Romans 9:20  Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?

 

3.  Verse 4.  The Omnipotence Of God’s Reign.  Psalms 93:4  The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.

 

a.  God’s power is limitless and therefore unlimited.  God can do anything, everywhere, any time, and every time!  Revelation 19:6  And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

 

b.  God owns power.  God can do any and all things. Psalms 62:11  God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.

 

c.  What do you need?  Matthew 28:18-19a  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore …

 

4.  Verse 5.  The Holiness of God’s Reign.  Psalms 93:5  Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever.

 

a.  Holy in His Truths.  Truth changes not in its doctrines, which are very sure, nor holiness in its precepts, which are incorruptible.

 

2 Peter 1:19  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

 

b.  Holy in all His ways.  You can trust God to do right.

 

2 Samuel 23:2-3  The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.  (3)  The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

 

c.  The teaching and the character of God are both unaltered.

From Everlasting to Everlasting

 Temple Baptist Church - 1-18-2026

Psalm 90

 

Introduction:

 

A.  “A Prayer of Moses the man of God.”   Psalm 90 was the only Psalm written by Moses, “The Man of God,” and is possibly the oldest of the Psalms. 

 

1.  Moses authored, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, the first five books of the Bible called the Pentateuch.  From “In the beginning God,” the most powerful statement concerning Theology ever written.  Not an argument for God, a Declaration of the Being and Eternality of God. 

 

2.  The closeness of Moses’ relationship with God is well documented.  Moses was well acquainted with God, as they spoke to each other as Friend to friend. 

 

Exodus 33:11a  And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.

 

3.  There has never been a greater man than the meekest man in all the earth.  The meekest man in all the earth spoke, in Psalm 90, with the boldness of the man of God.

 

Numbers 12:3  (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

 

B.  Psalm 90 is a Psalm that spans time from the “Beginning” until the “End!”  It expresses the Person, Plan, and Power of God in and over the affairs of men.  Nothing can circumvent God’s awesome power; nothing can stop His sovereign plan.

 

C.  Psalm 90 was not born in the palace of David, but in the wilderness under the leadership of Moses. It is a prayer shaped by tents, graves, wanderings, and the manifest glory of God.

 

D.  Moses writes as one who has watched a generation fall in the desert and has learned that life is brief, sin is serious, and God alone is eternal.

 

E.  Now, the breakdown of Psalm 90.

 

1.  Verses 1-2.  The eternality of God.  Moses reintroduces to Israel, in the Psalm, the eternal Jehovah God who gave him, Moses, the revelation of Genesis and the creation, some 2500 years before the life of Moses.

 

a.  God has always been our Dwelling Place.  Though Israel dwelt in tents, they dwelt in God.  Though you and I dwell in houses built by man, we who are saved dwell forever in God.  Our lives are not kept within the realm of this world; it is found in God alone that we live and have our being.

 

b.  God has always been and will always remain.  “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”  Genesis 1:1 spoke of the God who eternally existed before creation.  Everlasting has a point of reference:  From everlasting was God’s existence before creation, and “to everlasting” is from creation throughout eternity future.

 

2.  Verses 3-6.  The Brevity of Man.

 

a.  Moses begins with man’s return to dust.  God never intended that man live forever in a sinful condition, therefore, the Cherubims and flaming sword that guarded the Tree of Life in Genesis chapter 3.  Death is not an accident but rather of God’s decree after the fall.  A time to be born and a time to die.

 

b.  Time from God’s perspective.  Time belongs to God!  He created it, and what seems so long to man is brevity, a night when it is passed, in the sight of God.  Genesis 7 days were prophetic of God’s 7,000 years of time before the renovation of the heavens and the earth in Revelation chapter 21.

 

3.  Verses 7-11.  God’s Judgment for sin.

 

a.  Man’s sin exposed.  “Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.”  God sees all, and God knows all.  He knows our downsitting and our uprising, He understandeth our thoughts afar off, He sees in the dark as He sees in the light.

 

b.  Man’s sin judged.  “For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled.”

All sinfulness has its recompense and will be paid for in full, either by the sinner in hell or through the vicarious death of Christ on the cross.

 

c.  God’s wrath shown.  “Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.”  Though God hates sin, God still loves sinners.  Sin destroyed all that God had made and will be ultimately destroyed by God.  Satan’s doom is pending and Earth’s curse will be removed.

 

4.  Verse 12.  Man’s Responsibility.    

 

a.  A life that has purpose.  “So teach us to number our days.”  Notice that Moses does not ask for longer life, but wiser living.  To number our days is not to count them anxiously, but to live them intentionally. Our days here are three score and ten or fourscore by reason of strength. 

 

James 4:14  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

 

b.  A teachable heart.  “that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” To search the heart and learn wisdom. Wisdom does not come naturally to mankind; it must be taught by God.  God has given us the Word of God for knowledge and wisdom.

 

5.  Verses 14-15.  A Cry for Mercy and Joy

 

a.  A prayer for mercy.  “O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”  Surely goodness and mercy are promised to the children of God in Psalm 23:6. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”  These things follow us, not accompany us.  There are times when get out of the will of God and “goodness and mercy” flee, but they are always available!

 

b.  A prayer for rejoicing.  “Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us.”  Rejoice in the Lord always!  Joy and gladness are choices that we make in life.  Life is hard, and life is short.  I had much rather have the joy of the Lord than the sorrow of this present, evil world.

 

6.  Verses 16-17.  The Glory of God.

 

a.  Show me Thy glory.  “Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.”  Though Moses desires to see the glory of God once more, his prayer is for the following generations.

 

Exodus 33:18  And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.

 

Exodus 34:5-8  And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.  (6)  And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,  (7)  Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.  (8)  And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.

 

b.  Let Thy Beauty be upon us!  “And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.”  Man’s work is fleeting and will soon be done, but the beauty of the Lord (found in His goodness and mercy) will shine forth through us to the generations to follow.

 

Conclusion:  Psalm 90 confronts us with eternity, humbles us with mortality, warns us of sin, and directs us to prayer. Moses teaches us that life is short, God is eternal, and wisdom is living every day under His mercy and for His glory.  May we dwell in God, number our days, seek His mercy, and labor only for what He will establish—from everlasting to everlasting.

 

“Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”

God’s Faithfulness: A Light in Darkness

 Temple Baptist Church - 1-4-2026

Psalm 89

 

Introduction

A.  Psalm 89 is a psalm written by Ethan the Ezrahite.  He was a musician and a man of wisdom.  Not much is said about his musical talent, as he was more noted for his wisdom.  When speaking of the wisdom of Solomon, he is mentioned as one of the wisest men of the East.

 

1 Kings 4:30-31  And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.  (31)  For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.

 

B.  Psalm 89 stands as a profound theological work, showing how a wise man wrestles reverently with God’s promises while still affirming God’s faithfulness.

 

C.  The time of Psalm 89’s writing could be debated, but the Psalm indicates that it was written after David and Solomon’s reigns.  A time when the Nation of Israel was in severe decline and being attacked from the outside.  It was evidently pre-Babylonish Captivity, but when the nation was ripe for invasion and captivity.

 

D.  I want to break the Psalm, which is a long one, down into its parts to get to the gist of what was disturbing Ethan the Ezrahite.

 

1.  Verses 1-4.  God’s faithfulness to His Covenant. 

 

a.  Verse 1.  God’s mercy and faithfulness.  “I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.”

b.  Verse 2.  God’s Covenant with David.  “Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.”

 

c.  Verses 3-4.  God’s Promise concerning the Throne.  “Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.”

 

2.  Verses 5-18.  God’s Sovereignty and Power.

 

a.  Verses 5-8.  God’s Sovereignty and Power are Incomparable.  “And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.” 

 

God controls every dominion.  Philippians 2:10-11  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;  (11)  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

b.  Verses 8-13.  God’s Sovereignty and Power are Omnipotent.  Psalms 89:9  Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.

 

c.  Verses 14-18.  God’s Sovereignty and Power are Righteous. “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. ”

 

3.  Verses 19-37.  Ethan the Ezrahite Reminds God of the Davidic Covenant.

 

a.  Verses 19-21.  God’s Sovereign Choice.  “I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him”

 

b.  Verses 22-25.  God’s Power to Protect.  “The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.”

 

c.  Verses 26-37.  God’s Unbreakable Promise.  “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.”

 

4.  Verses 38-51.  “But!”  Here is the message for tonight.  Notice the change with me.  Though God, who can neither lie nor change, made these promises concerning Israel and David’s Throne, the enemies of God had the upper hand.  Israel was doomed to spend 70 years in Babylonian Captivity!

 

a.  In the preceding verses, Ethan the Ezrahite has set forth the Person, Goodness, and Mercy, the unlimited power of Sovereignty, but now shows confusion. 

 

b.  What do we do when God’s Word says and promises, but circumstances seem to differ?

 

1)  Verse 39 – “Thou has cast off”

 

2)  Verse 40 – “Thou hast broken down”

 

3)  Verse 42 – “Thou hast set up … thou has made”

 

4)  Verse 43 – “Thou has turned”

 

5)  Verse 44 - :Thou hast made”

 

6)  Verse 44-45 – “Thou has shortened … thou has covered”

 

7)  Verses 46-48 – “How long, LORD”

 

8)  Verse 49-51 – “LORD, where are thy former lovingkindnesses?”

 

5. Verse 52.  Ethan’s Ultimate Reliance.  Psalms 89:52  Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.

 

a.  Ethan is learning a biblical principle that we all have wrestled with or will wrestle with.  There will be times when we have to wait upon the Lord!  Though he proclaims his faith in a God who can do everything, anywhere, at any time, Ethan does not understand why God has not answered his request. 

 

b.  We find this often in the Bible, especially in the Book of Psalms.  How Long? When? Why? Are words that are frequently read there.  I call this “Open-end waiting.”  A waiting that has no time limit.

 

c. Ethan learned to wait upon the Lord.  Ethan now boldly wrestles with the confusion between God’s promises and Israel’s present suffering.  This confusion but ultimate trust makes the psalm one of the most theologically rich covenant psalms in Scripture.

 

d.  Ethan the Ezrahite’s answer probably did not come in his lifetime, but he knew that God would ultimately bring things to the proper conclusion.  He maintained his faith in the Person, Power, and Promises of God. 

 

e.  Let us never give up on God because when we do not understand, it is then that we learn to trust. 

 

Psalms 27:13-14  I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  (14)  Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

 

Isaiah 40:28-31  Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.  (29)  He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.  (30)  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:  (31)  But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.