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  PSALMS 61:2
  by Chuck Smith
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Summary: In times of overwhelming stress, we are encouraged to seek
refuge in God, our rock and source of strength.

Topics: "God as Our Refuge", "Trusting in God's Strength"
Scripture References: Deuteronomy 32:4, 2 Samuel 22:2-3, Psalm 18:2, Psalm 31:3, Psalm 61:2, Psalm 62:6-7, Isaiah 26:4, Matthew 7:24-25, Romans 8:37, 1 Corinthians 10:4

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DESCRIPTION
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Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of turning to God as our refuge
when we feel overwhelmed by life's pressures and stresses. He highlights
that in moments of despair, we often seek help in the wrong places,
leading to irreversible decisions. Smith encourages believers to cry out
to God, asking Him to 'lead me to the rock that is higher than I,' which
symbolizes strength, security, and life. He draws parallels from
scripture, illustrating how God is our rock and source of sustenance.
Ultimately, trusting in God as our rock empowers us to find strength and
shelter in Him.

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CONTENT
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"LEAD ME TO THE ROCK"

I. "WHEN MY HEART IS OVERWHELMED."

A. Life is filled with pressure and stress situations.

1. Sooner or later we come to the point where we are forced to cry:

a. "I don't know which way to turn.

b. or, "I can't go on."

2. Our heart becomes overwhelmed.

a. That can be a day of greatest tragedy or greatest victory, it

all depends on where we turn for help.

1. Some turn to bottle to escape.

2. Some make rash decisions.

a. I try never to make a major decision when

under emotional stress.

b. So often they are wrong and irreversible.

c. Marriage, divorce, buying and selling.

d. We are familiar with the pressure tactics

of salesmen.

3. David prayed, "Lead me to the rock."

B. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a situation?

1. This is more than I can handle.

ll. "LEAD ME TO THE ROCK THAT IS HIGHER THAN I."

A. The Lord has often in scripture been referred to as the rock.

1. Song of Moses, Deut. 32.

2. David speaks of Jehovah as his Rock.

3. Apostle Paul declares that the rock from which the water flowed in

the wilderness was Christ.

4. Daniel speaks of the stone not cut with hands.

B. The rock was a symbol of strength.

1. The conie is a feeble folk.

C. The rock was a symbol of security.

1. There I shall be sheltered.

D. From the rock there issued life sustaining forces.

E. If I make the rock my shelter, I find now that I am as strong as the
rock.

F. David speaks of abiding there and of trusting.

Rock symbol of God's ultimate triumph.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/chuck-smith/psalms-612/
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