Ezra 7:6
To experience the hand of God on our lives, we must invite Him in, prepare our hearts through quiet times, and cultivate a relationship with Him.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of experiencing the good hand of the Lord in our lives, highlighting that true favor with God leads to favor with man. He explains that our relationship with God is paramount, as it influences all other aspects of our lives, and that satisfaction and joy can only be found through Him. Smith encourages believers to seek God earnestly, prepare their hearts through prayer and study, and prioritize their relationship with Him amidst life's busyness.
Text
"THE GOOD HAND OF THE LORD"
I. THE NEED FOR THE KAND OF GOD ON OUR LIVES.
A. Favor with God brings favor with man. (vs. 6.
1. Life moves on two planes, vertical and horizontal.
a. The verticle is the axis upon which our lives revolve, thus more
important.
b. If the center of my life is out of kilter the circumference is bound
to be erratic.
c. So many today think their greatest problem is human relations.
1. It is divine relations.
d. We try to balance our lives from the outside in.
e. My relation with God must have top priority.
1. "Seek ye first."
B. The good hand of God brings us to our desired goals. (vs 9.
1. Man has two basic goals: satisfaction and joy.
a. Someone says, "I'm seeking success."
b. If you attain it you will be disappointed, it will not bring you
what you thought it would.
1. You thought it would bring satisfaction.
2. Neither can be attained apart from God.
a. You can find happiness, elation. (Just scored winning touchdown.
b. Solomon's vain pursuit for satisfaction.
C. God's hand means strength. (vs. 28.
1. In many trials it was only His hand that sustained me.
a. My strength and resources were gone.
2. Joseph's bow abode in strength.
3. Have you ever been in a place of distress and fear? You wonder, "What can
I do?" Then suddenly feel the presence of God.
a. The tension and strain leaves and a beautiful peace and confidence
comes.
Il. HOW TO EXPERIENCE THE HAND OF GOD ON YOUR LIFE.
A. "The Lord is with you if you'll be with Him, and if you seek Him."
1. We must come to God and ask Him.
a. God comes to you only by invitation.
b. He will not intrude uninvited
B. "Ezra prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord." (vs. 10.
1. Our hearts are prepared through quiet times of study.
a. The Word of God prepares my heart for the work of God.
2. Quiet times of prayer prepare me for the work of God has for me to do.
C. Take time out for your busy lives to cultivate and develop your relationship with
God.
1. Quiet time while you wait on Him will be the best spent time of the whole
day.
Sermon Outline
- The Need for the Hand of God on Our Lives
- How to Experience the Hand of God on Your Life
- Inviting God into your life
- Preparing your heart through quiet times
- Cultivating a relationship with God
Key Quotes
“Favor with God brings favor with man.” — Chuck Smith
“The Lord is with you if you'll be with Him, and if you seek Him.” — Chuck Smith
“Quiet time while you wait on Him will be the best spent time of the whole day.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Prioritize your relationship with God above all else.
- Take time out of your busy life to cultivate and develop your relationship with God.
- Invite God into your life and seek Him in quiet times of study and prayer.