Renewal
David Brainerd's sermon emphasizes finding hope in God through prayer and understanding His divine wisdom in our trials.
David Brainerd reflects on a moment of divine encouragement during secret prayer, where he found peace and assurance in God's plan for his future service. He prayed fervently for the salvation of souls and the expansion of Christ's kingdom, feeling calm and fully surrendered to God's will. Brainerd's faith in God's favor lifted him above worldly concerns and obstacles, allowing him to trust in God's wisdom and guidance for his life and ministry.
Text
"Why art thou cast down, 0 my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance" (Ps. 42:5).
Monday, April 12. This morning the Lord was pleased to lift up the fight of His countenance upon me in secret prayer, and made the season very precious to my soul. Though I have been so depressed of late, respecting my hopes of future serviceableness in the cause of God, yet now I had much encouragement respecting that matter. I was especially assisted to intercede and plead for poor souls and for the enlargement of Christ's kingdom in the world, and for special grace for myself to fit me for special services. I felt exceedingly calm and quite resigned to God, respecting my future employment, when and where He pleased. My faith lifted me above the world and removed all those mountains that I could not look over of late.
I wanted not the favor of man to lean upon; for I knew Christ's favor was infinitely better, and that it was no matter when, nor where, nor how Christ should send me, nor what trials He should still exercise me with, if I might be prepared for His work and will. I now found revived, in my mind, the wonderful discovery of infinite wisdom in all the dispensations of God towards me, which I had a little before I met with my great trial at college; everything appeared full of divine wisdom.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding Spiritual Despair
- The Importance of Hope in God
- Recognizing God's Countenance
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II
- The Role of Prayer in Renewal
- Interceding for Others
- Seeking Personal Grace
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III
- Resignation to God's Will
- Faith Above Worldly Concerns
- Preparation for Service
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IV
- The Discovery of Divine Wisdom
- Understanding Trials as Growth
- Embracing God's Plan
Key Quotes
“hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance” — David Brainerd
“I felt exceedingly calm and quite resigned to God, respecting my future employment” — David Brainerd
“I now found revived, in my mind, the wonderful discovery of infinite wisdom in all the dispensations of God towards me” — David Brainerd
Application Points
- Engage in regular prayer to seek God's presence and guidance.
- Practice interceding for others to strengthen your spiritual community.
- Embrace trials as opportunities for growth and deeper faith.