A Famine of the Soul
The sermon emphasizes the importance of hope as a biblical solution to despair and the famine of the soul, and promises God's deliverance and provision in times of need.
David Wilkerson addresses the spiritual famine affecting many today, emphasizing that it is not a lack of food but a deep hunger for love, peace, and purpose. He highlights hope as the key to overcoming despair, reminding us that with God, all things are possible and that He works for our good in His timing. Wilkerson encourages believers to trust in God's provision, even when circumstances seem dire, and reassures them that nothing can separate them from God's love. He calls for an honest approach to God, filled with hope and praise for His faithfulness.
Text
There is a terrible famine raging in the land today. Not a famine of food but of human need. Multitudes are starving for love and affection; for peace and contentment; for purpose and fulfillment. The word famine actually means "extreme scarcity, unfulfilled hunger, starvation of any kind." That pretty well sums up the emptiness so many are experiencing today.
A simple and biblical way out of despair and spiritual famine is found in a single word -- hope. Hope is a growing inner faith that what you need is possible. "Jesus looked at them and said to them, 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible'" (Matthew 19:26).
Hope is the assurance that all things will turn out for your good in God's time. "All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). You may think you are doomed to despair, but God has promised to do right by you, in his time, in his way.
Hope is a confidence in the face of no visible evidence; confidence that says, "I don't see it yet, but I am going to start thanking and praising God now. He has already made provision for me." It is also complete trust that in spite of all the odds, God is going to work on your behalf and hold you steady. "The Lord knows the days of the upright ... and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied ... for the Lord upholds him with His hand" (Psalm 37:18-19, 24).
Will that famine you are experiencing keep you separated from Christ's love? Never! "I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).
Jesus loves you so much that he will never let you down or fail you. Come to him honestly with hope in your heart and tell him, "Lord, you are going to see me through and deliver me with your power. I praise you for that."
Sermon Outline
- The Famine of the Soul
- A Biblical Solution to Despair
- The Power of Hope
- The Unbreakable Bond of Love
- The love of Christ that cannot be separated
- The promise of God's deliverance
Key Quotes
“Hope is a growing inner faith that what you need is possible.” — David Wilkerson
“You may think you are doomed to despair, but God has promised to do right by you, in his time, in his way.” — David Wilkerson
“I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We can have confidence in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the face of uncertainty and despair.
- We can trust in God's promise to deliver us and see us through with his power.
- We can praise God for his love and provision, even when we don't see it yet.