Christ Reigns
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of turning to God in prayer during times of suffering and despair.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of turning to God in times of distress, highlighting that even King David and Job, despite their many companions, felt the need for someone to truly listen to their cries. He encourages believers to pour out their hearts to the Lord, as He is a refuge and will respond with love and sympathy. Wilkerson reassures that suffering is a common experience, but God invites us to seek Him in our pain, promising to hear and guide us through our trials. The sermon serves as a reminder that we can always find solace in Jesus, who understands our struggles and renews our strength.
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Often people contact our ministry and say, "I have no one to talk to, no one to share my burden with, no one who has time to hear my cry. I need someone I can pour my heart out to."
King David was constantly surrounded by people. He was married and had many companions at his side. Yet we hear the same cry from him: "To whom shall I go?" It is in our nature to want another human being, with a face, eyes and ears, to listen to us and advise us.
When Job became overwhelmed by his trials, he cried out with grief, "Oh that one would hear me!" (Job 31:35). He uttered this cry while sitting before his so-called friends. Those friends had no sympathy for his troubles; in fact, they were messengers of despair.
Job turned only to the Lord: "Behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.... Mine eye poureth out tears unto God" (Job 16:19-20).
David urged God's people to do likewise: "Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us" (Psalm 62:8).
Eventually, suffering comes to us all, and right now multitudes of saints are chained down by afflictions. Their circumstances have turned their joy into feelings of helplessness and uselessness. Many are asking in their pain, "Why is this happening to me? Is God mad at me? What did I do wrong? Why doesn't he answer my prayers?"
I believe in my heart that this word is an invitation to you from the Holy Spirit to find a private place where you can frequently pour out your soul to the Lord. David "poured out his complaint," and so can you. You can speak to Jesus about everything--your problems, your present trial, your finances, your health--and tell him how overwhelmed you are, even how discouraged you are. He will hear you with love and sympathy, and he will not despise your cry.
God answered David. He answered Job. And for centuries he has answered the heart cry of everyone who has trusted his promises. He has promised to hear you and guide you. He has pledged by oath to be your strength, so you can go to him and come out renewed.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The human need for companionship and understanding
- Examples from King David's life
- The cry for someone to listen
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II
- Job's experience of isolation and despair
- The failure of his friends to provide comfort
- Turning to God in times of trouble
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III
- God as a refuge for the weary
- The importance of pouring out our hearts to God
- David's example of trust and reliance on God
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IV
- Understanding suffering and its purpose
- Common questions during affliction
- God's promises to hear and guide us
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V
- The invitation to find a private place for prayer
- The significance of honest communication with God
- Renewal through God's response to our cries
Key Quotes
“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.” — David Wilkerson
“Behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.... Mine eye poureth out tears unto God.” — David Wilkerson
“You can speak to Jesus about everything--your problems, your present trial, your finances, your health.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Make it a habit to find a quiet place to pray and share your burdens with God.
- Remember that God listens and cares about your struggles, no matter how small they may seem.
- Trust in God's promises to provide strength and renewal when you feel overwhelmed.