Someone to Watch Over Me
David Wilkerson's sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God during times of suffering and recognizing His watchful care over us.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the struggles of Asaph, who felt his righteous efforts were in vain as he compared his suffering to the ease of the wicked. In his despair, Asaph questioned God's concern and considered giving up, but through prayer and seeking God, he gained understanding of the true state of the wicked. Ultimately, Asaph realized that while he faced trials, he was not alone; God was his strength and protector. This sermon encourages believers to turn to God in times of grief and confusion, reminding them that God watches over them.
Text
"Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency" (Psalm 73:13).
Asaph, the writer of this psalm, was so confused by his sufferings in comparison to the easy life of the wicked that he nearly slipped into a pit of absolute unbelief. He was ready to accuse God of abandoning him, of not being concerned, and for a moment he was ready to quit the battle and give up completely.
This godly man must have thought, "I've been doing right and enduring hardships all this time but it was for nothing. All my diligence, my praising and worshiping, my study of God's Word has been useless, in vain. I have done only right; yet I continue to suffer and it makes no sense. What's the use of going on?"
Beloved, you must be careful. When calamity falls, when a trial comes upon you, when you are grieving, you need to guard your heart against slipping.
You may not be in Asaph's condition, suffering and being tested, but you may know someone who is going through something similar. Sudden calamity may have come upon a godly relative, friend or church member, someone you know who is doing right, and you have asked, "Why, God? How could You allow this? That person is so righteous!"
Asaph went to the temple and prayed. Beloved, when your time of grief or suffering comes, you must go to the secret closet. Get alone with God and cry out to Him. If you will get alone with the Father, He will give you understanding. That is when the Holy Spirit spoke to Asaph: "Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction" (verse 18). Asaph realized, "I'm not the one slipping, the wicked are slipping. They're going straight into destruction."
Asaph began to see the whole picture and he rejoiced: "God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever" (verse 26). He could say, "Yes, my strength is failing. Yes, I'm enduring a great battle -- but I'm not alone in my struggles. I have a loving Father in heaven and He watches over me!"
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Introduction to Asaph's struggle
- The confusion of suffering versus the wicked
- The danger of slipping into unbelief
-
II
- The importance of guarding the heart
- Understanding others' suffering
- Asking God for clarity
-
III
- The role of prayer in times of grief
- Seeking God in solitude
- Receiving understanding from the Holy Spirit
-
IV
- Realization of the wicked's fate
- Finding strength in God
- The joy of God's presence
Key Quotes
“Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.” — David Wilkerson
“God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” — David Wilkerson
“Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- In times of trial, prioritize personal prayer and solitude with God.
- Encourage those around you who are suffering by reminding them of God's faithfulness.
- Reflect on the ultimate fate of the wicked to find peace in your struggles.