The Promised Land
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's promises and recognizing His voice in our lives as a pathway to divine rest and guidance.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that Psalms 46 symbolizes the New Testament 'promised land,' representing the divine rest that God offers to His people. He highlights the importance of trusting in God's ever-present strength and help, especially during trials, contrasting it with Israel's rejection of this rest. Wilkerson calls the church to recognize God's desire to communicate and guide us, reminding us that He speaks to us through His Word and the Holy Spirit. He encourages believers to respond in faith, acknowledging that God's promises and counsel are eternal. Ultimately, he reassures that God is always present, ready to deliver and guide His people.
Text
I believe that Psalm 46 is a picture of the New Testament "promised land." Indeed, Psalm 46 represents the divine rest referred to in Hebrews: "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God" (Hebrews 4:9). This Psalm describes this rest to God's people. It speaks of his ever-present strength, his help in time of trouble, his peace in the midst of chaos. God's presence is with us at all times, and his help always arrives on time.
Israel rejected this rest: "They despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word" (Psalm 106:24). Sadly, the church today is much like Israel. In spite of God's great promises to us--his assurance of peace, help and full supply--we don't trust him fully. Instead, we complain, "Where is God in my trial? Is he with me or not? Where is any evidence of his presence? Why does he keep letting these hardships pile up on me?"
Today, I hear the Lord asking his church, "Do you believe I still speak to my people? Do you believe I desire to give you my help and guidance? Do you truly believe I want to speak to you daily, hourly, moment by moment?" Our response has to be like David's. That godly man shook all hell when he made this statement about the Lord: "He spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast" (Psalm 33:9).
Here is God's promise to every generation who would believe his Word that he desires to speak to us: "The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations" (33:11). The Creator of the universe wants to share his very thoughts with us!
Scripture make it clear: Our God spoke to his people in the past, he's speaking to his people now, and he'll continue to speak to us till the very end of time. More to the point, God wants to speak to you about your problem today. He may do it through his Word, through a godly friend, or through the Spirit's still, small voice, whispering, "This is the way, walk in it."
No matter what means he uses, you will recognize his voice. The sheep know the voice of their Shepherd. And he is faithful to "(preserve) the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked" (Psalm 97:10).
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Introduction to the concept of the promised land
- Understanding Psalm 46 as a representation of divine rest
- The significance of God's presence in our lives
-
II
- Israel's rejection of God's rest
- Parallels between Israel and the modern church
- The consequences of disbelief
-
III
- God's desire to communicate with His people
- The importance of trusting in God's promises
- Examples of how God speaks to us today
-
IV
- Recognizing God's voice amidst chaos
- The role of Scripture and community in hearing God
- The assurance of God's deliverance
Key Quotes
“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” — David Wilkerson
“He spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” — David Wilkerson
“The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Trust in God's promises even during trials and hardships.
- Seek to recognize and respond to God's voice in your daily life.
- Engage with Scripture and community to strengthen your faith and understanding.