Bird in Despair

Photo taken 7-3-16 at 7:30 P.M. in my back yard

I don't know what went on in this bird's world, but doesn't he look dejected?  While other birds were chirping and flying, this one was walking (not hopping) slowly.  Someone needs to read Psalm 42:5 to it.

Why You Might Be Defeated (Part 2) (1 Sam. 17:8-11, 20-24, 26-29, 31-33)

Whom were Israel's soldiers listening to?

• They were listening to Goliath's voice – the voice of intimidation.
• They were listening to each other's voices – the voice of consensus.
• They were listening to Saul's voice – the voice of reason.
•  They were listening to Eliab's voice – the voice of ridicule and contempt.

Whom are God's people listening to?

• They are listening to the politicians – the voice of futility.
• They are listening to the majority – the voice of compliance and tolerance.
• They are listening to to the entertainers – the voice of compromise.
• They are listening to social media – the voice of frivolity.
• They are listening to the news – the voice of negativity and cynicism.
• They are listening to the ads – the voice of discontentment.
• They are listening to their phones – the voice of distraction.
• They are listening to the polls and pundits – the voice of spin.
• They are listening to the times – the voice of doom.
• They are listening to the world – the voice of despair.
• They are listening to the skeptics – the voice of doubt.
• They are listening to the historians – the voice of the past.
• They are listening to their labels – the voice of excuse, fear and bondage.
• They are listening to the experts – the voice of contempt.
• With all of these voices screaming nonstop at you, no wonder you're confused or discouraged at times! No wonder you feel defeated!

Whom should God's people be listening to?

• God's people should be listening to Jesus – the Voice of Victory (Jn. 10:27).

Conclusion:  In order to stop being defeated and start walking in victory, you will need discernment to keep on listening to Jesus.

“I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses;

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses.”

1 Thess. 5:21-22

Why You Might Be Defeated (Part 1) (1 Sam. 17:1-11)

1.  What were Israel's soldiers looking at?

• They were looking at the height of Goliath's stature (1 Sam 17:4).
• They were looking at the weight of Goliath's armor (1 Sam. 17:5).
• They were looking at the breadth of Goliath's weaponry (1 Sam. 17:6-7). 
• He had a javelin that was ready (1 Sam. 17:6).
• He had a spear that was heavy (1 Sam. 17:7).
• He had a shield that was carried (1 Sam. 17:7).

2.  What are God's people looking at?

• They are looking at the size of their problems.
• They are looking at the severity of their circumstances.
• They are looking at the shrinkage of their resources.
• They are looking at the longevity of their difficulties.
• They are looking at the stubbornness of their obstacles.
• They are looking at the erosion of their hope.
• They are looking at the multiplication of their worries.
• They are looking at the inadequacy of their leaders.

3.  What should God's people be looking at?

• God's people should be looking at Jesus (Heb. 12:2).
• You cannot look at Goliath and God at the same time.
• You cannot look to the world and Jesus at the same time.
• You cannot look at your situation and your Savior at the same time.

Conclusion:  In order to stop being defeated and start walking in victory, you will need discipline to keep on looking at Jesus.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.”

Proverbs 4:25