Introduction
In our study, “Not by Chance:” A Study of Divine Providence, we have considered two effects God’s providence has on his people. First, we know that God hears his people, and second, we know that God guides his people. This Lord’s Day, we will add a third effect: God comforts his people.
The elements of the service acknowledge that God comforts his people through seasons of suffering.
Preparation for Worship
Prelude
Hiding In Thee (608)
Will Lont, Cello
Call to Worship
Psalm 57:1-2
Invocation
Pastor Hamilton
Proclamation
Hymn 42 Praise Ye the Lord
Note: The Lord we serve is the “King of creation.” Nothing lies outside his sovereign rule. We gather to worship of our mighty God through his Son, Jesus Christ.
Worship through Giving
Hymn (Insert) What God Ordains Is Always Good
This hymn wonderfully captures the theme of confident trust God’s people place in him. We know that he directs all things toward his glory. Difficult days must not undermine our faith in him but drive us to deeper trust in his sovereign plan.
Scripture Reading
Psalm 119:65-72
Note: Contrary to the spirit of our age, the author of Psalm 119 believed that even affliction serves God’s good purpose.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn (Insert) Jesus, Lover of My Soul
Note: Just as we depend on the grace of God for salvation, we must continue to trust him for grace to grow and serve, even in trying times.
Plenteous grace with Thee is found,
grace to cover all my sin;
let the healing streams abound,
make and keep me pure within.
Message
Message: The Effects of Providence: God Comforts His People
Text: Romans 8:28-32, et al.
Pastor Steven Thomas
Response
Hymn 500: Be Still My Soul
Note: Christians inevitably face trial and loss. Even so, we may these days with a quiet soul because “the Lord is on thy side.”
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev’ry change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Thro’ thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Prayer Response
Joel Owen
Benediction
John Miles