“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”
Our summer series has been a deep dive into the theology of the Psalms as we attempt to answer some of the deep questions that we have about God, ourselves, and our world. Last week we wrestled with the tough question of why God allows suffering in our lives?, and while we aren't given a definitive answer for "why", we are given the assurance that He is present with us even amidst our suffering. But what about when, try as we might, we just cannot feel God's presence in our lives? What about when He truly does feel silent and absent? Where is God when we are hurting?
In Psalm 42 this morning, we get a glimpse into a man's wrestling with these very questions. We don't know what happened in the writer's life to cause the wrestling in Psalm 42, but whatever it was, it caused him to wrestle with the darkness of depression as he was hurting, and God felt absent. Today we will look at what led the writer to this moment of depression and how he responds, in the hopes that we too will find the tools to respond in the same way during our own moments of depression.
The Approach to God
Pre-Service Music It is Well With My Soul -Cindy Berry
*Song Holy Spirit (chorus only) -Torwalt
I Need Thee Every Hour -No. 443
Prayer of Confession
Words of Assurance and Law of God
Kids
The Word of God
*Song Lord, I Need You -Maher
Near to the Heart of God -No. 35
Scripture: Psalm 42
Message “Where is God When I Am Hurting?”
Pastor Matt Lee
Prayer for Blessing
The Response to the Word
*Song Living Hope -Wickham
*Benediction
Postlude
Mission of the Month Offering Received
Offering
The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service. Please place your offering in the basket provided.
*Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502
ANNOUNCEMENTS
July Calling Team: Please call Rick H or Sandy C with any special concerns or requests.
July Mission of the Month: Michigan Mission, a ministry supported by Cecil and Liz S, located in Alger, MI. This site is for both adults and youth alike who have a heart for outreach mission work. It is also a place to fellowship. Michigan Mission is located right in the heart of a community in need. The most fundamental part of Michigan Mission is to touch God’s people right where they are.
CONNECT Dinner and Basketball Night- We are hosting a Family Picnic and Basketball Night Next Wednesday, July 21, from 5:30-7:00 pm. This event will be hosted by our CONNECT team members as well as Coach Fred and Bronwyn S. We have some exciting events planned for this evening, there may even be some MSU Basketball players here, so please grab the kids and come join in the fun!
Summer Series June 13- September 5: Join us as we take a deep dive into the Psalms in order to know ourselves, our world, and our God more deeply.
July 25 - Why does God allow good things to happen to bad people? Psalm 73
August 1 - Is the God of the Old Testament different from the God of the New Testament? Psalm 23
August 8th - Is there life after death? Psalm 27
August 15th - How can I be forgiven? Psalm 51
August 22 - What about when God feels absent? Psalm 88
August 29 - What is so significant about the Bible? Psalm 119
September 5 - How can I know God's will for my life? Psalm 37
Siloam Nepali Church: Please pray for Pastor Chandra Tamang and the Siloam Nepali Congregation.
Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:
Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Darla L, Stacia W
Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Marcia J, Mike J, Julie L, and our ministry teams
Pray For our RCA missionaries- Doug McClintic, Evangelism and Church Planting in Eastern Europe. Pray that an interest in Christianity and the church would bloom and be nourished through church planting efforts in eastern Europe. In a post-Christian culture, may people find their way back to God and have a desire to convene together in community.
To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.
Friends with Health Concerns
Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C
Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,
Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,
Lon H, Marcia N, Marian P,
Sandi S, and Joy V for continued healing.
Save the Dates
July 27- Men’s Study
July 31-August 7- Mission Trip, Omaha, NE
August 1- Outdoor Worship Service
August 10- Men’s Study
August 12- Prayer Team Meeting
August 18- CONNECT Carnival, Back to School Theme