God’s help
Preaching Outline on Psalm 79:11 – “Let the groaning of the prisoners come before you; according to the greatness of your arm, preserve those who are sentenced to death.”
Introduction to Psalm 79:11
Imagine a desolate people, weeping amidst the rubble of their destroyed city. That’s what we see in Psalm 79. The temple has been desecrated, Jerusalem devastated, the people taken captive. And in the midst of this pain, Asaph, the author of this psalm, raises a powerful cry to God: “Let the groaning of the prisoners reach you!” .
This verse speaks of a sad historical moment, but it also speaks to the heart of each one of us today. We often feel trapped – not by irons or walls, but by difficult circumstances, persistent sins, illness, loneliness, emotional anguish… And even in those moments, God is not silent. He hears our cry, he hears our cry.
The good news is that, just as Asaph cried out for divine help for Israel, God still hears and responds to the groans of those who trust in him.
Development
1. “Let the groaning of the prisoners come before you”
This phrase is beautiful and prophetic. It shows that God is not distant from our pain. He cares about the suffering of those who are trapped – that is, under oppression, without strength, with no visible way out.
Many people today are trapped:
- Addictions and compulsions;
- Destructive relationships;
- Debts and financial pressures;
- Anxiety, depression and fear;
- Sins that seem impossible to let go of.
But the text says: “let the groaning of these prisoners reach God”. This means that God hears the silent prayers, the sighs of the weary heart. He doesn’t ignore those who cry out for help. What’s more, he acts!
Jesus once said: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach to the poor; he has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18). Jesus came to set the captives free – and he’s still doing it today!
2. “According to the greatness of your arm”
This expression reveals God’s power. The “arm” symbolizes strength, action, intervention. God doesn’t help with half measures. He acts with all his greatness, with all his power. God has no limits. When He extends His arm, no matter where you are: whether in the depths of despair, in the darkness of sin or in the shadow of death – God’s power reaches out.
The apostle Paul wrote: “Let the hands of the Lord be exalted, for the Lord has done all this” (Exodus 17:16). God acts with sovereign power. And best of all, this power is available to those who believe.
When you cry out to God, He doesn’t just listen – He acts with power. The same hand that created the universe can heal your soul. The same arm that parted the Red Sea can open up impossible paths for you.
3. “Preserve those who are sentenced to death”
This part reminds us that we are all under sentence. Romans 6:23 says: “For the wages of sin is death…” . We have all sinned, we all deserve spiritual death, separation from God. But the second part of the verse brings hope: “…but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Jesus came to change our sentence. He took our condemnation upon himself. On the cross, he died for us, paying the price for our sin. And now, through him, we can be preserved – free from eternal condemnation. Salvation is not something we earn by works or merit. It is a gift. A gift given out of love, out of grace. And this preservation goes beyond life here on earth – it is a promise of eternal life with God.
God also preserves those who are His on a daily basis. He sustains us in trials, strengthens us in struggles, protects us from the attacks of the enemy. As David wrote in another psalm: “The Lord keeps his servants; he is their shield and reward” (Psalm 121:5).
Conclusion
You may be going through a difficult time. Maybe you feel trapped, with no way out. Maybe you’re suffering, groaning in silence. But I want to remind you: God hears your cry. He is not distant. He is not indifferent. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. And He wants to extend His mighty arm into your life, to bring deliverance, healing, peace, forgiveness and new life.
No matter how many times you’ve fallen. No matter how many mistakes you’ve made. God has the power to forgive, cleanse, renew and transform. And if you haven’t yet surrendered your life to Christ, today is the day. Jesus is the only one who can break your chains, take you out of the valley of the shadow of death and lead you into the paths of light.
As it says in John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Friend, brother, sister… if the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart right now, don’t ignore it. Come to Christ. Cry out for mercy. Give him your burdens, your sins, your frustrations. God wants to act in your life. He wants to hear your groaning and turn it into praise. He wants to preserve you, keep you, bless you.
And if you already know Jesus, but have been drifting away, come back. Re-establish your communion with him. Confess your sins. Pray. Cry out to the Lord again.
Because God’s help is still real. God’s power still saves. And the promise of eternal life is still true.
Preaching Outline on Psalm 79:11 – “Let the groaning of the prisoners come before you; according to the greatness of your arm, preserve those who are sentenced to death.”
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