The Mercy of Trouble

Aim: To see trouble bring us to repentance, peace, and reconciliation.

The reasons there are mercies in trouble: because it alerts us of danger, and it frightens us into submission.

Exegesis: The types of mercies in trouble: the smiting of the heart (vv. 25-28); the smiting of the conscience (vv. 29-34); the smiting of pride (vv. 35-36); the smiting of false hope (vv. 37-38).

Further application: Proper responses to mercy in trouble: first, recognize the causes of our misery; then, see that there is a just cause for true hope.

Key phrase: v. 28b ''Then their hearts failed them and they were afraid, saying to one another, 'What is this that God has done to us?'''