Here’s our main idea: Don’t let your heart fail, our Shepherd stands to defend us. David makes it clear that the LORD is the Shepherd who will deliver Goliath into his hand. And when He does, everyone will know that the battle belongs to the LORD. And, in David, we see an example of what it looks like to stare down and withstand an ominous threat. We borrow strength to face the threat, knowing the presence of the LORD will accomplish his purposes.

When Saul calls David, who unbeknownst to him has been anointed to replace him as king, to join his court, we begin to see the contrast between these two men, a contrast that only grows as their story unfolds. And this contrast helps us to see the theme of the passage: God’s Spirit empowers His people to fulfill His holy purposes.

Here’s Jonah’s problem: he wants God’s mercy for himself and God’s judgment for others. Jonah’s problem isn’t unique to him. Jonah 4 should confront us for wanting mercy for ourselves and judgment for others. Jonah 4 should urge us toward God’s compassionate heart for the faith and repentance of sinners…like us. Jonah 4 should teach us how to have our hearts beat in rhythm with God’s heart. Sober about our sin. Glad about God’s mercy! We can’t do that if we wander away from the cross. Shelter near the cross, where justice and mercy meet.

In our passage, we encounter a desperate, disobedient, prophet who is knocking on death’s door—despairing of life, distanced from God, and yet needing His merciful intervention. And what we find in this powerful passage—most of it a prayer offered by Jonah himself—is that no matter how deep our despair might be, the mercy of God is deeper still. No matter how significant our sin is, the grace of God is sufficient to cover it.

God’s abounding love is in perfect harmony with his commitment to judge sinners and sin. God’s promise of judgment includes an offer of mercy. And this promise and offer is for all nations on earth. Every nation is accountable to God and God longs for His offer of mercy to ring in every nation. This morning’s main idea: Fear God, slow to anger and abounding in love.

When things occur, or when things persist, or when things get worse…contentment is possible for Christians. We can’t force it. We can’t fake it. It’s produced as we satisfy ourselves in Jesus. In this passage we learn the secret of contentment and see the source of contentment.