Secrets of Staying Sweet in a Bitter World

Text: Psalm 100:1-5

Introduction: Do you agree we live in a “Bitter world”? With all the injustice, crime, lawlessness, and deceit, it is easy to get cynical and sour, if you know what I mean. So then, how can we “STAY SWEET in a BITTER World”? The Psalmist gives us four (4) ways to stay, “SWEET & HAPPY” in an unhappy world!

1. Set aside some time everyday to “SING and PRAISE the Lord Jesus”! (Psalm 100:1)

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.”

Practical Application: Do you make it a habit to sing and praise Jesus daily? Or do you listen to CHRISTian music everyday?

2. Set aside some time everyday to “SERVE the Lord Jesus with GLADNESS”! (Psalm 100:2)

“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”

Practical Application: Do you make it a point to be an extension of Jesus’ sacrificial love on a daily basis? Can we be trusted as a servant?

3. Set aside some time everyday to SURRENDER to the Lord Jesus as your SHEPHERD! (Psalm 100:3)

“Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”

Practical Application: Do you ask the Holy Spirit to guide you every day? Guide you with daily decisions? Relationships?

4. Set aside some time everyday to SAY THANK YOU, Lord Jesus! (Psalm 100:4, 5)

“4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

Practical Application: Are you known as a grateful person? “Thanks giving is thanks living!”

Conclusion: Did you notice how this Psalm 100, dealt with our whole being! For example…
Will we use our VOICE to PRAISE the LORD (Psa 100:1)?
Will we use our HANDS & FEET to SERVE our LORD JESUS (Psa 100:2)?
Will we allow our HEARTS to follow our SHEPHERD (Psa 100:3)?
Will we take our Hands off our LIFE and LET JESUS take CONTROL (Psa 100:4, 5)?

If we will do these things, then we can…………. “STAY SWEET in a BITTER WORLD!”

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese