Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 9 Article 1

How should we respond in times of great sorrow?

The sermon explores the harmony between human free will and God's sovereign will, using 1 Samuel 30 to illustrate how divine providence orchestrates even tragic events for good. It emphasizes that while humans possess natural liberty to choose according to their desires—though corrupted by sin—God sovereignly works all things, including suffering, to fulfill His perfect purposes. Through David's grief over the loss of his family and the destruction of Ziklag, the sermon highlights the biblical balance of lament and hope, showing that true strength comes from trusting God even in despair. The passage affirms that grief is not incompatible with faith, and that God's timing, mercy, and ultimate restoration are sources of enduring hope, especially in the face of death and loss. Ultimately, the message calls believers to grieve with honesty, seek God in sorrow, and trust in His good and redemptive plans, which will be fully revealed in the future resurrection and renewal of all things.