A Psalm of praise that teaches us to have faith and trust in the word of the Lord. Even when we cannot see how He will work, we can trust in His promises and know that we will see that He was all along. It is good to wait on the Lord through faith.

Florence continues the series "Lament, Trust and Praise", moving into the theme of praise through Psalm 118. The sermon's main message is that God's people are called to praise him not only when life is easy, but also in times of difficulty, because his love endures forever.

She explains that Psalm 118 is full of confidence in God's steadfast love, mercy, goodness and faithfulness. The psalm may have been used at Passover, and Florence notes its strong connection to Jesus, especially as he approached the cross.

The sermon follows five main responses from the psalm.

First, we should thank the Lord for his enduring love. The repeated phrase "his love endures forever" reminds us that God's love outlasts every difficult circumstance. Florence encourages listeners to say this truth aloud and let it shape their perspective.

Second, we should focus on the Lord in difficult situations. The psalmist is hard pressed and surrounded by enemies, yet he keeps returning to the truth that the Lord is with him and is his helper. Florence encourages believers to take refuge in God rather than relying ultimately on people or circumstances.

Third, we should praise the Lord for what he has done. The psalm speaks of the Lord's right hand acting with power. Florence encourages specific praise, not vague thankfulness, and suggests remembering the many ways God has helped, protected and sustained us.

Fourth, we should rejoice in the Lord's provision of a Saviour. Florence highlights the verse, "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone," explaining that it points to Jesus. Though rejected by people, Jesus is God's chosen foundation. Through him, believers are saved from sin and given secure hope.

Finally, we should exalt the Lord for his goodness and love. The psalm ends in personal praise: "You are my God, and I will praise you." Florence explains that praise means adoring God for who he is and thanking him for what he has done. The sermon closes by encouraging listeners to praise God throughout the week, especially when life is hard.

0:00 Introduction: Lament, Trust and Praise
0:39 Psalm 118: Praising God in Difficult Times
1:04 Praise in Every Circumstance
2:05 God's Enduring Love and Faithfulness
3:07 Five Bends in the Road
3:52 Give Thanks: His Love Endures Forever
7:13 Focus on the Lord in Difficulty
13:24 Praise the Lord for What He Has Done
20:39 The Rejected Stone Becomes the Cornerstone
25:46 Rejoice in the Day the Lord Has Made
29:53 Rejoice in the Lord's Provision of a Saviour
31:56 Exalt the Lord for His Goodness and Love

James' main theme is that Psalm 100 calls God's people to praise Him with their whole being.

Psalm 100 is a "doubly perfect" psalm because it contains two sets of seven: seven encouragements to praise God and seven reasons to praise Him. The sermon first walks through the calls to worship: shout joyfully, serve gladly, sing, give thanks, praise, be thankful, and bless the Lord's name. Praise is presented as something expressive, joyful, grateful, and active—not just singing, but the whole life of worship and service.

The second half gives the reasons for praise: Yahweh alone is God, He made us personally, we belong to Him, we are the sheep of His pasture, He is good, His mercy/loving-kindness lasts forever, and His truth endures to all generations. The sermon ends by encouraging the congregation to respond to Psalm 100 in worship.