Sermon Notes

The Problem: Are we viewing the world solely through the lenses of Negativity? – Psalm 55:8

“I see trees of green, red roses too,
I see them bloom for me and you.
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.”

“The whole world stands in awe of the great things that You have done.
Your deeds bring shouts of joy from one end of the earth to the other.”

(GNT)

As Christians, we often view the world through the lens of its fallen and sinful state.
Despite the world’s fallen nature, the psalmist declares, “The world stands in awe of the great things that God has done. His deeds bring shouts of joy from one end of the earth to the other.”
Despite the challenges we face today, we can join together in praising God for the great things He has done and is doing each day. It’s common to hear Christians express thoughts like:

• “This world is not my home.”
• “We are living in darkness.”
• “The world is in bad shape.”
• “There is so much evil all around.”
• “So many bad things are happening in the world.”

Application

While these statements may be true, we must be careful not to view creation
only through the lens of negativity. The world is still God’s creation, a work of
a perfect Creator. His work is good, despite the mess humanity has caused.
There remains so much to be grateful for, and the hope of Christ—the best
news available—is still freely offered to everyone today.

The Solution: Allow joy to reside within and shine outside – Psalm 65:8

“The colours of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky,
Are also on the faces of people going by.
I see friends shaking hands, saying, ‘How do you do?’

They’re really saying, ‘I love you.’
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.”

“Your deeds bring shouts of joy from one end of the earth to the other”

(v. 8).

The Celebration: The signs of God’s love are scattered throughout the world (Psalm 65:9-13)

“I hear babies cry, I watch them grow.
They’ll learn much more than I’ll ever know,
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.”

Everything shouts and sings for joy (v. 13).

Sometimes we may frown at gloomy weather, particularly during rain
showers, but the psalmist reminds us that through rain watering the fields, we can reap a harvest of crops, providing food and nourishment for our bodies.

Not only does God demonstrate His love and care for the world daily by
providing food through crops, but over two thousand years ago, He sent His
only begotten Son into the world to save humanity from sin’s punishment and offer eternal life.

Application

From a spiritual perspective, the world without Jesus is lost and in need of a
Saviour. However, through the grace of God, the world can indeed be a
wonderful place because the good news is available for all creation. Jesus
Christ saves and desires to offer the world hope, peace, and joy.

What a Wonderful World?
Don’t just view the world through the lenses of negativity. Remember,
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.”
(John 3:16)

Questions

1. Some might argue that Louis Armstrong’s song “What a Wonderful World”
   and Psalm 65 are at odds with the harsh realities of life today, especially in
   parts of the world experiencing war, violence, unrest, political instability,
   marginalisation, and poverty. How would you encourage someone who sees the world only through a negative lens?
2. During the sermon, it was noted that Christians often discuss the world
   predominantly through a negative perspective. In what ways can we
   appreciate the beauty in the world while communicating that it needs to be
   saved and redeemed through Christ?
3. How does Psalm 65’s depiction of God’s power over nature (calming the
   seas, establishing mountains) resonate with your understanding of God’s
   power in the world today?
4. How can you apply the model of gratitude presented in Psalm 65 to your
   life, both in times of abundance and in difficulty?
5. Recall a time when God provided for you abundantly. Share that
   experience and describe how it deepened your understanding of God’s grace.