Looking back for human support is always disappointing.

1. FAITH UPDATED
The Bible does make us look back, but only to update our trust in the Lord.
v 1-2 Friendship with God is a growing thing. Rejection of God’s rule is deadly.
v4 The Lord “is a refuge for the poor and needy... a shelter from the storm...

......shade from the heat..."

v5 God silences the challenge of evil.
v6 When His people are in their place with their Lord,

"the Lord Almighty prepares a banquet for them"

2. DEATH OUTDATED
700 years passed before Messiah died and rose again for his people.
Here is a clear prophecy of a land where death will be no more.
[v8] "the Sovereign Lord will swallow up death FOREVER..."
The fundamental 'problems' of this generation:
- removal of the creation distinction of male and female
- saving the planet for an unknown future
- constant fear, confusion and hopelessness.
Christians believe in God's created order of things.
Why worry about a rough road, when the destination is perfect?
Today's persecuted earthly church is
tomorrow's victorious, heavenly assembly with Jesus.

3. RESURRECTION ASSURED
Jesus says: 'Death is the worst that unbelievers can do'. Do not be afraid.
Resurrection is God’s answer to death, however it comes.
The Sovereign Lord has a perfect plan.

v9 In that day say, "Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, he saved us.
This is the Lord, let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."

v10-12 Cities will fall and people will perish.
The Unchanging Lord God Almighty is moving forward with His people.
Abandon hope in past achievements and advantages.
Put all your trust in what God has promised to do.
"let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."