'Sharing Christ's love in deed and truth.' Apostle John
Albany Presbyterian Church
Albany Presbyterian Church
We’ve seen in Psalm 27 some antidotes to anxiety and fear in times of uncertainty. What we see here in this final section and final devotion on Psalm 27 is where our ultimate security lies. David has told us that because The Lord is his personal light guiding him in the darkest times, his salvation delivering him from the trials that surround him, and his personal strength upholding him as he seeks after The Lord, he has confidence. David’s confidence is not in himself and not because the circumstances around him seem good. It reminds me of the story of the little boy trying to move a rock from a sand pit. He pushed and pushed to no avail and finally his dad asked him: "have you used all the strength you have?" The little boy told his father, “Yes, I’ve given it all I have!” The Dad said: “No, you have not because you haven’t asked me for help!” Even though at this point David can’t see the way through – The Lord is his light – even though he can’t overcome his problems - The Lord is his strength and even though his enemies are attacking and coming against him his heart will not fear! Why? “Of this one thing I will be confident.” In other words I will find my confidence in the Lord alone as I seek him. David says one thing I have desired of the Lord. This means he had a laser focus on The Lord - pursuing him and that’s why he was confident. It’s like when Sherlock Holmes says: “Watson I may look calm on the outside but inwardly I’m trembling”. The truth for Christians is that as we focus on the Lord we have an inward security and peace that may not be seen on the outside but is greater than what we face and will uphold us in the trials. 1 John 5 reminds us: “Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world!” David shows us how this inner calm and confidence continues to flow into our everyday lives. First there is resting in His protection. This resting comes of course as we spend time in personal worship and time in God’s Word! David says God will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble. It’s in the trials that we’re to rest in Him through prayer and God’s Word. It’s then that God will lift us up in joy and worship. The three words of protection in V. 5 emphasize complete care. God “will hide me,” “conceal me,” and “lift me.” The three results in V. 6 emphasize the results of God’s care: David is honored as his head is “lifted up.” David worships God by offering sacrifices and he will sing to God in praise. As one man said “these are the dynamics of experiencing God’s presence, the blessings that come to those who know Him! Second there is requesting God’s help regularly. What we see in V. 7 to the end of the psalm is David’s calling out to God in specific prayer in light of his confidence in God’s complete care. Note the order: resting in His care and then requesting for help. 7 "Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. 8 When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” 9 Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation.”
As one man wrote: “David’s prayer shows us the reality of his trials in spite of his strong faith.” The fact is we don’t call out to The Lord this way if He has already delivered us from our enemies. David is still in the heat of the battle but by faith he knows God is with him and that motivates him to pray even more passionately! It reminds me of the true story of a man trapped on a kayak thousands of kilometers from his dad who was high up in the military. This young man called his dad by mobile and his father deployed a helicopter to rescue him. We’re in the heat of the battle in this sinful world but we are told by God to seek His face. The concept of God’s face turning from us means God is displeased with us. David knows God has helped him before and because of God’s mercies he believes The Lord will do it now. “Seeking God’s face” means seeking not just His blessings but His power – His strength as our Light to do His will. This means knowing Him as He is so that we can carry out His purposes in our lives! We will continue to go through battles in this life like the one we’re facing now and others – but we can continue to call out to our God who loves His children and will intervene and help! Third is remembering that God alone is where our ultimate confidence is found and that’s why we look to Him to teach and lead us depending on Him continually. 10 When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the Lord will take care of me. 11 Teach me Your way, O Lord, And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies. 12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence.” David believed God’s will for his life would overcome “the wills” of those who sought to hurt him. James Johnston writes, “God loves us more than any human parent. He wraps His arms around us and hold us close. He hears and teaches us giving us His continually advice.” Finally, reflect on what it ultimately means to know The Lord. 13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! David ends the psalm reminding us of what he believed. We only grow in belief as we reflect on who this great God is that we worship and seek in prayer. In a way the Psalm ends as it began. The Lord is our light and salvation! David wants all believers who read this to know The Lord is worthy of waiting on! We don’t often understand God’s ways but they are perfect and it’s in waiting on The Lord that we find courage to live for Him! His goodness is always constant because it’s who God is and The Lord gives us faith which is strengthened in prayer to refocus on that great goodness and power!
God’s Blessings,
Pastor Ben