WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.740 This morning as we come to the Word of God, we're going to be hearing some of the words of David in the Psalms. 00:00:06.780 --> 00:00:09.820 If you have your Bible with you, you can open it up to Psalm 27. 00:00:10.400 --> 00:00:17.100 And I'm going to read through the Psalm in its entirety before we take some time to reflect on it a little bit. 00:00:18.379 --> 00:00:22.839 So Psalm 27 of David. 00:00:22.839 --> 00:00:28.839 The Lord is my light and my salvation. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:30.980 Whom shall I fear? 00:00:32.060 --> 00:00:35.399 The Lord is the stronghold of my life. 00:00:35.899 --> 00:00:37.719 Of whom shall I be afraid? 00:00:39.259 --> 00:00:46.359 When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. 00:00:47.359 --> 00:00:52.019 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear. 00:00:52.859 --> 00:00:57.060 Though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. 00:00:57.060 --> 00:01:01.760 One thing I ask from the Lord. 00:01:02.760 --> 00:01:05.520 This only do I seek. 00:01:06.180 --> 00:01:12.400 That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. 00:01:13.120 --> 00:01:16.240 To gaze on the beauty of the Lord. 00:01:16.659 --> 00:01:19.320 And to seek Him in His temple. 00:01:19.319 --> 00:01:25.159 For in the day of trouble, He will keep me safe in His dwelling. 00:01:25.799 --> 00:01:28.739 He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent. 00:01:29.099 --> 00:01:32.259 And set me high upon a rock. 00:01:33.319 --> 00:01:37.139 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me. 00:01:37.859 --> 00:01:40.939 At His sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy. 00:01:40.939 --> 00:01:44.939 I will sing and make music to the Lord. 00:01:47.420 --> 00:01:49.840 Hear my voice when I call, Lord. 00:01:50.319 --> 00:01:52.739 Be merciful to me and answer me. 00:01:53.700 --> 00:01:55.159 My heart says of you, 00:01:56.359 --> 00:01:57.319 Seek His face. 00:01:58.140 --> 00:02:00.500 Your face, Lord, I will seek. 00:02:01.599 --> 00:02:03.319 Do not hide your face from me. 00:02:03.900 --> 00:02:06.019 Do not turn your servant away in anger. 00:02:07.159 --> 00:02:08.300 You have been my helper. 00:02:08.300 --> 00:02:12.660 Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. 00:02:14.000 --> 00:02:17.020 Though my father and mother forsake me, 00:02:17.400 --> 00:02:19.340 the Lord will receive me. 00:02:20.320 --> 00:02:22.140 Teach me your way, Lord. 00:02:22.939 --> 00:02:25.880 Lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. 00:02:26.780 --> 00:02:30.060 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes. 00:02:30.840 --> 00:02:33.780 For false witnesses rise up against me, 00:02:34.160 --> 00:02:35.660 spouting malicious accusations. 00:02:35.659 --> 00:02:39.199 I remain confident of this. 00:02:39.979 --> 00:02:44.519 I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 00:02:45.560 --> 00:02:46.879 Wait for the Lord. 00:02:47.379 --> 00:02:52.019 Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. 00:02:52.020 --> 00:02:55.740 This is a wonderful psalm. 00:02:56.760 --> 00:03:01.580 Even though these words that David spoke long ago reflect a very specific situation 00:03:01.580 --> 00:03:04.660 and very specific feelings in the midst of that situation, 00:03:04.980 --> 00:03:08.840 there's so much here to help us in all kinds of situations, 00:03:09.180 --> 00:03:12.640 in all kinds of feelings that we may experience in our lives today. 00:03:12.639 --> 00:03:17.779 But let's, for a moment, consider David's situation. 00:03:18.699 --> 00:03:20.959 Now, I'm not going to retell the whole story of David. 00:03:21.299 --> 00:03:23.839 If you've been reading your Bible, you'll know it. 00:03:24.179 --> 00:03:29.339 You'll remember how there was a time in David's life where everything was going well for him. 00:03:30.019 --> 00:03:33.859 He'd been anointed by Samuel to be the next king of Israel. 00:03:33.860 --> 00:03:36.240 He defeated Goliath. 00:03:36.520 --> 00:03:39.600 He had been having all kinds of success in battle. 00:03:40.640 --> 00:03:45.680 But then you'll also remember that there were many times when everything wasn't going so well. 00:03:46.220 --> 00:03:50.600 When he was a wanted man, being hunted by King Saul, 00:03:51.180 --> 00:03:55.480 hiding in the crags of the desert hills and among the enemies of Israel, 00:03:55.740 --> 00:03:58.520 crying out to God in fear and despair. 00:03:58.520 --> 00:04:04.159 And even after he became king, he had his days when things looked grim. 00:04:05.300 --> 00:04:09.060 So what do we learn from David in this psalm about his situation? 00:04:09.500 --> 00:04:11.060 What is he going through right now? 00:04:11.900 --> 00:04:16.519 Well, in the first three verses, he mentions fear three times. 00:04:17.819 --> 00:04:19.019 Whom shall I fear? 00:04:20.220 --> 00:04:21.560 Of whom shall I be afraid? 00:04:22.720 --> 00:04:25.300 My heart will not fear. 00:04:25.300 --> 00:04:32.020 Well, these are words of someone who sounds quite confident and really unafraid. 00:04:33.259 --> 00:04:40.120 But even the mention of fear these three times tells us that fear is something that David has wrestled with deeply. 00:04:41.199 --> 00:04:45.180 In the past, probably quite recently, 00:04:45.960 --> 00:04:54.720 we get the sense that this confidence is something that David's heart has just now finally arrived at. 00:04:54.720 --> 00:05:04.360 It seems pretty obvious as we read it that there's been a bit of a journey to get to this place of confidence and assurance for David. 00:05:05.200 --> 00:05:10.440 David mentions all kinds of things in this psalm about his situation. 00:05:11.260 --> 00:05:14.140 Things that are cause for fear. 00:05:14.139 --> 00:05:24.419 Maybe even things unfolding in his life right now that at least at the first have been pulling on his heart, causing him worry. 00:05:25.819 --> 00:05:26.779 Verse 2. 00:05:27.500 --> 00:05:27.979 He says, 00:05:28.099 --> 00:05:31.639 When the wicked advance against me to devour me. 00:05:32.459 --> 00:05:33.519 Verse 3. 00:05:34.639 --> 00:05:36.740 Though an army besiege me. 00:05:38.620 --> 00:05:41.419 Though war break out against me. 00:05:41.420 --> 00:05:43.920 Verse 6. 00:05:45.080 --> 00:05:46.860 The enemies who surround me. 00:05:48.180 --> 00:05:49.240 Verse 11. 00:05:49.840 --> 00:05:51.879 Because of my oppressors. 00:05:53.240 --> 00:05:54.540 And verse 12. 00:05:55.460 --> 00:05:58.540 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes. 00:05:59.000 --> 00:05:59.580 He says. 00:06:00.000 --> 00:06:02.879 For false witnesses rise up against me. 00:06:03.879 --> 00:06:05.720 Spouting malicious accusations. 00:06:05.720 --> 00:06:11.500 So we get a pretty clear sense here that David is going through some difficult stuff. 00:06:12.300 --> 00:06:14.000 He's surrounded by enemies. 00:06:14.720 --> 00:06:19.060 He's got these false witnesses speaking out against him. 00:06:20.260 --> 00:06:24.380 Maybe even the imminent threat of an invasion by enemy armies. 00:06:24.379 --> 00:06:30.860 And by verse 12 we know for sure that David isn't just talking about what has happened in the past. 00:06:30.980 --> 00:06:33.279 But that this is a present reality for him. 00:06:35.079 --> 00:06:36.699 He cries out to the Lord. 00:06:38.459 --> 00:06:41.040 Do not turn me over to them. 00:06:43.159 --> 00:06:45.060 Don't let them get the better of me. 00:06:45.060 --> 00:06:45.720 Don't let them get the better of me. 00:06:48.680 --> 00:06:49.540 And yet. 00:06:49.920 --> 00:06:53.780 As we read David's first few words in this psalm. 00:06:54.439 --> 00:06:56.000 We might be caught off guard. 00:06:56.120 --> 00:06:57.120 We might be surprised. 00:06:57.280 --> 00:07:00.040 Because it seems that he has such confidence. 00:07:01.480 --> 00:07:02.920 And that he is not afraid. 00:07:04.699 --> 00:07:05.959 Whom shall I fear? 00:07:06.579 --> 00:07:07.819 Of whom shall I be afraid? 00:07:09.000 --> 00:07:10.439 My heart will not fear. 00:07:12.740 --> 00:07:13.600 Why not? 00:07:13.600 --> 00:07:13.759 Why not? 00:07:15.060 --> 00:07:17.680 In David's words. 00:07:19.019 --> 00:07:19.660 The Lord. 00:07:20.660 --> 00:07:21.160 Yahweh. 00:07:21.680 --> 00:07:22.819 Is my light. 00:07:23.780 --> 00:07:25.100 And my salvation. 00:07:26.280 --> 00:07:28.939 He is the stronghold of my life. 00:07:32.519 --> 00:07:35.660 Why are these things about the Lord so precious to David? 00:07:36.399 --> 00:07:37.180 Right now. 00:07:38.319 --> 00:07:39.899 The Lord is my light. 00:07:41.579 --> 00:07:44.680 It's because David is familiar with darkness. 00:07:46.060 --> 00:07:48.019 The Lord is my salvation. 00:07:49.600 --> 00:07:52.600 It's precious because he is in need of saving. 00:07:53.319 --> 00:07:54.379 Of rescue. 00:07:54.379 --> 00:07:58.959 He is in a situation where he knows that on his own. 00:07:59.480 --> 00:08:00.639 He is in big trouble. 00:08:00.639 --> 00:08:04.180 The Lord is my stronghold. 00:08:04.180 --> 00:08:04.740 The Lord is my stronghold. 00:08:06.740 --> 00:08:10.219 It's precious because David feels in real danger. 00:08:11.219 --> 00:08:12.120 Deeply vulnerable. 00:08:13.579 --> 00:08:15.680 He's in need of something strong. 00:08:15.819 --> 00:08:20.180 Something dependable to protect him from the enemies who surround him. 00:08:20.180 --> 00:08:22.720 And even now may be rallying the troops. 00:08:22.720 --> 00:08:26.060 And preparing to lay siege against him. 00:08:26.060 --> 00:08:29.860 So this has been David's situation. 00:08:29.860 --> 00:08:37.139 He feels even now the very real threat of enemies all around him. 00:08:37.139 --> 00:08:45.639 He's probably wrestled deeply in these moments with what he really needs in life. 00:08:45.639 --> 00:08:50.559 Like, oh, all this darkness. 00:08:51.019 --> 00:08:53.000 I need some light. 00:08:53.000 --> 00:08:56.820 I'm in trouble here. 00:08:57.539 --> 00:08:59.659 I need someone to rescue me. 00:09:00.240 --> 00:09:01.580 To get me out of this. 00:09:02.220 --> 00:09:04.679 I'm surrounded by enemies all around me. 00:09:04.960 --> 00:09:07.360 I can't fight a war on so many fronts. 00:09:07.779 --> 00:09:08.799 I'm overwhelmed. 00:09:08.799 --> 00:09:12.299 I need a big stronghold like a castle. 00:09:12.939 --> 00:09:16.259 An impenetrable fortress that I can take refuge in. 00:09:16.359 --> 00:09:17.740 No matter where they come from. 00:09:17.799 --> 00:09:18.539 How many of them. 00:09:18.620 --> 00:09:19.500 They can't get in. 00:09:20.639 --> 00:09:23.419 Something that can withstand the assault all at once. 00:09:25.379 --> 00:09:29.519 And many of the kings of Israel and Judah found themselves in a similar situation. 00:09:31.059 --> 00:09:32.039 What did they do? 00:09:32.799 --> 00:09:35.039 Well, as I've been reading through the history of the kings, 00:09:35.039 --> 00:09:38.639 many of them picked up the phone book and called up the neighboring nations. 00:09:38.639 --> 00:09:40.419 And said, hey, we're in big trouble here. 00:09:40.500 --> 00:09:41.299 We need some help. 00:09:42.199 --> 00:09:44.600 Could you send us some extra swords and spears? 00:09:45.120 --> 00:09:46.399 Maybe some chariots. 00:09:47.120 --> 00:09:48.600 And don't worry about the cost. 00:09:48.699 --> 00:09:51.480 I'll just empty out the treasuries of the Lord's temple for you. 00:09:54.299 --> 00:09:55.500 David doesn't do that. 00:09:56.539 --> 00:09:58.580 Instead, he looks to the Lord. 00:09:59.439 --> 00:10:00.159 To Yahweh. 00:10:00.819 --> 00:10:02.360 The God of Abraham. 00:10:03.139 --> 00:10:04.120 And Isaac. 00:10:04.679 --> 00:10:05.580 And Jacob. 00:10:06.319 --> 00:10:08.620 The God who created the universe. 00:10:08.639 --> 00:10:09.779 And everything in it. 00:10:10.220 --> 00:10:13.399 The God who chose Israel to be his special people. 00:10:14.919 --> 00:10:16.720 He looks to the Lord for help. 00:10:17.899 --> 00:10:22.819 And right from the start of this psalm, we see that David has found what he needs. 00:10:23.679 --> 00:10:25.299 He has found God. 00:10:25.559 --> 00:10:26.340 The Lord. 00:10:27.340 --> 00:10:27.860 Himself. 00:10:28.059 --> 00:10:30.120 To be exactly what he needs. 00:10:30.120 --> 00:10:32.980 A light in the darkness. 00:10:34.460 --> 00:10:35.060 Salvation. 00:10:35.060 --> 00:10:37.060 In a time of trouble. 00:10:38.100 --> 00:10:39.560 And a stronghold. 00:10:39.980 --> 00:10:41.899 When surrounded with dangers. 00:10:43.580 --> 00:10:46.159 It's as though David is saying here. 00:10:46.480 --> 00:10:47.080 Lord. 00:10:47.399 --> 00:10:49.379 You are those things. 00:10:49.860 --> 00:10:50.700 For me. 00:10:50.700 --> 00:10:56.820 And now that I've got that straight in my head and in my heart again. 00:10:58.420 --> 00:10:59.620 Whom shall I fear? 00:11:00.900 --> 00:11:02.180 Who can touch me? 00:11:02.720 --> 00:11:03.340 No one. 00:11:03.340 --> 00:11:07.060 Even if an army comes against me. 00:11:07.560 --> 00:11:09.120 My heart will not fear. 00:11:10.660 --> 00:11:12.320 Because you, Lord. 00:11:12.940 --> 00:11:14.080 Are my light. 00:11:15.340 --> 00:11:16.500 My salvation. 00:11:17.379 --> 00:11:18.399 My stronghold. 00:11:18.800 --> 00:11:20.899 Even if I'm surrounded and besieged. 00:11:20.980 --> 00:11:23.700 And the battering rams are rolling up to the city gates. 00:11:23.960 --> 00:11:26.460 And the siege towers are rolling up to the city. 00:11:26.660 --> 00:11:28.620 They won't get through, Lord. 00:11:28.620 --> 00:11:31.480 Because you are my stronghold. 00:11:35.159 --> 00:11:36.139 Not quite. 00:11:36.720 --> 00:11:37.279 He says. 00:11:37.779 --> 00:11:40.759 You are the stronghold of my life. 00:11:43.299 --> 00:11:45.100 The stronghold of my life. 00:11:45.179 --> 00:11:48.220 This is not just about David winning a single earthly battle. 00:11:48.940 --> 00:11:51.220 Or the city falling into enemy hands. 00:11:51.320 --> 00:11:53.399 This is about David and his whole life. 00:11:55.580 --> 00:11:57.340 It's not just here and now. 00:11:57.340 --> 00:12:00.560 That David needs the Lord to be his stronghold. 00:12:00.660 --> 00:12:03.480 It's that God has been that for David all along. 00:12:04.440 --> 00:12:05.700 Right from the beginning. 00:12:08.240 --> 00:12:09.960 You remember the story of David? 00:12:12.080 --> 00:12:13.240 A stronghold. 00:12:13.920 --> 00:12:18.660 From the day that the lion came prowling around near his father's sheep at night. 00:12:19.780 --> 00:12:21.040 A stronghold. 00:12:21.480 --> 00:12:25.280 The day that he ran to meet Goliath in battle. 00:12:25.279 --> 00:12:26.659 With no armor. 00:12:27.000 --> 00:12:28.939 And just a sling and a few stones. 00:12:29.659 --> 00:12:35.179 A stronghold on all those days in which he was surrounded by Philistine soldiers. 00:12:35.860 --> 00:12:37.740 Who were trying to get him. 00:12:38.059 --> 00:12:39.399 And put an end to this. 00:12:42.679 --> 00:12:44.480 And countless other times. 00:12:45.559 --> 00:12:46.839 In David's life. 00:12:47.240 --> 00:12:49.399 You are the stronghold of my life. 00:12:49.399 --> 00:12:52.959 That's why I don't need to fear. 00:12:53.740 --> 00:12:54.220 Anyone. 00:12:54.860 --> 00:12:55.519 Or anything. 00:12:55.779 --> 00:12:57.100 That may happen today. 00:12:57.720 --> 00:12:58.600 Or tomorrow. 00:13:00.019 --> 00:13:02.620 And David goes on in verses 4 and 5. 00:13:04.939 --> 00:13:05.959 He says this. 00:13:05.959 --> 00:13:08.539 One thing I ask from the Lord. 00:13:09.419 --> 00:13:10.459 This only. 00:13:10.980 --> 00:13:11.639 Do I seek. 00:13:12.299 --> 00:13:14.899 That I may dwell in the house of the Lord. 00:13:14.899 --> 00:13:17.919 All the days of my life. 00:13:19.059 --> 00:13:20.039 Isn't that something? 00:13:20.899 --> 00:13:21.240 I mean. 00:13:21.419 --> 00:13:23.319 Here David is in the midst of troubles. 00:13:23.659 --> 00:13:24.299 Big troubles. 00:13:24.860 --> 00:13:26.519 And what does he want most? 00:13:27.779 --> 00:13:30.319 What's the one thing he wants most? 00:13:33.179 --> 00:13:35.919 For you to come and fix these troubles Lord. 00:13:38.159 --> 00:13:39.639 Make all of them go away. 00:13:40.240 --> 00:13:42.159 To take my enemies out. 00:13:42.159 --> 00:13:44.959 No. 00:13:48.000 --> 00:13:48.799 One thing. 00:13:49.439 --> 00:13:50.839 This only do I seek. 00:13:50.939 --> 00:13:53.379 That I may dwell in the house of the Lord. 00:13:53.839 --> 00:13:55.740 All the days of my life. 00:13:58.299 --> 00:14:00.059 Not for the problems to be solved. 00:14:00.179 --> 00:14:01.620 Not for the troubles to go away. 00:14:02.059 --> 00:14:02.219 No. 00:14:02.279 --> 00:14:03.659 What David wants is simply. 00:14:03.980 --> 00:14:05.819 To be close to God. 00:14:08.039 --> 00:14:09.839 To live in his house. 00:14:10.139 --> 00:14:11.459 The place where he is. 00:14:12.159 --> 00:14:15.620 Isn't that something? 00:14:17.719 --> 00:14:19.659 And not just because he's scared. 00:14:19.659 --> 00:14:21.079 Like a child running into. 00:14:21.719 --> 00:14:23.019 His father's arms. 00:14:23.839 --> 00:14:25.959 He gives the reason that he wants this. 00:14:26.679 --> 00:14:27.899 He says I want this. 00:14:28.019 --> 00:14:28.959 So that I might. 00:14:29.500 --> 00:14:32.039 Gaze on the beauty of the Lord. 00:14:32.039 --> 00:14:32.719 God. 00:14:32.719 --> 00:14:32.740 God. 00:14:32.740 --> 00:14:33.459 He says. 00:14:34.179 --> 00:14:34.799 God. 00:14:34.799 --> 00:14:35.019 He says. 00:14:35.019 --> 00:14:35.699 He says. 00:14:35.699 --> 00:14:37.219 In other words. 00:14:38.419 --> 00:14:38.980 Yahweh. 00:14:39.339 --> 00:14:41.059 You are glorious. 00:14:41.539 --> 00:14:43.059 You are beautiful. 00:14:43.439 --> 00:14:45.099 And I just want to be close to you. 00:14:45.179 --> 00:14:46.339 I want to see that. 00:14:47.980 --> 00:14:49.259 I want to know it. 00:14:49.360 --> 00:14:51.339 I want to enjoy you. 00:14:51.480 --> 00:14:53.319 In all your glorious perfections. 00:14:53.320 --> 00:14:53.920 God. 00:14:53.920 --> 00:14:54.320 God. 00:14:54.320 --> 00:14:54.660 I want to know. 00:14:54.660 --> 00:14:54.920 God. 00:14:54.920 --> 00:14:57.280 My heart wants nothing more than that. 00:15:01.500 --> 00:15:03.400 Is that what comes to your mind. 00:15:03.660 --> 00:15:04.680 When you think of God. 00:15:06.080 --> 00:15:07.780 That he's glorious. 00:15:08.240 --> 00:15:09.379 And beautiful. 00:15:10.660 --> 00:15:12.980 Has God captivated you. 00:15:13.220 --> 00:15:14.140 With his glory. 00:15:14.139 --> 00:15:15.740 And beauty. 00:15:17.019 --> 00:15:18.659 That what you most deeply want. 00:15:18.720 --> 00:15:19.740 Is simply to know. 00:15:20.360 --> 00:15:20.819 Him. 00:15:21.120 --> 00:15:22.259 And look at him. 00:15:22.360 --> 00:15:23.559 And enjoy him. 00:15:24.779 --> 00:15:27.159 All the days of my life. 00:15:28.720 --> 00:15:29.600 Says David. 00:15:30.139 --> 00:15:31.419 It's what I want more than anything. 00:15:33.659 --> 00:15:35.980 It's almost like David just slips into dreaming. 00:15:36.120 --> 00:15:37.840 About his ultimate treasure. 00:15:38.559 --> 00:15:40.279 His ultimate goal in life. 00:15:40.379 --> 00:15:40.939 And for a moment. 00:15:41.100 --> 00:15:42.799 The things of earth grow dim. 00:15:42.799 --> 00:15:45.299 And come out of focus. 00:15:45.439 --> 00:15:47.159 And he's just thinking about that one thing. 00:15:47.219 --> 00:15:48.719 He wants more than anything. 00:15:48.839 --> 00:15:49.459 And this is it. 00:15:50.179 --> 00:15:52.500 To gaze upon your beauty. 00:15:53.079 --> 00:15:53.459 Lord. 00:15:54.159 --> 00:15:55.620 And to seek after you. 00:15:56.019 --> 00:15:57.519 For the rest of my life. 00:16:00.019 --> 00:16:02.399 But then David snaps back to the reality. 00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:03.679 Of the troubles around him. 00:16:04.399 --> 00:16:05.339 Verse 5. 00:16:06.059 --> 00:16:07.599 For in the day of trouble. 00:16:08.419 --> 00:16:08.899 He. 00:16:09.959 --> 00:16:10.879 The Lord. 00:16:11.519 --> 00:16:12.639 Will keep me safe. 00:16:12.639 --> 00:16:13.340 In his dwelling. 00:16:14.600 --> 00:16:15.860 He will hide me. 00:16:15.919 --> 00:16:16.539 In the shelter. 00:16:16.659 --> 00:16:17.799 Of his sacred tent. 00:16:18.799 --> 00:16:20.259 And set me high. 00:16:20.340 --> 00:16:21.019 Upon a rock. 00:16:22.799 --> 00:16:24.100 Now I imagine that David. 00:16:24.100 --> 00:16:26.080 Is perhaps thinking about the tabernacle. 00:16:26.419 --> 00:16:27.100 In his day. 00:16:27.199 --> 00:16:27.779 That was the. 00:16:27.939 --> 00:16:28.759 The place. 00:16:28.879 --> 00:16:29.699 The sacred tent. 00:16:29.699 --> 00:16:31.580 Where God dwelled among the Israelites. 00:16:32.960 --> 00:16:34.340 I don't know exactly when. 00:16:34.419 --> 00:16:35.220 David wrote this. 00:16:35.319 --> 00:16:36.199 But it's almost as if. 00:16:36.279 --> 00:16:36.840 He's just saying. 00:16:36.939 --> 00:16:38.240 I just want to get there. 00:16:38.240 --> 00:16:39.100 To that place. 00:16:39.100 --> 00:16:40.439 Where you are God. 00:16:40.440 --> 00:16:42.460 And if I can get there. 00:16:43.660 --> 00:16:45.380 Then no one can touch me. 00:16:45.500 --> 00:16:47.160 None of these guys who are after me. 00:16:49.140 --> 00:16:51.360 I want to see your beauty and glory there. 00:16:51.460 --> 00:16:51.680 And if. 00:16:51.900 --> 00:16:52.760 And if I'm there. 00:16:53.540 --> 00:16:54.960 You will keep me safe. 00:16:54.960 --> 00:16:59.000 You'll hide me. 00:16:59.519 --> 00:17:01.180 And the enemies won't be able. 00:17:01.440 --> 00:17:02.139 To find me. 00:17:03.360 --> 00:17:04.259 You'll set me. 00:17:04.620 --> 00:17:05.600 High upon a rock. 00:17:05.840 --> 00:17:06.440 I love that. 00:17:06.759 --> 00:17:07.120 Picture. 00:17:07.720 --> 00:17:08.860 Where I can stand. 00:17:09.860 --> 00:17:11.079 And not be afraid. 00:17:12.039 --> 00:17:13.299 Out of the reach. 00:17:13.860 --> 00:17:14.700 Of my enemies. 00:17:14.700 --> 00:17:19.539 Notice what David says. 00:17:19.660 --> 00:17:20.039 In verse. 00:17:21.180 --> 00:17:21.660 Five. 00:17:23.700 --> 00:17:24.400 He says. 00:17:24.580 --> 00:17:25.620 For in the day of trouble. 00:17:27.360 --> 00:17:28.440 That's pretty general. 00:17:28.539 --> 00:17:28.900 Isn't it? 00:17:30.059 --> 00:17:31.340 For in the day of trouble. 00:17:32.299 --> 00:17:32.960 In fact. 00:17:33.039 --> 00:17:33.259 It's. 00:17:33.400 --> 00:17:34.460 It's wonderfully. 00:17:35.240 --> 00:17:35.480 Unspecific. 00:17:36.779 --> 00:17:37.600 In other words. 00:17:37.640 --> 00:17:38.600 It doesn't really matter. 00:17:38.759 --> 00:17:39.700 What kind of trouble. 00:17:40.180 --> 00:17:40.740 It is. 00:17:41.299 --> 00:17:42.279 What kind of trouble. 00:17:42.519 --> 00:17:42.960 Comes. 00:17:42.960 --> 00:17:45.180 If I'm close to you God. 00:17:46.019 --> 00:17:46.460 If. 00:17:46.860 --> 00:17:48.079 You are my stronghold. 00:17:48.319 --> 00:17:49.559 Then I'm going to be safe. 00:17:50.100 --> 00:17:51.059 I'm going to be okay. 00:17:53.220 --> 00:17:54.880 And not just safe and okay. 00:17:55.059 --> 00:17:56.019 But verse six. 00:17:56.440 --> 00:17:57.920 Then my head will be exalted. 00:17:57.920 --> 00:17:58.840 Above the enemies. 00:17:58.840 --> 00:17:59.860 Who surround me. 00:18:00.319 --> 00:18:01.779 And at the sacred tent. 00:18:01.860 --> 00:18:02.720 I will sacrifice. 00:18:02.720 --> 00:18:03.940 With shouts of joy. 00:18:04.259 --> 00:18:05.180 I will sing. 00:18:05.279 --> 00:18:06.120 And make music. 00:18:06.120 --> 00:18:07.120 To the Lord. 00:18:08.160 --> 00:18:08.340 I mean. 00:18:08.880 --> 00:18:09.960 Get this picture. 00:18:10.059 --> 00:18:10.420 In your head. 00:18:10.500 --> 00:18:10.960 For a moment. 00:18:11.100 --> 00:18:11.500 Imagine. 00:18:11.500 --> 00:18:12.980 In a big rock. 00:18:13.039 --> 00:18:14.819 Like almost like a towering rock. 00:18:14.960 --> 00:18:15.720 A pedestal. 00:18:16.460 --> 00:18:17.519 And there David is. 00:18:17.660 --> 00:18:18.539 On top of it. 00:18:19.299 --> 00:18:20.779 And at the base of this rock. 00:18:20.940 --> 00:18:22.220 All the enemies. 00:18:22.359 --> 00:18:23.559 Of David. 00:18:23.920 --> 00:18:25.119 Are down there. 00:18:25.460 --> 00:18:26.559 Raging against them. 00:18:26.960 --> 00:18:27.980 Shaking their fists. 00:18:28.420 --> 00:18:29.359 And yet they're unable. 00:18:29.359 --> 00:18:30.180 To reach him. 00:18:30.960 --> 00:18:32.400 And what's David doing. 00:18:32.519 --> 00:18:33.279 Up on this rock. 00:18:33.960 --> 00:18:34.960 He's shouting. 00:18:35.079 --> 00:18:35.680 Repeatedly. 00:18:35.680 --> 00:18:36.339 With joy. 00:18:37.400 --> 00:18:38.599 And he's singing. 00:18:38.599 --> 00:18:39.839 To the Lord. 00:18:39.919 --> 00:18:41.039 And making music. 00:18:46.559 --> 00:18:47.539 So secure. 00:18:48.459 --> 00:18:49.480 So safe. 00:18:50.939 --> 00:18:51.899 Because God. 00:18:52.139 --> 00:18:53.119 Is his. 00:18:53.659 --> 00:18:54.099 Stronghold. 00:18:55.899 --> 00:18:57.619 What a wonderful psalm this is. 00:18:58.279 --> 00:19:00.019 So this is David's situation. 00:19:00.759 --> 00:19:02.639 This is what David has come to think. 00:19:02.759 --> 00:19:03.519 And realize. 00:19:03.899 --> 00:19:04.799 And to feel. 00:19:04.879 --> 00:19:06.099 In the midst of his troubles. 00:19:06.099 --> 00:19:10.199 So let me ask you this morning. 00:19:11.619 --> 00:19:12.839 What kind of troubles. 00:19:13.439 --> 00:19:14.459 And difficulties. 00:19:14.459 --> 00:19:15.579 Surround you today. 00:19:17.279 --> 00:19:18.980 Probably different than David's. 00:19:19.139 --> 00:19:19.619 I hope. 00:19:21.980 --> 00:19:23.399 What kinds of challenges. 00:19:23.399 --> 00:19:24.359 And responsibilities. 00:19:24.359 --> 00:19:25.740 Are pressing in. 00:19:26.139 --> 00:19:26.939 On you today. 00:19:27.939 --> 00:19:29.319 These past few days. 00:19:29.319 --> 00:19:32.519 What kind of sorrows. 00:19:32.519 --> 00:19:33.519 And discouragements. 00:19:33.519 --> 00:19:34.960 Have been weighing on your heart. 00:19:35.399 --> 00:19:36.639 This past week. 00:19:38.159 --> 00:19:39.200 Maybe you too. 00:19:39.299 --> 00:19:40.419 Have felt overwhelmed. 00:19:42.359 --> 00:19:42.879 Surrounded. 00:19:45.319 --> 00:19:46.500 Maybe not afraid. 00:19:46.599 --> 00:19:47.159 Like David. 00:19:47.259 --> 00:19:48.059 But maybe worried. 00:19:49.139 --> 00:19:50.220 Or anxious. 00:19:51.259 --> 00:19:52.779 Maybe just worn out. 00:19:52.859 --> 00:19:53.299 And weary. 00:19:54.179 --> 00:19:55.379 Or discouraged. 00:19:56.279 --> 00:19:57.679 What are you going through. 00:19:58.259 --> 00:19:59.059 Right now. 00:19:59.319 --> 00:20:03.460 What is it that you need most. 00:20:03.740 --> 00:20:04.299 Right now. 00:20:06.779 --> 00:20:08.159 Maybe you've been thinking about. 00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:10.079 Earthly answers to that question. 00:20:11.899 --> 00:20:14.079 Ordinary ways of getting the help you need. 00:20:16.359 --> 00:20:17.480 But do you know. 00:20:18.279 --> 00:20:19.439 That the Lord himself. 00:20:21.019 --> 00:20:22.559 Is what you need most. 00:20:22.559 --> 00:20:26.720 What David needed most. 00:20:26.720 --> 00:20:27.440 Was light. 00:20:29.440 --> 00:20:29.919 Deliverance. 00:20:30.639 --> 00:20:31.940 A stronghold. 00:20:32.940 --> 00:20:34.679 What is it that you need most. 00:20:34.940 --> 00:20:35.240 Today. 00:20:37.019 --> 00:20:38.119 And do you know. 00:20:38.319 --> 00:20:39.359 That God himself. 00:20:39.759 --> 00:20:40.460 Is that. 00:20:41.799 --> 00:20:43.099 And provides. 00:20:43.639 --> 00:20:43.899 That. 00:20:44.440 --> 00:20:44.960 Generously. 00:20:45.159 --> 00:20:45.879 And happily. 00:20:46.139 --> 00:20:48.059 For all who draw close to him. 00:20:48.059 --> 00:20:52.099 Maybe you're tired. 00:20:52.240 --> 00:20:53.139 And feeling worn out. 00:20:53.240 --> 00:20:54.159 Maybe you're longing for. 00:20:54.319 --> 00:20:55.980 At least a couple more weeks vacation. 00:20:58.159 --> 00:20:59.960 But maybe what you really need. 00:21:00.019 --> 00:21:00.779 More than that. 00:21:01.899 --> 00:21:02.879 Is to know. 00:21:03.819 --> 00:21:04.679 That the Lord. 00:21:04.799 --> 00:21:05.519 Is your shepherd. 00:21:06.980 --> 00:21:08.220 And that he will make you. 00:21:08.399 --> 00:21:09.960 Lie down in green pastures. 00:21:11.399 --> 00:21:12.599 And lead you beside. 00:21:12.599 --> 00:21:13.480 Quiet waters. 00:21:13.480 --> 00:21:15.460 And restore. 00:21:15.880 --> 00:21:16.500 And refresh. 00:21:16.900 --> 00:21:17.360 Your soul. 00:21:19.559 --> 00:21:21.019 Maybe you're feeling stressed. 00:21:21.140 --> 00:21:21.759 With finances. 00:21:22.000 --> 00:21:22.480 And bills. 00:21:22.839 --> 00:21:23.460 Coming due. 00:21:24.400 --> 00:21:25.839 And the money coming in. 00:21:25.900 --> 00:21:26.900 Just doesn't seem enough. 00:21:27.019 --> 00:21:28.059 What I need right now. 00:21:28.740 --> 00:21:29.680 Is a big check. 00:21:32.339 --> 00:21:34.220 But maybe what you really need. 00:21:34.839 --> 00:21:35.900 More than that. 00:21:36.579 --> 00:21:37.640 Is to know. 00:21:38.700 --> 00:21:40.519 The Lord is my shepherd. 00:21:41.799 --> 00:21:43.339 I shall not want. 00:21:44.440 --> 00:21:45.299 Or lack. 00:21:47.039 --> 00:21:47.839 And if God. 00:21:47.960 --> 00:21:48.880 So takes care. 00:21:48.960 --> 00:21:49.640 Of the birds. 00:21:49.839 --> 00:21:50.339 Of the air. 00:21:50.460 --> 00:21:51.099 And the grass. 00:21:51.160 --> 00:21:51.700 Of the field. 00:21:51.819 --> 00:21:53.319 Will he not take care of you. 00:21:54.380 --> 00:21:55.680 Oh you of little faith. 00:21:58.360 --> 00:21:59.200 Maybe you're feeling. 00:21:59.339 --> 00:22:00.039 Broken hearted. 00:22:01.440 --> 00:22:02.240 Or grieving. 00:22:03.960 --> 00:22:05.000 Because of conflict. 00:22:05.120 --> 00:22:05.839 In a relationship. 00:22:06.079 --> 00:22:06.819 Or a situation. 00:22:09.500 --> 00:22:10.700 And what I need right now. 00:22:10.759 --> 00:22:11.599 Is someone to come in. 00:22:11.660 --> 00:22:12.799 And just fix this mess. 00:22:13.480 --> 00:22:14.299 To help him. 00:22:14.360 --> 00:22:15.000 Or help her. 00:22:15.099 --> 00:22:16.059 Or help them. 00:22:16.200 --> 00:22:16.839 To see. 00:22:17.160 --> 00:22:18.220 And to change. 00:22:20.720 --> 00:22:22.319 But maybe what we really need. 00:22:22.360 --> 00:22:22.920 More than that. 00:22:22.960 --> 00:22:23.860 Is simply to know. 00:22:24.579 --> 00:22:25.599 And to be close. 00:22:26.759 --> 00:22:27.660 To the one. 00:22:27.799 --> 00:22:29.099 Who changes hearts. 00:22:31.160 --> 00:22:32.059 And fixes. 00:22:32.559 --> 00:22:33.559 Broken relationships. 00:22:33.559 --> 00:22:35.000 Better than anyone. 00:22:35.440 --> 00:22:36.640 The prince of peace. 00:22:36.640 --> 00:22:36.720 Peace. 00:22:39.600 --> 00:22:41.100 Maybe you're feeling discouraged. 00:22:41.100 --> 00:22:41.740 And distressed. 00:22:41.740 --> 00:22:42.580 About what you see. 00:22:42.700 --> 00:22:43.620 Happening in the world. 00:22:43.759 --> 00:22:44.700 And in our country. 00:22:44.700 --> 00:22:45.060 Today. 00:22:46.200 --> 00:22:47.980 What we need right now. 00:22:48.759 --> 00:22:50.180 Some of us have been thinking. 00:22:50.180 --> 00:22:52.120 Is a good change of government. 00:22:52.120 --> 00:22:52.220 Is a good change of government. 00:22:53.900 --> 00:22:54.799 But maybe. 00:22:55.460 --> 00:22:56.700 What we really need. 00:22:56.759 --> 00:22:57.400 More than that. 00:22:58.200 --> 00:22:59.759 Is to simply trust. 00:22:59.960 --> 00:23:00.900 And stay close. 00:23:01.000 --> 00:23:02.480 To the one who will be. 00:23:02.840 --> 00:23:03.799 Our government. 00:23:04.640 --> 00:23:05.759 And whose kingdom. 00:23:05.960 --> 00:23:06.960 Will never end. 00:23:07.400 --> 00:23:09.600 When he busts through the clouds. 00:23:10.000 --> 00:23:10.900 In glory. 00:23:11.460 --> 00:23:12.400 Someday soon. 00:23:12.400 --> 00:23:15.320 And so I want to urge you. 00:23:15.320 --> 00:23:15.740 This morning. 00:23:15.840 --> 00:23:17.340 To let God encourage your heart. 00:23:17.780 --> 00:23:19.060 Through David's Psalm. 00:23:19.480 --> 00:23:20.000 27. 00:23:20.840 --> 00:23:22.340 Think about what your trouble is. 00:23:22.380 --> 00:23:22.880 Right now. 00:23:28.200 --> 00:23:29.400 And fill in this blank. 00:23:29.480 --> 00:23:30.040 For yourself. 00:23:31.060 --> 00:23:31.500 Today. 00:23:32.860 --> 00:23:34.019 David put three things. 00:23:34.019 --> 00:23:34.740 In that blank. 00:23:35.180 --> 00:23:35.640 Blank. 00:23:36.220 --> 00:23:36.660 Light. 00:23:37.120 --> 00:23:37.540 Salvation. 00:23:37.759 --> 00:23:38.240 Stronghold. 00:23:38.340 --> 00:23:39.519 What is it that you most. 00:23:39.680 --> 00:23:40.380 Deeply need. 00:23:42.400 --> 00:23:46.140 What will you put in that blank today. 00:23:49.519 --> 00:23:50.680 Call out to the Lord. 00:23:51.380 --> 00:23:53.740 And ask him to be that for you today. 00:23:55.040 --> 00:23:56.860 Psalm 145 verse 18. 00:23:57.000 --> 00:23:58.300 The Lord is near. 00:23:58.820 --> 00:24:00.460 To all who call on him. 00:24:01.019 --> 00:24:02.920 To all who call on him in truth. 00:24:02.920 --> 00:24:04.420 And so call on him. 00:24:04.960 --> 00:24:06.019 Come close to him. 00:24:06.259 --> 00:24:07.280 Draw near to him. 00:24:09.759 --> 00:24:11.140 For in the day of trouble. 00:24:11.140 --> 00:24:13.060 He will keep me safe. 00:24:13.440 --> 00:24:14.340 In his dwelling. 00:24:17.380 --> 00:24:18.820 Let's be mindful of this. 00:24:18.980 --> 00:24:20.620 As we bring this to a close. 00:24:23.500 --> 00:24:24.620 Your situation. 00:24:25.259 --> 00:24:25.900 Your feelings. 00:24:26.380 --> 00:24:27.980 May not change in an instant. 00:24:28.360 --> 00:24:29.740 Even as you call on the Lord. 00:24:29.920 --> 00:24:30.780 And ask for help. 00:24:31.720 --> 00:24:33.000 Look at how this psalm ends. 00:24:33.340 --> 00:24:34.040 Verse 13. 00:24:34.840 --> 00:24:35.740 David says this. 00:24:35.840 --> 00:24:37.560 I remain confident of this. 00:24:37.559 --> 00:24:41.240 I will see the goodness of the Lord. 00:24:41.679 --> 00:24:43.059 In the land of the living. 00:24:44.539 --> 00:24:45.519 In other words. 00:24:46.099 --> 00:24:47.819 I don't see it right now. 00:24:48.259 --> 00:24:50.759 I don't see it right here in front of me. 00:24:50.839 --> 00:24:51.339 Not yet. 00:24:53.339 --> 00:24:54.819 But I trust you Lord. 00:24:55.259 --> 00:24:57.899 That you will bring it to pass. 00:24:58.759 --> 00:25:00.019 When the time is right. 00:25:00.019 --> 00:25:00.099 Wait. 00:25:03.559 --> 00:25:05.319 And so David finishes. 00:25:06.000 --> 00:25:07.000 By urging. 00:25:07.279 --> 00:25:08.299 All who are listening. 00:25:10.039 --> 00:25:11.279 Wait for the Lord. 00:25:12.119 --> 00:25:12.940 Be strong. 00:25:13.160 --> 00:25:13.900 And take heart. 00:25:13.900 --> 00:25:14.819 And wait. 00:25:15.319 --> 00:25:15.759 For the Lord. 00:25:17.160 --> 00:25:19.279 So with whatever you're going through today. 00:25:19.680 --> 00:25:21.559 Whatever troubles you find yourself. 00:25:22.220 --> 00:25:22.740 Having. 00:25:23.759 --> 00:25:26.019 Maybe it's even just simply the pressures. 00:25:26.200 --> 00:25:27.879 And stresses of ordinary life. 00:25:27.880 --> 00:25:31.040 Number one. 00:25:31.280 --> 00:25:32.540 Ask God to be. 00:25:33.160 --> 00:25:35.200 What you most deeply need. 00:25:36.080 --> 00:25:36.860 Number two. 00:25:36.980 --> 00:25:37.860 Come close to him. 00:25:38.040 --> 00:25:38.940 Draw near to him. 00:25:40.180 --> 00:25:40.920 And number three. 00:25:41.940 --> 00:25:42.980 Wait for him. 00:25:43.760 --> 00:25:45.580 Wait for his grace and goodness. 00:25:46.060 --> 00:25:46.740 To arrive. 00:25:47.840 --> 00:25:48.700 And it will. 00:25:50.120 --> 00:25:51.320 It always does. 00:25:53.200 --> 00:25:53.900 Let's pray. 00:25:53.900 --> 00:25:53.940 Let's pray. 00:25:57.880 --> 00:25:58.520 Father in heaven. 00:25:58.620 --> 00:25:59.520 We thank you so much. 00:25:59.580 --> 00:26:00.400 For these words. 00:26:00.960 --> 00:26:02.060 We thank you for this. 00:26:02.380 --> 00:26:03.280 This promise. 00:26:03.460 --> 00:26:04.000 This assurance. 00:26:04.200 --> 00:26:04.460 That we. 00:26:04.900 --> 00:26:05.560 Have from you. 00:26:05.640 --> 00:26:07.300 We thank you that we can have. 00:26:07.380 --> 00:26:08.380 This kind of confidence. 00:26:11.660 --> 00:26:12.920 You know what we're facing. 00:26:13.060 --> 00:26:14.000 Each one of us Lord. 00:26:14.740 --> 00:26:16.040 And we commit it to you now. 00:26:18.400 --> 00:26:19.940 We ask you to be. 00:26:19.940 --> 00:26:21.260 Our help. 00:26:21.260 --> 00:26:22.200 Our light. 00:26:22.580 --> 00:26:23.220 Our strength. 00:26:23.800 --> 00:26:24.380 Our wisdom. 00:26:24.380 --> 00:26:27.840 Our guide. 00:26:28.500 --> 00:26:29.580 Everything we need. 00:26:30.540 --> 00:26:31.380 Our life. 00:26:33.700 --> 00:26:35.900 And then we ask that you would lead us in joy. 00:26:37.040 --> 00:26:38.880 Just like David talked about here. 00:26:41.080 --> 00:26:42.580 Through these difficult days. 00:26:43.520 --> 00:26:45.100 It's in your name we pray. 00:26:45.900 --> 00:26:46.220 Amen. 00:26:46.220 --> 00:26:46.340 Amen. 00:26:46.340 --> 00:26:46.380 Amen. 00:26:46.380 --> 00:26:46.420 Amen. 00:26:46.420 --> 00:26:46.440 Amen. 00:26:46.440 --> 00:26:46.500 Amen. 00:26:46.500 --> 00:26:46.520 Amen.