WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.839 And everyone else can open to Psalm chapter 27, please. 00:00:23.839 --> 00:00:26.000 Psalm chapter 27. 00:00:26.000 --> 00:00:55.980 Psalm chapter 27. 00:00:56.000 --> 00:00:59.740 The Lord is my light and my salvation. 00:01:00.759 --> 00:01:02.200 Whom shall I fear? 00:01:03.500 --> 00:01:06.359 The Lord is the stronghold of my life. 00:01:06.500 --> 00:01:08.519 Of whom shall I be afraid? 00:01:08.519 --> 00:01:18.079 When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. 00:01:19.179 --> 00:01:22.759 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear. 00:01:23.420 --> 00:01:27.079 Though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. 00:01:27.079 --> 00:01:31.939 One thing I ask from the Lord. 00:01:31.939 --> 00:01:34.219 This only do I seek. 00:01:34.299 --> 00:01:39.799 That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. 00:01:39.799 --> 00:01:42.920 To gaze on the beauty of the Lord. 00:01:43.539 --> 00:01:45.959 And to seek him in his temple. 00:01:45.959 --> 00:01:51.139 For in the day of trouble, he will keep me safe in his dwelling. 00:01:52.459 --> 00:01:56.780 He will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent. 00:01:57.319 --> 00:02:00.179 And set me high upon a rock. 00:02:00.180 --> 00:02:06.380 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me. 00:02:07.420 --> 00:02:10.980 At his sacred tent, I will sacrifice with shouts of joy. 00:02:10.979 --> 00:02:15.699 I will sing and make music to the Lord. 00:02:17.479 --> 00:02:20.259 Hear my voice when I call, Lord. 00:02:21.280 --> 00:02:23.159 Be merciful to me. 00:02:23.979 --> 00:02:25.000 And answer me. 00:02:26.659 --> 00:02:29.179 My heart says of you, seek his face. 00:02:30.259 --> 00:02:32.159 Your face, Lord, I will seek. 00:02:33.299 --> 00:02:35.099 Do not hide your face from me. 00:02:36.379 --> 00:02:39.139 Do not turn your servant away in anger. 00:02:39.139 --> 00:02:41.359 You have been my helper. 00:02:43.319 --> 00:02:47.099 Do not reject me or forsake me, God, my Savior. 00:02:48.839 --> 00:02:53.439 Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. 00:02:55.139 --> 00:02:56.659 Teach me your way, Lord. 00:02:57.939 --> 00:03:02.159 Lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. 00:03:03.479 --> 00:03:06.759 Do not hand me over to the desire of my foes. 00:03:06.759 --> 00:03:14.539 For false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. 00:03:16.620 --> 00:03:18.439 I remain confident of this. 00:03:19.500 --> 00:03:24.159 I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 00:03:25.739 --> 00:03:26.780 Wait for the Lord. 00:03:27.739 --> 00:03:29.719 Be strong and take heart. 00:03:30.500 --> 00:03:32.879 And wait for the Lord. 00:03:32.879 --> 00:03:34.120 Amen. 00:03:34.120 --> 00:03:34.219 Amen. 00:03:48.219 --> 00:03:49.539 Well, good morning, everyone. 00:03:50.340 --> 00:03:54.979 It is a pleasure to be, for my wife and I to be here with you this morning. 00:03:55.719 --> 00:03:58.740 I want to send greetings and love from Douglas Baptist Church. 00:03:58.740 --> 00:04:03.140 We are praying for you and it is a pleasure to share God's word with you this morning. 00:04:03.840 --> 00:04:08.860 I pray that it is encouraging and the Lord will speak to us this morning through his word. 00:04:10.080 --> 00:04:12.960 Let's just pray before, before we get into it. 00:04:16.560 --> 00:04:20.060 Heavenly Father, you are the king of glory. 00:04:20.060 --> 00:04:25.060 Lord, we stand in awe of you and what you have done for us. 00:04:26.160 --> 00:04:29.660 Lord, I pray that you would show us your glory this morning through your word. 00:04:30.360 --> 00:04:32.199 And through your son, Jesus Christ. 00:04:33.579 --> 00:04:37.000 Lord, help us to be engaged with your word. 00:04:37.319 --> 00:04:38.720 To listen to your voice. 00:04:40.100 --> 00:04:43.360 And Lord, may we be changed by your word this morning. 00:04:44.160 --> 00:04:44.420 Amen. 00:04:44.420 --> 00:04:44.520 Amen. 00:04:46.060 --> 00:04:51.240 So, who here has experienced fear or times of trouble? 00:04:52.439 --> 00:04:56.120 I see a couple of heads nodding, hands going up. 00:04:56.420 --> 00:04:58.460 If you haven't, well, then fair play. 00:04:59.640 --> 00:05:05.500 But if you haven't experienced times of trouble, then I'm here to say then I know you will. 00:05:07.439 --> 00:05:10.439 Now, there are different types of fear, like Sam was saying at the start. 00:05:10.980 --> 00:05:12.240 There's irrational fears. 00:05:12.240 --> 00:05:17.980 Like I knew, I knew once, I once knew a person who was terrified of ketchup. 00:05:19.060 --> 00:05:21.540 Okay, she couldn't stand it, she couldn't be near it, she was terrified. 00:05:22.740 --> 00:05:25.160 Then you have the rational fears. 00:05:25.680 --> 00:05:29.139 Things that God has created us to respond in dangerous situations. 00:05:29.699 --> 00:05:32.300 Like a bear, you see a bear coming down, you run. 00:05:33.120 --> 00:05:35.540 Well, maybe some of you won't, but I know I would. 00:05:37.560 --> 00:05:39.519 See, some of these fears are a good thing. 00:05:39.519 --> 00:05:42.659 And then there are times of trouble. 00:05:44.060 --> 00:05:46.839 These sometimes can be out of our control. 00:05:47.979 --> 00:05:50.539 Sometimes these situations go on for some time. 00:05:51.259 --> 00:05:53.719 And maybe they feel like they will never end. 00:05:55.000 --> 00:05:58.859 About three years ago, it was two days before Christmas, 00:05:58.860 --> 00:06:02.960 and I was set to go down to my family, down to Tralee for Christmas. 00:06:03.180 --> 00:06:06.699 But my oldest sister, Leah, tested positive for COVID. 00:06:07.840 --> 00:06:09.720 So Christmas was a little bit delayed. 00:06:09.840 --> 00:06:12.759 And during that time, my mom got sick with the flu. 00:06:13.460 --> 00:06:15.500 And of course, I had the man flu. 00:06:15.699 --> 00:06:18.240 So of course, I couldn't travel down anyways. 00:06:18.960 --> 00:06:20.060 And so I was stuck in bed. 00:06:20.379 --> 00:06:21.319 I couldn't see anyone. 00:06:22.040 --> 00:06:23.459 And then it got to Christmas Eve. 00:06:24.480 --> 00:06:28.319 And I get a phone call about 7 o'clock at night. 00:06:29.219 --> 00:06:29.839 There was my mother. 00:06:29.980 --> 00:06:31.579 And I was like, why is she ringing me? 00:06:32.099 --> 00:06:33.199 And I picked up the phone. 00:06:34.319 --> 00:06:36.159 And there wasn't a phone call I was expecting to get. 00:06:36.800 --> 00:06:39.579 She was in tears, worried. 00:06:40.920 --> 00:06:43.459 She's after telling me my father was after having a heart attack. 00:06:43.459 --> 00:06:47.180 And he was in the ambulance on his way to Limerick. 00:06:47.259 --> 00:06:48.299 But that's all we knew so far. 00:06:50.419 --> 00:06:52.079 My heart sunk. 00:06:53.039 --> 00:06:55.740 The fear that took me in that moment, I had no control. 00:06:56.599 --> 00:06:57.939 I could not see God. 00:06:58.219 --> 00:06:59.339 I could not see his goodness. 00:07:00.379 --> 00:07:01.699 I didn't know where he was. 00:07:02.560 --> 00:07:04.799 I was afraid to lose my dad in that moment. 00:07:05.819 --> 00:07:07.719 Now, praise God that he is alive today. 00:07:08.399 --> 00:07:12.819 And is still serving in Passage Baptist Church now today. 00:07:13.800 --> 00:07:15.060 But what are you sitting here? 00:07:15.180 --> 00:07:16.019 What are you afraid of? 00:07:17.439 --> 00:07:19.759 Maybe it's something in work. 00:07:21.159 --> 00:07:23.300 Maybe it's someone in work. 00:07:24.199 --> 00:07:26.779 Maybe if you're in school, it's someone bullying you. 00:07:28.659 --> 00:07:30.939 Maybe you're facing adversity for being a Christian. 00:07:31.500 --> 00:07:32.420 You're being put down. 00:07:32.539 --> 00:07:33.300 You're being mocked. 00:07:34.379 --> 00:07:35.939 Or maybe, like Sam said, 00:07:36.139 --> 00:07:39.339 maybe you're sitting here and you fear death. 00:07:39.339 --> 00:07:43.179 How have you dealt with that fear? 00:07:43.859 --> 00:07:47.699 Maybe it's turning to family or friends or brother and sister in Christ. 00:07:48.239 --> 00:07:48.899 And don't get me wrong. 00:07:49.000 --> 00:07:51.399 Those are things you absolutely need to do. 00:07:51.399 --> 00:07:57.379 And God encourages you and God uses people in your lives in those situations. 00:07:58.159 --> 00:08:00.659 But if that is your one and only focus, 00:08:01.479 --> 00:08:05.679 you will never find peace or victory in the fear. 00:08:05.680 --> 00:08:10.540 It's like eating an empty calorie for the body. 00:08:11.540 --> 00:08:12.959 Some of them taste really good. 00:08:13.439 --> 00:08:14.319 Crisps, chocolate. 00:08:14.840 --> 00:08:17.920 But they add no nutritional value for you. 00:08:19.139 --> 00:08:21.579 See, Psalm 27 deals with some of these questions. 00:08:21.579 --> 00:08:24.579 If anyone knows fear, it's David. 00:08:25.579 --> 00:08:30.159 What you will see is when David goes through fear, times of trouble. 00:08:30.560 --> 00:08:32.620 The question is, how will he react? 00:08:33.460 --> 00:08:36.000 I want to show you four things in this passage. 00:08:36.759 --> 00:08:41.480 One, the truth that calms his fears, verses 1 to 3. 00:08:42.039 --> 00:08:47.000 The second one, the desire that drives his heart, verses 4 and 6. 00:08:47.000 --> 00:08:51.980 Three, the prayer that expresses his struggle, verses 7 and 12. 00:08:52.440 --> 00:08:57.860 And four, the confidence that settles his life, verses 13 and 14. 00:08:58.779 --> 00:09:02.779 So starting at verse 1 to 3, the truth that calms his fears. 00:09:03.580 --> 00:09:08.700 In verse 1, David describes the Lord as his light and his salvation. 00:09:09.700 --> 00:09:11.820 Now, obvious question, what does light do? 00:09:12.379 --> 00:09:14.600 Well, it helps you see when you cannot see. 00:09:14.600 --> 00:09:17.560 But this means that there is a darkness. 00:09:18.820 --> 00:09:21.420 Present even then and even today. 00:09:22.440 --> 00:09:24.600 And not the type of darkness that you can kind of see. 00:09:24.740 --> 00:09:26.379 That you think of a light, you think of a flashlight. 00:09:26.899 --> 00:09:28.379 And you know where you can kind of see down, 00:09:28.440 --> 00:09:32.159 but you're just shining the flashlight just to make sure it is what you see. 00:09:33.259 --> 00:09:36.300 But this is pitch black darkness. 00:09:37.220 --> 00:09:37.620 Evil. 00:09:38.500 --> 00:09:38.759 Sin. 00:09:38.759 --> 00:09:38.819 Sin. 00:09:40.620 --> 00:09:45.019 But this brings out how much of a light that Yahweh is to David. 00:09:45.500 --> 00:09:48.179 And how much of a light he is to us. 00:09:48.860 --> 00:09:51.799 When walking in darkness, you cannot see in front of you. 00:09:52.720 --> 00:09:54.360 And that can cause you to fear. 00:09:55.559 --> 00:09:56.939 It can be very unnerving. 00:09:57.960 --> 00:10:01.899 David is saying that Yahweh is his light through that darkness. 00:10:01.899 --> 00:10:04.000 And his salvation. 00:10:04.659 --> 00:10:06.139 His deliverer. 00:10:07.019 --> 00:10:10.720 And because of this truth, what is the question that he poses? 00:10:11.860 --> 00:10:13.139 Whom shall I fear? 00:10:14.100 --> 00:10:18.600 There is no reason to fear anyone or anything. 00:10:19.939 --> 00:10:22.579 It seems like a very straight question, doesn't it? 00:10:22.740 --> 00:10:23.220 An answer. 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:24.740 Whom shall I fear? 00:10:24.819 --> 00:10:25.720 Well, there's no one to fear. 00:10:26.279 --> 00:10:27.439 But we still fear, don't we? 00:10:27.439 --> 00:10:27.519 Amen. 00:10:27.519 --> 00:10:27.519 00:10:27.519 --> 00:10:27.519 00:10:31.899 --> 00:10:44.779 So are you sitting here this morning saying that the Lord is my light and my salvation? 00:10:45.579 --> 00:10:46.699 Whom shall I fear? 00:10:47.179 --> 00:10:53.039 As believers, this is a wonderful truth that should calm our fears in times of trouble. 00:10:53.740 --> 00:10:55.220 And it doesn't just stop there. 00:10:55.319 --> 00:10:56.340 The rest of verse 1. 00:10:56.960 --> 00:10:59.220 The Lord is the stronghold of my life. 00:10:59.939 --> 00:11:01.379 Of whom shall I be afraid? 00:11:01.899 --> 00:11:05.679 When you think of a stronghold, you think of a fortress, don't you? 00:11:06.340 --> 00:11:07.980 Big, thick walls. 00:11:08.659 --> 00:11:10.659 No attack is getting through those walls. 00:11:11.379 --> 00:11:15.199 For David, the Lord is his fortress and his protection. 00:11:16.259 --> 00:11:18.840 And because of this, what's the question he poses? 00:11:19.480 --> 00:11:20.899 Of whom shall I be afraid? 00:11:21.899 --> 00:11:23.600 The answer is no one. 00:11:24.939 --> 00:11:29.199 Just in that one verse alone, what a truth that is for us today. 00:11:29.200 --> 00:11:33.180 The Lord, if you are a believer here this morning, the Lord is our fortress. 00:11:33.620 --> 00:11:43.000 No matter what we face from the enemy today, the things that might happen in our lives physically, what happens in our lives spiritually, even our battle with sin. 00:11:43.000 --> 00:11:49.620 This is the truth that shall calm our hearts in times of fear and in times of trouble. 00:11:49.620 --> 00:11:54.039 And this is what calms David's heart in times of trouble. 00:11:55.000 --> 00:12:00.379 The one thing you should notice in this psalm is that the Lord never changes. 00:12:00.379 --> 00:12:06.360 In verses 2 to 3, David describes the darkness he is facing. 00:12:07.399 --> 00:12:10.820 Verse 2, when evildoers assail to eat my flesh. 00:12:11.740 --> 00:12:13.779 Now that's a very dark image, isn't it? 00:12:14.240 --> 00:12:16.939 And he's saying when people come to devour and kill me. 00:12:18.279 --> 00:12:22.240 Knowing David, many people looked to kill him and hunt him down. 00:12:23.019 --> 00:12:26.019 David has the full right to be afraid. 00:12:26.019 --> 00:12:32.220 Now I don't think maybe not many of us have been threatened to be killed. 00:12:32.879 --> 00:12:34.120 Or maybe some of you have. 00:12:35.779 --> 00:12:38.600 Maybe you have faced threats for being a Christian. 00:12:39.079 --> 00:12:40.519 Or mocked or put down. 00:12:41.059 --> 00:12:43.059 And it feels like they are relentless. 00:12:43.919 --> 00:12:46.379 It feels like there is no escape. 00:12:47.519 --> 00:12:49.179 Well look at the second half of this verse. 00:12:50.259 --> 00:12:54.620 My adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. 00:12:54.620 --> 00:12:57.639 But this doesn't mean we get the last word. 00:12:58.100 --> 00:12:59.560 Or that we are the judge. 00:13:00.200 --> 00:13:01.679 Because only the Lord is judge. 00:13:02.340 --> 00:13:05.639 But there is victory through the protection of the Lord. 00:13:06.659 --> 00:13:08.679 Not because of anything that I do. 00:13:09.379 --> 00:13:13.000 But because the Lord is my light and my salvation. 00:13:13.560 --> 00:13:15.159 And the stronghold of my life. 00:13:15.659 --> 00:13:16.879 Whom shall I fear? 00:13:16.879 --> 00:13:19.200 In verse 3. 00:13:20.100 --> 00:13:22.019 Though an army encamp against me. 00:13:22.100 --> 00:13:24.299 My heart shall not fear. 00:13:24.840 --> 00:13:26.559 Though war arise against me. 00:13:26.600 --> 00:13:28.340 Yet I will be confident. 00:13:29.620 --> 00:13:30.700 In Psalm 1. 00:13:30.899 --> 00:13:35.220 It talks about the contrast between the blessed man and the wicked. 00:13:36.019 --> 00:13:38.360 The many against the few. 00:13:39.139 --> 00:13:40.600 And you can see that through this verse. 00:13:41.279 --> 00:13:42.980 An army encamp against me. 00:13:42.980 --> 00:13:48.800 Sometimes it can feel this way when we are fearful of something in days of trouble. 00:13:50.259 --> 00:13:53.279 However David, even when it is many against him. 00:13:53.560 --> 00:13:54.920 An army besiege him. 00:13:55.759 --> 00:13:58.220 His heart shall not even fear. 00:13:58.700 --> 00:14:00.220 Though war arise against me. 00:14:01.159 --> 00:14:04.320 Now wars can last for quite some time. 00:14:05.039 --> 00:14:06.039 They are not over quickly. 00:14:06.560 --> 00:14:07.980 And we see that even today. 00:14:09.180 --> 00:14:10.220 Battles may be short. 00:14:10.560 --> 00:14:12.180 But wars last for a while. 00:14:12.179 --> 00:14:13.839 And even in that. 00:14:14.439 --> 00:14:16.000 He will be confident. 00:14:18.019 --> 00:14:21.179 When we face adversaries and foes. 00:14:21.539 --> 00:14:24.099 The confidence that he talks about that he finds in the Lord. 00:14:24.459 --> 00:14:25.519 Isn't arrogant. 00:14:27.239 --> 00:14:30.219 It shouldn't cause us to be relaxed. 00:14:30.639 --> 00:14:31.299 Or flippant. 00:14:32.479 --> 00:14:35.059 It should drive us to trust the Lord. 00:14:35.479 --> 00:14:39.759 And not to underestimate or ignore the reality of the enemy. 00:14:39.759 --> 00:14:45.779 There was one time we went to the States for our basketball team. 00:14:46.480 --> 00:14:48.080 And I was one of the youngest on the team. 00:14:48.580 --> 00:14:49.600 And we go into this gym. 00:14:49.679 --> 00:14:50.939 Something similar to this actually. 00:14:51.799 --> 00:14:54.000 And we had someone who was seven foot tall. 00:14:54.179 --> 00:14:55.740 And in basketball that's a really good thing. 00:14:56.539 --> 00:14:58.799 But so we were confident going in. 00:14:58.799 --> 00:15:00.059 And we looked at the other end. 00:15:00.059 --> 00:15:02.120 And of course they were in a circle. 00:15:02.240 --> 00:15:03.120 Hyping each other up. 00:15:03.240 --> 00:15:05.259 You know like jumping around and yelling and stuff. 00:15:05.519 --> 00:15:06.319 And we kind of looked at that. 00:15:06.399 --> 00:15:06.740 And we went. 00:15:07.259 --> 00:15:08.859 Sure like we have a seven footer. 00:15:09.019 --> 00:15:12.620 We have like at least like 15 people on the team. 00:15:12.979 --> 00:15:14.479 Sure we have many many people on our team. 00:15:14.599 --> 00:15:15.519 So we'll be fine. 00:15:16.379 --> 00:15:18.099 A minute and a half into the game. 00:15:18.740 --> 00:15:19.379 20 nil. 00:15:20.979 --> 00:15:22.159 Coach calls a timeout. 00:15:22.779 --> 00:15:23.779 We got into the huddle. 00:15:23.779 --> 00:15:25.019 And nobody had any words. 00:15:25.919 --> 00:15:27.279 We were gobsmacked. 00:15:28.279 --> 00:15:30.419 And I remember turning to the fellow next to me. 00:15:30.500 --> 00:15:31.019 And I was like. 00:15:31.379 --> 00:15:32.860 I don't want to go into this game. 00:15:33.419 --> 00:15:34.879 I'm very happy here on the bench. 00:15:35.339 --> 00:15:37.259 But we didn't. 00:15:37.639 --> 00:15:38.939 We ignored the reality. 00:15:39.779 --> 00:15:40.639 Of the other team. 00:15:41.059 --> 00:15:41.480 Didn't we? 00:15:41.839 --> 00:15:44.179 And sometimes we can do that to the enemy. 00:15:45.480 --> 00:15:46.279 Against us. 00:15:46.439 --> 00:15:47.079 And against God. 00:15:49.179 --> 00:15:50.759 In verses four to six. 00:15:50.759 --> 00:15:54.000 It's the desire that drives his heart. 00:15:55.360 --> 00:15:58.779 What is it that drives your heart into action? 00:15:59.799 --> 00:16:01.299 What are you passionate about? 00:16:02.759 --> 00:16:04.639 Are you struggling to identify that? 00:16:05.840 --> 00:16:07.620 Then look at where your time is spent. 00:16:08.819 --> 00:16:10.340 What you will see in these verses. 00:16:10.700 --> 00:16:13.819 Is David's desire through these days of trouble. 00:16:14.639 --> 00:16:18.759 See his desire is to be in the presence of the Lord. 00:16:18.759 --> 00:16:22.419 He desires to dwell in the house of the Lord. 00:16:22.539 --> 00:16:23.919 All the days of my life. 00:16:24.259 --> 00:16:26.259 To gaze upon the beauty of the Lord. 00:16:26.379 --> 00:16:27.899 And to inquire or to meditate. 00:16:28.220 --> 00:16:29.179 In his temple. 00:16:30.200 --> 00:16:31.620 Now the temple he's talking about. 00:16:31.720 --> 00:16:33.980 Is the tent where Yahweh reveals himself. 00:16:34.679 --> 00:16:36.200 It's not the temple that Solomon builds. 00:16:36.259 --> 00:16:37.179 Because he builds that later. 00:16:37.679 --> 00:16:40.259 But his desire is to spend all of his time. 00:16:40.340 --> 00:16:41.439 In the presence of the Lord. 00:16:41.799 --> 00:16:43.819 Because that is where he finds. 00:16:44.460 --> 00:16:44.939 Peace. 00:16:45.639 --> 00:16:46.039 Joy. 00:16:46.559 --> 00:16:47.179 And worship. 00:16:47.179 --> 00:16:51.459 In verse 5 he finds protection. 00:16:51.599 --> 00:16:54.739 He says he will hide me in his shelter. 00:16:55.259 --> 00:16:56.699 In the day of trouble. 00:16:57.359 --> 00:16:59.879 See the day of trouble is inevitable for us. 00:17:01.019 --> 00:17:02.500 It will always be there. 00:17:03.939 --> 00:17:06.759 He will conceal me under the cover of his tent. 00:17:07.599 --> 00:17:10.399 There is full protection in the presence of God. 00:17:11.099 --> 00:17:13.539 And he will lift me high upon a rock. 00:17:13.539 --> 00:17:15.519 Now when in war. 00:17:15.960 --> 00:17:18.279 What's the best position to fight for? 00:17:18.960 --> 00:17:20.079 It's the high ground isn't it? 00:17:22.639 --> 00:17:24.119 In the presence of the Lord. 00:17:24.579 --> 00:17:26.359 That is the best position to be in. 00:17:27.399 --> 00:17:29.759 And there is victory with the Lord. 00:17:29.759 --> 00:17:32.299 And again not because of us. 00:17:32.299 --> 00:17:33.539 Or anything we do. 00:17:34.039 --> 00:17:35.640 Or anything even about us. 00:17:36.319 --> 00:17:39.000 But it's only because of who he is. 00:17:40.440 --> 00:17:44.119 Where do you seek shelter in times of trouble? 00:17:45.119 --> 00:17:48.759 The world would tell us to seek shelter in things that will fade away. 00:17:49.319 --> 00:17:50.660 Like food. 00:17:51.099 --> 00:17:51.539 TV. 00:17:52.039 --> 00:17:52.559 Phones. 00:17:52.559 --> 00:17:54.379 Even people. 00:17:55.460 --> 00:17:56.559 And even ourselves. 00:17:58.599 --> 00:18:00.599 You will seek what your heart desires. 00:18:01.440 --> 00:18:03.039 So what do you desire here this morning? 00:18:04.200 --> 00:18:07.240 This is something that has challenged me when I was studying this this week. 00:18:08.779 --> 00:18:11.059 Our desires can steer us away. 00:18:11.200 --> 00:18:15.460 And our eyes are completely off of who the Lord is in times of trouble. 00:18:15.460 --> 00:18:18.980 And because he has lifted me high upon a rock. 00:18:19.059 --> 00:18:19.680 In verse 6. 00:18:20.420 --> 00:18:23.319 My head shall be lifted above my enemies. 00:18:24.100 --> 00:18:26.640 Now his heart response isn't arrogant. 00:18:27.059 --> 00:18:28.840 It's not looking down on my enemies. 00:18:29.319 --> 00:18:31.180 And giving them the last word. 00:18:31.819 --> 00:18:32.860 And putting them down. 00:18:33.380 --> 00:18:36.000 But it is humbly looking to God. 00:18:36.000 --> 00:18:41.660 I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy. 00:18:42.319 --> 00:18:45.099 I will sing and make melody to the Lord. 00:18:45.900 --> 00:18:49.200 This is the response of his heart in times of trouble. 00:18:49.740 --> 00:18:54.240 That in the presence of the Lord he will praise who he is. 00:18:55.519 --> 00:18:58.200 This even shows us that when we face troubles. 00:18:58.799 --> 00:18:59.779 That we should run. 00:19:00.200 --> 00:19:01.880 And we should seek to desire. 00:19:02.380 --> 00:19:02.640 Sorry. 00:19:02.720 --> 00:19:04.720 Desire to seek the presence of the Lord. 00:19:04.720 --> 00:19:06.640 He is our protection. 00:19:07.299 --> 00:19:08.140 Our refuge. 00:19:08.640 --> 00:19:09.400 And our stronghold. 00:19:10.259 --> 00:19:11.880 How do we seek his presence? 00:19:12.480 --> 00:19:14.400 Well we do it through prayer. 00:19:15.200 --> 00:19:16.539 Through reading his word. 00:19:17.079 --> 00:19:18.400 Listening to his voice. 00:19:19.079 --> 00:19:21.400 Seeing the beauty of the Lord through his word. 00:19:22.500 --> 00:19:23.700 Maybe in his creation. 00:19:24.880 --> 00:19:26.000 Going for a walk. 00:19:26.079 --> 00:19:27.140 Looking at the skies. 00:19:27.420 --> 00:19:27.779 Water. 00:19:28.059 --> 00:19:28.539 Trees. 00:19:29.259 --> 00:19:30.720 Looking at his creation. 00:19:31.839 --> 00:19:34.200 But also by looking at his glory. 00:19:34.200 --> 00:19:36.319 Through Jesus revealed to us. 00:19:36.460 --> 00:19:37.319 In his word. 00:19:37.740 --> 00:19:39.220 And what he has done for us. 00:19:39.380 --> 00:19:40.299 On the cross. 00:19:42.860 --> 00:19:45.319 In verses 7 to 12. 00:19:45.580 --> 00:19:46.940 The prayer that expresses. 00:19:47.620 --> 00:19:48.539 His struggle. 00:19:48.539 --> 00:19:50.879 These verses. 00:19:50.879 --> 00:19:52.700 You see the reality of his fear. 00:19:53.319 --> 00:19:55.059 He is voicing his fear. 00:19:55.299 --> 00:19:56.420 Anxiety and struggle. 00:19:56.720 --> 00:19:59.059 Because his circumstances haven't changed. 00:19:59.859 --> 00:20:01.559 His circumstances tell him. 00:20:01.720 --> 00:20:02.920 That he is on his own. 00:20:03.139 --> 00:20:03.899 Or at least. 00:20:04.240 --> 00:20:05.099 Appears that way. 00:20:05.799 --> 00:20:07.920 You can hear the emotion in his voice. 00:20:07.980 --> 00:20:09.460 As he cries out to the Lord. 00:20:10.519 --> 00:20:11.759 You see David is human. 00:20:12.839 --> 00:20:15.579 And this is the reality of the fear that he faces. 00:20:15.579 --> 00:20:15.740 Jesus. 00:20:16.740 --> 00:20:18.279 Remember back in verse 4. 00:20:19.059 --> 00:20:19.919 He says. 00:20:20.460 --> 00:20:21.199 One thing. 00:20:21.539 --> 00:20:22.439 I have asked. 00:20:23.500 --> 00:20:26.039 Well it appears that he asks more than just one thing. 00:20:26.099 --> 00:20:26.519 Doesn't it? 00:20:28.639 --> 00:20:31.019 Because his desire that drives his heart. 00:20:31.500 --> 00:20:33.159 Is to be in the presence of the Lord. 00:20:34.319 --> 00:20:35.779 He is only asking one thing. 00:20:36.019 --> 00:20:37.319 He is fearful of God. 00:20:37.859 --> 00:20:39.500 Abandoning him in his time of need. 00:20:40.460 --> 00:20:42.539 Have you ever been in a situation of fear. 00:20:42.539 --> 00:20:44.940 And it seems that the situation doesn't change. 00:20:45.539 --> 00:20:48.039 That you feel that God has abandoned you. 00:20:48.720 --> 00:20:49.619 Well he hasn't. 00:20:51.139 --> 00:20:53.339 David is praying honestly with the Lord. 00:20:53.899 --> 00:20:54.779 He isn't doubting. 00:20:55.099 --> 00:20:56.599 But he is voicing his struggle. 00:20:57.059 --> 00:20:59.879 Because he cannot go to where God's presence is. 00:21:01.079 --> 00:21:01.680 Verse 7. 00:21:01.819 --> 00:21:04.099 Hear oh Lord when I cry aloud. 00:21:04.420 --> 00:21:06.519 Be gracious and answer me. 00:21:07.440 --> 00:21:08.059 Verse 8. 00:21:08.119 --> 00:21:09.899 You have said seek my face. 00:21:09.900 --> 00:21:12.460 My heart says your face Lord do I seek. 00:21:13.340 --> 00:21:17.100 He is referencing Deuteronomy chapter 4 verses 29. 00:21:18.180 --> 00:21:18.800 Which says. 00:21:19.420 --> 00:21:22.000 But from there you will seek the Lord your God. 00:21:22.100 --> 00:21:23.140 And you will find him. 00:21:23.680 --> 00:21:26.060 If you search after him with all your heart. 00:21:26.480 --> 00:21:28.200 And with all your soul. 00:21:28.960 --> 00:21:30.160 And David knows this. 00:21:30.860 --> 00:21:35.480 And he is saying Lord my heart is seeking and desiring after you. 00:21:35.480 --> 00:21:38.500 In verse 9 he says. 00:21:38.680 --> 00:21:41.759 He asks God not to hide his face or turn away in anger. 00:21:42.660 --> 00:21:44.519 It is not that he believes that he will. 00:21:44.799 --> 00:21:45.980 Because he goes on to say. 00:21:46.440 --> 00:21:47.759 Oh you have been my help. 00:21:48.880 --> 00:21:51.700 And he still circles back to the truth. 00:21:51.920 --> 00:21:53.000 Even from verse 1. 00:21:53.700 --> 00:21:56.000 Oh God of my salvation. 00:21:57.360 --> 00:21:58.440 His deliverer. 00:21:58.440 --> 00:22:03.120 We should be honest and sincere in our prayer to the Lord. 00:22:03.519 --> 00:22:04.360 Voice our struggles. 00:22:04.920 --> 00:22:05.960 In times of fear. 00:22:07.100 --> 00:22:08.380 Remember I said in this psalm. 00:22:08.440 --> 00:22:10.000 The Lord never changes. 00:22:11.200 --> 00:22:12.539 Voice our struggles to him. 00:22:12.880 --> 00:22:14.080 Because he wants to hear you. 00:22:14.539 --> 00:22:16.559 But remember who he is. 00:22:16.960 --> 00:22:17.799 In those times. 00:22:19.980 --> 00:22:21.580 You'll see in the next couple of verses. 00:22:21.700 --> 00:22:22.799 That the Lord never changes. 00:22:23.480 --> 00:22:24.180 In verse 10. 00:22:24.259 --> 00:22:25.000 David says that. 00:22:25.220 --> 00:22:27.980 Even if my mother and father forsake me. 00:22:28.980 --> 00:22:30.839 The Lord will take me in. 00:22:33.120 --> 00:22:35.700 Now in the NIV as you're reading there. 00:22:35.839 --> 00:22:37.079 It says to receive. 00:22:38.460 --> 00:22:41.839 Now I'm never going to claim to know much about Hebrew. 00:22:42.360 --> 00:22:43.599 Kevin had texted me. 00:22:44.259 --> 00:22:45.819 A message in this verse. 00:22:45.920 --> 00:22:47.740 And when it says to receive. 00:22:48.120 --> 00:22:50.660 It normally relates to gathering things. 00:22:52.059 --> 00:22:54.960 Even if my mother and father forsake me. 00:22:54.960 --> 00:22:57.380 The Lord gathers me in. 00:22:57.980 --> 00:22:59.140 That's amazing. 00:23:02.880 --> 00:23:04.160 The Lord gathers me. 00:23:04.220 --> 00:23:05.839 It's amazing that the Lord gathers me. 00:23:05.960 --> 00:23:08.920 Even when the situation seems like he is not present. 00:23:09.339 --> 00:23:10.099 But he is. 00:23:11.160 --> 00:23:13.839 And David circles back to Yahweh's character. 00:23:14.360 --> 00:23:16.799 That he knows that he will never forsake him. 00:23:16.799 --> 00:23:19.659 The same goes for us today in our fear. 00:23:20.559 --> 00:23:22.500 When we feel like we are on our own. 00:23:22.500 --> 00:23:25.200 The Lord gathers us in. 00:23:25.940 --> 00:23:28.879 We come to him and he is arms open wide. 00:23:29.419 --> 00:23:30.259 To gather us in. 00:23:31.019 --> 00:23:32.659 It reminds us of the prodigal son. 00:23:33.319 --> 00:23:34.720 The parable that Jesus teaches. 00:23:35.440 --> 00:23:38.299 That anyone who comes to him and asks for forgiveness. 00:23:38.980 --> 00:23:40.519 He will not turn away. 00:23:40.899 --> 00:23:41.859 Or forsake you. 00:23:41.859 --> 00:23:45.879 In verses 11 and 12 he says. 00:23:46.379 --> 00:23:47.919 Teach me your way oh Lord. 00:23:48.399 --> 00:23:50.159 And lead me on a level path. 00:23:50.619 --> 00:23:51.719 Because of my enemies. 00:23:52.579 --> 00:23:56.459 See there is enemies that want to pull him away from the path of the Lord. 00:23:57.500 --> 00:23:59.079 How does the Lord teach him? 00:23:59.079 --> 00:24:01.919 And we read Psalm 19. 00:24:02.539 --> 00:24:04.639 Verses 7 to 10. 00:24:05.599 --> 00:24:08.220 The law of the Lord is perfect. 00:24:08.799 --> 00:24:09.899 Reviving the soul. 00:24:10.480 --> 00:24:12.500 The testimony of the Lord is sure. 00:24:12.619 --> 00:24:13.819 Making wise the simple. 00:24:14.699 --> 00:24:16.839 The precepts of the Lord are right. 00:24:17.279 --> 00:24:18.359 Rejoicing the heart. 00:24:19.059 --> 00:24:21.359 The commandment of the Lord is pure. 00:24:21.779 --> 00:24:22.899 Enlightening the eyes. 00:24:23.659 --> 00:24:25.240 The fear of the Lord is clean. 00:24:25.339 --> 00:24:26.079 Enduring forever. 00:24:26.079 --> 00:24:29.899 The rules of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 00:24:30.859 --> 00:24:33.819 More to be desired than gold. 00:24:34.259 --> 00:24:35.519 Even much fine gold. 00:24:36.279 --> 00:24:37.539 Sweeter also than honey. 00:24:37.939 --> 00:24:39.960 And the drippings of the honeycomb. 00:24:41.139 --> 00:24:43.079 He teaches him through his word. 00:24:43.980 --> 00:24:45.519 Through the instruction of his word. 00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:49.519 The same way we have enemies that want to push us away from the level path. 00:24:49.859 --> 00:24:50.919 Or the narrow way. 00:24:51.879 --> 00:24:53.139 And lead us astray. 00:24:53.140 --> 00:24:56.640 But we have the word of God that instructs us. 00:24:57.040 --> 00:24:57.980 And teaches us. 00:24:58.340 --> 00:24:59.960 And is more precious than gold. 00:25:00.440 --> 00:25:02.040 And sweeter than honey. 00:25:04.540 --> 00:25:05.920 In verse 12. 00:25:06.500 --> 00:25:08.140 Give me not up to the will of my adversaries. 00:25:08.840 --> 00:25:10.940 For false witnesses have risen against me. 00:25:11.320 --> 00:25:13.200 And they breathe out violence. 00:25:14.200 --> 00:25:16.920 See whatever situation he finds himself. 00:25:17.540 --> 00:25:18.860 It hasn't changed. 00:25:19.660 --> 00:25:21.080 And it may never change. 00:25:21.079 --> 00:25:23.460 Even for us there is no guarantee. 00:25:24.019 --> 00:25:25.419 That our situations will change. 00:25:26.559 --> 00:25:27.779 He finishes the verse by saying. 00:25:27.919 --> 00:25:29.819 For false witnesses have risen against me. 00:25:30.099 --> 00:25:31.079 And they breathe out violence. 00:25:32.500 --> 00:25:33.559 They slander me. 00:25:34.059 --> 00:25:35.599 They make up rumors about me. 00:25:36.839 --> 00:25:40.480 You may be in a situation where people put you down because of your faith. 00:25:40.720 --> 00:25:42.980 And they might mock you and spread rumors about you. 00:25:43.639 --> 00:25:45.079 This sounds dark. 00:25:46.960 --> 00:25:48.419 But isn't it to be expected? 00:25:48.420 --> 00:25:51.900 Jesus says that if the world hates me. 00:25:52.279 --> 00:25:53.360 They will hate you. 00:25:54.360 --> 00:25:56.420 So where does that leave David? 00:25:56.759 --> 00:25:59.180 And where does that leave us? 00:26:01.000 --> 00:26:02.759 Well verses 13 and 14. 00:26:03.420 --> 00:26:05.960 The confidence that settles his life. 00:26:07.180 --> 00:26:09.440 David comes full circle to the truth. 00:26:10.600 --> 00:26:11.480 Verse 13. 00:26:11.580 --> 00:26:14.460 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord. 00:26:14.800 --> 00:26:16.580 In the land of the living. 00:26:16.579 --> 00:26:21.480 Some other translations say that if he had not believed he would despair. 00:26:22.019 --> 00:26:25.539 But because he has believed he will look upon God's goodness. 00:26:27.619 --> 00:26:31.740 He knows and believes that he will see deliverance in his life. 00:26:33.099 --> 00:26:35.439 He knows that it might not be for a while though. 00:26:36.919 --> 00:26:42.079 But he is confident because the Lord is his light and his salvation. 00:26:42.079 --> 00:26:44.619 And the stronghold of his life. 00:26:45.059 --> 00:26:46.199 Whom shall I fear? 00:26:47.899 --> 00:26:49.759 He finishes in verse 14. 00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:53.159 It's kind of like a pep talk for your heart. 00:26:53.799 --> 00:26:55.099 He says, wait for the Lord. 00:26:55.699 --> 00:26:58.480 Be strong and let your heart take courage. 00:26:59.619 --> 00:27:00.659 Wait for the Lord. 00:27:00.660 --> 00:27:03.820 It can be hard to wait sometimes, can't it? 00:27:05.820 --> 00:27:07.220 But wait for the Lord. 00:27:07.600 --> 00:27:10.860 Trust that you will see the goodness of the Lord today. 00:27:11.640 --> 00:27:12.900 And rest in him. 00:27:13.420 --> 00:27:17.120 That you will see his glory during those times. 00:27:18.600 --> 00:27:21.140 May your desire be to seek his presence. 00:27:21.660 --> 00:27:22.800 To pray with him. 00:27:23.400 --> 00:27:25.060 To worship him. 00:27:26.259 --> 00:27:27.300 During those times. 00:27:27.299 --> 00:27:30.180 So brothers and sisters, what do we do with this? 00:27:31.919 --> 00:27:36.019 Let's remember the truth that settles our fear. 00:27:36.879 --> 00:27:39.119 The Lord is our light and our salvation. 00:27:39.639 --> 00:27:40.480 Whom shall I fear? 00:27:40.740 --> 00:27:42.240 The stronghold of my life. 00:27:42.339 --> 00:27:43.299 Whom shall I be afraid? 00:27:44.980 --> 00:27:48.139 That we should desire, the desire that drives our heart. 00:27:48.940 --> 00:27:51.399 Should be to be in the presence of the Lord. 00:27:52.819 --> 00:27:57.180 That we should pray and express our struggles to the Lord. 00:27:58.259 --> 00:28:03.359 And that we should rest in the confidence that settles our life. 00:28:05.099 --> 00:28:09.359 For believers, the struggle and the fear may never end. 00:28:10.319 --> 00:28:13.859 But we should take courage and wait for the Lord. 00:28:16.059 --> 00:28:19.559 We wait for God to put all things right. 00:28:20.259 --> 00:28:23.539 We wait for the King to return. 00:28:23.539 --> 00:28:27.000 We wait to see him face to face. 00:28:27.720 --> 00:28:29.159 What a day that will be. 00:28:30.000 --> 00:28:31.259 There will be no more sin. 00:28:32.159 --> 00:28:33.200 No more pain. 00:28:33.579 --> 00:28:34.539 No more fear. 00:28:34.839 --> 00:28:36.139 No more times of trouble. 00:28:36.599 --> 00:28:37.859 It's hard to imagine that. 00:28:37.859 --> 00:28:40.799 I don't know what you've experienced here today. 00:28:41.500 --> 00:28:45.139 But whatever it is, if you are a believer here this morning, it will be finished. 00:28:45.719 --> 00:28:48.659 And all because of what Jesus has done for you. 00:28:48.660 --> 00:28:57.860 If you are sitting here and you are not a believer, there is one thing we all face, which is death. 00:28:57.859 --> 00:29:01.919 Maybe you are sitting here and you are afraid of death. 00:29:01.920 --> 00:29:07.840 If you aren't a believer, then you are called an enemy of God. 00:29:08.640 --> 00:29:11.660 And you stand under eternal judgment of God. 00:29:11.660 --> 00:29:15.920 But in John 3.16, 00:29:16.440 --> 00:29:19.960 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, 00:29:20.279 --> 00:29:25.640 that whosoever believes in me shall not perish but have eternal life. 00:29:27.500 --> 00:29:31.380 Jesus came to the earth fully man and fully God, 00:29:31.500 --> 00:29:34.500 to die on the cross, to take the punishment for you and me. 00:29:34.500 --> 00:29:40.500 And he rose again to give victory over the one thing we all face, which is death. 00:29:42.299 --> 00:29:47.099 If you repent of your sin and trust in him as your Savior, 00:29:47.460 --> 00:29:51.799 as your light and your salvation and the stronghold of your life, 00:29:53.079 --> 00:29:57.019 you can say, I no longer fear death. 00:29:59.539 --> 00:30:02.700 Because you can say that the Lord is my light. 00:30:02.700 --> 00:30:04.720 The Lord is my salvation. 00:30:05.299 --> 00:30:06.240 Whom shall I fear? 00:30:06.539 --> 00:30:08.539 The Lord is the stronghold of my life. 00:30:08.920 --> 00:30:10.680 Whom shall I be afraid? 00:30:12.380 --> 00:30:13.019 Let's pray. 00:30:19.259 --> 00:30:22.380 Heavenly Father, we thank you that you are a God who cares. 00:30:23.880 --> 00:30:27.920 Lord, we thank you that you are a God who listens to our prayers. 00:30:27.920 --> 00:30:33.580 And Lord, I thank you for your Son, Jesus, 00:30:34.360 --> 00:30:38.160 who took the punishment for us that we might have a relationship with you 00:30:38.160 --> 00:30:42.300 that we can no longer fear because of what he has done. 00:30:42.680 --> 00:30:44.440 And even in those times of fear, 00:30:45.240 --> 00:30:47.039 and when bad things happen to us, 00:30:47.400 --> 00:30:53.060 Lord, may we remain confident in who you are. 00:30:53.059 --> 00:30:57.379 may we trust and desire to seek your presence today. 00:30:58.059 --> 00:30:59.659 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:31:01.019 --> 00:31:02.539 If you want to stand and sing, 00:31:02.619 --> 00:31:03.819 we're going to sing one last song, 00:31:04.240 --> 00:31:06.839 The Lord is my salvation. 00:31:06.839 --> 00:31:22.559 Thank you. 00:31:22.559 --> 00:31:23.199 Thank you.