WEBVTT 00:00:00.040 --> 00:00:04.879 Well, good morning. It is great to see you all here this morning on a beautiful day. 00:00:05.580 --> 00:00:09.540 The Lord is giving us a little extra summer, which is kind of nice, isn't it? 00:00:09.679 --> 00:00:16.280 So, just remember, watch the weather, because if you come to church and it's cold outside, it's going to be cold in here. 00:00:16.800 --> 00:00:21.580 All right, so, just as long. We're glad you've joined us here in person and also on the live stream. 00:00:22.080 --> 00:00:28.560 We're continuing in our series in the book of Psalms, and this morning we're going to look at Psalm 27. 00:00:28.559 --> 00:00:34.219 So, if you have a Bible with you or have it on your phone or if you're at home, you might want to pull that out. 00:00:35.379 --> 00:00:45.519 And as we turn towards where, just to sort of start, the context of this psalm that David is writing is that he is in a fearful time. 00:00:45.739 --> 00:00:50.099 As you look through the psalm, you see that enemies abound. There are people seeking his destruction. 00:00:50.099 --> 00:00:58.539 They're attacking him in every way. It seems they desire to harm him physically, but also they're slandering him with false witness. 00:00:58.560 --> 00:01:07.879 It says in verse 12 that they are breathing out violence against them. 00:01:08.500 --> 00:01:11.820 And so, he is in a difficult place. 00:01:12.680 --> 00:01:18.920 And even more than those external things, he's also afraid of being abandoned in verses 9 and 10. 00:01:19.460 --> 00:01:24.020 So, there are lots of fears that are surrounding David as he writes this psalm. 00:01:24.019 --> 00:01:29.479 And I thought that was a good place to start because, golly, I feel like we live in a fearful time too. 00:01:30.439 --> 00:01:35.640 I have felt it this week in various ways, how fears have piled on my soul. 00:01:36.259 --> 00:01:43.079 I have feared for our country as we've walked through a contentious and divided political week. 00:01:43.079 --> 00:01:50.400 And as we, even as we look ahead, it's still, many of those have not been addressed adequately. 00:01:50.400 --> 00:01:54.620 And we continue to face challenges. 00:01:55.519 --> 00:02:00.920 And there are times I'm afraid for our country and how we're going to handle it and what will happen to us. 00:02:02.519 --> 00:02:06.780 Every morning, I look at the New York Times count of national COVID cases. 00:02:06.780 --> 00:02:10.520 And it continues to rise, actually fairly dramatically. 00:02:11.199 --> 00:02:12.340 And I'm fearful of that. 00:02:12.439 --> 00:02:19.680 I'm fearful for the ways that it will impact people's lives in terms of their health and in terms of some who will die. 00:02:20.379 --> 00:02:28.360 I'm also fearful because I know that if the cases continue to rise locally, as they have been, it may affect my life in other ways. 00:02:28.360 --> 00:02:33.940 Last week, one of my kids had to stay home for a day because they weren't quite sure who had what. 00:02:34.080 --> 00:02:40.920 And they kept everyone home for a day so they could contact trace through the school as one of the, someone in the school had contracted COVID. 00:02:41.260 --> 00:02:46.680 And it just made me realize this could continue and this could happen more. 00:02:46.780 --> 00:02:50.440 And maybe my kids won't be in school next week or for the next three months. 00:02:50.920 --> 00:02:52.620 So I fear all these things. 00:02:52.620 --> 00:02:58.340 This week has also been personally one of where I've had fears. 00:02:58.520 --> 00:03:02.460 My fiance finally got her immigration interview, which was very exciting. 00:03:02.599 --> 00:03:03.560 It happened on Wednesday. 00:03:04.340 --> 00:03:06.960 And it went relatively well. 00:03:07.120 --> 00:03:14.480 But even with that, fears about how that process will continue to play out and what that means for us. 00:03:16.360 --> 00:03:19.780 Lots of reasons why this could be a fearful time. 00:03:20.219 --> 00:03:21.980 Why it is a fearful time for me. 00:03:22.620 --> 00:03:25.360 I just want to stop and ask you, what about you? 00:03:26.539 --> 00:03:31.039 What fears, anxieties, worries have been hanging on you this week? 00:03:33.340 --> 00:03:34.520 Think about it for a minute. 00:03:38.240 --> 00:03:42.379 And as you think about those things, where do you go? 00:03:43.759 --> 00:03:46.219 Where do our hearts go when we are afraid? 00:03:46.659 --> 00:03:48.340 There are lots of different ways we could go. 00:03:48.420 --> 00:03:52.219 Some of us will medicate, medicate with substances, medicate with entertainment. 00:03:52.219 --> 00:03:58.379 Medicate with constantly refreshing election updates on our phone. 00:03:58.560 --> 00:04:04.219 Whatever it is, whatever you try to distract yourself with, you might do that. 00:04:04.699 --> 00:04:07.219 Some of us might withdraw in despair. 00:04:07.219 --> 00:04:19.819 Some of us may become paralyzed, frozen in fear. 00:04:19.939 --> 00:04:21.800 If I go this way, there are fearful things. 00:04:21.839 --> 00:04:23.300 If I go this way, there are fearful things. 00:04:23.300 --> 00:04:25.840 And we find ourselves just stuck. 00:04:25.839 --> 00:04:34.019 Maybe some of you are, I think I know my natural impulse when I'm afraid. 00:04:34.479 --> 00:04:35.339 And it's to do this. 00:04:35.399 --> 00:04:37.719 It's to call to arms. 00:04:38.120 --> 00:04:40.000 I want to muster my resources. 00:04:40.159 --> 00:04:41.579 I want to gather all the information. 00:04:41.739 --> 00:04:46.079 I want to get everything that I need so that I can come up with a plan and come up with a strategy 00:04:46.079 --> 00:04:50.639 to overcome those fears, to mitigate them, to somehow become in control of them. 00:04:52.319 --> 00:04:55.339 I want to prepare to fight against whatever it is. 00:04:55.939 --> 00:04:57.800 And to persist towards victory. 00:04:57.800 --> 00:05:08.600 When we turn to our psalm this morning, however, one of the things we see very clearly is that David has a different plan. 00:05:09.720 --> 00:05:13.879 In this psalm, he expresses a different response to fearful times. 00:05:14.680 --> 00:05:16.900 So let's look at it together this morning. 00:05:17.460 --> 00:05:19.199 Psalm 27 is where we are. 00:05:19.259 --> 00:05:21.259 We're going to read it and pray and then we'll continue. 00:05:24.580 --> 00:05:25.500 Psalm 27. 00:05:25.500 --> 00:05:28.680 The Lord is my light and my salvation. 00:05:29.139 --> 00:05:30.360 Whom shall I fear? 00:05:30.819 --> 00:05:33.300 The Lord is the stronghold of my life. 00:05:33.339 --> 00:05:35.000 Of whom shall I be afraid? 00:05:36.339 --> 00:05:43.259 When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. 00:05:44.259 --> 00:05:47.399 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. 00:05:47.519 --> 00:05:51.000 Though wars rise against me, yet I will be confident. 00:05:52.379 --> 00:05:54.680 One thing have I asked of the Lord. 00:05:54.680 --> 00:05:56.740 Lord, that I will seek after. 00:05:57.220 --> 00:05:58.340 That I will seek after. 00:05:59.120 --> 00:06:02.079 That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. 00:06:02.180 --> 00:06:04.180 To gaze upon the beauty of the Lord. 00:06:04.639 --> 00:06:06.540 And to inquire in his temple. 00:06:07.860 --> 00:06:11.000 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble. 00:06:11.259 --> 00:06:13.560 He will conceal me under the cover of his tent. 00:06:13.660 --> 00:06:15.460 He will lift me high upon a rock. 00:06:15.920 --> 00:06:20.500 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me. 00:06:20.500 --> 00:06:25.399 And I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy. 00:06:25.399 --> 00:06:27.839 I will sing and make melody to the Lord. 00:06:29.539 --> 00:06:31.659 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud. 00:06:31.879 --> 00:06:33.879 Be gracious to me and answer me. 00:06:34.679 --> 00:06:36.739 You have said, seek my face. 00:06:36.959 --> 00:06:39.939 My heart says to you, your face do I seek. 00:06:40.659 --> 00:06:42.699 Hide not your face from me. 00:06:43.439 --> 00:06:45.779 Turn not your servant away in anger. 00:06:45.779 --> 00:06:47.759 O you who have been my help. 00:06:48.319 --> 00:06:49.500 Cast me not off. 00:06:49.899 --> 00:06:50.859 Forsake me not. 00:06:50.939 --> 00:06:52.559 O God of my salvation. 00:06:53.359 --> 00:06:56.159 For my father and my mother have forsaken me. 00:06:56.679 --> 00:06:58.319 But the Lord will take me in. 00:07:00.719 --> 00:07:02.159 Teach me your way, O Lord. 00:07:02.679 --> 00:07:05.279 And lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 00:07:06.019 --> 00:07:08.619 Give me not up to the will of my adversaries. 00:07:08.739 --> 00:07:10.899 For false witnesses have risen against me. 00:07:10.939 --> 00:07:12.479 And they breathe out violence. 00:07:12.480 --> 00:07:18.439 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 00:07:19.200 --> 00:07:20.340 Wait for the Lord. 00:07:20.680 --> 00:07:21.400 Be strong. 00:07:21.939 --> 00:07:23.379 And let your heart take courage. 00:07:24.480 --> 00:07:26.140 Wait for the Lord. 00:07:27.200 --> 00:07:28.200 Let's pray together. 00:07:29.560 --> 00:07:31.240 Lord, we thank you for this word. 00:07:31.819 --> 00:07:38.140 We pray this morning that by your spirit, Lord, through the proclamation of this word, 00:07:38.240 --> 00:07:39.800 that you would strengthen our hearts. 00:07:39.800 --> 00:07:47.220 Lord, that we would find you to be the God that David found you to be so many years ago. 00:07:48.840 --> 00:07:55.600 Lord, and that you would turn our hearts to you that we might be strengthened in a fearful day. 00:07:56.840 --> 00:08:01.220 Lord, I ask that you would help me this morning to proclaim your word clearly. 00:08:01.220 --> 00:08:11.140 Lord, and that you would use this proclamation, Lord, in all of our hearts for your glory and for our good. 00:08:11.640 --> 00:08:12.840 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:08:13.580 --> 00:08:13.860 Amen. 00:08:16.540 --> 00:08:20.800 As we look at this psalm, the central idea is this. 00:08:20.800 --> 00:08:21.800 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:08:21.800 --> 00:08:22.800 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:08:22.800 --> 00:08:24.939 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:08:25.520 --> 00:08:26.060 And we pray in Jesus' name. 00:08:26.060 --> 00:08:27.879 And we long passionately for him. 00:08:29.040 --> 00:08:30.100 We're going to break that down. 00:08:30.180 --> 00:08:33.060 We're going to walk through those three spot, three ideas. 00:08:33.500 --> 00:08:40.600 When we dwell with the Lord, we stand confidently in him and we long passionately for him. 00:08:41.080 --> 00:08:42.659 So we're going to look at that together. 00:08:42.659 --> 00:08:45.740 So starting with when we dwell with God. 00:08:46.159 --> 00:08:51.480 You know, when you look at verse 4, it is the striking verse. 00:08:51.600 --> 00:08:52.579 Many people know it. 00:08:52.659 --> 00:08:53.879 This is one that's quoted. 00:08:54.100 --> 00:08:59.719 It's put up in Hallmark, you know, artwork that you can buy and put on your wall. 00:09:00.579 --> 00:09:02.539 It's a verse that stands out. 00:09:02.659 --> 00:09:09.360 But I really believe as I've wrestled with this psalm that it is this gravitational center of the psalm. 00:09:09.360 --> 00:09:12.820 Because David is surrounded by enemies. 00:09:13.000 --> 00:09:14.000 He's in a fearful time. 00:09:14.080 --> 00:09:15.980 He's crying out for God's help. 00:09:16.200 --> 00:09:19.320 And we don't know exactly what the historical context of it was. 00:09:19.419 --> 00:09:22.279 But think about David's life and what he was facing. 00:09:23.300 --> 00:09:25.600 You know, it might have been earlier in his life. 00:09:26.039 --> 00:09:30.759 After having been anointed by Samuel the prophet as the next king of Israel. 00:09:30.759 --> 00:09:35.800 He then spent the second half of 1 Samuel being a fugitive. 00:09:36.539 --> 00:09:39.159 Being chased by the sitting king, Saul. 00:09:39.360 --> 00:09:42.180 Who sought to destroy him out of jealousy and envy. 00:09:43.000 --> 00:09:45.879 And when you look through the stories at the end of 1 Samuel. 00:09:46.039 --> 00:09:51.820 David is constantly running and hiding and trusting in the Lord. 00:09:53.240 --> 00:09:55.879 But he's facing an incredibly difficult time. 00:09:55.960 --> 00:09:59.159 Or it might have been that this psalm was written later in his life. 00:09:59.399 --> 00:10:02.700 After his son Absalom rose up against him in rebellion. 00:10:03.120 --> 00:10:04.620 And ran him out of Jerusalem. 00:10:04.740 --> 00:10:07.340 And again David found himself in the wilderness. 00:10:07.340 --> 00:10:09.019 On the run as a fugitive. 00:10:11.160 --> 00:10:14.040 But in the seriousness of that context. 00:10:14.660 --> 00:10:17.879 And you see this in other places. 00:10:18.259 --> 00:10:20.920 In the Psalms where he'll begin with lament. 00:10:21.160 --> 00:10:23.080 But here he says. 00:10:23.600 --> 00:10:26.480 As he's wrestling with this fearful context. 00:10:26.480 --> 00:10:27.879 He gets to verse 4. 00:10:28.019 --> 00:10:29.120 And it's striking. 00:10:29.120 --> 00:10:33.259 Because it feels like a left turn in the flow of thought. 00:10:33.259 --> 00:10:39.299 But this is exactly the key that David wants us to see. 00:10:40.580 --> 00:10:42.120 That when he is afraid. 00:10:42.860 --> 00:10:44.700 What he needs most is God. 00:10:46.819 --> 00:10:47.939 He turns. 00:10:49.340 --> 00:10:50.080 And says. 00:10:50.259 --> 00:10:51.480 What I need most. 00:10:51.700 --> 00:10:53.279 When I'm facing these fears. 00:10:53.700 --> 00:10:55.039 Is to be with God. 00:10:55.039 --> 00:10:58.139 And you see this in verse 4. 00:10:58.819 --> 00:11:00.599 One thing have I asked of the Lord. 00:11:00.719 --> 00:11:02.059 That I will seek after. 00:11:02.159 --> 00:11:03.839 That I may dwell in the house of the Lord. 00:11:03.879 --> 00:11:05.039 All the days of my life. 00:11:05.120 --> 00:11:06.779 To gaze upon the beauty of the Lord. 00:11:06.839 --> 00:11:08.019 And to inquire in his temple. 00:11:08.399 --> 00:11:10.120 And you see that being with the Lord. 00:11:10.179 --> 00:11:11.639 Isn't just an ethereal thing. 00:11:11.799 --> 00:11:13.579 He's talking about it with language. 00:11:14.179 --> 00:11:15.139 Of temple. 00:11:15.139 --> 00:11:16.179 Of house. 00:11:16.500 --> 00:11:17.439 Of tents. 00:11:18.039 --> 00:11:19.939 He's talking about the place of dwelling. 00:11:20.039 --> 00:11:21.599 And think about the bigger picture. 00:11:21.959 --> 00:11:24.019 David's pulling on a theological thread. 00:11:24.019 --> 00:11:24.899 In the Old Testament. 00:11:25.199 --> 00:11:27.000 Of God's presence with his people. 00:11:27.079 --> 00:11:28.500 Being physically manifested. 00:11:28.879 --> 00:11:30.720 As they came out of Egypt. 00:11:30.720 --> 00:11:31.500 In the Exodus. 00:11:31.819 --> 00:11:32.980 He traveled with them. 00:11:33.019 --> 00:11:34.460 As a pillar of smoke. 00:11:34.519 --> 00:11:35.519 And a pillar of fire. 00:11:36.000 --> 00:11:36.340 And then. 00:11:36.740 --> 00:11:38.059 After Mount Sinai. 00:11:38.179 --> 00:11:39.480 He gave them instructions. 00:11:39.480 --> 00:11:40.960 To build a tabernacle. 00:11:41.059 --> 00:11:42.539 So that whenever they camped. 00:11:42.539 --> 00:11:44.100 They built this place. 00:11:44.100 --> 00:11:46.759 Where God would manifest his presence. 00:11:47.039 --> 00:11:48.039 Among his people. 00:11:48.159 --> 00:11:48.799 To remind them. 00:11:48.919 --> 00:11:49.740 I am with you. 00:11:50.039 --> 00:11:50.579 And then David. 00:11:50.799 --> 00:11:51.919 Knowing that this would be. 00:11:52.059 --> 00:11:53.460 Something that would come ahead. 00:11:53.460 --> 00:11:54.460 That he would. 00:11:54.580 --> 00:11:55.560 That there would be a temple. 00:11:55.560 --> 00:11:56.280 In Jerusalem. 00:11:56.280 --> 00:11:57.420 Where this tabernacle. 00:11:57.600 --> 00:11:59.500 Which was a portable worship center. 00:11:59.639 --> 00:12:01.460 Would then become a permanent one. 00:12:01.500 --> 00:12:02.360 In Israel. 00:12:02.639 --> 00:12:03.660 A building where. 00:12:03.840 --> 00:12:05.160 In the center of the temple. 00:12:05.160 --> 00:12:06.480 Is the Holy of Holies. 00:12:06.639 --> 00:12:08.200 Where the glory of God. 00:12:08.280 --> 00:12:09.700 Would manifest itself. 00:12:10.240 --> 00:12:11.820 To remind the people. 00:12:12.060 --> 00:12:13.620 That he was their God. 00:12:13.680 --> 00:12:15.280 And they were his people. 00:12:16.019 --> 00:12:17.200 And in that temple. 00:12:17.280 --> 00:12:18.240 Then was a place of. 00:12:18.840 --> 00:12:19.780 Sacrifices for sin. 00:12:19.840 --> 00:12:21.120 A place of atonement. 00:12:21.120 --> 00:12:22.460 For their failures. 00:12:22.460 --> 00:12:23.899 A place of thanksgiving. 00:12:23.899 --> 00:12:25.139 Where gratitude. 00:12:25.139 --> 00:12:26.299 For the abundance. 00:12:26.299 --> 00:12:27.299 Of God's protection. 00:12:27.299 --> 00:12:27.960 And provision. 00:12:27.960 --> 00:12:29.620 Was expressed regularly. 00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:32.419 And a place where the leaders. 00:12:32.419 --> 00:12:33.000 Could go. 00:12:33.100 --> 00:12:34.240 And inquire of him. 00:12:35.919 --> 00:12:36.960 And it was a place. 00:12:36.960 --> 00:12:38.159 Where the family of God. 00:12:38.159 --> 00:12:38.840 Would gather. 00:12:39.220 --> 00:12:40.360 Three times a year. 00:12:40.460 --> 00:12:41.220 They would come. 00:12:41.340 --> 00:12:41.980 To Jerusalem. 00:12:42.539 --> 00:12:43.399 To gather. 00:12:44.200 --> 00:12:45.580 To worship God. 00:12:45.779 --> 00:12:46.200 Together. 00:12:46.200 --> 00:12:46.280 Together. 00:12:47.660 --> 00:12:48.420 David says. 00:12:48.420 --> 00:12:49.440 When I am afraid. 00:12:50.100 --> 00:12:51.340 This is what I need. 00:12:52.060 --> 00:12:53.520 This is what I long for. 00:12:54.180 --> 00:12:55.160 To be with God. 00:12:56.040 --> 00:12:57.220 And not to be with God. 00:12:57.259 --> 00:12:58.580 The way sometimes we do it. 00:12:58.640 --> 00:13:00.300 With a half-hearted glance. 00:13:00.300 --> 00:13:01.140 At a cell phone. 00:13:01.240 --> 00:13:02.160 With a verse on it. 00:13:02.180 --> 00:13:03.500 As we're running out the door. 00:13:03.700 --> 00:13:05.120 Not a quick drive-by. 00:13:05.240 --> 00:13:06.460 Fill up at a gas station. 00:13:06.540 --> 00:13:07.400 Before we head off. 00:13:07.460 --> 00:13:08.259 To whatever else. 00:13:08.560 --> 00:13:08.940 He says. 00:13:09.000 --> 00:13:09.100 No. 00:13:09.140 --> 00:13:09.700 What I want to do. 00:13:09.740 --> 00:13:10.920 Is go and dwell there. 00:13:11.140 --> 00:13:12.480 I want to sit there. 00:13:12.540 --> 00:13:14.140 All the days of my life. 00:13:14.139 --> 00:13:15.659 And not just to sit there. 00:13:15.759 --> 00:13:16.860 But while I'm there. 00:13:16.879 --> 00:13:17.699 What am I doing? 00:13:18.100 --> 00:13:19.279 I'm not doing ritual. 00:13:19.399 --> 00:13:20.620 I'm not doing lots of other things. 00:13:20.679 --> 00:13:22.960 I'm sitting and gazing at the Lord. 00:13:23.460 --> 00:13:25.620 And admiring his beauty. 00:13:27.179 --> 00:13:29.899 What we do with a beautiful piece of artwork. 00:13:30.100 --> 00:13:33.019 Is just a foretaste of what we're meant to do with God. 00:13:33.179 --> 00:13:34.759 To sit and to look at it. 00:13:34.879 --> 00:13:36.379 And to explore it. 00:13:36.399 --> 00:13:37.840 As we gaze upon it. 00:13:37.899 --> 00:13:39.539 To see all of the intricacy. 00:13:39.779 --> 00:13:40.960 All the delicacy. 00:13:40.960 --> 00:13:43.320 All the manifold ways. 00:13:43.440 --> 00:13:45.300 In which his beauty is displayed. 00:13:46.320 --> 00:13:47.019 David says. 00:13:47.139 --> 00:13:48.100 That's what I want. 00:13:48.240 --> 00:13:50.620 I want to see all of what God is. 00:13:50.960 --> 00:13:53.680 I want to see more of what God is. 00:13:54.639 --> 00:13:55.660 And this is what he means. 00:13:55.700 --> 00:13:57.480 When he says to inquire in his temple. 00:13:57.600 --> 00:13:58.500 To inquire means. 00:13:58.780 --> 00:14:00.379 I know I don't know it all yet. 00:14:00.519 --> 00:14:02.139 I'm going to continue to learn. 00:14:02.300 --> 00:14:03.460 I'm going to continue to go. 00:14:03.680 --> 00:14:04.720 And ask questions. 00:14:04.840 --> 00:14:05.840 And seek to grow. 00:14:05.940 --> 00:14:06.900 In my knowledge. 00:14:07.240 --> 00:14:08.340 Of this God. 00:14:08.340 --> 00:14:08.420 God. 00:14:09.960 --> 00:14:11.379 And not merely knowledge. 00:14:11.379 --> 00:14:12.480 In the head sense. 00:14:12.480 --> 00:14:13.660 Of knowing more information. 00:14:13.660 --> 00:14:14.540 Though it is that. 00:14:14.780 --> 00:14:15.899 It's that information. 00:14:15.899 --> 00:14:16.980 That then brings us. 00:14:17.080 --> 00:14:18.320 Into a deeper relationship. 00:14:18.700 --> 00:14:19.840 With someone else. 00:14:19.980 --> 00:14:20.800 It's what we do. 00:14:20.840 --> 00:14:21.460 When we date. 00:14:21.560 --> 00:14:21.780 Right? 00:14:22.259 --> 00:14:23.620 We go on a date with someone. 00:14:23.680 --> 00:14:23.960 It's like. 00:14:24.040 --> 00:14:24.660 I don't know you. 00:14:24.720 --> 00:14:25.379 You don't know me. 00:14:25.500 --> 00:14:26.980 Well let's get to know one another. 00:14:27.080 --> 00:14:28.680 I'm going to inquire of you. 00:14:29.280 --> 00:14:30.620 And you're going to inquire of me. 00:14:30.639 --> 00:14:32.040 And as we gain information. 00:14:32.320 --> 00:14:34.280 We also build relationship. 00:14:34.740 --> 00:14:36.860 As we experience relationship. 00:14:36.860 --> 00:14:37.720 With one another. 00:14:37.980 --> 00:14:39.700 We know one another better. 00:14:40.019 --> 00:14:40.820 And this. 00:14:41.039 --> 00:14:42.440 Is what David is saying. 00:14:42.519 --> 00:14:44.139 He wants to do with God. 00:14:45.139 --> 00:14:46.960 It is intensely personal. 00:14:47.300 --> 00:14:48.379 It is familial. 00:14:48.700 --> 00:14:49.659 It is intimate. 00:14:50.840 --> 00:14:52.680 He needs to be with God. 00:14:53.240 --> 00:14:54.960 And this is his strategy. 00:14:56.560 --> 00:14:58.519 When he is in a fearful time. 00:14:59.460 --> 00:15:01.120 He's not preparing for battle. 00:15:01.560 --> 00:15:03.460 He's not mustering his troops. 00:15:03.460 --> 00:15:05.460 He's not gathering his weapons. 00:15:06.240 --> 00:15:08.180 He's not strategizing. 00:15:08.720 --> 00:15:11.660 But he's longing and seeking and pursuing. 00:15:12.180 --> 00:15:13.519 To be with God. 00:15:14.000 --> 00:15:16.019 This is the one thing. 00:15:16.620 --> 00:15:17.560 That he needs. 00:15:20.900 --> 00:15:22.100 How about us? 00:15:23.240 --> 00:15:24.560 In the 20th century. 00:15:24.680 --> 00:15:25.700 The evangelical church. 00:15:25.700 --> 00:15:26.980 If I can use that broadly. 00:15:27.120 --> 00:15:28.080 Is those who love Jesus. 00:15:28.200 --> 00:15:28.940 And love the Bible. 00:15:29.139 --> 00:15:32.259 And erase the political connotations. 00:15:32.259 --> 00:15:36.279 What the historical movement has meant theologically. 00:15:37.840 --> 00:15:39.899 Having a personal relationship with Jesus. 00:15:39.899 --> 00:15:42.500 Is one of the central ways. 00:15:42.600 --> 00:15:43.460 That we have talked about. 00:15:43.659 --> 00:15:46.179 What true Christian religion really is. 00:15:46.759 --> 00:15:48.819 It's not merely knowing true doctrine. 00:15:48.960 --> 00:15:51.679 It's not merely serving people in need. 00:15:51.700 --> 00:15:55.059 It's not merely participating in church rituals. 00:15:55.059 --> 00:15:57.080 It's not merely church attendance. 00:15:57.080 --> 00:15:59.559 Or involvement in a community network. 00:15:59.559 --> 00:16:01.759 But at its core. 00:16:01.899 --> 00:16:03.339 It may be all of those things. 00:16:03.379 --> 00:16:05.500 And all those things are a beautiful expression of it. 00:16:05.539 --> 00:16:06.279 But at its core. 00:16:06.359 --> 00:16:09.059 It has to do with this personal transaction. 00:16:09.439 --> 00:16:11.299 Between ourselves and the Lord. 00:16:12.299 --> 00:16:13.919 Where a born again heart. 00:16:14.479 --> 00:16:15.559 Has communion. 00:16:16.099 --> 00:16:17.379 With God himself. 00:16:20.719 --> 00:16:21.919 Do you know God. 00:16:22.139 --> 00:16:23.199 In that way. 00:16:23.200 --> 00:16:26.660 And is he precious to you. 00:16:27.420 --> 00:16:30.140 Can you say one thing I have asked. 00:16:30.360 --> 00:16:32.160 And that I will seek after. 00:16:33.180 --> 00:16:35.320 To dwell in the house of the Lord. 00:16:35.740 --> 00:16:37.180 All the days of my life. 00:16:38.320 --> 00:16:39.820 This is David's secret. 00:16:40.020 --> 00:16:41.080 In the face of fear. 00:16:41.780 --> 00:16:43.960 To seek the face of God. 00:16:45.700 --> 00:16:47.180 And as we see that. 00:16:47.360 --> 00:16:49.060 As the centerpiece of the psalm. 00:16:49.220 --> 00:16:50.900 Then the rest of it hangs off of it. 00:16:50.899 --> 00:16:52.480 And there are two main implications. 00:16:52.959 --> 00:16:55.259 That we see as David expresses this. 00:16:55.519 --> 00:16:57.480 As we see the rest of the psalm. 00:16:57.620 --> 00:16:58.459 Fill out the picture. 00:16:58.459 --> 00:16:59.980 Of what it looked like for David. 00:17:00.179 --> 00:17:01.199 To do this. 00:17:02.259 --> 00:17:03.360 In verses 1 through 6. 00:17:03.360 --> 00:17:05.680 We see that he stands confidently. 00:17:06.740 --> 00:17:07.599 With God. 00:17:07.720 --> 00:17:08.700 And the second one. 00:17:09.359 --> 00:17:10.940 In verses 7 through 14. 00:17:10.940 --> 00:17:12.700 That he longs passionately. 00:17:13.139 --> 00:17:13.839 For God. 00:17:13.920 --> 00:17:15.079 So let's look at that in turn. 00:17:15.180 --> 00:17:16.259 Verses 1 through 6. 00:17:16.839 --> 00:17:17.900 Gives us then. 00:17:18.240 --> 00:17:20.099 Hanging off of this single-minded devotion. 00:17:20.659 --> 00:17:20.939 David. 00:17:22.240 --> 00:17:23.740 Comes right out of the gate. 00:17:23.819 --> 00:17:25.819 With this incredibly strong. 00:17:26.939 --> 00:17:28.379 Powerful statement of faith. 00:17:28.980 --> 00:17:31.559 God is my. 00:17:32.399 --> 00:17:33.119 What is it? 00:17:33.199 --> 00:17:33.899 My light. 00:17:34.019 --> 00:17:35.339 And my salvation. 00:17:36.899 --> 00:17:38.059 Whom shall I fear? 00:17:38.519 --> 00:17:40.480 God is the stronghold of my life. 00:17:40.740 --> 00:17:41.639 Whom shall I be. 00:17:41.740 --> 00:17:43.119 Of whom shall I be afraid? 00:17:45.219 --> 00:17:47.259 Lots of psalms begin with David. 00:17:47.379 --> 00:17:48.619 Or the psalmist crying out. 00:17:48.619 --> 00:17:49.439 In a time of need. 00:17:49.659 --> 00:17:50.899 Explaining his circumstances. 00:17:51.299 --> 00:17:52.619 Saying how long oh Lord. 00:17:52.699 --> 00:17:53.939 Will I suffer these things? 00:17:54.199 --> 00:17:55.399 But here David starts. 00:17:55.459 --> 00:17:56.479 Right out of the gate. 00:17:56.539 --> 00:17:58.039 With this incredibly strong. 00:17:58.479 --> 00:17:59.599 God focused. 00:18:00.439 --> 00:18:00.839 Declaration. 00:18:01.399 --> 00:18:02.259 He is light. 00:18:02.399 --> 00:18:03.139 And in his light. 00:18:03.259 --> 00:18:03.939 There is healing. 00:18:04.059 --> 00:18:04.859 And there is power. 00:18:04.979 --> 00:18:05.959 And there is revelation. 00:18:06.339 --> 00:18:07.259 And there is glory. 00:18:07.399 --> 00:18:08.299 And there is life. 00:18:08.879 --> 00:18:10.679 He is my salvation. 00:18:11.179 --> 00:18:12.359 This is the place I go. 00:18:12.439 --> 00:18:13.239 For deliverance. 00:18:13.500 --> 00:18:15.059 He is my stronghold. 00:18:15.059 --> 00:18:16.899 He is like a mighty fortress. 00:18:17.639 --> 00:18:20.179 And when I am inside him. 00:18:21.220 --> 00:18:23.279 My enemies cannot touch me. 00:18:23.500 --> 00:18:24.779 They cannot get to me. 00:18:24.819 --> 00:18:26.139 Because the walls are high. 00:18:26.279 --> 00:18:27.379 And they are strong. 00:18:27.480 --> 00:18:28.419 And they are sure. 00:18:28.960 --> 00:18:31.339 And I am able to rest. 00:18:31.879 --> 00:18:33.559 And find security. 00:18:33.879 --> 00:18:34.579 And respite. 00:18:34.799 --> 00:18:35.679 And safety. 00:18:37.359 --> 00:18:39.859 Reminds me of the old VeggieTales song. 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:42.559 God is bigger than the boogeyman. 00:18:42.559 --> 00:18:43.679 And do you get anyone know that? 00:18:43.899 --> 00:18:44.079 Yeah. 00:18:44.259 --> 00:18:45.099 So it is. 00:18:45.480 --> 00:18:46.299 If you don't know it. 00:18:46.399 --> 00:18:46.599 It is. 00:18:46.659 --> 00:18:47.539 It is this great song. 00:18:47.579 --> 00:18:48.599 He is bigger than Godzilla. 00:18:48.740 --> 00:18:49.659 And the monster is on TV. 00:18:50.159 --> 00:18:50.759 And it is. 00:18:51.200 --> 00:18:51.960 It is just saying. 00:18:52.259 --> 00:18:54.559 God is such a strong refuge. 00:18:54.759 --> 00:18:56.339 Such a great help to us. 00:18:58.419 --> 00:18:59.859 That there is none. 00:19:00.099 --> 00:19:01.659 Who will stand before him. 00:19:02.679 --> 00:19:03.819 Even David says. 00:19:03.919 --> 00:19:05.679 Even if an army encamps around me. 00:19:05.740 --> 00:19:06.980 Not just one or two enemies. 00:19:07.059 --> 00:19:07.740 But an army. 00:19:08.639 --> 00:19:10.079 God is greater than that. 00:19:11.240 --> 00:19:12.339 And David is confident. 00:19:12.339 --> 00:19:13.379 And he will deliver me. 00:19:13.439 --> 00:19:14.279 He will vindicate me. 00:19:14.339 --> 00:19:15.379 Not only will he vindicate me. 00:19:15.459 --> 00:19:16.399 But he will honor me. 00:19:16.459 --> 00:19:18.559 He will lift my face up. 00:19:18.599 --> 00:19:19.799 He will lift me up. 00:19:20.500 --> 00:19:22.579 If you didn't listen to Pastor Nick's sermon last week. 00:19:22.619 --> 00:19:23.679 He talked about this psalm. 00:19:23.740 --> 00:19:27.839 The idea of God raising up in the presence of his enemies. 00:19:29.559 --> 00:19:31.619 Our face towards him. 00:19:31.740 --> 00:19:32.500 In honor. 00:19:35.859 --> 00:19:37.879 He will conceal me from my foes. 00:19:38.000 --> 00:19:41.339 And he will bring me into a place where I am untouchable. 00:19:41.339 --> 00:19:42.779 And this is the amazing thing. 00:19:43.039 --> 00:19:43.899 This is the picture. 00:19:44.359 --> 00:19:45.359 What David says is. 00:19:45.559 --> 00:19:47.220 When I dwell with God. 00:19:48.199 --> 00:19:50.139 I am indestructible. 00:19:52.519 --> 00:19:54.619 No matter how great my fears are. 00:19:54.740 --> 00:19:55.459 God is greater. 00:19:55.720 --> 00:19:59.159 No matter how serious the outcomes of the things that I fear might be. 00:19:59.319 --> 00:19:59.959 For me. 00:20:00.119 --> 00:20:01.559 God has got them. 00:20:01.720 --> 00:20:04.019 No matter how bloodthirsty my enemies are. 00:20:04.079 --> 00:20:06.159 No matter how great they seem to be. 00:20:06.160 --> 00:20:09.880 God will keep me dwelling with him. 00:20:11.220 --> 00:20:12.640 And because of that. 00:20:12.840 --> 00:20:14.640 I do not need to be afraid. 00:20:15.120 --> 00:20:16.300 He will deliver me. 00:20:16.420 --> 00:20:19.960 And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 00:20:20.300 --> 00:20:22.160 And there is this picture then. 00:20:22.500 --> 00:20:25.060 Of no matter what comes my way. 00:20:25.420 --> 00:20:27.220 When I am with God. 00:20:27.900 --> 00:20:28.860 I am protected. 00:20:29.100 --> 00:20:31.779 And David expresses this with great confidence. 00:20:31.779 --> 00:20:34.039 Not only does this come with confidence. 00:20:34.240 --> 00:20:34.960 But in verse 6. 00:20:35.160 --> 00:20:36.319 It comes with gladness. 00:20:36.399 --> 00:20:37.000 And with joy. 00:20:37.180 --> 00:20:37.639 In worship. 00:20:37.799 --> 00:20:38.680 And in song. 00:20:40.319 --> 00:20:40.660 Friends. 00:20:40.740 --> 00:20:41.980 This is why we gather. 00:20:43.579 --> 00:20:45.299 To worship God together. 00:20:45.480 --> 00:20:46.940 Because we remind ourselves. 00:20:47.039 --> 00:20:48.539 And we express this confidence. 00:20:48.740 --> 00:20:51.000 Of this is the God that we have put our trust in. 00:20:51.220 --> 00:20:52.920 This is the God in whom we believe. 00:20:53.279 --> 00:20:53.920 And though. 00:20:54.099 --> 00:20:55.920 Whatever fears we have carried. 00:20:55.980 --> 00:20:56.740 Throughout this week. 00:20:56.740 --> 00:20:58.700 We come here to remember. 00:20:59.240 --> 00:21:00.880 And to be able to say with David. 00:21:01.380 --> 00:21:03.240 God is my light and my salvation. 00:21:04.319 --> 00:21:05.900 Whom shall I fear? 00:21:09.440 --> 00:21:10.339 Now I know. 00:21:11.660 --> 00:21:12.700 Because I have been there. 00:21:12.700 --> 00:21:14.680 And some of you may be there this morning. 00:21:15.700 --> 00:21:17.279 This statement of confidence. 00:21:17.279 --> 00:21:18.980 Feels like a step too far. 00:21:20.019 --> 00:21:21.799 I want to believe that. 00:21:22.079 --> 00:21:23.539 But I feel overcome. 00:21:24.859 --> 00:21:25.259 I feel. 00:21:25.259 --> 00:21:27.619 Don't you know the internal struggle. 00:21:27.759 --> 00:21:29.379 The internal turmoil of my heart. 00:21:29.480 --> 00:21:30.640 As I face these fears. 00:21:32.059 --> 00:21:33.660 One of the beautiful things. 00:21:33.799 --> 00:21:34.920 That the Psalms do. 00:21:35.039 --> 00:21:36.000 Is give us language. 00:21:36.319 --> 00:21:37.920 Just as the first six verses. 00:21:38.119 --> 00:21:38.819 Give us language. 00:21:38.980 --> 00:21:40.720 To state what we know is true. 00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:42.039 So that we can say. 00:21:42.220 --> 00:21:42.799 I believe. 00:21:42.920 --> 00:21:43.980 Lord help my unbelief. 00:21:44.819 --> 00:21:45.740 In the second half. 00:21:45.839 --> 00:21:47.599 He then exposes. 00:21:47.859 --> 00:21:49.720 The internal workings of his heart. 00:21:50.119 --> 00:21:51.879 And the conversation that he's having. 00:21:52.099 --> 00:21:53.039 Within himself. 00:21:54.079 --> 00:21:54.879 In this confidence. 00:21:54.880 --> 00:21:55.640 He then is. 00:21:56.680 --> 00:21:58.460 Expressing the process. 00:21:58.900 --> 00:22:02.240 Or the ongoing dynamics of his heart. 00:22:02.360 --> 00:22:03.180 In the middle of it. 00:22:03.840 --> 00:22:05.960 Do you see how from verse six to verse seven. 00:22:06.840 --> 00:22:09.520 The voice of the speaker changes. 00:22:12.940 --> 00:22:14.160 No let me restate that. 00:22:14.820 --> 00:22:16.660 It's not that the voice of the speaker changes. 00:22:16.760 --> 00:22:17.620 But the audience changes. 00:22:17.860 --> 00:22:19.860 He turns from talking to whoever. 00:22:20.140 --> 00:22:20.860 Maybe to himself. 00:22:20.960 --> 00:22:22.540 Or declaring it loud to the people. 00:22:22.539 --> 00:22:24.019 He turns to God. 00:22:24.879 --> 00:22:26.079 Says hear oh God. 00:22:26.159 --> 00:22:26.980 When I cry aloud. 00:22:27.559 --> 00:22:28.960 Be gracious to me. 00:22:29.299 --> 00:22:31.039 And answer me. 00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:33.839 He says. 00:22:34.059 --> 00:22:35.279 God I need you. 00:22:35.980 --> 00:22:37.359 I have this confidence. 00:22:37.519 --> 00:22:38.899 But God I need you desperately. 00:22:39.839 --> 00:22:41.059 You've said seek my face. 00:22:41.159 --> 00:22:41.539 I do. 00:22:41.639 --> 00:22:42.659 I do seek your face. 00:22:42.759 --> 00:22:43.079 But then. 00:22:43.339 --> 00:22:44.960 Do you see what his next statement is. 00:22:45.079 --> 00:22:46.019 It's not confidence. 00:22:46.500 --> 00:22:47.180 It's longing. 00:22:48.779 --> 00:22:50.399 Hide not your face from me Lord. 00:22:50.400 --> 00:22:52.800 Turn not your servant away from me in anger. 00:22:55.120 --> 00:22:56.759 Don't be ashamed of me Lord. 00:22:58.019 --> 00:22:59.920 When you turn your face away from me. 00:23:00.000 --> 00:23:02.780 You turn your face of favor away from me. 00:23:03.280 --> 00:23:04.900 And I find myself alone. 00:23:06.700 --> 00:23:07.700 It's terrifying. 00:23:07.960 --> 00:23:09.380 To think that that might be true. 00:23:09.720 --> 00:23:10.800 So he pleads with God. 00:23:10.880 --> 00:23:12.019 God don't do that. 00:23:13.019 --> 00:23:15.680 I think verse ten is probably a hypothetical. 00:23:15.780 --> 00:23:17.740 Rather than a historical comment. 00:23:17.740 --> 00:23:21.620 The first reading is that it would be. 00:23:22.160 --> 00:23:23.720 Well this has happened to him. 00:23:23.859 --> 00:23:25.019 But I think it might be even. 00:23:25.519 --> 00:23:26.980 Be better read as an. 00:23:27.079 --> 00:23:27.559 Even if. 00:23:28.480 --> 00:23:29.720 Even if my parents. 00:23:30.120 --> 00:23:31.359 Those who are closest to me. 00:23:31.720 --> 00:23:32.819 Those who are the ones who. 00:23:33.259 --> 00:23:35.279 Have the most reason to love me. 00:23:35.319 --> 00:23:36.500 And never forsake me. 00:23:37.120 --> 00:23:38.839 Even if they forsake me. 00:23:39.799 --> 00:23:42.099 The Lord will not. 00:23:43.599 --> 00:23:45.500 The Lord will take me in. 00:23:45.500 --> 00:23:48.380 I can stay at his house. 00:23:48.880 --> 00:23:50.480 Not only can I stay in his house. 00:23:50.480 --> 00:23:52.180 Like couch surfing on his house. 00:23:52.279 --> 00:23:53.819 But he's going to invite me in. 00:23:53.900 --> 00:23:54.259 And make. 00:23:54.819 --> 00:23:56.380 Invite me to make him. 00:23:56.599 --> 00:23:57.519 My home. 00:23:58.339 --> 00:23:59.599 I will be welcomed. 00:23:59.960 --> 00:24:00.960 And I will be welcomed. 00:24:00.960 --> 00:24:02.180 As an honored guest. 00:24:02.619 --> 00:24:03.960 But I will also be embraced. 00:24:03.960 --> 00:24:04.740 As a child. 00:24:05.539 --> 00:24:06.740 And I will come home. 00:24:06.799 --> 00:24:09.039 Where my enemies cannot touch me. 00:24:10.140 --> 00:24:11.420 When I come home. 00:24:12.420 --> 00:24:14.099 This is where I am secure. 00:24:14.099 --> 00:24:17.859 Now my guess is that some of you. 00:24:18.559 --> 00:24:20.679 Have experienced a kind of rejection. 00:24:21.079 --> 00:24:23.339 That David expresses in this hypothetical. 00:24:23.619 --> 00:24:25.000 Some of you have had parents. 00:24:25.439 --> 00:24:26.219 Reject you. 00:24:26.699 --> 00:24:27.599 And cast you out. 00:24:28.059 --> 00:24:29.980 Some of you have had marriages. 00:24:29.980 --> 00:24:31.439 Where your partner. 00:24:31.599 --> 00:24:32.199 Your spouse. 00:24:33.119 --> 00:24:34.279 Has rejected you. 00:24:34.519 --> 00:24:35.339 And cast you out. 00:24:35.439 --> 00:24:36.339 Some of you have been. 00:24:36.480 --> 00:24:38.219 In school friendship groups. 00:24:38.919 --> 00:24:41.179 Where you who were part of the group. 00:24:41.299 --> 00:24:42.339 Suddenly found yourself. 00:24:42.339 --> 00:24:44.159 On the outside of the mean girls. 00:24:46.559 --> 00:24:47.759 Suffering painfully. 00:24:49.099 --> 00:24:50.319 From that rejection. 00:24:53.240 --> 00:24:54.179 Some of you. 00:24:54.740 --> 00:24:55.919 Have battled loneliness. 00:24:55.919 --> 00:24:57.079 That is an enemy. 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:59.359 In all of these circumstances. 00:24:59.359 --> 00:25:00.119 And many more. 00:25:01.480 --> 00:25:03.059 Where there's an internal dialogue. 00:25:03.059 --> 00:25:04.959 That rises up inside of us. 00:25:05.240 --> 00:25:06.459 What's wrong with us? 00:25:06.460 --> 00:25:09.380 Why don't they love us? 00:25:10.340 --> 00:25:11.900 It must be my fault. 00:25:12.460 --> 00:25:13.880 I'm not good enough. 00:25:14.720 --> 00:25:15.940 My sins are too great. 00:25:16.579 --> 00:25:18.299 I'm too small to be noticed. 00:25:19.579 --> 00:25:21.860 This kind of rejection is powerful. 00:25:21.860 --> 00:25:23.059 And it's painful. 00:25:23.059 --> 00:25:26.339 And David reminds us. 00:25:27.279 --> 00:25:29.899 That the Lord will not forsake us. 00:25:30.579 --> 00:25:33.079 But the Lord will welcome us. 00:25:33.639 --> 00:25:35.779 The Lord will take us in. 00:25:37.079 --> 00:25:39.539 You are not alone in fearful times. 00:25:41.119 --> 00:25:42.299 He is with you. 00:25:43.299 --> 00:25:44.159 And so seek him. 00:25:44.399 --> 00:25:45.220 Seek his face. 00:25:45.220 --> 00:25:49.880 David ends this psalm in 11 through 14. 00:25:49.880 --> 00:25:52.120 By talking about how he pursues us. 00:25:52.160 --> 00:25:53.539 He pursues us by faith. 00:25:53.940 --> 00:25:55.339 Verses 11 through 12. 00:25:55.440 --> 00:25:55.839 He says. 00:25:56.220 --> 00:25:57.720 Teach me your ways oh Lord. 00:25:58.279 --> 00:26:01.600 I trust that my way is not going to get me through this. 00:26:02.319 --> 00:26:03.779 I need to know your ways. 00:26:03.839 --> 00:26:05.019 So that I can walk with you. 00:26:05.100 --> 00:26:06.740 So that I can be instructed by you. 00:26:06.740 --> 00:26:09.039 So that I can walk in paths of righteousness. 00:26:09.039 --> 00:26:10.059 That lead to life. 00:26:10.160 --> 00:26:10.740 And not go astray. 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:12.740 As my enemies would. 00:26:12.740 --> 00:26:14.839 And to all sorts of ways in the world. 00:26:15.059 --> 00:26:16.519 Where I would seek to control. 00:26:16.680 --> 00:26:18.160 And take care of my own fears. 00:26:18.160 --> 00:26:19.339 In my own ways. 00:26:20.019 --> 00:26:21.839 But that would only lead to destruction. 00:26:24.779 --> 00:26:26.640 Then verses 13 and 14. 00:26:29.680 --> 00:26:31.400 Faith that God will deliver. 00:26:34.259 --> 00:26:36.120 If you have an ESV Bible. 00:26:36.120 --> 00:26:38.480 Or various Bibles. 00:26:38.559 --> 00:26:40.319 If you have a different translation than the ESV. 00:26:40.319 --> 00:26:43.139 I've wrestled with this verse a lot. 00:26:43.500 --> 00:26:44.619 This is one of those places. 00:26:44.619 --> 00:26:45.700 Where I read this verse. 00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:46.419 Verse 13. 00:26:46.519 --> 00:26:46.819 I'm like. 00:26:47.359 --> 00:26:48.460 God do you really mean this? 00:26:48.480 --> 00:26:49.480 And what does this really mean? 00:26:50.359 --> 00:26:51.259 Let's read it again. 00:26:51.319 --> 00:26:52.059 In the ESV it says. 00:26:52.179 --> 00:26:54.439 I believe that I shall look in the goodness of the Lord. 00:26:54.500 --> 00:26:55.720 In the land of the living. 00:26:56.879 --> 00:26:58.099 And I always read this. 00:26:58.099 --> 00:27:00.539 As a simple reaffirmation of confidence. 00:27:00.539 --> 00:27:01.519 And it may be that. 00:27:01.939 --> 00:27:03.279 But in the original language. 00:27:03.460 --> 00:27:04.619 There's a word at the beginning. 00:27:04.839 --> 00:27:07.339 That is questionable. 00:27:08.039 --> 00:27:09.200 Some manuscripts have it. 00:27:09.259 --> 00:27:09.799 Some don't. 00:27:09.799 --> 00:27:11.919 But if you have that in there. 00:27:12.099 --> 00:27:14.599 It then would read something slightly different. 00:27:14.759 --> 00:27:16.619 It would read along these lines. 00:27:16.859 --> 00:27:18.319 If I had not believed. 00:27:18.579 --> 00:27:20.419 That I would see God's goodness. 00:27:21.079 --> 00:27:22.119 Where would I be? 00:27:25.980 --> 00:27:27.019 Either reading. 00:27:27.740 --> 00:27:29.099 Gets at core truths of this. 00:27:29.180 --> 00:27:29.759 So it's not. 00:27:30.419 --> 00:27:33.740 We're not ranging into divergent. 00:27:34.700 --> 00:27:36.519 Meanings for the overall text. 00:27:36.519 --> 00:27:39.480 But I think that what the psalmist here is saying. 00:27:39.799 --> 00:27:41.619 If I didn't believe this. 00:27:41.799 --> 00:27:43.220 If I was left on my own. 00:27:43.259 --> 00:27:44.480 Without some confidence. 00:27:44.480 --> 00:27:46.619 That God would actually do good to me. 00:27:46.740 --> 00:27:47.980 I would be lost. 00:27:53.720 --> 00:27:56.079 Dwelling with God is an exercise of faith. 00:27:56.079 --> 00:27:59.259 In God's delivering power. 00:27:59.259 --> 00:28:01.339 In the land of the living. 00:28:01.859 --> 00:28:02.460 And again. 00:28:02.460 --> 00:28:03.759 This is the other part where I wrestle. 00:28:03.859 --> 00:28:05.299 Does land of the living mean now? 00:28:05.779 --> 00:28:07.579 Because this is where I'm living right now. 00:28:07.659 --> 00:28:08.740 Is it before I die? 00:28:08.819 --> 00:28:09.779 I'm going to see God's goodness? 00:28:10.099 --> 00:28:12.099 And certainly that's a truism. 00:28:12.099 --> 00:28:13.339 That we should be looking for. 00:28:13.659 --> 00:28:14.119 But actually. 00:28:14.279 --> 00:28:14.939 As I've studied this. 00:28:14.980 --> 00:28:17.159 I actually think that the greater weight here. 00:28:17.240 --> 00:28:18.179 Is that the land of the living. 00:28:18.359 --> 00:28:19.619 Is the land that is to come. 00:28:19.619 --> 00:28:23.359 The future hope. 00:28:24.099 --> 00:28:25.759 When there will be no more death. 00:28:25.819 --> 00:28:26.659 And no more dying. 00:28:26.739 --> 00:28:27.659 And no more sickness. 00:28:27.859 --> 00:28:28.879 And no more tears. 00:28:29.799 --> 00:28:32.559 There will be no more enemies to attack us. 00:28:32.939 --> 00:28:34.239 And nothing to fear. 00:28:34.979 --> 00:28:36.839 Because when Jesus returns. 00:28:36.939 --> 00:28:38.519 And when he renews the world. 00:28:38.619 --> 00:28:39.139 All things. 00:28:39.379 --> 00:28:41.019 When he brings his final judgment. 00:28:41.159 --> 00:28:43.239 And evil and death and sin are done for. 00:28:43.240 --> 00:28:45.880 Then we will live in a place. 00:28:47.640 --> 00:28:49.299 Where we know God's goodness. 00:28:49.299 --> 00:28:50.200 In its fullness. 00:28:50.859 --> 00:28:52.140 And the hope of that. 00:28:52.500 --> 00:28:54.259 Gives us the ability to navigate. 00:28:54.559 --> 00:28:56.160 The fearful things now. 00:28:56.559 --> 00:28:58.279 And to know that even if. 00:28:59.059 --> 00:29:00.980 God doesn't protect me from my enemies. 00:29:01.140 --> 00:29:03.120 By preventing tragedy or trial. 00:29:03.420 --> 00:29:05.640 By preventing us from getting sick or dying. 00:29:05.740 --> 00:29:06.920 From preventing our enemies. 00:29:07.099 --> 00:29:09.440 From seemingly having victory over us. 00:29:09.500 --> 00:29:10.099 In the moment. 00:29:10.579 --> 00:29:11.559 Because all of these things. 00:29:11.640 --> 00:29:12.740 Seem to happen in the world. 00:29:12.740 --> 00:29:14.500 Even if those things happen. 00:29:14.859 --> 00:29:16.339 When I dwell with the Lord. 00:29:16.539 --> 00:29:18.359 There is an indestructible nature. 00:29:18.359 --> 00:29:19.380 To who I am. 00:29:19.480 --> 00:29:20.819 That will carry me through. 00:29:20.940 --> 00:29:22.759 Because I know that God has me. 00:29:22.960 --> 00:29:24.559 And I know where I am going. 00:29:27.599 --> 00:29:29.019 And so he says wait. 00:29:30.420 --> 00:29:31.460 Verse 14. 00:29:31.660 --> 00:29:32.640 Wait for the Lord. 00:29:32.779 --> 00:29:33.579 Be strong. 00:29:34.000 --> 00:29:35.319 Let your heart take courage. 00:29:35.620 --> 00:29:36.259 And wait. 00:29:36.660 --> 00:29:39.539 And waiting is something that we are all bad at doing. 00:29:39.980 --> 00:29:41.559 We live in an instant age. 00:29:41.559 --> 00:29:43.559 And we want to fix things now. 00:29:43.879 --> 00:29:45.319 We want to take control. 00:29:45.319 --> 00:29:47.440 We want to find a way to overcome. 00:29:47.440 --> 00:29:49.779 So that the problems are no longer there. 00:29:49.899 --> 00:29:51.399 But David says no. 00:29:51.599 --> 00:29:52.919 That's not the path. 00:29:53.779 --> 00:29:55.639 The path is to wait for God. 00:29:55.720 --> 00:29:56.759 To do for us. 00:29:56.839 --> 00:29:58.179 What we can't do for ourselves. 00:29:58.519 --> 00:30:00.419 He could not conjure up an army. 00:30:00.619 --> 00:30:02.720 To defeat the armies that were chasing him. 00:30:02.720 --> 00:30:08.900 Instead David said seek God's presence. 00:30:09.240 --> 00:30:10.400 And trust that with him. 00:30:10.980 --> 00:30:13.180 Our help will come as well. 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:17.140 And friends is this not the good news of the gospel. 00:30:17.140 --> 00:30:17.960 That we believe. 00:30:18.920 --> 00:30:20.539 That when we wait on him. 00:30:20.660 --> 00:30:22.019 We do not wait in vain. 00:30:23.180 --> 00:30:25.039 Think about what Jesus has done. 00:30:26.420 --> 00:30:28.720 Though we long to dwell with God. 00:30:28.720 --> 00:30:29.640 With God. 00:30:29.880 --> 00:30:31.500 What Jesus has done is said. 00:30:32.000 --> 00:30:33.940 I have come to dwell with you. 00:30:34.079 --> 00:30:35.620 So that you can dwell with God. 00:30:36.019 --> 00:30:38.420 This is the beauty of John 1 14. 00:30:38.519 --> 00:30:39.660 The word became flesh. 00:30:40.019 --> 00:30:41.039 And dwelt among us. 00:30:41.120 --> 00:30:43.140 Literally tabernacled among us. 00:30:43.339 --> 00:30:44.539 He set up his tent. 00:30:44.640 --> 00:30:45.440 The meeting place. 00:30:45.500 --> 00:30:46.460 Between God and man. 00:30:46.539 --> 00:30:47.620 So that we could come. 00:30:47.860 --> 00:30:50.000 And in Jesus know God. 00:30:50.460 --> 00:30:52.120 And in Jesus know God. 00:30:52.119 --> 00:30:55.939 It's Jesus who said. 00:30:56.019 --> 00:30:57.459 As he was ascending into heaven. 00:30:57.639 --> 00:30:58.719 The end of Matthew. 00:31:00.319 --> 00:31:01.719 I will never leave you. 00:31:01.779 --> 00:31:02.739 Nor forsake you. 00:31:03.079 --> 00:31:04.279 To the end of the age. 00:31:04.379 --> 00:31:06.159 I will always be with you. 00:31:08.699 --> 00:31:10.359 What a wonderful thing to know. 00:31:10.779 --> 00:31:12.619 That though we long to dwell with God. 00:31:12.619 --> 00:31:14.259 God has initiated towards us. 00:31:14.299 --> 00:31:15.579 So that we can do this. 00:31:16.039 --> 00:31:17.000 And not only that. 00:31:17.339 --> 00:31:18.959 But we have great confidence. 00:31:18.959 --> 00:31:20.839 In the face of our greatest fears. 00:31:20.839 --> 00:31:22.259 Because friends. 00:31:22.379 --> 00:31:24.259 We may fear lots of things in this world. 00:31:24.319 --> 00:31:25.279 But the Bible tells us. 00:31:25.319 --> 00:31:26.740 The things we're most to fear. 00:31:26.959 --> 00:31:28.259 Are sin and death. 00:31:28.559 --> 00:31:30.559 And to live apart from God. 00:31:31.159 --> 00:31:32.859 To be under his judgment. 00:31:33.220 --> 00:31:34.899 And outside of his life. 00:31:36.319 --> 00:31:37.720 And Jesus has come. 00:31:38.359 --> 00:31:40.119 By defeating these enemies. 00:31:40.119 --> 00:31:41.039 His life. 00:31:41.259 --> 00:31:43.459 By his perfect righteous life. 00:31:44.759 --> 00:31:47.159 By his sacrificial death for us. 00:31:47.599 --> 00:31:49.179 By his resurrection from the dead. 00:31:49.180 --> 00:31:51.420 He has defeated the powers of sin and death. 00:31:51.560 --> 00:31:53.740 So they no longer have power. 00:31:53.740 --> 00:31:56.060 Over those who have faith in Jesus. 00:31:59.700 --> 00:32:01.400 God's love will never fail us. 00:32:01.400 --> 00:32:03.640 Because we know that Christ has died for us. 00:32:04.160 --> 00:32:06.480 God's promises will never fail us. 00:32:06.720 --> 00:32:08.759 Because he has risen from the dead. 00:32:09.299 --> 00:32:11.400 And so we can say with Paul. 00:32:12.060 --> 00:32:14.380 What can separate us from the love of God? 00:32:15.500 --> 00:32:15.980 Nothing. 00:32:15.980 --> 00:32:19.019 We are more than conquerors. 00:32:20.200 --> 00:32:22.180 Through him who died for us. 00:32:23.299 --> 00:32:25.039 And so we can say. 00:32:25.680 --> 00:32:26.980 With the apostle Paul. 00:32:27.140 --> 00:32:28.539 In the passage we read earlier. 00:32:28.799 --> 00:32:30.120 In Philippians 3. 00:32:31.860 --> 00:32:33.099 I count all things as lost. 00:32:33.259 --> 00:32:34.680 For the sake of knowing Christ. 00:32:35.140 --> 00:32:36.400 And being found in him. 00:32:36.819 --> 00:32:38.779 Not having a righteousness of my own. 00:32:39.200 --> 00:32:40.039 By works. 00:32:40.180 --> 00:32:42.019 But a righteousness as given to me. 00:32:42.319 --> 00:32:43.920 By faith in Christ. 00:32:43.920 --> 00:32:45.160 I want to know him. 00:32:45.240 --> 00:32:46.279 The power of his resurrection. 00:32:46.460 --> 00:32:47.840 The fellowship of his sufferings. 00:32:48.000 --> 00:32:50.880 So that I might be raised with him to eternal life. 00:32:51.180 --> 00:32:52.140 This is what I seek. 00:32:52.220 --> 00:32:53.100 This is what I pursue. 00:32:53.200 --> 00:32:55.779 And I keep going along this path. 00:32:57.660 --> 00:32:59.220 To not just know about him. 00:32:59.300 --> 00:33:01.880 But to know him in this intimate and personal way. 00:33:01.960 --> 00:33:04.420 That David recommends to us. 00:33:04.420 --> 00:33:07.640 That we would not only know him. 00:33:07.700 --> 00:33:09.380 But we would treasure him and love him. 00:33:13.180 --> 00:33:15.980 I wonder if those of you who are here this morning. 00:33:16.060 --> 00:33:17.560 Who may be exploring Christianity. 00:33:17.800 --> 00:33:18.519 Who may be asking. 00:33:18.740 --> 00:33:19.940 What is this all about? 00:33:21.560 --> 00:33:23.360 Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed. 00:33:23.360 --> 00:33:24.779 By your fears this morning. 00:33:24.779 --> 00:33:25.259 And wondering. 00:33:25.440 --> 00:33:27.039 Is it possible that this could be true? 00:33:27.039 --> 00:33:33.399 Explore what it is that Christ has done for us. 00:33:34.539 --> 00:33:35.779 This is the hope. 00:33:36.359 --> 00:33:38.579 That we as a church proclaim to the world. 00:33:38.639 --> 00:33:39.720 And we invite you to come. 00:33:40.039 --> 00:33:41.740 Put your trust in Jesus today. 00:33:43.019 --> 00:33:46.220 And for those of us who have put our trust in Jesus. 00:33:46.399 --> 00:33:48.059 As we face our fears. 00:33:48.319 --> 00:33:51.579 Let us listen to David's encouragement this morning. 00:33:51.579 --> 00:33:53.579 Seek him. 00:33:53.980 --> 00:33:55.619 With the single mindedness. 00:33:56.299 --> 00:33:57.579 One thing I ask. 00:33:58.059 --> 00:33:59.579 One thing I will seek after. 00:34:00.079 --> 00:34:02.519 That I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 00:34:03.899 --> 00:34:05.179 With expectant faith. 00:34:05.319 --> 00:34:06.279 Let us seek him. 00:34:06.980 --> 00:34:09.039 And know that he will meet with us. 00:34:09.460 --> 00:34:10.000 Let's pray. 00:34:11.539 --> 00:34:13.259 Lord we thank you for this word. 00:34:13.860 --> 00:34:16.679 We thank you for the encouragement that it is. 00:34:16.880 --> 00:34:18.400 For the reminder that it is. 00:34:18.420 --> 00:34:19.819 Of what you have done for us. 00:34:19.820 --> 00:34:23.080 God I pray for those. 00:34:23.700 --> 00:34:24.019 Who are. 00:34:25.039 --> 00:34:26.460 Struggling with fear today. 00:34:27.100 --> 00:34:28.720 That Lord we might find. 00:34:29.539 --> 00:34:30.340 With you. 00:34:30.440 --> 00:34:31.140 And in you. 00:34:31.600 --> 00:34:32.700 A place of refuge. 00:34:32.960 --> 00:34:33.960 A place of confidence. 00:34:35.360 --> 00:34:35.640 Lord. 00:34:37.059 --> 00:34:38.019 Help us Lord. 00:34:38.120 --> 00:34:39.000 To wait on you. 00:34:39.519 --> 00:34:40.440 And to seek you. 00:34:41.440 --> 00:34:43.600 Oh Lord we pray these things in Jesus name. 00:34:44.300 --> 00:34:44.580 Amen.