Psalm 39: Looking for Help at the Right Place

This Psalm is an “individual lament.” This is a poetic prayer asking God to step in and change a desperate situation. This is the late-night cry of the soul out to God about the dark providences' frail humans face in a fallen world full of evil spirits, evil people, faltering friends, and a cursed natural order. A Hymn praises God for who He is or thanks Him for what He has done. A lament begs God for help in times of crisis. Most laments include: 1) An address to God; 2) Complaint; 3) Confession of trust in God; 4) Petition to God; 5) Words of assurance; 6) Vow of praise.

Our Bible study rule for this week is:

RULE #2: Interpret each passage according to the correct meaning of the words used in the verse.  For serious study, use a dictionary and a concordance to be sure of what the key words mean. Each context will limit the possible meanings for each word. Different translations, commentaries, and Hebrew or Greek lexicons are additional sources to help you see the range of nuances each term has and how this context limits those choices. (Think of the English term: trunk. What are some of the possible meanings? How does the context, “The car’s trunk was scratched,” limit the possible meanings?)

   I. Silence before the LORD (Yahweh). vs 1–3 

      A. Address to God: I am going to hold my peace in front of the wicked. vs. 1

           1. I don’t want to be irreverent to God and sin with my mouth.

           2. I don’t want to give evil people additional reasons to blaspheme God.

      B. Complaint: My silence increased my internal agonizing pain.  vs. 2

           1. I kept my murmuring from coming out of my mouth.

           2. I am submitting to God, but I must call on Him for help

      C. Complaint: My emotions were not as easy to control as I thought. vs. 3

           1. I need help.

           2. I must go to God in prayer.

  II. A prayer for the gift of God’s wisdom and discernment. vs. 4–6

      A. Petition to God: Help me come to terms with how short life is. vs. 4

      B. Address to God: Life is brief. I want to go miles, instead I go inches. vs. 5

      C. Address to God: Humans are mortal and can’t control what happens. vs. 6

          1. Compared to God, men are not that important

          2. After death, they have no significant say in their affairs

III. A prayer for salvation. vs. 7–8

      A. Confession of trust: My trust is in the Lord (Adonai).  vs. 7

           1. There is no place else for the righteous to go.

           2. I hope in and wait for the Lord’s salvation.

      B. Petition to God: Save me from all of my violations of your law. vs. 8

           1. Save me from the power of sin.

           2. Save me from the love of and control of sin.

     C. Petition to God: Do not let the fools of the earth laugh me to scorn. vs. 8

IV. Silence before the Lord. vs. 9

      A. Address to God: Lord, I was silent partially because I know You allowed this. vs. 9 

      B. Acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and secret providence vs.9

          1. God may be using sickness, old age, or evil people to bring this chastisement.

          2. God chastises through secondary means those whom He loves.

          3. This difficult thing has been the Lord’s will up until now.

          4. I willingly accept this is for my ultimate good even though I do not understand

 V. A prayer for grace, strength, and deliverance. vs. 10–11

      A. Petition to God: I repent of my sin, remove the spanking from me. vs. 10

      B. Address to God: Men are frail, life is brief, your chastisement is strong. vs. 11

          1. God rebukes His people when they sin

          2. God disciplines His people when they sin

          3. Covenant violators receive the futility curse for their rebellion

VI. A prayer for restoration to fellowship. vs. 12–13

      A. Petition to God: Yahweh, please answer my prayer. vs. 12a

           1. Prayer for forgiveness.

           2. Prayer for deliverance, salvation.

      B. Address to God: God, you are great and I am not. vs. 12b

           1. I am an illegal alien before you. I don’t deserve blessings.

           2. I am waiting for Your promises to be fulfilled like my fathers.

      C. Petition to God: LORD, I repent, remove the chastisement. vs. 13

           1. I long to be restored to close fellowship with You.

           2. I want to find my joy in you again.

           3. I am a weak human, have mercy on me. (Made from dust.)

Lessons to Live By:

1. There is a time to be silent and a time to speak. When God chastises us for sin, it is time to speak a genuine prayer of repentance. The pain awakens us to how deeply we have sinned against a holy God who hates all sin.

2. We should fear and reverence God, even when in deep pain. We should honestly but reverently express our souls to Yahweh in prayer.

3. The Bible tells us that we should number our days, because life is short. (17,338 days) We need the biblical wisdom to not live for the now, but to live for eternity. If you belong to God, you will have your best life later. Heaven is not here and is not yet.

4. Keep short accounts with God. Stay clean (1 John 1:9) confessing your sin, living lives of repentance and faith, so that you can also stay close to God in sweet fellowship.

5. Human pride is a dangerous thing. God is great, men are frail. God is sovereign, men are slaves. God is holy, men are sinners. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Psalm 37: Wise Living Among Wicked People

This is a wisdom psalm in an alphabet/acrostic form (Analyze [your] Bible Continually, Daily Exegeting [it] Fully & Gracefully w/ Holy Intensity & Journaling, Kingdom Living Modeling). When one uses this form, the material is not always in logical order, but is in alphabetical order. This wisdom psalm is also like Psalm 1, 49, 73, and the book of Proverbs.  This week we will also consider an important rule for Bible study. 

RULE #1: Interpret each passage based on its context. The context is King for most interpretation problems. Context is the verses before and after the verse you are studying. Read them and think. Pay attention to the flow of ideas in each paragraph.

(For more insights see Willem VanGemeren, Derek Kidner, and Charles Spurgeon on Psalm 37)

Theme: How can a just God allow the wicked to prosper and the righteous to be afflicted?

  I. A call to hope in Yahweh’s deliverance (vs. 1–6) 

     A. Be careful with how you respond to the wicked—no anger, resentment, or jealousy

     B. Keep eternity in view, get the big picture. What is their future?

     C. Instead trust in Yahweh. Love Him, have faith in Him. Fretting kills faith

     D. Do good to those afflicting you (rather than self-pity and hatred)

     E. Submit to God’s will while praying for deliverance

     F. Delight yourself in Yahweh and find the fullness of joy in Him while suffering 

    G. If a close relationship with God is your desire, seek Him, and you will have it (Mat 5:6)

    H. Real faith involves a dependent trust and surrender or commitment to Him

         and casting our burdens on Him in prayer (Prov 16:3; 1 Pet 5:7)

     I. Trust in His character: He is holy, just, and righteous and the Judge

     J. Patiently wait for God’s deliverance even if it is until Judgment Day

 II. Comfort from divine retribution (vs. 7–11)

      A. Be still, rest, wait on Yahweh to act (Mat 5:7)

      B. The wicked have an agenda, a plan against the righteous

      C. Replace the negative emotions that can destroy you with deep trust and worship

      D. God’s justice will involve the removal and everlasting punishment of the wicked 

      E. The wicked will soon be forgotten, the righteous will be blessed (Mat 5:5)

III. A contrast between the ways of the righteous and the wicked (vs. 12–26)

      A. The wicked plots against the just, grinds his teeth in anger, prepared weapons to use on the              righteous

      B. Yahweh will laugh, look to the day of deliverance and the Day of Judgment, justly turn the 

           wicked weapons on themselves

      C. The poor righteous are far better off than the rich wicked

      D. Yahweh punishes the wicked and sustains the righteous

      E. Yahweh protects the righteous and gives them an everlasting reward

      F. The wicked will perish and be gone from the land

      G. The wicked borrows and steals, the righteous gives and shows mercy

      H. The blessed enjoy the land of Israel, the cursed are removed from the land

       I. The Sovereign LORD protects and aids those who belong to Him

IV. A call for wise living because of divine retribution (vs. 27–33)

      A. Depart from evil do good, Yahweh does not forsake His holy ones

      B. The families of the wicked reap the consequences of his sin

      C. Yahweh loves righteousness and hates wickedness

      D. Everlasting blessing are for the wise righteous ones

      E. The righteous speak wisdom because God’s moral law is in his heart

      F. Yahweh will cause the wicked plans for murder to fail

 V. A call to hope in Yahweh’s deliverance (vs. 34–40) 

      A. Wait on Yahweh, trust Him, gratefully obey Him 

      B. He is a God of justice, and one day His justice will come

      C. His mercy is holding off His wrath, but not forever

      D. The future of the obedient is complete wholeness and rest

      E. The future of the wicked is destruction and punishment

      F. The salvation of the righteous is from Yahweh

           He is their strength during difficult days

           He delivers them from the wicked

           He saves those who trust in Him

Application: Why should we live in the light of eternity, rather than just for the moment? What good will anger, complaining, fretting, whining, about the prosperity of the wicked do for us? What will trusting God, living by faith, even doing good to our enemies do for us? Which is the wise path, living for eternity, or living for the now only?  What is the price tag for sin? Is it ever worth it? Do you desire a close relationship with God? Do you delight in the God of the Bible? Do you believe in the Judgment Day to come that the Bible repeatedly reveals? How, then, should we live, if today counts for eternity? Which is the real path of wisdom, living for the temporary pleasures of today, with all it consequences,  or living for the future glory in heaven?

Psalm 35: A Prayer for Vindication

                      An Individual Lament

  I. A call for the help of the Divine Warrior. vs. 1–3

     A. Turn wicked people over to Yahweh in prayer.

     B. First, David asks God to take his enemies to court “contend.”

     C. Second, David asks God to go to war against those attacking him.

     D. Yahweh has the tools to protect His own people.

     E. God, intervene in time and space to deliver me.

 II. A prayer for Divine vindication. vs. 4–10

     A. David asks God to bring shame on those attacking him without cause.

     B. May their plans for my demise fail.

     C. Send the Messenger of Yahweh to my defense. Exod 23:20–22

     D. Their travels will be dangerous. Prov 4:19

     E. These people set traps for the innocent. This is an unprovoked attack.

     F. Prayer for God to stop them with justice.

     G. Yahweh’s justice causes the righteous to rejoice in His salvation.

     H. Imprecatory sections of the Psalms require careful New Covenant application.

          Luke 18:7; Rev 6:10; Gen 4:10; Matt 23:35; Heb 12:24

          The blood of the innocent cries out to God on its own

          Jesus (Luke 23:34) and Stephen (Act 7:60) are also models for us

          When God is in a covenant relationship with someone, when you attack them

           You are attacking God. This is not a fight you are going to win.

          Gen 12:3 “I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you.”

    I. God’s deliverance leads the righteous to worship and praise Him.

III. The pain of being attacked by a gang.  vs. 11–18

      A. False accusations (slander) are an old trick of Accuser of the brethren.

           David, Jesus, Stephen

      B. The pain of having kindness being returned with evil.

           Saul, Absalom, Judas

      C. The more a leader invests in someone, the greater the pain when the attack.

           Not, you too Brutus?

      D. When a leader stumbles, he finds out who his real friends are.

      E. False friends will rejoice when you are knocked down.

      F. Gangs can do great violence with their words.

          David’s flight from Absalom, Jesus, Stephen

      G. The godly leader call on God to defend him from these attacks.

      H. The Master of the Universe is watching this gang attack His chosen one.

       I. The gang has become like wild beasts.

       J. David trust God in great faith and his salvation will lead to corporate worship. 

 IV. A prayer for Divine vindication.  vs. 19–25

       A. The heartless mob gloats over an injured soldier.

       B. They hate without a good reason. Not self defense.

       C. He is again betrayed by those who should be his allies.

       D. They have gathered so called “facts” as evidence against him.

       E. The false witnesses are speaking against him in public.

       F. This injustice requires God to step in.

            “Like a lamb before his shearers, he opened not his mouth.”

      G. Yahweh see the evil done against his anointed servant.

      H. God will show his servant to be innocent on His own time.

       I. A delay of justice causes the wicked to rejoice too soon.

  V. The joy of Divine deliverance. vs. 26–28

       A. God alone can bring justice is some situations.

       B. We should pray for justice and righteousness to triumph.

       C. When justice returns to the earth, God’s people will be filled with joy.

       D. God delights in the well-being of His servants.

       E. God’s answer to prayers with acts of deliverance allow us to move 

            from petitions to adoration, praise, and worship.

 VI. Applications

       A. How do we balance “turning the other cheek” and praying for our enemies while at the 

            same time longing for God’s justice to prevail on the earth?

      B. Gospel pacifism does not allow men to stand by allow women and children to be harmed.

      C. How does justice and mercy fit together for a New Covenant believer?

      D. “Vengeance is Mine, says the Lord, I will repay.” Leave room for God to work. Overcome 

           evil with good. “Kill them with kindness.” Rom 12:15–21

      E. If God protects His servants, I need to ask, am I His slave? Matt 6:24 

      F. Can I continue to trust God if he delays in rescuing me?  “Not My will, but Thine be            

          done.”

     G. Why does betrayal by a so-called friend hurt so bad? Does Jesus care or know what it is 

          like? Judas kiss.

Psalm 33: A Hymn of Praise for Yahweh, The King of Creation and History

We were made to worship the triune God of the Bible. Life is all about loving and reverencing God (See Eccl 12:1–14). We will remain restless until we find our rest in God. He alone can satisfy the deepest needs of our hearts. If we have a covenant relationship with Him, we can experience great joy even in the midst of trials.

  I. Encouragement to celebrative worship of Yahweh 1–3

      A. Shout, sing for joy, rejoice in Yahweh

      B. Our joy is found in the LORD

      C. The righteous ones are encouraged to praise Yahweh

           “He who has clean hands” Believers have an alien righteousness put on their account

      D. These are His obedient people whose lives conform to His law

      E. Musical instruments had their place in Jewish joyful worship

      F. This call to praise assumes the godly know Yahweh, submit to His Lordship, and trust in  His                  deliverance and ongoing covenant love

      G. New acts of deliverance call for the composing of new songs to praise God for His works

 II. Reasons for worship: The Perfections of Yahweh 4–5

      A. Who the LORD is should drive our worship

      B. God’s word is never empty. When He speaks, things happen. “Let there be light.”

      C. Yahweh is “right,” upright, without deception, full of integrity

      D. Yahweh is “true,” His words are true truth, Yeshua is the truth

      E. Yahweh loves righteousness and justice because that is His nature

           Everything God does is righteous and just, He is the standard

           When someone says, “My God will never punish sin,” they have broken the 2nd 

           commandment against making a false god. This is not the God of the Bible.

      F. The LORD’s covenant faith fullness is seen throughout creation

           His loyalty, consistency, and love can be viewed by those with eyes to see

           He has not destroyed the world again by water as He promised

III. Reasons for awe and adoration: Yahweh is the Creator and Ruler of History 6–11

      A. What the LORD has done should also drive our worship.

      B. Redemptive history is His Story, Yahweh has been keeping His covenant promises

      C. God is the creator and sustainer of the universe

      D. Fearing and revering God is a key theme of this psalm and key for life 

      E. Yahweh is a great and sovereign King, His will happens just as He says it will

      F. Nothing is accidental. God is working His plan even through his enemies

      G. We have every reason not to fear, but to trust in this Great King

 IV. Reasons for gratitude and humility: Yahweh Sovereignly Rules over Mankind 12–17

      A. Blessedness is a state that the obedient people of God are in

           God chose Abraham, redeemed Him, entered into a covenant relationship and then blessed 

           him. Deliverance is God’s immediate actions for His people, blessedness is a state of  

           fruitfulness, growth, expansion, with adequate supplies and provision

      B. The nation Yahweh chose was Israel

      C. He has also chosen the church to be His redemptive channel

      D. God sees all and knows all

      E. Bigger is not always better, God can deliver by a few

      F. If a nation rebels against God’s law, their defenses are futile

      G. Having faith in the military might of a wicked people is foolish

      H. Fearing God and living righteously is the best defense

 

  V. Reasons for great hope, faith and rejoicing: Yahweh Loves His People 18–19

      A. Real safety comes to those who love, fear, and worship Yahweh

      B. Faith in the God of the Bible is vital

      C. God is watching His children and can send deliverance, salvation, at any moment

      D. Believers trust God because of His covenant love (hesed) 

      E. Yahweh can deliver His people from death or any enemy

      F. Don’t worry, reverence the Sovereign God who overcomes the strong

      G. We can depend on and wait on God to do what we cannot do

 VI. Encouragement to trust in, wait for, confidently hope in and rest in Yahweh’s Love  20–22

      A. Regardless of the circumstance, if you belong to Yeshua the Messiah, you are secure.

      B. Yahweh, the Creator-God is our help. (The Holy Spirit is a helping present One)

      C. Yahweh is our defender and promised us protection (Israel and the Church).

      D. Worshipers love God and have great joy in His presence

      E. Trust in the holy name of God, His name is His revealed character  

      F. He redeemed Israel from slavery and entered into a covenant relationship with them

      G. He made promises that He will surely keep

       I. Trust requires submission to Yahweh’s word and will, Let God be God

       J. A request for Yahweh’s covenant love (hesed) to remain on His people

      K. His people are the ones who have hope and trust in Yahweh

Psalm 31: Yahweh: The God of Promise and Deliverance

This well-known Psalm was used by Jonah, Jeremiah, and Jesus. Therefore, we find verse 6 quoted in Jonah 2:8; verse 13 in Jeremiah (6:25, 20:3, 10, 46:5, 49:29) and in Lamentations  2:22; and verse 5 was spoken by Jesus and recorded in Luke 23:46. The author of Ps 71:1–3 seems to also have these words in mind (Ps 31:1–5) while writing that Psalm.

  I. David’s Prayer for Deliverance/Salvation 31:1–5

     A. Yahweh is his refuge

     B. Yahweh can give him righteousness

     C. Yahweh is like a rock (Deut 32:4)

     D. Yahweh is like a stronghold, fortress, a Masada

     E. The covenant God honor is at stake when His people are hurt

     F. Yahweh delivers/saves for His own glory

     G. Yahweh is concerned with justice

     H. Yahweh sees and knows

     I. Yahweh ransoms, rescues sinners

     J. Surrendering to God’s will is always best (1 Pet 4:19)

     K. Yahweh is the God of truth and faithfulness

 II. David’s Prayer of Faith 31:6–8

      A. Those who worship worthless puffs of wind, fog, mist (idols) are rejected.

           A textual variant is here. Some versions say, “You have hated,” others “I have hated”

           (God’ rejection of sinners Ps 5:4–6, 11:5, 34:16, 45:7, Prov 6:16–19, Mal 1:3, Rom 9:13)

           (Sinners hatred of God Ps 68:1, 81:15, 83:2, John 3:19–21, 15:18, 22–25)

      B. Yahweh is faithful and David has trusted him in the past with good results

      C. Yahweh has covenant love (hesed) for His people

      D. Yahweh is aware of all of His peoples’ difficulties and pain  

      E. Yahweh is able to protect His people from their enemies

      F. Is David justified in having such deep confidence in the God of the Bible?

III. David’s Prayer for Mercy 31:9–13

     A. David needs Yahweh’s merciful deliverance

     B. David is in danger and in pain, and cries out with tears

     C. David is exhausted and distressed, in deep despair

     D. David is mistreated and forsaken; consequently his confidence has slipped

     E. David is ignored, forgotten, and useless

     F. David is being slandered, depressed and disgraced

     G. David is being stalked

     H. David is in danger, “terror on every side” (Jer 6:25)

IV. David’s Prayer of Trust 31:14–18

      A. Yahweh has a close covenant relationship with David.

            David has a secure and personal relationship with the God of the Bible

      B. Yahweh is sovereign over time and events. His providence is evident.

            David is dependent on Yahweh’s rule and power (Your hand)

      C. Yahweh’s gracious favor is to be sought in prayer

      D. Yahweh is the great shepherd that saves and guides His sheep

      E. Yahweh will deal with David’s enemies

 V. David’s Prayer of Thanksgiving 31:19–24

      A. Yahweh is good 

      B. Yahweh righteously works in events for those who fear Him

      C. Yahweh is a refuge

      D. Yahweh blinds the enemy and delivers His people

      E. Yahweh should be praised for His salvation and deliverance

      F. Yahweh is the one to flee to when we are afraid and discouraged

     G. Yahweh is to be loved by His covenant people, beloved ones who love Him

     H. Yahweh preserves the humble faithful person, but resists the proud

      I. Yahweh shall strengthen your heart in trails, if you love and fear Him

          “Be strong and take heart” or “He shall strengthen your heart”

     J. Yahweh is the God of hope

         We hope in His promises and deliverance with a know-so-hope

         We should hold on in faith, regardless of our circumstances or how we feel

         Faith is not a onetime commitment; it is a lifetime commitment

         Wait on God, hope in His promised redemption, fear, love, and trust Him

       

Psalm 29: The Victorious Kingship of Yahweh

A Hymn of Praise

There are seven basic types of psalms: hymn psalm, lament psalm, thanksgiving psalm, psalm of remembrance, psalm of confidence, wisdom psalm, and the kingship psalm. Some divide the kingship psalms into those that proclaim David as king and those that proclaim Yahweh as king. This psalm is called by some an enthronement psalm, and it fits in both the hymn and kingship categories. David wrote this Psalm and it is similar to the Song of the Sea (Exod 15:1–19), the oracles of Balaam (Num 23–24), and the Song of Deborah (Jdg 5). The Jews used this Psalm during the feast of Pentecost.

 I. Praise of Yahweh’s kingship vs 1–2

    A. It begins in heaven with encouragement for the mighty ones to give praise to Yahweh. vs 1

         (See Isa 6:1–4) The mighty ones are heavenly beings, the saints and angels together in an 

         assembly. Ascribe or give is an act of the mind and voice.

    B. Praise Yahweh for His glory (honor, great beauty) and strength (power) vs 1

    C. The name of Yahweh reveals who He is, His works, covenant, and words. vs 2

    D. Worship, bow down, show reverence to the sovereign King. An act of the will. vs 2  

    E. Proper dress for worship or specific praise for the majestic holiness of God. vs 2

    F. True worship responds to God with love, awe, wonder, adoration, and fear.

  

II. The glorious voice of Yahweh vs 3–9 (“voice” is used seven times)

    A. Yahweh’s voice is in the thunder storm clouds over the Mediterranean sea. vs 3

    B. Be quiet while God does His work in the thunder storm. Acts of God. vs 3

    C. God is Creator, Sustainer, and is active in His universe. Deism is wrong.

    D. This section is a description of God’s power and singing this praise like the hymn, “How 

         Great Thou Art.”

    E. Yahweh rules creation, not Mother Nature!  (See Isa 2:12–22)

    F. Behold the majesty and power of our awesome God. vs 4

    G. Yahweh’s voice is in the storm over Lebanon in the North. vs 5 (The thunder storm moves 

         from the Med. to north of Israel through Israel to the southern wilderness in this Psalm)

    H. The tall cedars are shatter by God’s lighting bolts. vs 5

    I. Mt. Lebanon and Mt. Hermon (Sirion, Deut 3:9) ten thousand feet above sea level are         shaken by Yahweh like jellow in a bowl (earthquakes) vs. 6

    J. Yahweh’s voice causes the lightening to fork. He is in charge. vs 7

    K. The heavenly assembly is praising Yahweh as He directs the storm.

    L. Yahweh’s voice moves with the storm to the southern desert. vs 8

    M. Yahweh’s voice causes the destruction of the oaks and underbrush of the wilderness. vs 9

    N. Back to heaven, everyone calls out, “Glory.” The worship of heaven is shown to us to give 

         us a pattern for worship on the earth. God voice is heard in heaven and on earth. When we 

         reflect on the mighty acts of God, we should worship Him.

III. Praise of Yahweh’s kingship vs 10–11

    A. While all nature seems to be coming undone, Yahweh reigns as King. vs 10

    B. Yahweh was enthroned during the Flood. The wicked were judged. Noah’s family was           saved by grace. vs. 10

    C. Yahweh is enthroned as King for all time. vs 10

    D. When God shows up to judge He always saves His own.

    E. God rules over sky, sea, land and wilderness.

    F. He has the power to answer your prayers.

    G. God protect His people. You can trust Him.

    H. Yahweh gives His people strength to endure. vs 11

    I. Yahweh gives His people peace. vs 11

    J. You can have joy and peace in the midst of the storm. Jesus slept during the storm. He said,          “Peace, be still” and the sea was like glass.

    K. Make sure you belong to God in a new covenant relationship. His power is awesome. His 

         words and works should cause us to praise Him, trust Him, and love Him.

    L. Bring your needs to this awesome God. He is on the throne. He rules and reigns. He is 

         active in His world.

Psalm 27: Confidence in Yahweh

A Song of Faith and Trust

 

David wrote this Psalm during a difficult time in his life. There are many guesses of when this was (1 Sam 22, 23; 2 Sam 21:16–17), but we cannot be sure. It fits in with a number of the difficult times in his life. It also helps us in the difficult times in our lives if we have a genuine faith in the God of the Bible. This Psalm can encourage us in the dark valleys. Psalms 26–28 all address the true worship of Yahweh. The worshiper is evaluated for sincerity in Psalm 26, he finds a safe haven in God’s house in Psalm 27, and he prays before the holy of hollies and receives his answer in Psalm 28. Psalm 27 is a Confidence Psalm, as is: Psalm 11, 16, 23, 62, 91, 121, 125, 131.

 

I. Confidence in Yahweh’s providential presence (past faithfulness) vs. 1–3

 

A. The LORD (Yahweh) is my Light. God is Light (1 John 1:5). Light is holiness, truth, joy, goodness, vitality and the opposite of darkness, distress, uncertainty, doubt, spiritual conflict, and powers of darkness.

B. The LORD is my Salvation. Deliverance from danger by God.  The opposite is to be captured and killed by your enemies.

C. The LORD is my Refuge. A stronghold, sanctuary, safe haven like a modern bomb shelter that is designed to resist the strongest attack. The opposite of being in a refuge is being on the front lines of a battle when your side is losing.

D. The one who has faith in Yahweh knows His providential presence and thus does not need to fear anyone or anything. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” (Rom 8:31) See Rom 8:32–39. When fear grips your heart, remember your God.

E. The believer can withstand the attacks of individual evil men who come after him like a lion or a pack of wolves because the LORD is his protector. People can devour us with their words.

Disease can devour our bodies. God is more powerful than evil men or evil things. Exod 14:19

F. The believer can withstand the attack of national enemies. (Enemies, foes, army, war) Those that attack the nation of Israel sought the life of king David.  Those that attack the church have a hatred for King Jesus and all who belong to Him.

G. The Sovereign God causes the enemies to stumble and fall. They will not ultimately win.

H. David’s inner man is full of faith and devoid of fear because his confidence is in Yahweh.

I. Can we also replace our fears with faith, our worry with worship?

 

II.  Prayer for Yahweh’s Presence (longing for worship) vs. 4–6

 

A. David deeply desires to worship God in his temple because he is seeking after God himself. Matt 6:33 (In the Bible, God seeks man, and real believers seek God. The Bible does not call lost people who want to be entertained “seekers.”  “Awakened sinners” is a better term for someone who is desiring salvation and is under the conviction of the Holy Spirit.)

B. The temple, the house of the LORD had not yet been constructed. This longing for continually being in God’s presence goes beyond the earthly assembly and tabernacle to heaven itself.

C. The beauty of Yahweh includes His glorious presence and His love and compassion for His own people. Nothing displaces fear of men better than the worship of the true God of the Bible.

D. To seek God in His temple is to prayerfully surrender to God’s will and Word.

E. Being in God’s presence can fully satisfy the desires of the believer’s heart.

F. David would inquire of the LORD before going to battle (1 Kgs 22:7; 1 Chr 20:3–14).

G. When he knew he was following God’s will he had assurance of God’s protection.

H. When we follow God’s will in the Bible we can trust Him to control the outcomes even in dangerous places.

I. God’s protection of his obedient children is awesome. (Shelter, Rock, exaltation)

J. God providential interventions should cause us to sing praises to Him. Rejoicing removes fear.

We follow God’s regulations for worship with an engaged heart and mind.

1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that you may declare the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

 

III. Prayer for Yahweh’s Presence (abandonment and dependence) vs. 7–12

 

A. David is earnest and direct in his prayer for God’s mercy and help right now.

B. David has abandoned himself to Yahweh. Once we have met our human responsibility, we must leave the results with God in faith.

C. David is fully dependant upon God. No one else will do.

D. God is reliable even when our family fails us. He is the only dependable one who keeps His covenant promises. Only God can fully satisfy the needs of a human heart.

(During Saul’s search for David to kill him, David’s parents would be put to death if they appeared to supportive. This is Hebrew poetry, so focus on the main point.) God is trustworthy.

E. David prays for guidance to do God’s will and to experience great fellowship with God.

F. “Straight paths” are obstacle free, smooth walkways. God provides safety.

G. David prays for victory over his enemies. They desire his destruction. They tell lies and plan violence against him. Yahweh can stop them in their tracts.

 

IV. Confidence in Yahweh’s providential presence (present need) vs. 13–14

 

A. David has brought his needs to the LORD in prayer.

B. Now he trust in Yahweh to answer his prayer for immediate help.

C. David believes Yahweh will come to aid of His loyal followers.

D. God’s goodness will show up in fellowship, protection, guidance, and victory.

E. David is confident in God and His covenant name, Yahweh.

F. David anticipates victory on earth, “the land of the living.”

F. Trust leads David to “wait for Yahweh” to act. He is walking by faith.

G. David encourage other believers to be “strong and take heart.” Josh 1:6–9, 18

^ESV 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

H. Faith enables the believer to access the grace to handle the most difficult trial.

^ESV 2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted

Have faith in God, He’s on His thrown, Have faith in God, he cares for his own. He cannot fail, He must prevail, have faith in God, have faith in God.