Psalm 27

Order of Service

• Scripture Reading — Psalm 27
• Sermon
• Prayer

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Sermon Title: The Comfort of God's Presence in Times of Trouble

Scripture: Psalm 27

I. The Presence of God Brings Courage

A. David faces enemies pressing in on him, yet his heart does not fear (Psalm 27:1, 27:3, 27:14)

1. This is an inward courage rooted in meditation and contemplation on God's presence, not outward conquest
2. The heart is the focus — no matter what enemies surround him, they cannot reach his innermost being

B. Courage is a consistent theme throughout Scripture — the godly are courageous, the godless are cowardly

C. Christians are called to go out into a hostile world (Matthew 10:16; 2 Corinthians 4) — this requires courage drawn from confidence in God's presence

II. The Presence of God Brings Obedience

A. David longs not merely to bask in God's presence in the Tabernacle, but to inquire of His will there (Psalm 27:4)

B. He asks God to teach him His way and lead him on a level path because his enemies are watching for him to slip (Psalm 27:11)

1. For David as king, walking faithfully before enemies was a matter of God's name and honor
2. Satan still does this with every believer, as illustrated in the account of Job (Job 1)

C. To long for God's presence is to long for obedience to His word — the two are inseparable

1. Jesus says, if you love me, you will keep my commandments (John 14:15)
2. Longing for God's presence is not a desire for a warm feeling; it is a longing for His word to govern every area of life

III. The Presence of God Brings Petition

A. In Psalm 27:7–12, David shifts from speaking about God to speaking directly to God — hear, be gracious, do not hide, do not cast off, teach, lead, give

B. Confidence in God as stronghold and refuge results in purposeful, direct prayer for more of His presence

C. What we need most in dark days is not a change of circumstances but God's presence

1. Paul learned contentment in all circumstances because he had Christ (Philippians 4:11)
2. One can have joy in the pit with God, and misery on the mountaintop without Him

D. A true distinction: do we long for the benefits of salvation, or for the Savior himself?

1. The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever — not merely His benefits

IV. The Presence of God Brings Patience

A. The phrase wait for the Lord frames a call to courage in Psalm 27:13–14

1. Biblical courage is often expressed in patient waiting on God's timing, not in seizing the moment

B. David's greatest display of courage was waiting on God during his flight from Saul — refusing to kill the Lord's anointed even when given the opportunity

1. His greatest failure came at the height of his power and comfort — a give-it-to-me-now attitude

C. Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:29–31 teaches that all things of this present world — suffering and blessing alike — are fleeting

1. Do not let suffering consume you, and do not let success consume you
2. Both are passing; live with a waiting spirit that holds this world loosely

D. Waiting on the Lord is not only eschatological — there are temporal blessings in the waiting

1. God uses frowning Providence to train our spirits in patience
2. In due time He will bring blessing and the comfort of His warm countenance

E. Waiting in practice looks like continued obedience — kindness, faithfulness, and love even in the darkest seasons

1. The darkness does give way to light — the cross gives way to Easter Sunday