SIH’s Think On These Things: Psalms 27:13

Psalms 27: [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this [will] I [be] confident. One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. Hear, O LORD, [when] I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.[When thou saidst], Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. Hide not thy face [far] from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.[I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.  

As we will see in our series, King David addresses many of the same issues that each and every one of us faces when we are in the midst of the most difficult, fearful situations of life. May the Lord honor this study in His Word, by granting to us the truths of this Psalm and their practical application to our life.  

EXPOSITION:  

In our text for today, David now helps us to understand the source of his strength in the midst of the fearful times of his life…   Psa 27:13 KJV I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.      

I had fainted,

In this part of David’s psalm, we can see his acknowledging that, without Christ, he cannot stand in the fearful times of his life. It is of utmost importance for each of us to recognize our weakness during times of opposition. In doing so, we will be more careful to look to the Lord and rely upon Him and remember His gracious workings in times past…  

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and [why] art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him [for] the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. [Yet] the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song [shall be] with me, [and] my prayer unto the God of my life.” (Psalms 42:5-8)        

unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

David’s great source of encouragement and strength was founded in his belief that the Lord will continue to bless him during his time of heartache and fear. The “goodness of the Lord” describes the Lord’s workings whereby He mercifully works: 1. in a pleasing, delightful fashion 2. in a merciful fashion 3. bringing about that which is beneficial   David believed the Lord would show him mercy, work on his behalf, and in doing so, bring joy to David’s heart.   This is what kept David going in the midst of such horrific trials.  

APPLICATION:  

Folks, as we go about our day and face the trials and fears that may come our way, let’s remember that we are a needy people. Our greatest need is for the Lord’s loving intervention in our lives.   May we look to Him in faith, remembering His past deliverances in our lives, and trust Him for His continuing watch care over us.   Then we can allow the Lord’s perspective blessings on our behalf encourage, strengthen and give us boldness as we face the difficult situations of life.  

“And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou [art but] a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered [it] out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught [him] by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.” (1 Samuel 17:32-37)  

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