Sunday Preview: No Fear

Life is full of storms and moments of unexpected tragedy that leave us shaken and searching for answers. In times like these, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. Yet, Psalm 27 offers us a song of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, we have a God who is our light, salvation, and refuge. Let’s walk through this psalm together and see how God’s presence can be our greatest source of strength.

God as Our Light and Salvation (Psalm 27:1-3)
David begins with a powerful declaration: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” He describes God as his light, salvation, and stronghold, offering confidence even when enemies surround him. David’s trust in God’s ability to guide and protect gives him unshakable courage.

This confidence reminds us that, even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming, we can rely on God to provide clarity and safety. He doesn’t promise a life without challenges, but He does promise to be our refuge in the midst of them. Like David, we can trust that God will enable us to face whatever comes our way, one step at a time.

We can let fear take over during tough times. Fear can lead us to cling to earthly possessions, health, or time, trying to control what we cannot. But David’s words challenge us: If God is our light and salvation, what do we truly have to fear? Instead of wringing our hands or seeking refuge in distractions, we are invited to find strength and peace in God's presence.

One Thing I Seek (Psalm 27:4-6)
David’s confidence is rooted in a singular desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life. He longs to be in God’s presence, to gaze upon His beauty and seek Him in His temple. For David, God’s presence is the ultimate refuge, providing security, joy, and peace, even when enemies surround him.

This longing connects us to the Garden of Eden, where humanity first walked with God in perfect fellowship. Sin disrupted that relationship, but through Jesus, the way back to God’s presence has been restored. The tearing of the temple veil at Jesus’ death symbolizes that we now have access to the Father. As Jesus said in John 14, He has prepared a place for us in His Father’s house. This eternal perspective invites us to prioritize God above all else, finding our greatest joy and security in Him.

David’s example challenges us to examine our desires. Do we long to be in God’s presence above all else? Do we treasure time with Him more than the pleasures and distractions of this world? Worshiping God now is a rehearsal for the eternal joy we will experience in His presence.

Desperate Pleading (Psam 27:7-12)
Despite his confidence, David doesn’t ignore the reality of his struggles. He cries out to God, pleading for help and reassurance. He is honest about his fears and weaknesses, yet he seeks God’s face with earnest determination.

David’s prayer reminds us that it is in our weakest moments that we are most able to lean fully on God. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12: “When I am weak, then I am strong.” Tragedy and hardship provide opportunities to draw closer to God, to cry out to Him, and to experience His strength.

However, we must guard against turning to earthly comforts that only mask our pain temporarily. Whether it’s distractions like entertainment, food, or material things, these can rob us of the opportunity to find true strength in God. Instead, we are called to seek His face, allowing Him to guide, teach, and correct us as we navigate life’s challenges.

Concluding Hope (Psalm 27:13-14)
David ends the psalm with a declaration of hope: “I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living.” Even amid hardship, David’s faith remains steadfast. He encourages us to “wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous.”
Waiting on the Lord requires patience, trust, and courage. It means holding onto the promise that God’s goodness will prevail, even when it is not immediately visible. Through Jesus, the way into God’s presence is open, and one day we will dwell with Him in a restored, eternal “Eden.” Until then, we are called to live with strength and courage, setting our hope on Jesus and trusting Him to lead us.

Final Thoughts
Psalm 27 reminds us that life’s storms are inevitable, but so is God’s presence. He is our light in the darkness, our salvation in times of trouble, and our refuge when we feel overwhelmed. As we face life’s challenges, may we, like David, seek God’s face, find joy in His presence, and wait for Him with courage and hope.

Questions:

1. What does it mean for God to be our light, salvation, and stronghold?
2. David longs to dwell in the Lord's house. What does this say about his priorities, and how can we cultivate a similar desire?
3. How can David’s prayer serve as a model for approaching God in times of grief and uncertainty?
4. Why is it so tempting to turn to earthly comforts and distractions when we face challenges? 
5. What does it mean to wait on the Lord? What does this look like during life’s storms?

OPENING / WELCOME
Eric Renegar
SONG LEADER
Mark Ringle
PRAYER OF PRAISE
Matt Ringle
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Jason Schofield
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Jeff Livingston
Dru McLaughlin
Jeremy Price
Gary Stewart
SCRIPTURE READING
Billy Robbins
Psalm 27:1-3
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Russ Robins
CLOSING COMMENTS
Mark Ringle
WELCOME CENTER
Kathy Downey
USHERS
Dan Spargo / Kevin Elkins
SONG DEVOTIONAL
Chris Terrian
COMMUNION PREP
Josi Armstrong
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Josh Childers