Bible Study - Storm (2) - Shelter of GOD'S Salvation - Psalm 27:1-14 - December 14, 2014

Bible Study - Storm (2) – Shelter of GOD’S Salvation – December 14, 2014

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “Storm Shelter: Psalms of GOD’S Embrace.”

Our focus scripture is Psalm 27:1-6.

GOD Himself is my salvation through faith in CHRIST.

King David wrote this psalm. Again, it is uncertain at what stage of life David was in when he wrote it. But whatever stage of life he was in, he had gained enough experience with GOD to write about their relationship.

When we first start our walk with GOD, we see GOD in a certain light but as we continue our journey with HIM, we learn greater truth. False notions are dispelled and replaced by truth as we build an intimate relationship with HIM. It is interesting that GOD allows us to exercise false notions because, for some of us, that is the only way we learn truth. Or at least that has been some of my journey with GOD because I am stubborn.

We allow strongholds to come into our lives. Some strongholds are good but others prevent us from discovering truth. David recognized, through experience, that GOD was his stronghold.

What is a stronghold? It is a place a person goes to for protection. It could be going to a certain person or place where he or she feels secure, safe and protected from harm. It can be a physical, Spiritual or artificial place.

Consider the flip side of strongholds. We can allow strongholds to come into our lives when we open ourselves to evil and addictions. When we do, it takes the power and strength of the LORD to break them and deliver us from them.

But here David is speaking of GOD being his stronghold. GOD is his refuge and strength. GOD is his go to person for security and safety.

If we read past verse 6, it seems that David’s confidence in GOD is being challenged. It seems that David is unsure of GOD. Some Bible scholars believe that Psalm 27 is actually two psalms which have been merged into one. Verses 7-14 seem to reflect a different relationship with GOD than verses 1-6. David seems to be in the discovery stage of his relationship with GOD in verses 7-14, which he goes through and resulted in the firm relationship he has with GOD which he wrote in verses 1-6.

We will take a quick look at verses 7-14 at the end of this lesson.

Most Christians go through Spiritual swings in their lives as we form our relationship with CHRIST. It can be an unsettling time but it can be a time of learning when we learn about ourselves and GOD. During such times is when relationships grow and truth is discovered.

Let’s explore!

Let’s read Psalm 27:1 - My Stronghold – Davidic Psalm.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom should I be afraid?

When darkness comes into our lives, the one thing we desire most is light. Light is hope. We can hope in ourselves, our friends, our position, our wealth, our intelligence, our family and the list goes on or we can hope in GOD through our relationship with CHRIST. Hope and trust go together and comes from experience.

David makes it clear that the LORD is his light and his salvation. Salvation is GOD’S protective custody for those who place their faith in HIM through faith in CHRIST. Salvation is GOD’S secure, safe place for HIS children whether here upon earth and in heaven. If we were to fall into an icy lake and someone plucked us from the frigid waters and placed us in a warm, dry, safe place we would have been saved. When GOD comes to our rescue from dire circumstances, it builds our strength and trust in GOD. This, in turn, builds our relationship with GOD and thus as David stated, we can say with confidence “whom should he fear?” David’s trust in GOD did not come from wishful thinking but it came from his relationship and experience with GOD. He knew that GOD had delivered him from dire circumstances.

I know for certain that GOD has delivered me and our family from dire circumstances.

A stronghold is a place of refuge which gives a sense of peace because of its location, strength, protection and security that it provides. Through experience and a genuine relationship with GOD through CHRIST, it provides a sense of peace based upon the experience of walking with GOD. JESUS made it very clear in John 14:6:

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

So how do we come to JESUS? Most of us want solid proof before we take a step of faith. But taking a step of faith is just that, faith. It is stepping where there is no obvious step. Faith and trust go together.

We must keep in mind what JESUS taught as recorded in Mark 10:13-16:

13 Some people were bringing little children to Him so He might touch them, but His disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw it, He was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me. Don’t stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 •I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 After taking them in His arms, He laid His hands on them and blessed them.

Children trust without much questioning. GOD’S desire is for HIS children to trust HIM as they build a secure relationship with HIM.

We discussed strongholds earlier. Strongholds can be good as we see in verse 1 in our focus scripture. But strongholds can be enslaving when we allow Satan and evil to come into our lives and establish strongholds such as various addictions and practices that appeal to our physical pleasure. The Apostle Paul addressed the abolishing of strongholds in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4:

3 For though we live in the body, we do not wage war in an unspiritual way, 4 since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds.

Only GOD can abolish the strongholds in our lives. If you have a stronghold in your life, seek deliverance from GOD through faith in CHRIST. Ephesians 6:10-20 focuses on spiritual warfare:

10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. 12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. 13 This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, 15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. 18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the • saints. 19 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the • mystery of the gospel. 20 For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should.

Let’s read Psalm 27:2-3:

2 When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell. 3 Though an army deploys against me, my heart is not afraid; though a war breaks out against me, still I am confident.

David had experienced personal attacks. There were those who wanted to annihilate David but he saw his enemy’s efforts thwarted by GOD. David even witnessed an army deployed to take him out but he was confident of GOD’S protection. David did not stand out and say
“ninny, ninny, boo, boo” to his enemies, well maybe once or twice, but his trust and confidence was in GOD. He did his part and GOD took care of the rest.

David had such confidence in GOD such that even if war was declared against him, he was confident that GOD would take care of him. That kind of confidence and trust comes only from a solid relationship with GOD based upon experience. It is not wishful thinking but comes from a solid relationship and a heart that knows and trusts GOD.

Let’s read Psalm 27:4-6:

4 I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking Him in His temple. 5 For He will conceal me in His shelter in the day of adversity; He will hide me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high on a rock. 6 Then my head will be high above my enemies around me; I will offer sacrifices in His tent with shouts of joy. I will sing and make music to the Lord.

If we asked one desire from GOD what would it be? What is the desire of our hearts regarding our relationship with GOD?

David’s relationship with GOD was such that he was content to dwell in HIS presence for eternity. David had witnessed the beauty and fullness of GOD but he wanted more. GOD was his protector and security. David wanted to just be in the presence of GOD, gazing at HIM and pondering HIS majesty. Gazing is an intent, probing look.

David knew what it was like to have an advantage on the battlefield. The person with the best and longest view had a tactical advantage. His head being higher than the head of his enemy gave him a distinct advantage. By GOD lifting up his head, it sent a clear message to his enemies that GOD was on his side and they were no match to GOD.

Do we enjoy being in the presence of GOD? Have you ever been in the presence of GOD and known the peace that only HE can bring to us? I can understand why we cannot see GOD and live in our human body. Such an encounter transcends all earthly joy and expression.

GOD covers and conceals us with HIS banner of love. It is a shelter that covers and prevents any enemy from penetrating it. We are secure when we are in HIS presence, under HIS tent and cover. GOD gives us the vantage point to see the enemy that GOD has put under HIS control. When David saw that GOD had taken care of his enemies, he could worship GOD in the peace and security of GOD’S protective care by offering sacrifices, shouts of joy, singing and making music. That is total confidence and trust in GOD and HIS ability.

In the Song of Songs 2:4 King Solomon, David’s son, wrote:

4 "He has brought me to his banquet hall, And his banner over me is love.

GOD wraps HIS children in HIS love, through an intimate, personal relationship through faith in CHRIST. This is the heart of our study. As we continue, these are a few my thoughts on verses 7-14.

Let’s read Psalm 27:7-14:

7 Lord, hear my voice when I call; be gracious to me and answer me. 8 My heart says this about You, “You are to seek My face.” Lord, I will seek Your face. 9 Do not hide Your face from me; do not turn Your servant away in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or abandon me, God of my salvation. 10 Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me. 11 Because of my adversaries, show me Your way, Lord, and lead me on a level path. 12 Do not give me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing violence. 13 I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and courageous. Wait for the Lord.

It appears that David questioned GOD’S availability to respond to him in times of trouble. But his heart spoke louder than what he saw. David knew some basic facts about GOD. When we seek GOD, HE seeks us.

To me these verses reveal the basis upon which David could reveal his heart toward GOD in verses 1-6. His trust and confidence did not come from something he had dreamed up in his own mind regarding GOD. His relationship with GOD was based upon experience. It was based upon things he had experienced as he journeyed with GOD. He had witnessed GOD’S hand protecting, leading and guiding him.

When he was obedient to GOD’S leadership, he had witnessed GOD’S unquestionable involvement in his life and circumstances. We see this revealed in verses 1-6.

Have you witnessed GOD’S involvement in your life? Have you cast your care upon HIM by placing your faith in HIS only Son, JESUS? Keep in mind that David faced many enemies. He faced very tense moments in his life but his confidence and trust was in GOD. The only way to GOD is to place your faith in CHRIST by asking HIM to forgive you for your sins and to come into your heart. That opportunity is available to you right now. Doing so makes you a born-again Christian, through the miracle of rebirth in your spirit. Being born into GOD’S family is the beginning of your personal journey with CHRIST to build your relationship with GOD.

An intimate, personal relationship with GOD through CHRIST, gives meaning to life. King Solomon wrote these words in Ecclesiastes 3:9-14:

11 He (GOD) has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime; 13 moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear (reverence, honor and respect) Him.

We need to keep in mind that GOD considered David as a man after HIS heart, yet GOD did not override his will when it came to his desire to sin. GOD provides a way to escape but it is up to us to take the escape route and “NO!” is one way to escape.

What we have been studying is David’s journey with GOD. His journey can enlighten us but our journey is just that “ours!” We can learn from others who have journeyed with GOD and CHRIST. But our journey is personal.

Since CHRIST gave HIS life upon the cross we have the opportunity for an even greater, more intimate relationship with GOD through faith in CHRIST. But we must keep in mind that even when we have the most intimate relationship, we must keep a careful eye upon the desires of our hearts. When we go astray, we are to repent, confess and GOD forgives and restores. Experience the shelter of GOD’S salvation and dwell in the house of the LORD forever by placing your faith in CHRIST. Blessings!!!