Sunday, July 7, 2019

Posted on Jul 02 2019

PSALM 27 – A PSALM OF TRUST
Bible Background: While most of the Psalms are attributed to King David (as the Proverbs are attributed to Solomon) it is likely that multiple writers wrote the psalms, especially for worship in the temple. Psalm 27, is a psalm of trust in God. (Compare to Psalm 23.)

Digging Deeper: 1. Psalm 27 begins with a declaration of God’s greatness: “The Lord is my light and my salvation”, and we learn that the Lord has protected and lifted up the writer. What words would you use to describe what the Lord means to you? What does “my light and my salvation” suggest?

2. In v. 7-11 the psalm shifts from praise of God to addressing God. The psalm calls on God to hear, to help, to not turn away, to “teach me…and lead me”. What do you need to say to God? What would you like to ask God to do for you? Do you want God to lead and guide you? Imagine asking God to allow you to dwell in God’s presence all the days of your life? What would that feel like?

3. The psalm finishes with a confident witness: “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.” The psalm reminds us that God’s saving help and guidance is not just for one lucky, devoted, pray-er. Everyone can hope in the Lord. Everyone can trust in the Lord. Everyone must also wait for the Lord.

4. The psalm addresses fear. It does not minimize it, but puts fear in its place. Faith calls us to trust God, even when things are not going well; and especially when we have some good reason to be afraid.
When you are afraid, how do you respond? What are some things you fear that perhaps you wouldn’t need to? How does our faith/trust in God help us put fears into perspective?

5. Thinking of those who live with real fear and danger daily (refugees-more in # than any time since WW2, those living in violent neighborhoods), how can we be in solidarity with them? How can we join our faith with theirs and “wait for the Lord”?

6. Pick a verse of Psalm 27 to memorize. Let it be your prayer and your song this week!