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Living Faith: The Answer to Anxiety

Psalm 27: 1-14

What is the answer to our anxiety and fears? In one of the greatest songs of faith in the Bible, Psalm 27, David tells us the answer is to dwell in the house of the Lord and to worship God. It is through intimacy with God in worship that we receive the gift of faith to trust and wait on God for deliverance from the circumstances and trials we face in this world.

King in Waiting

Samuel anointed David as God’s choice for King of Israel while Saul was still the reigning king. During his time of waiting, David slays the giant Goliath, which leads to King Saul taking David in to serve him and fight in his army. As David’s success and popularity grows, Saul become jealous and seeks to kill David, which leads the “king in waiting” to flee and go into hiding.

David composes Psalm 27 during this period of his life as he anxiously evades Saul and his men.

Because of the extreme shift from mountain top to valley in this Psalm, some scholars believe this is two different psalms, perhaps written by two different authors. Instead, this emotional shift is so real to all of us. We can move from optimism to pessimism in a heartbeat!

David’s “One Thing” – Psalm 27:4

One thing David sought – to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life and to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple. The central essence of this man after God’s own heart was to be in His presence in worship.

“Stay in your room. Keep the door closed. Be calm. Wait.”

In this illustration, people received this instruction during a fire alarm. Waiting was hard to do, especially at the sound of others leaving their rooms. As we learn later in the message, by not waiting, a walk back up nine flights of stairs resulted!

When we’re instructed to “wait” in life, we are urged to have “more faith.” Faith is not something we work for or work up, it’s a gift that comes from intimacy with the Lord in worship.

Living by Faith

The Lord is David’s light and his salvation. He delivers David and puts him in His stronghold. David has “faith for TODAY.”

God was his deliverer against his enemies in the past. David had “faith YESTERDAY.”

As for the future, David says he will not fear and he will be confident. He will have “faith TOMORROW.”

The Secret of Faith

Back to David’s “one thing” in verse 4: Faith comes from intimacy with God in worship. The secret to having faith and living while under anxiety is to worship.

Living by Fear

Anxiety comes when we take something that is good and put it in the place of God, who is best and should be center of our lives. This world and its things never satisfy.

Too many of us know God from a distance. He wants us to see Him – to recognize Him.

The Bishop of Hippo instructs that to see God there must be retention, seeing God with your heart. Also there must be contemplation (meditation) leading to delight and joy.

When we retain God’s Word and meditate on it, we are able to look through our problems and have joy knowing God is with us.

David was on the mountaintop, then plummets into the valley, with mounting anxiety over the pressure of Saul’s pursuit and wondering why God had not yet rescued him. God is never late and always “shows up” in His perfect timing.

From Fear Back to Faith

Two things brought David back from despair – “Unless I had BELIEVED…” – that’s our word FAITH – His worship led him back to intimacy with God.

WAIT for the Lord. Again, wait means worship in this context. When life is tough, we wait, we worship, with faith that God’s timing is perfect!

Think It Over

What are some things or situations that create fear and anxiety in people? How can David’s experience help you and others face fear and worry?

What was David’s “one thing”? If you had to identify a “this one thing” in your life, what would it be? After hearing this message, is your “one thing” able to enlighten and protect you in your times of anxiety and fear? What would you like for your “one thing” to be?

Is your relationship with God more of an acquaintance “from a distance” relationship, or an intimate face to face one like David’s? What steps might you take to create a more personal relationship with the Lord?

Why is it important that believers worship with other believers (go to church)?

Service Dr. Ed Young

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