Gaze Upon the Beauty of the Lord

Introduction

1 Samuel 19:8–10 ESV

8 And there was war again. And David went out and fought with the Philistines and struck them with a great blow, so that they fled before him. 9 Then a harmful spirit from the Lord came upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand. And David was playing the lyre. 10 And Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he eluded Saul, so that he struck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.

Psalm 27 is a lament with a strong undercurrent of trust that God will take care of the psalmist when trouble comes.

The tone is confident, not desperate, but still, the psalmist is aware that he is in danger and needs God’s presence and guidance to weather the storm.

Praise: For God is Our Light and Salvation

Psalm 27:1–3 ESV

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. 3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.

The Lord is our light and salvation, providing a foundation of confidence against fear.

Like David, we can trust God's presence to illuminate our paths and defend our hearts.

Daily reliance on the Lord sets the tone for understanding God's protection as fundamental to a life lived boldly for Christ.

Pursue: Purposefully and Earnestly Behold the Beauty of God

Psalm 27:4–6 ESV

4 One thing have I asked 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 gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. 5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. 6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

Yearn for God's presence and the beauty found in His house.

Worship and dwell in His presence should be our highest desire, offering reassurance and joy amidst troubles.

Prioritize intimacy with God, for there is transformative power of worship and the peace found in His sanctuary.

Pray: Underscore Our dependence on the Guidance and Will of God

Psalm 27:7–10 ESV

7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! 8 You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” 9 Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! 10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.

The personal and earnest plea for God's attention and favor underscores our dependence on His guidance.

Despite feeling alone or forsaken, God's firm embrace reassures us.

Trust in His unwavering commitment to us, which Christ exemplifies through His sacrificial love.

Persevere: Wait with Courage on the Lord

Psalm 27:11–14 ESV

11 Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 12 Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. 13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

You could see these verses as urging perseverance through life's waiting.

Guided paths, reliance on His strength, and the courage to wait patiently flow from His presence.

We need persistence in faith, for these words remind us of the strength given in hope, anticipating Christ’s return when every promise finds fulfillment.

It's a call to bold endurance with Jesus as our Hope.

Conclusion

The crucial understanding that God's presence transforms our lives, providing us with the courage and comfort we need to navigate life's challenges while reassuring us of His unfailing love and support.

John 15:4–11 ESV

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.