Overcoming Fear
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Overcoming Fear
1. Live Confidently in God
Psalm 27 begins with a bold declaration: “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?” David opens by expressing absolute confidence in God. He’s not looking for answers to his questions; he’s already supplying them.
David allows his theology—what he believes about God—to shape his psychology—how he processes fear and emotion. He remembers God as the light who dispels darkness, the Savior who delivers, and the stronghold where he finds safety.
David’s courage comes from knowing God’s power has sustained him through past dangers. When enemies attacked, when armies besieged him, David didn’t fear. His past experience of God’s provision gave him confidence for the future. If God has provided before, why would He stop now?
For us, the key is the same. When we let what we believe about God guide how we think and act, we can stand firm even when fear threatens to take over. Remember your salvation—God sent Jesus for you. If He would do that, He will surely not abandon you now.
2. Pursue the Presence of God
David reveals his heart’s greatest desire in verse 4: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”
David wasn’t drawn to the tent of meeting for its beauty; it was a simple structure. His longing was for the presence of God Himself. David understood that his strength and hope came from closeness with God.
In God’s presence, David found shelter and joy—even when surrounded by enemies. Rather than devising battle plans or escape routes, David worshiped. He sang and praised because he knew God was his provider.
When fear grips us, our instinct is often to try solving problems ourselves. But true peace comes when we rest in God’s presence. Being with God’s people in worship is a powerful reminder of His faithfulness. Don’t neglect gathering with fellow believers—it lifts your heart and strengthens your spirit.
3. Call Out to God
Starting in verse 7, David’s tone shifts: “Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.”
David isn’t doubting God; he’s showing us the honest cry of a heart that knows where help comes from. Even though his circumstances haven’t changed—enemies still pursue him, false witnesses still rise against him—David finds confidence by calling on God.
Even if everyone else abandons him, David knows God never will. He anchors himself in God’s unchanging presence.
Do you call out to God when fear comes? Or do you first try to fix things on your own? David teaches us to seek God first and trust His provision. The Lord’s promise—“I will never leave you nor forsake you”—is a truth we can cling to in any circumstance.
4. Wait Patiently on God
David closes Psalm 27 with a final encouragement: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Waiting is hard. It tests our patience and often feels unjust. Yet David, a man who knew fear and danger firsthand, advises us to wait on God.
Why wait? Because God’s timing is perfect. Immediate answers might foster unrealistic expectations or turn God into a vending machine we use rather than a Father we trust.
Waiting keeps us dependent on God. It deepens our relationship with Him. It reminds us that His plan is better than ours, even when we can’t see it. David’s confidence wasn’t in his ability to orchestrate outcomes but in God’s faithfulness to work all things for good.
When fear rises and answers seem delayed, don’t give in to worry. Instead, pursue God’s presence, call out to Him, and wait patiently. He’s working for your best—and that’s exactly where you want to be.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Summer Psalms
Sermon Title: Overcoming Fear
Date: Jul 13, 2025
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Psalm 27
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