Homilist Psalm 27:1-14 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?… I. COURAGE IN LIFE'S STORMS. 1. This courage is founded on confidence in God. When the soul feels God with it, it becomes invincible. 2. It is heightened by memories of past deliverance. Recollection of past mercies strengthens our faith in future supplies. 3. It defies all future enemies, and faces the mysterious future with a jubilant soul. II. SHELTER IN LIFE'S STORMS. 1. The scene where the shelter is sought. The house of the Lord: the place where He specially manifests Himself to His people. 2. The means by which the shelter is to be secured. Dwelling with God; delighting in God; inquiring after God. 3. The source from which it is to be derived. God Himself. 4. The spirit in which it is accepted. Confidence and praise. III. PRAYER IN LIFE'S STORMS. The prayer is — 1. An earnest appeal to mercy for relief. 2. It expresses ready compliance with the Divine request. God requires us to seek His favour, not because we can induce Him to be more merciful; nor because our prayer can merit His favours; but because earnest prayer qualifies the suppliant to rightly receive, appreciate, and use the blessing sought. 3. It deprecates the disfavour of God as a terrible evil. 4. It recognizes the transcendent character of Divine friendship. Though all forsake, He remains faithful. 4. It indicates the true method of safety. Obedience to Divine law; interposition for Divine help. IV. SELF-EXHORTATION IN LIFE'S STORMS. "I had fainted unless," etc. An admonishment to himself to be strong. 1. Faith in Divine goodness. The vision of Divine goodness is the only moral tonic for the soul. 2. Consecration to the Divine service. To wait upon the Lord is to serve Him lovingly, thoroughly, faithfully, practically; and such service is moral strength. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: {A Psalm of David.} The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? |
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