Today we continue with a series based on Psalm 27. If you haven’t already done so, I recommend listening to the first episode which covers some background thoughts on the context of the Psalm. 

Now, on to today’s verse. 

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14 NIV11)

Reminder To Self
David turns from addressing God to appealing to other people. His experience of God coming through for him gives him the conviction to extend the invitation to others. Or, perhaps, is he talking to himself? Is he saying, “I have spoken truth about trusting God, and I know I am tempted to take matters into my own hands, therefore I will remind myself to allow God to be sovereign and decide on the timing.”

Waiting is hard
According to James Bryan Smith in his book “The Good and Beautiful God” the average American, in their lifetime, spends, “six months sitting at traffic lights • eight months opening junk mail • one year searching through desk clutter • two years trying to call people who are not in • three years in meetings • five years waiting in lines.”

“In all distresses God’s people should wait on him in quiet patience, confident that in due time he will meet their need according to his promise (cf. Pss. 27:7–14; 37:7; 40; 130:5ff.; La. 3:25ff.; Phil. 4:19).” IVP-NB Dictionary

What are the lessons from this verse? 

  1. Are you currently waiting on the LORD for something? How successful are you at being patient?
  2. What strengthens your heart to trust God while waiting?
  3. Can you recall times when God came through at just the right time? Could you reflect on those times with gratitude?

We will conclude today’s podcast with the song I wrote using the words of Psalm 27 verse 4.

Next week we will review the Psalm and draw this series to an end. In the meantime, please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. 

If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org. 

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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 

God bless, Malcolm