Quiet Time Coaching Episode 330 | Psalm 27, “One Thing I Ask” Series | Part 4 | Malcolm Cox

Today we continue with a series based on Psalm 27. I spoke on this Psalm’s theme, and especially verse 4, for the Watford church of Christ. We are part-way through a series based on the “one thing” phrases found in the Scriptures.

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.

“Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.” (Psalm 27:3 NIV11)

David is not only confident about the present, but also about the future. It is one thing to have enemies, it is another when they band together and start a war! Even then David is confident in God. An army is nothing when God is on our side.

“Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.” (Exodus 14:13 NIV11)
“The LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’” (Judges 7:2 NIV11)
““Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”” (2 Kings 6:16 NIV11)

Sometimes we can hold it together while attack is threatened, but give in to fear once the assault has begun. At that point we are tempted to complain to God that we have prayed and trusted him that the fight will not happen, but happen it does. Will we then continue to trust God? Victory does not always look certain during the battle.

“As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.” (Exodus 17:11 NIV11)

But if we remain faithful we will ‘rout’ the enemy (Heb 11.34).

“…who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.” (Hebrews 11:33–34 NIV11)

David’s heart is at peace through all these trials. His inner David, his self, the seat of his thoughts and emotions, his mind, are all unafraid, untroubled, and calm. If David had that level of confidence in God, how much more fortunate we are to have the promise of peace from Jesus!

““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”” (John 16:33 NIV11)

What are the lessons from this verse?
i. Overwhelming opposition does not mean we have to despair
ii. Confidence and courage are possible in all circumstances since God is with us

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

Next week we will proceed to the fourth verse of the Psalm. 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](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).

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

God bless, Malcolm