Pastor’s Thoughts – 09/27/2026

In Psalm 27 we see the confidence that David has in the Lord. The account of this writing is likely after he has been anointed king by God through the Prophet Samuel, but we find in Scripture that his reign as king is yet a long time coming. It would be twenty exhausting years after his anointing that he would wear the crown. David experienced great problems and difficult near-death situations as well as extreme opposition before actually ruling as the king. While such opposition appeared to be winning and impossible to overcome, he stated, “Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident” (Ps. 27:2-3). Later in the Psalm he says, “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Ps. 27:13). He closes this Psalm reflecting his attitude of faith that he kept during all of the difficulties leading up to his rule over Israel. He left us with this important, inspired summary; “Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord” (Ps. 27:14). David’s attitude and experience is beneficial for every Christian.

We know the Bible teaches that all who are in Christ Jesus have been given promises of ruling and reigning with Christ in His future kingdom. David’s example of waiting upon the Lord can just as well be applied to us 3000 years later. The idea of waiting on the Lord is associated with knowing what He has promised, and by faith being assured that it must come to pass. David had been told by God that he would be king. We have been told by God that we will reside with and rule with Christ in His coming kingdom. David believed God, and we believe God. Despite great opposition, significant difficulties, and even impossible probabilities, we will believe God. This means as we are living out these things we wait upon God. One of my favorite passages, because of its wonderful encouraging promise states, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives strength to the weary, and to the one who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary” (Isaiah 40:28-31).

The point of “wait” in this context is an act based by faith on what God has promised, and because of who He is. The emphasis is in two parts. It is first of all upon Him who is able and will fulfill every promise. But it is also because of faith in Him. Waiting on the Lord is not something passive; it is the essence of our trust, and patience expecting God’s perfect timing. It is a surrender of self while having confidence that God is in control and that His plans are perfect and will occur. Taking this concept of “wait” a step further, it involves what the old patriarchs’ called perseverance in the faith.

Perseverance is a key doctrine for those who love the Lord. Many claim what is also called, “eternal security” or the idea that once a person is saved by grace, they cannot again be lost. This is true, but perseverance goes further than eternal security. It is the God given evidence that our faith is genuine. The word for “perseverance” in Greek is, hupomone. It means to have endurance, constancy, and continuance. Paul tells Timothy at the critical end of his life, to “endure hardship” (2 Tim. 4:5), This is connected with what he states in the form of his assurance; “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7).

Paul’s keeping of the faith was interlocked with how he handled life. It is proof that his faith was real. He persevered against incredible circumstances, just as David did in his time, and kept on by faith. Paul writes; “And although you were previously alienated and hostile in attitude, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His body of flesh through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach – if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister” (Col. 1:21-23). The “if” reveals that perseverance is given as a mark of those with true faith. John reveals the difference in superficial or non-saving faith by those who failed to persevere; “They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be evident that they all are not of us” (1 John 2:19).

The world of which we as Christians reside is not friendly towards our faith. We have much opposition, but greater is our God’s salvation work within us than all the opposition that can come. Our faith will tangle with the pressure of opposition. Many in Christ’s day did not persevere and abandoned Christ even with all that He did. Our Lord said to Peter on such an occasion, “’You do not want to go away also, do you?’ Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life’” (John 6:67-68). There is no place to go but to Christ. He is and has the answer we all need and we therefore must cherish Him above all. Pressures to run from Him, should make us run to Him. Are we now having trials and difficulties? These will come, but for all who wait for the Lord, we will see the consummation of all that God has promised. Dear ones, keep your heart fixed upon Him!