Everyone in the Washington, Maryland and Virginia area is breathing a sigh of relief now that two suspects are in jail following a rampage of indiscriminate killing. People were afraid to go out, to get gas for their car, to shop, or even drive to work without looking over their shoulder. Lawlessness abounds in the world. In Bali, over 200 people were killed and scores injured by a terrorist bomb. In Baltimore and Washington there’s an average of at least one murder per day. How are we to deal with the uncertainty and insecurity of life? In Psalm 27 we have David’s secret to overcoming anxiety and fear.

CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD (1)
“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?”  

Some find their confidence in bank accounts or their physical abilities or education. In other words they trust self. David tells us that real confidence is found only in the LORD. Note three things in this verse, light, which is guidance and understanding, salvation, that is deliverance and strength of life, which speaks of encouragement and hope. All are found in the LORD. In vs 2, David knew from past experience he could trust God. Consider his victory over the giant Goliath. (1 Sam 17:44) David said, “This day the LORD will deliver thee into my hand.” True confidence is found in the person and protection of God. In (Mic 7:7) “I will look unto the Lord, I will wait for the God of my protection.” That’s good advice for us today as well. Is your confidence in God? Along with confidence David speaks of

COMMUNION WITH THE LORD (4)
“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” 

David found comfort and security in being with God, abiding in His temple. Where is your comfort found? David says comfort and refuge is found in God. In vss 4-5, see how he describes the place of communion. He calls it the House of the Lord, God’s Temple, a Pavilion, the Tabernacle, the beauty of the Lord and being set upon a rock. In all six descriptions the primary focus is the presence of God. Many times when caught up with hectic schedules and dead lines, family and work pressures, we need to take time out of the turmoil and get into the presence of God. Vs 6, there is found peace and joy even in the most difficult of times. (Psa 95:2) ”Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms.” All of us need time to get alone with God to enjoy Him and His place of protection. Have you sought out the Lord today? Another cure for insecurity is

 Experts tell us that when facing difficulties we need to talk it out. Who do you go to, family, friends, psychiatrists? David says, take it to the Lord. You’ve heard the saying, “Prayer changes things.” I prefer, “Prayer changes me.” When I commit my problem or difficulty to the Lord and I know He has my best interest at heart, I may not be able to fully understand what He is doing, but I know I can have complete confidence in Him. Someone said, “You can turn care into prayer anywhere.” What comfort that is for these troubled times. Jeremiah quoting God says in (Jer 33:3) “Call unto Me, and I will answer you and show thee great and mighty things thou knowest not.” Vs 8 encourages us to seek God’s face. It is His desire that we look to Him. All of us need a daily time of conversation with the Lord. Our privilege is to be able to come into His presence at any time. Finally, David gives us one more step in finding security in our need

COMMITMENT TO THE LORD (11)
“Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.”

Note David asks God to teach him and to lead him. That speaks of commitment. Looking to God for direction and waiting on Him for the answer is the way to deal with our concerns. David had seen God work in the past and he knew God would be with him in his time of need. How about you? Have you committed yourself to the Lord to wait on Him? Of course, it isn’t easy trying to wait we want to rush ahead of God and take care of our problems ourselves, but it is absolutely essential to give God control. Listen to what Isaiah said about waiting, (Isa 40:31) “They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Renewal and strength are found in commitment to God in times of uncertainty and anxiety.