This message, “Stand Firm, Be Strong,” is based on Psalms 27:1-14. This particular chapter is a psalm of David that deals with having courage and strength.
In times of crisis and in difficult situations, we need to stand firm. We also need to be strong in all aspects of our life: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Looking at the passage, especially in verses 1 and 2, “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? Also, in verse 14, it says, “…be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart…” These verses show that we need to be strong and have courage. David expresses that God is able to strengthen him, regardless of any situation.
When we worship God and study His words together, we can stand firm and be stronger, as we face difficult circumstances. In relation to the Scripture passage above, a relevant question would be: What do we need in life, in order to stand firm?
1. We Need a Savior (v. 1)
David declares in Psalms 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation…” This statement is evidence that David himself needed the Lord. He recognized that the Lord is the savior of his life. In times of uncertainties and difficult circumstances, so many people are afraid. There is so much much fear in their hearts. One of the reasons is the fact that the Lord is too far away.
All of us need a savior. Just in case, you have not received yet Jesus Christ as your savior and Lord, I believe, this is the best time for you to do so. Believe in Jesus and accept Him as Savior and Lord. Confess your sins and allow Him to be the Lord of your life.
2. We Need to be Wise (vv. 2-3)
In verses 2-3, David wrote, “When the wicked came against me, to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.”
These verses show that David has an enemy. The same with us. We also have an enemy that derails and destroys. So if we are not wise enough, fear and distraction might destroy us. In a difficult situation, Satan, our enemy may fool us. But we need to be wise and be vigilant all the time.
3. We Need God’s Presence (vv. 4-6)
In verses 4, of the same chapter, “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: 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 inquire in His temple.” This is a very strong declaration from the lips of David. He wants to dwell in the house of the Lord, which literally means, dwell where the Lord resides or dwell in His presence.
It should be our desire to dwell in God’s presence every day. We take it seriously as our priority. In times of crisis, it is good to pray, seek His face, worship Him, and be in His presence always.
4. We Need God’s Guidance (vv. 11-13)
In verse 11, David said, “Teach me Your way, o Lord…” This statement shows that David needed God’s guidance in his life. There is a recognition that the way of the Lord is still the best way.
Nowadays, the way to have the guidance of God is to learn from his words. Study the Bible because it is the revelation of God. The Bible is full of instructions for us to follow. Learn and live with those guidelines and instructions that are revealed by God through His words.
