There is much fear in the hearts of people today. In this post-Covid era, people are still reeling in the effects of the overwhelming words of fright that prevailed in the country. But wait! Is that how things should be? As the title says, “of what are you so afraid?”
Psalm 27:1 (ESV) — 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
David, who wrote Psalm 27, certainly had his share of opposition, therefore had many reasons to be afraid. His own family thought little of him, King Saul relentlessly pursued him, and later his own son sought after him to kill him. If anyone had a reason to fear, it was David. Notice his words of trust in the Lord, who is his light and salvation. It is the Lord who is the stronghold of his life. Therefore, he reasons, of whom shall I be afraid.
Back to the Covid reference, the fear that prevailed was the fear of death. It was sad to see the number of people who were crippled, even paralyzed by the fear of death. However, Christians need not fear death because the Lord Jesus Christ has won the victory over sin, Satan, and death itself.
Hebrews 2:14–15 (ESV) — 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.
This is why we emphasize the importance of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. As He went to the cross to be the propitiation or sacrifice for our sins in appeasing the wrath of God, He died in our place. On the third day, as He promised, He arose from the dead as an announcement that His sacrifice was accepted by God the Father on our behalf, and He has conquered our enemies of sin, Satan, and death. Hence the Gospel or good news is the message of victory. No longer need we fear death because in Jesus we have everlasting life. No longer need we fear Satan, because Jesus not only defeated Him but gives us power and help to resist the schemes of the evil one. No longer need we fear sin because He gives us new life and resurrected power to overcome temptation as well as help to win over indwelling sin while we live here. The Gospel is the message of victory. Of what are you so afraid?
Isaiah 40:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
Jesus taught that the way of peace, even in the midst of unpeaceful situations, is to trust in Him.
John 14:27 (ESV) — 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Psalm 56:3 (ESV) — 3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
The Lord Jesus Christ promises peace, not fear. Peace is given to us by the One who is called the Prince of Peace. Peace that is beyond all understanding is that even in the midst of unpeaceful circumstances you can have peace. It’s only found in bringing your burden to the Prince of Peace.
Philippians 4:6–7 (ESV) — 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Going back to Psalm 27:1, let’s see the basis of the Psalmist overcoming fear.
Psalm 27:1 (ESV) — 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
The Lord is my light. Consider the fact that because God is light, He brings us light in the midst of dark times and His light is experienced as we by His grace enjoy communion with Him. No doubt David, the psalmist, enjoyed both aspects of God as His light.
Micah 7:8 (ESV) — 8 Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.
1 John 1:5–7 (ESV) — 5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
The Lord is my salvation. He delivers us from adverse situations in this life as He has delivered us from the most adverse situation, as we by nature were locked into sin and were described as children of wrath.
Psalm 79:9 (ESV) — 9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake!
David also talks about God as the stronghold or strength of his life.
Psalm 18:2 (ESV) — 2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
No wonder he concludes Psalm 27 with a word of encouragement and instruction:
Psalm 27:14 (ESV) — 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker, Pastor
Christ Community Presbyterian Church
Clearwater, FL
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