Believing in God's Goodness — E.A. Johnston

Psalm 27 and the Fear of Trouble

I remember many years ago when a Baptist preacher was doing my dad's funeral, and he quoted Psalm 27 and verse 5, which states, For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion. And as the preacher said those words, I didn't like it.

I shrunk back from them. I didn't ever want a time in my life of trouble. At the time my life was all sunshine and honey blossoms. I had a beautiful wife, a lovely home, and plenty of money. But now I've lost all three.

David's Troubles and God's Deliverance

I know what it's like to be in a time of trouble, for trouble has surely visited me. This Psalm of David is a Psalm of hope. And hope is my theme today, friends, as I bring this message before you. The title of my message today is, Believing in God's Goodness.

David's Confidence in God's Promises

And my text can be found in the Book of Psalms. You can turn in your Bibles there now, friends. We will be camped out today in Psalm 27. King David knew firsthand what it was like to be in trouble. As a mere lad he had stared down a giant and slew his Goliath.

He knew what it was like to be chased by a jealous king. King Saul, and be haunted like a flea among rocks and caves. David also knew his God. And he knew his God was a God who delivers. And that's what this Psalm is about.

It's believing in God's goodness as a deliverer. David starts out this Psalm with the words which back up his faith in God. 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? In other words, friends, David is stating that he knows his God to be true to his word. That God is a God who keeps his promises. That God can be trusted. And this is a testimony to that fact.

Faith in God's Goodness Through Trial

I believe David wrote this Psalm looking back. That he'd already experienced God's deliverance. He's looking back upon his trial. And he is acknowledging God. Praising God. And testifying of the surety of God's word.

With the certainty of God keeping true to his word. In fulfillment of his promises. Notice verse 13. Here David is looking back and making a statement. For all believers all down through the centuries who trust their God.

Listen to his words. I had fainted. Unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Meaning that it was his faith in God that got him through his time of trouble. And do you know what friend?

It will be your faith in God that gets you through your own time of trouble. When my world came crashing down on me. I'll never forget it. I was walking down the hallway of an office building. And my legs gave out from beneath me.

As I pondered my difficulties. I grew faint. And I literally had to hang on to the walls to keep my balance. To keep from falling down. David said. I had fainted. Unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

God's Goodness Revealed in Deliverance

David looked for God's goodness to appear to him. Through a mighty deliverance of him. And he was not disappointed. God came through and was true to his word. And this experience of seeing God display his goodness toward David.

Occurred while he was alive in the land of the living. And this great goodness of God in his deliverance of David. Altered the way David lived the rest of his life. From that point onward. It changed his entire viewpoint of life.

Seeking God's Presence in Psalm 27

This is seen in verse four. 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 inquire in his temple.

Here David maintains a high view of God. A high view of God, friends. All its life. He wants to behold only the beauty of the Lord. To stay in his presence. To stay there continually. Because he'd seen his goodness.

Oh friends. If you have seen the hand of God move in your life. And your taste of his goodness. Your whole outlook on life will be forever altered. As you worship and serve your God. And David ends this little psalm of hope with.

Waiting on the Lord with Courage

Some words that overflow out of his heart. Overflow with hope for those who trust in the Lord. Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage. And he shall strengthen thy heart. Wait I say. On the Lord. Dear weary friend.

Who has waited down in your time of trouble. Look to the Lord. And believe to see the goodness of the Lord. In the land of the living. Oh wait I say. On the Lord. Let us pray.