Bible Study Notes 4/15/2025

WORD ALIVE! BIBLE STUDY ©2025

Journey in the Psalms: Prayer, Praise and Promise

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton – Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Quiet Time: Tracy M. Sumner, Psalms: An All-In-One Study on God’s Song Book

Lesson 8 -  Part 1

Tues., 15 April 2025

Lesson 8, Part 1  “Facing Our Fears.” – Fear is an emotion that is experienced by all humans. There are many human responses that can elicit fear. The first persons of Biblical record, Adam and Eve, fled from the presence of God because they told the Creator they were ashamed of their nudity. The nature of their shame was the consequence of their disobedience to God. This overwhelming sense of vulnerability induced fear. David spoke of a different kind of fear. He mentions enemies and foes who sought to destroy him. David reflected on the battles he engaged in when he had to protect the nation from harm. David did not run from his fears, but he shifted his focus on God’s protection. David candidly admits that trouble led him to a sacred space, where He could seek peace with God and renew his strength. Seeking refuge and safety is moving toward the help we desperately need. There were occasions in ancient times, that a person in trouble found safety (sanctuary) with God – provided they did not willfully disobey God’s commands. Joab was commander of Israel’s army but was complicit in trying to forcefully remove the king. He met a tragic death holding on to the altar in the worship sanctuary because of his transgressions. (1 Kings 2:1-28, NLT). David extols God as his “Light” and “Salvation.” By this David meant God “led” him, and the Lord made him safe. Fear is diminished because David’s thoughts and actions have come because of the security God has given him. Even significant losses in life will not deter David from expecting (“waiting with confidence for”) God’s abiding presence. Fears are faced with hope!

Verses &  Observation for Psalm 27:1-14

Observe         Interpret     Apply

(Verses 1-3) – Confidence in God.

(Verse 4) – Desiring God’s Presence.

(Verses 5-6) – Blessings of God’s Abiding Presence.

(Verses 7-10) – Earnestly Seeking God’s Presence.  

(Verses 11-13) – Praying for God’s Guidance.

(Verse 14) – Encouragement to Wait on the Lord.

The Key Idea:

What We Believe!

1. Your word is a lamp to my feet  and a light to my path!”  - Psalm 119:105

Key Verses:

Psalm 27:1-14, KJV

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.  2 When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came on me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though an army should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Though war should rise against me, in this I will be confident. 4 One thing I have asked of the Lord, that I will 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. 5 For in the time of trouble, He shall hide me in His pavilion, in the secret of His tabernacle He shall hide me. He shall set me up on a rock.  6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies around me. Therefore, I will offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. 7 Here, O Lord, when I cry with my voice. Have mercy on me and answer me. 8 When you said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, Lord I will seek.” 9 Do not hide Your face far from me. Do not put Your servant away in anger. You have been my help. Do not leave me or forsake me, O God of my salvation. 10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.  11 Teach me Your way. O Lord and lead me in a plain path because of my enemies. 12 Do not deliver me over to the will of my enemies, for false witnesses have risen up against me and those who breathe out cruelty. 13 I would have lost strength, but I believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord.”

I John 4:18, NLT

18 “[God’s] love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear; if we are afraid it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love.”

Psalm 27:1-14 KJV 

9 “O Zion, messenger of good news, shout from the housetops! Shout it louder, O Jerusalem. Shout and do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah. “Your God is coming!  10 Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, He brings His reward with Him as He comes. 11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart.  He will gently lead the mother sheep with her young.”