Andy Nagahara
Audio
Dwelling in the house of the LORD
(Psalm 27:1-6)
Of David. 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? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. (1-3)
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. (4)
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; (5-6a)
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. (6b)
A. Trusting in the LORD (1-3, 5-6a, John 8:12, 12:36, Matthew 5:14, Isaiah 60)
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?(1)
When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. (2, 3)
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; (5-6a)
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light. (John 12:36)
You are the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14)
B. One thing we should ask of the LORD (4, Ephesians 2:19-22)
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)
C. Our determination (6b, Hosea 6:6, Romans 12:1)
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. (6b)
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:6)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)
Summary
The more difficult the situation is, the more trust in the Lord becomes our great strength. Our Lord intervenes in our situation whenever necessary. He isn’t the one who doesn’t take action without our instructions. So there is one thing we should desire for and never forget, than praying a lot with many words. That is to set the Lord in the center of all our lives and activities.
For Discussion
1) Where is the house of the LORD?
2) What should we do for dwelling in the house of the LORD all the days of our lives?