We swim in a cultural sea that measures the goodness of God and blessing by the absence of adversity and peril. But that's not the tone David takes in Psalm 27. He acknowledges the presence, the very real presence, of danger, fear, and aggressive opposition, but his confidence and assurance are left unshaken. He makes it abundantly clear that his desire and focus is singular; to dwell deep in the presence of the Lord .... to look on His face and find peace.

One of the unintended consequences of the narrow "escapist" view of the Kingdom of God, which basically says all we can do is hold on tight in this messed up world as we wait for the cosmic evacuation of the rapture. It leaves no encouragement or hope for dealing with the real and present assaults of spirit, emotion, and sometimes body.

David reminds us that our immediate circumstances, no matter how dire, pale in comparison to the joy and confidence the view of His face can bring. There's a reason in all of my teaching I try and focus people towards "staring Him in the face". It's the only place this chaotic world makes sense.

David doesn't promise, as many preachers do, an immediate rescue. He promises vision. Kingdom Vision, where worship becomes the singular act of anchoring the soul to WHO GOD IS rather than to whatever monster threatens us today. His waiting isn't passive or cowardly, it's active trust shaped by confidence in the character and nature of God Himself.

This peaceful land of the living where raging storms and violent oppression shrink in the face of God isn't merely in our future. It is alive and well in the hear and now; it is any place where God's presence sustains His people ... and He does it right now!

Exile may aptly define the setting of our story, but it is HOPE which defines the posture we take in it. Worship trains our heart, mind, and spirit to wait without despair, without fear, but with joy and patience, knowing the ever-present God of the Universe turns His gaze upon us with promise and with joy.

Fear is real. Thread and danger are real. There's no denying that. But He hasn't given us a spirit of fear. What he has done is called us to look Him in the face and now His nature and His love. 

When you consciously fix your gaze on the face of God and His goodness, what earthly fears lose their power? How can worship reshape the way you wait and endure?

Father, teach me to wait with courage and confidence. Give me presence of mind to fix my spiritual eyes on You and your goodness as you steady my worrisome heart with Your presence. Amen.