Notes for Teacher/Facilitator
Psalm 27 shows us the great diversity that Israel enjoyed when worshiping and praying. This psalm is a beautiful work of art reminding us that as humans seeking to be connected to the eternal God, we should expect faithful moments and confusing ones also, moments of great trust in the Lord and times of doubt and anxiety too. And the window into this reality is the life-threatening experience that the psalmist faced which caused him to write this wonderful psalm. No matter our situations, this psalm reminds us that when we are enveloped by darkness we can and should reach out to God, who is our light, and the community that he calls together!
Word Studies
Here are a few notes about particular words in this psalm:
- My light (ōr) – v.1: This is the only place in the Old Testament where “light” is used as a title for God. Elsewhere it is a descriptor which indicates all that is good and creative about God. The psalmist here personalizes this goodness of God even more by saying that God is “my light.”
- Beauty (nōam) – v.4: This is a rich Hebrew word which carries with it the ideas of physical beauty and overall loveliness. The psalmist is likely thinking of the splendor of the temple in Jerusalem, which was intended to point to the beauty of God. It should be noted, however, that anything that is created will pale in comparison to the magnificence of the Creator!
- Seek (baqar) – v.4: Specifically in view here is the idea of seeking God in his temple. What does the psalmist mean? He could mean meditating or praying in the temple, though it seems more likely that the he is saying that he comes to worship at the temple with specific questions for God. This means that he understands worship as a time not just for adoration, but also for bringing questions before the God of the universe.
- Shouts of joy (teruah) – v.6: This same word can also be translated as “battle cry.” Here, however, the context lets us know that worship of the living God is often accompanied with loud screams of utter happiness and contentment!
- Face (paneh) – vv.8-9: Seeking God’s face does not literally mean looking for a physical face to gaze upon. Instead it implies a metaphorical search for a fresh experience of the presence of God, a renewed vision of his deep love and concern for his creation.
- Oppressors (sharar) – v.11: This word is also translated as “enemies” and comes from a verb meaning “to watch.” The idea is that there will always be some people lying in wait, watching the people of God, looking to see us falter.
Introduction
- Open your class/community time with prayer. Ask the Spirit of God to reveal himself to all of you through the Scriptures and through your discussion together.
- Discuss last week’s challenge and encourage people to share how the challenge went for them.
- Spend a few of the opening moments of your time together exploring how following Jesus causes us to rejoice and to lament.
- Share about how Psalm 27 is both a psalm of confidence and one of lament
- Ask your community (all together or in smaller groups) to share with one another reasons they have to celebrate and reasons they have to be sad
- End the opening time with prayer, celebrating the joy God brings and asking for his presence in the midst of pain, suffering, and loss.
Bible Questions
- How big of a deal is fear in our modern lives? In what ways do we attempt to overcome it on our own? How can remembering that God is our light and our stronghold help?
- In the face of despair and danger, the psalmist says there’s only one thing he really wants: to worship God. Is this our “one thing” we want when we’re in trouble? Why or why not?
- The psalmist says that in response to God’s goodness in the face of danger he will “sacrifice with shouts of joy.” What role does joy play in our worship of the Lord, especially in our giving of monetary tithes and offerings?
- In verse 11 the psalmist begs God to teach him and guide him in the face of the life-threatening danger that he faces. Wouldn’t most of us pray for God to remove us from the danger? What can we learn from the psalmist here about how to face tough times?
- Verse 14 is beautiful but difficult to live out. Why is waiting on God so hard?
Discussion Questions
- In times of stress, danger, and uncertainty, what about God is still worthy of worship? How can we remember this – are there spiritual practices we could engage in to help us remember?
- What role can and should Christian community play when we are facing real fears in our lives? How can we fulfill this role for one another better and better?
- How do you think our capacity to seek God in the midst of pain and suffering impacts how those who are far from God view us and Jesus, whom we represent?
Takeaway
God is always on our side! He will be there to teach us and guide us, even in the worst of times!
Challenge
When (not if!) something goes awry this week, reach out to a member of your group for support.