When I Am Deserted!

“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?”

[*Psalm 27:1*]

Doctor Boice was again perceptive when he said that David’s enemies are “the bullies of the neighbourhood, and David needs the protecting presence of God just as a small child needs his father in such circumstances.”[7] I was pleased when one of my daughters stated a few years back, “We always knew that our daddy would protect us.” Wise parents will not rescue their children from every incident, but they will always be ready to intervene to deliver their child.

*The Believer’s Hope* — Did David have what he sought from the Lord? The answer is obviously and emphatically, “Yes!” This becomes evident when we note the conclusion of the Psalm.

“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord

in the land of the living!

Wait for the Lord;

be strong, and let your heart take courage;

wait for the Lord!”

[*Psalm 27:13, 14*]

As stated earlier, I hold to the thought that the initial portion of the Psalm was based upon the latter portion. The verses we have looked at in this message are the basis for the confidence witnessed in the first six verses. David did look to God in the time of trial. When he was surrounded by enemies, even by people who had presented themselves as friends and supporters though they sought to harm him, God delivered him. God was that good parent who accepted David, giving him a listening ear, needed guidance and divine protection.

Just so, God is prepared to give to you the same demonstration of fatherly love. Even when your friends have deserted you, God gives us His Son “who sticks closer than a brother” [*Proverbs 18:24*]. When you are deserted by family, God will ever stand with you to lift you up. With David, you can speak with confidence:

“My head shall be lifted up

above my enemies all around me,

and I will offer in his tent

sacrifices with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make melody to the Lord.”

[*Psalm 27:6*]

Even when your church family chooses personal comfort and compromise over standing in the gap with you, know that God stands with you. You may feel deserted, just as Elijah felt alone after the contest on Mount Carmel; but God always stands with that one who looks to Him. All that we need and all that we seek in a parent, God gives in abundance.

Did you imagine that this was love deferred? Did you imagine that God would forever delay answering His child? David says that he anticipated an immediate answer. He writes:

“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord

in the land of the living!”

[verse thirteen]

What is not obvious in our translations is that David uses a rather common word when he says “I believe.” We use the very same word, but in a different manner. The word David uses is the Hebrew word “amen.” If you will, he is making a strong statement of affirmation. “Amen! I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” It is not a mere hope that he expresses, but a statement of confidence. God will show him divine goodness!