When You're Afraid — Raw & Real, Week 3

Detailed Sermon Outline

Primary Text: Psalm 27, Psalm 46

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 41:8-10, Psalm 91:1-7, Proverbs 29:25

Big Idea: Fear is normal. When we're afraid, we can seek refuge in God. His strength and presence are available to us, even in the deepest fear.

Target Length: 35-40 minutes

Introduction

Psalm 27 begins with absolute confidence: '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?'

But read a few verses further and you see the Psalmist is afraid. 'Though an army besiege my city, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.'

He's not pretending not to be afraid. He's choosing confidence despite the fear. He's practicing faith while afraid. That's the invitation.

I. Fear Is Real, But God Is Stronger (Psalm 27:1-3)

'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?'

The Psalmist isn't denying fear is possible. He's asserting that the Lord is his light, his salvation, his stronghold.

'When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege my city, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.'

He's describing literal siege. Real enemies. Real danger. And yet: his heart will not fear. Why? Because he's confident in God.

This confidence isn't naive. It's based on experience: 'I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.'

He knows that even if things don't go as he hopes, God's goodness will be evident. That's where confidence comes from: trust in God's character.

II. Seeking God's Face in Fear (Psalm 27:7-10)

'Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, 'Seek his face!' Your face, Lord, I will seek.'

In fear, the response is to seek God's face. To be in relationship with him. To experience his presence.

'Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.'

The fear is turning into a cry for closeness. The Psalmist wants assurance that God won't abandon him.

'Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.'

In the deepest fear—the fear of being completely alone—the Psalmist remembers that God won't forsake him. That's the antidote to fear: God's presence and promise to stay with us.

III. God as Refuge (Psalm 46:1-7)

'God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.'

Not sometimes present. Ever-present. In your trouble, in your fear, God is present.

'Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.'

The Psalmist is describing catastrophic circumstances. The earth giving way. Mountains falling. Waters roaring. And yet: 'We will not fear.'

'The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.'

Fear diminishes when we remember God's presence and power. Not because the fears are unrealistic, but because God is more real than our fears.

Conclusion & Appeal

Fear is not a sin. It's a normal response to real danger. But fear can be a doorway to faith if we let it drive us to God.

In your fear, seek God's face. Remember his presence. Trust his character. That's where courage comes from: not from being unafraid, but from being aware of God's greater presence.

What fear can you bring to God? Where can you practice confidence despite being afraid?

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