Psalm 27

As I read Psalm 27 I am reminded of Hebrews 11 and 12, where we learn about the importance of faith.  In the beginning of Hebrews 11 the author defines faith and then begins to reveal examples through the stories of our spiritual forefathers from the Old Testament:

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the men of old gained approval. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

And then in the beginning of Hebrews 12, we are encountered with how to apply that same faith to our own lives:

1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

I encourage you to take some time to read over Hebrews 11 and 12 (they aren’t very long) to see what faith actually looks like and how you can grow in faith.  But for right now, let’s look at what David is proclaiming in Psalm 27.  In verses 1-3 we see David’s confidence in God’s goodness.  His circumstances look pretty grim: people are trying to kill him!  Yet he says, “whom shall I fear?”  In Romans 8, the Apostle Paul writes similar words:

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Even if we are killed we will not be separated from God!  In fact, we know we will be closer to Him…

38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Paul said he was convinced (from the Greek peitho meaning he believed and trusted) and David said he was confident (from the Hebrew batach meaning to trust, be bold, or be secure).  Do you trust in God this much?  Do you believe God’s promises despite what you see happening around you?

This conviction leads to our trust in God to a higher level than the world’s ability to destroy us.  He gives us authority and power above this world.  He lifts us up and hides us when we need to be protected.  David might have seemed a little crazy to his adversaries or even his own army (you know, despite his boldness as a child against the giant).  He says he danced and sang praises to the Lord when it looked like he was going to be destroyed.  Do you praise God when you feel like you are going to be destroyed?  Maybe there isn’t a physical presence coming against you, but what about a spiritual one?  Maybe your castle isn’t surrounded by a menacing army but your heart is overshadowed by depression, fear, and anxiety.  Rejoice in the Lord!  Rejoice because it is He wo saves you and the more terrible the situation seems, the more victorious you will be because the Lord Almighty is on your side and will hide you in His tabernacle and lift you up on His Rock!

Our only concern amidst everything should be if we are seeking His face.  Are you seeking the Lord today?  Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness in your life?  In Matthew 6 Jesus says,

33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

And then in chapter 7:

11 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

Don’t let your turmoil and difficulties distract you from seeking Him first and foremost and forever.  The rest of David’s psalm is about seeking the Lord despite those that surround him.  He recognizes the goodness of the Lord and how He guides us and teaches us and protects us and provides for us in life.  Don’t focus on the things that make your life difficult today, rather the things that God has blessed you with: food, clothing, shelter, breath, health, situations to trust in Him more, His promises to help you in your time of need, the fact that He has already overcome the world and handed you His victory…

The list goes on forever and our enemies and difficulties are only temporary.

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