Psalm 27 is all about having a fearless trust in God. David knew all about fears. He was constantly beset by enemies. Yet he found refuge and peace in God. This is a lesson for us all, and one I’m trying to learn.
In his book Rejoice and Tremble Michael Reeves cites Matthew 6:31-33 where Jesus tells his disciples not to fear for anything; i.e., what to eat, drink and wear. The Father knows what they need. They are to first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Then all these things would be added to them. Reeves then notes,
…Jesus is not merely distracting his disciples from their worship… He is reorienting their perspective. For our fears act like a blinding, disorienting fog, stopping us from seeing anything else. So Jesus puts God and his kingdom as the sun in the sky of their perspective, both above everything and enlightening everything.
This is what King David is doing in Psalm 27. He is focusing on the goodness of the Lord.
Psalm 27: A Fearless trust in God
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamps against me, my heart will not fear; though war arises against me, In spite of this I shall be confident.
One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me; and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me. When Thou didst say, “Seek My face,” my heart said to Thee, “Thy face, O LORD, I shall seek.” Do not hide Thy face from me, do not turn Thy servant away in anger; Thou hast been my help; do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, But the LORD will take me up. Teach me Thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a level path, Because of my foes. Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence. I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD.
See also Psalm 46
Maranatha
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