It seems to many that today’s world is becoming more and more a fearsome place. Not only is crime a problem in many areas, but there are more and more difficult challenges that many face, economic or financial challenges, health challenges with limited and expensive resources for help there. Then we see the political landscape a mess regardless of what side you are on, in addition to wars and rumors of wars in many places. And there is wild and crazy weather in so many places. Is there any help? And if so, where can we turn to find it? Our psalm today is one of several favorite psalms of mine. It was actually the first chapter of the Bible that I memorized. This psalm gives the answer that King David, who faced many fearsome challenges, found.
When we come upon the times when we are faced with a difficult, anxiety-producing challenge, it may be health, or financial, or even an actual physical enemy who is threatening us, those times look very dark. Darkness seems to have the power to make everything look even worse and more ominous. We long for some light, something to chase those fears and problems away. When we are in the dark, even a little bit of light, and even if it is off in the distance, that can bring us some hope. David felt the same way, and he found his light in the Lord God (vs. 1). With Yahweh as his light, his salvation, and strength of his life, he did not need to be afraid of anything.
Like David, those who are in a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus can find light and strength with the Lord, as well. When we walk with Jesus, His light shines in us and through us. Jesus told us that He is the Light of the world, and that those who follow Him will not be in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12). With Jesus as our Light, we have guidance, deliverance, and protection from every fear we face. With Yahweh as his strength and light, David saw his enemies fall (vs. 2). He didn’t even need to fear an army (vs. 3). He was that confident that God would protect him! Let Jesus light our path and illuminate our life. We can trust in His sovereignty and care, no matter what threats we face.
As we know, David was king of Israel, and as a king, he could pretty much have whatever he wanted. He could have the finest food, top designer clothes, and the latest model of chariot. Yet having that ability, what was the one thing that he desired and sought after? It was nothing materialistic. David wanted to be in God’s Temple and dwell with Him! (vs. 4). Is that what we would desire? David knew that when he sought after God above anything else, He would keep him safe when troubles came (vs. 5). God would hide him from any harm, and set him up high upon a rock, and that Rock is the Lord Jesus.
Although circumstances change, God’s promises do not change. If we are caught in the winds of whatever storms are buffeting us, we need to be like David and stand on the Rock of God’s promises. We need to take shelter under His wings until the storm passes. When David trusted in God, he found that God raised him up above his troubles, and that he could be filled with joy and offer Him praise (vs. 6). Instead of looking down at our distressing circumstances, we need to look up to God, from whom all blessings flow!
Psalm 27 is an example of fervent prayer. David’s prayerful appeal (vs. 7-10) showed his dependence on God in his times of need, and is an example of a heart aligned with God’s will. We, too, can know that when we cry out to God, He will hear us. God desires us to keep ourselves in close fellowship with Him, as that is the way to receive His protection and care (vs. 8). Some people turn to friends and family for help in times of trouble, but how often have we found that they forsake us in our need? (vs. 9-10). Yahweh will never do that! He is a constant, faithful Father to us, and will never abandon us!
As the psalm closes, David reminds us that we most often need to wait on God for answered prayer (vs. 14). When we become frustrated with God’s apparent delay in answering our prayers, it is good to remember that He is interested in developing faith and perseverance in our character (James 1:2-4). As we wait on God, our weakness is exchanged for His strength. Strength and courage are developed during a trial, not after it is over. Let us show patient faith, trusting in God’s perfect timing and provision. When we develop a deep trust in Him, and seek Him wholeheartedly in prayer, God will bring His deliverance to us.
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