Weekday Devotion: Psalm 27

This begins a series of Psalm devotions for upcoming Sundays. These are written by Rev. Christopher Antonetti and adapted from The Psalms: A Devotional Commentary by C.M. Zorn.

Psalm 27:1-9
This is a psalm of David, probably when he was running as a fugitive from Saul (see 1 Samuel 26-27). David writes as one who has been separated from worship of the Lord and is surrounded by enemies.

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?
   When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh,
       my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.
    Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
       though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident. 

David trusts in the Lord to be his stronghold, or “mighty fortress.” Despite thousands of enemies who come against him, he does not fear, because the Lord is stronger than all. Even armies of enemies will stumble when brought against the protection given by the Lord. Though we may not see it, we trust that the Lord is fighting our battles.

    One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
       that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
       to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.
    For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
       he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will lift me high upon a rock. 

Only one thing do we desire of the Lord, which is to be near the house of Lord. The heart longs to be in the worship services, certainly beautiful in themselves, but made more beautiful by the Word of God preached in them. In that place, even when attacked by many enemies, the Lord will comfort us with His Word continually. As we hear of Christ’s work for us, we see what he would suffer to save us, we know that he will keep us safe and always has the best for us in mind. We are kept as members of his family. We are safe as if upon a high rock.

   And now 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.

A Christian’s praise is not necessarily in good times but comes even in times of affliction and trouble. We can sing and make melody in confidence not because of circumstances, but despite them, because we know we are in the Lord’s care. Rather than complain, we should “call upon God in the day of trouble” (Psalm 50). This is a prayer of faith.

    Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
    You have said, “Seek my face.”
       My heart says to you,
“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”
        Hide not your face from me.
       Turn not your servant away in anger,
O you who have been my help.
       Cast me not off; forsake me not,
O God of my salvation!

Since God has promised such great things, we ask him to keep the promises he has made:

Lord, look upon us in our distress! Even as many Christians may be kept from Your house, keep them in Your care and strengthen them with Your Word. We know our problems are so great that only You can help us. We seek Your face in the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We know that You care for us and have the best in mind for us. Do not turn us away because of us sin, but renew and strengthen us by your Holy Spirit. Amen.