Psalm 27
Read Psalm 27
Helpful Background Information:
Psalm 27 is a psalm of David and categorized as a psalm of lament. Scholars say it was most likely written either when David was fleeing King Saul or during Absalom’s rebellion.
David uses military language in this psalm. An example of this is when he calls the Lord his stronghold, which is a tower, fortress, or fortified hilltop where you could seek refuge and security to resist the enemy. Saying the Lord is our stronghold means that we can seek refuge and security in the Lord, as God in all of his strength can save and protect us from evil.
Rather than praying for what he thinks he needs/wants, David prays for salvation, an eternity with the Lord. Verse 4 says "I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life…” In the midst of hard circumstances, It would have been easy to pray for better circumstances (which isn’t a bad thing to pray), but because of David’s deeply rooted trust in the Lord, he recognizes the most important thing: intimacy with the Lord through abiding in Him. When we keep our eyes fixed on eternity, it allows us to think and act more like the Lord in difficult situations and less like the world, giving us a center of peace in the midst of our circumstances.
Reflection Questions:
What areas of your life seem to take priority over/distract you from deeply abiding in the Lord? Confess that to him today. What practically would need to change in your life for the Lord to be your “one thing,” your most important thing? Does your current lifestyle reflect his importance in your life?
What is one thing you are facing that you need an eternal perspective on? A reminder that Christ has already won and will bring you through? What hope is found in having an eternal perspective?
What areas of your life does fear dominate? We see when David is afraid, he reminds himself of what is true- who he knows God to be. Acknowledge your fears, then replace them with truths you know about God, meditating on these attributes and learning to trust in him and his guidance.