Today, we are going to take a break from the story line. For the last week we have been engrossed in the history behind the life of David. Psalm 27 provides us with a different perspective. We are able to peer into the mind and heart of David through many of the Psalms. It gives us insight as to what was going through his mind during these different moments in his life.
The Psalms are poems or songs. Many of the Psalms are attributed to David. He was the author. We discover an incredibly tender heart within David. It is not something we might to expect to find in a warrior. But there is much that is unexpected when it comes to this man.
What are the three ways David describes God in verse 1? How does this give David (and us) confidence?
David describes God as his light, his salvation, and his stronghold. Each of these three things have special meaning. In 2 Samuel 21:17 David is described as the lamp of Israel. He certainly shined brightly. But David acknowledges in this Psalm that any light he might shine comes from the Lord. He is only using borrowed light. His life’s purpose is to reflect the light of God. Of course Jesus would later declare that he is the light of the world. And at the end of the Bible in the book of Revelation there is no need for the sun or the moon, because the Lord is the light for the new creation.
God is also David’s salvation. David is saved by God. He is kept safe because of the hand of the Almighty. There were many dangers David faced throughout his lifetime. There were many times when David might have been killed. But God watched over him and kept him safe to fulfill his purpose on this earth. God will keep you safe to fulfill his good purpose.
The last thing David acknowledges is that the Lord is his strength. David could have easily have given up. He could have walked away from the purpose God had called him to. But he did not. David recognized everything he had came from the Lord. The Lord provided everything David needed even in the darkest times. If David seemingly did not have enough, God would provide. It was not always in a conventional way, but God would come through as long as David would take the step of faith.
What does David acknowledge happening in verses 2-3?
Evil men advanced against him seeking to destroy him. Armies would besiege him. His life would be in danger. He lived life on the edge. But he trusted God to protect him so he would not live in fear. He remained confident in spite of his challenges.
The enemy can taunt and intimidate all he wants to. He can threaten catastrophe. But Jesus say the gates of hell will not prevail against his people (see Matthew 16:18).
If you could have one thing from the Lord, what would it be (27:4)?
David asks to dwell in the presence of God each and every day and moment. What an incredible request this was. There is nothing more we need that for God to be present in our life. If we have him, we have everything we need and more.
I was once told we all have a hole in our heart. It is a God sized hole that only God can fill. The problem is we try to fill it with all kinds of other things. We think these other things will make us happy. The last thing we try to fill it with is God. We think we need more money, better friendships, more success, or greater recognition. The one thing we really need is more Jesus.
What is David’s response to God’s deliverance (27:5-6)?
David says he will offer sacrifices to the Lord at the tabernacle. The tabernacle was the place dedicated for worship. David says he will sing and make music. In other words he would gather with God’s people for corporate worship.
David talks about seeking (27:4,8) and waiting (27:14). What is the relationship between seeking and waiting for a follower of Jesus?
We are always to be seeking God in anticipation and expectation. Jesus says, “seek and you shall find.” If we look for God we will find him. We should not give up. We keep digging in the Word. We keep worshipping with God’s people. We persistently go to him in prayer. Sometimes it may seem like God is not listening or God is not near. Yet, we wait, confident he will hear and answer us when the time is right. Being able to “feel’ God’s presence has nothing to do with God truly being present with us. He is with us always. It is in the times when he might feel the furthest from us that he is actually the closest.
How do we learn the ways of the Lord (27:11)?
We learn the ways of the Lord through the Word of God. We are studying the Scripture now as we look at the life of David. We join together in prayer that God would give us insight into these various texts we are looking at. We pray God would give us revelation and he would teach us to follow him. There is a commitment involved in learning the ways of the Lord. They do not just come to us. As we make ourselves open, God will teach us.
