Psalm 27

Read Psalm 27

“The Lord is my light and my salvation.” David, living in a dark world, looked to the Lord for light. Though he expressed grave concern about those who were against him, he knew that God would bring him through every trouble. He did not have to live in constant fear of those who hated him.

Above every other desirable gift in this life, David admired his Lord. It would have been his delight to stay in God's presence forever—to see his Master's face and to hear all of the wisdom that would come from His Word.

David knew that God would not tire of him. He knew that his heavenly Father truly loved him. When David lifted up his voice to the Lord in song, God did not whisper under His breath, “Not him again.” It was the Almighty who had instructed His servant with these great words of encouragement: “Seek My face.” David's willing heart offered a sincere reply: “Your face, Lord, will I seek.” Even though the Lord's servant actually asked God not to cast him off in anger, he knew that his own parents would have disowned him long before his heavenly Master would give up on him.

David's enemies were not at all like God. They had plots against him. They were ready to lie about him and even to kill him, but David knew that the Lord would protect him from all their attacks.

What was David's hope? “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!” This was certainly true of David's eternal destiny in the heavenly “land of the living.” Yet this man who set his heart on the Lord did not believe that he would have to die in order to experience the Lord's favor. God would help him now.

The greatest Son of David came into this world to defeat death for us. Because of Jesus, David's faith is now shared by people all over the world. The psalmist's instruction to Israel so many centuries ago is still a good word for all who love God today. “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” We will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

God of Our Salvation, there is no one like You. No matter how great the danger, our hope and confidence is in You. Please bring us to Your heavenly temple. We are with You even now in Christ. We long to be close to You and to see You. Be near us now. You are the God of our salvation. Lead us on a level path. We wait for You, O Lord.