Chronicles of a Journeyman

Psalm 27

This psalm is a song of confident hope and earnest plea to the LORD. Confidence in the LORD’s ability to protect inspires a desire to dwell in His presence and an earnest plea for rescue from present distress.

1-3: Confidence in the LORD’s protection

4-6: Desire for the LORD’s presence 

7-10: Plea for the LORD’s help

11-14: Prayer for the LORD’s guidance

David begins this psalm with a confident declaration of his trust in the LORD’s protection. His confidence is infectious as he describes threatening scenarios that would not move him because he trusts in YHWH.

Then he proceeds to ask that he may always dwell in the LORD’s presence – to dwell on His beauty and meditate on His Law. David knows the benefit of being in God’s presence in the day of trouble – He will be protected and uplifted.

The psalm turn more emotional as he seeks divine response to his pleas, citing no other source of help apart from the LORD. He then prays for guidance and protection from enemies and false witnesses. 

The psalm closes, just as it started, with an expression of confidence as he encourages himself to wait on the LORD for what he has believed – that he would see the LORD’s goodness while he is still alive.

His final charge to be strong and courageous while waiting for the LORD is for every one of us, especially in those days when the things we trust the LORD for seem distant. Let us wait for the LORD!