We have been isolated in such a way that we may feel abandoned by the closest to us. We have so much trouble and uncertainty at this moment that we are probably all being attacked by various fears that come in all shapes and sizes. Life seems to be falling apart around us. And yet, David (and through him, the Holy Spirit) says to us, “Of whom shall you be afraid? Have no fear in your heart. Stay confident. Be strong. Take courage. Wait on the Lord.”

Psalm 27

Of David. 

1 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? 2 When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. 3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. 4 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. 5 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. 6 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. 

7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! 8 You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” 9 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! 10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in. 11 Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 12 Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.

13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! 

Psalm 27 has always been one of my favorite Psalms. There is so much here with which we can relate! If you read anything about it, you will see that many are confused by the structure and how it might be two psalms in one. Dispensing with all of that discussion, I’m going to look at this psalm through three “C’s.” The first is the context in which David finds himself.

The context for David’s Psalm is something commonly found in the Psalms: trouble, difficulty and uncertainty.

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