Many believe that Psalm 27 was written by David during a time of turmoil, suggesting that perhaps it was during the revolt led by David’s son Absolom, in trying to take the leadership of Israel.
Going through this time of trouble, David writes:
Psalm 27:1-3New Living Translation (NLT)
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
2 When evil people come to devour me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
I will remain confident.
David is going through some stuff!!! But despite the stuff that David is going through, David responds with this great prayer in verse 4:
The one thing I ask of the Lord—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
Notice: David didn’t pray venegence upon his enemies. He didn’t pray that he would get his pound of flesh from those enemies. He didn’t pray “may the flees of 1000 camels invest my enemies armpits.” :)
He focused on getting closer to God during tumultous times. He prayed – the one things he desired the most – to live in the house of the Lord all the days of his life.
He just wanted to get close to God!
When life hits us, may that be our prayer, “that we would just get close to God.”
When we do get close to God, there are benefits. David shared what the benefits were of getting close to God:
Verse 5
5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
The benefits:
1) the KJV says “in his pavilion he will hide me.” It is believed that this is the shepherd’s tent where the sheep were brought in for healing of injuries, or to be restored (from cold, or ill health, etc.). It was a place of healing, restoration and warmth. We can get close to the Lord and have that calm and healing.
2) We are put in His sanctuary – a place of guaranteed protection.
3) We are put on a high rock out of reach from trouble.
So when times of trouble are around us, let’s get close to God. Let’s not pray vengence upon our enemies but let’s just take refuge in Him and experience these wonderful benefits.
