Psalm Devotional
From Here to Eternity
Psalm 27 is a needed reminder of what the Christian life is sometimes like, and it informs us how to make it from here to eternity.
As the psalm opens, we find David on the mountaintop. David states that God is his “light,” “salvation,” and “stronghold.” Because of this, David fears no one (v. 1), is sure that his enemies will stumble (v. 2), and declares that his heart will not fear even in the face of an invading army (v. 3). The confident statements of David reach their crescendo in verses 4-5, where David declares his certainty that God will keep him safe, hide him, and set him upon a rock. Can you imagine a more confident statement of assurance and trust?
In the second section of the psalm, David’s confidence seems to give way to insecurity, uncertainty, and desperate prayer. In verses 1-6, David set forth a series of confident declarations about God, but now we find David pleading with God through a series of imperatives. In verse 7, David begs God to “hear,” “be merciful,” and “answer.” In verse 9, David pleads with God to not reject or forsake him. Finally, in verse 12, David prays that God will not turn him over to his enemies. David, who had moments before expressed assurance of God’s presence, now fears that God is not listening and has turned His face away from him. David fears that God has abandoned him.
