FRAMEWORKS:
Psa 27
(The
objective of these ‘Frameworks' is to provide an easy-to-read
layout of the text in order then to use these individual verses
for meditation. To focus each verse we have also added a subheading
summary as a description of what is happening)
FRAMEWORKS:
Psalm 27: Total Confidence in God
Of
David.
[Preliminary
Comments: In verses 1-6 we see David's confidence, his
assurance, and his desires: God is there for him, enemies need
not be feared, and the place of security is in the Lord's presence.
In the remaining verses we see a flow of petitions that both come
from and result in a strong confidence in the Lord. A psalm to
challenge testimonies, confidence and trust in the Lord as we
pray.]
PART
1: v.1-6 Confident Testimony
v.1
David's confidence is in the Lord, so he has no fear
v.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?
v.2,3
This is practically worked out when enemies advance against him
v.2
When
the wicked advance against me
to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
v.3
Though
an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
v.4
This assurance means all he now wants is to be in God's presence
v.4
One
thing I ask from the Lord
,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
v.5
For he knows in God's presence he is utterly safe in times of
trouble
v.5
For
in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.
v.6
In His presence he knows he will need not fear enemies, but instead
worship
v.6
Then
my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the Lord
.
PART
2: v.7-14: Prayer, Purpose & more Petitions
v.7
Having made clear his heart's intention he simply asks for this
v.7
Hear my voice when I call, Lord
;
be merciful to me and
answer me.
v.8
His heart tells him this is the right path so he will do it
v.8
My
heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, Lord , I will seek.
v.9,10
He just asks to be received by the Lord, even though others might
forsake him
v.9
Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant
away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.
v.10
Though
my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will receive me.
v.11,12
He asks to be taught to hold to the right path in the face of
opposition
v.11
Teach me your way, Lord
;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
v.12
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.
v.13
As so often, when he prays, confidence arises
v.13
I
remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
v.14
All that is left is to simply wait for the Lord in complete confidence
v.14
Wait
for the Lord
;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord
[Additional
Thoughts: The confidence in the first part seems born
out of testimony in the same way David originally testified to
Saul – 1 Sam 17:34-37 – God will keep him in the face of enemies.
However that doesn't stop him praying for the Lord's help
[v.7.9-12]. We may be confident in God but that confidence should
never mean we become casual but always remember the Lord
is our saviour and deliverer. Again and again in the heart of
this psalm David speaks of the wonder of dwelling in God's presence
in the Tabernacle [v.4-6] for this is where he feels most secure.]
Continue
to Psa 28