27:1Fear is a dark shadow that envelops us and ultimately imprisons us within ourselves. Everyone has been a prisoner of fear at one time or another—fear of rejection, misunderstanding, uncertainty, sickness, or even death. But we can conquer fear by trusting in the LORD, who brings salvation. If we want to dispel the darkness of fear, let us remember with the psalm writer that “the LORD is my light and my salvation.”
Life Application Study BiblePsalmsChapter 27
Psalm 27
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 870, 871
A few verse numbers on this page were hard to read in the scan and are marked with a dotted underline — compare with the original page image if in doubt.
27Psalm 27
1The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger,so why should I tremble?
2When evil people come to devour me,when my enemies and foes attack me,they will stumble and fall.
3Though a mighty army surrounds me,my heart will not be afraid.Even if I am attacked,I will remain confident.
4The 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 perfectionsand meditating in his Temple.
5For 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.
6Then I will hold my head highabove my enemies who surround me.At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,singing and praising the LORD with music.
7Hear me as I pray, O LORD.Be merciful and answer me!
8My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.”
9Do not turn your back on me.Do not reject your servant in anger.You have always been my helper.Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me,O God of my salvation!
10Even if my father and mother abandon me,the LORD will hold me close.
11Teach me how to live, O LORD.Lead me along the right path,for my enemies are waiting for me.
12Do not let me fall into their hands.For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;with every breath they threaten me with violence.
13Yet 1am confident I will see the LORD’s goodnesswhile I am here in the land of the living.
14Wait patiently for the LORD.Be brave and courageous.Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.Theme: Prayer when surrounded by trouble or wickedness. God is our only real sourceof safety. Prayer is our best help when trials come our way because it keeps us incommunion with God.
Life Application Notes 6 notes
27:4By the “house of the LORD” and “his Temple,” David could be referring to the Tabernacle in Gibeon, to the sanctuary he had built to house the Ark of the Covenant, or to the Temple that his son Solomon was to build. David probably had the Temple in mind because he made many of the plans for it (1 Chronicles 22). David may also have used the word Temple to refer to the presence of the LORD. David's greatest desire was to live in God's presence each day of his tife. Sadly, this is not the greatest desire of many who claim to be believers. What do you most desire? Do you look forward to being in the presence of the LORD?
27:7We often run to God when we experience difficulties. But David sought God’s guiding presence every day. When troubles came his way, he was already in God's presence and prepared to handle any test. Believers can call to God for help at any time, but how shortsighted to call on God only when troubles come. Many of our problems could be avoided or handled far more easily by seeking God's help and direction beforehand.
27:10Many have had the sad experience of being abandoned by father or mother. Broken homes, differences of belief, addiction to drugs or alcohol, even psychological isolation can leave children crippled by this toss. Even as adults, the pain may linger. God can take that place in our life, fill that void, and heal that hurt. He can direct us to those who may take the role of father or mother for us. His love is sufficient for all our needs.
27:13The “land of the living” simply means “this life” or “while (am living.” David was obviously going through a trial, but he was Confident that in this present life, God would see him through it.
27:14David knew from experience what it meant to wait for the LORD. He had been anointed king at age 16 but didn’t become king until he was 30. During the interim, he had been chased through the wilderness by jealous King Saul. David had to wait on God for the fulfillment of his promise to reign. Later, after becoming king, he was chased by his rebellious son, Absalom. Waiting for God is not easy. Often it seems that he isn’t answering our prayers or doesn’t understand the urgency of our Situation. That kind of thinking implies that God is not in control Or is not fair. But God is worth waiting for. Lamentations 3:24-26 Calls us to hope in and wait for the LORD because often God uses times of waiting to refresh, renew, and teach us. Make good use of your waiting times by discovering what God may be trying to teach you in them.