Life certainly has its ups and downs. But there are times when the “downs” become a bit of a struggle. The book of Psalms records songs and prayers that come from the heart – during times of celebration and also in times of turmoil. They give us permission to cry; laugh; shout; be frustrated. And they often provide insights and perspectives that help light our way today. Psalm 27, written by David, is one of those psalms.
In many ways, this is not a particularly comfortable psalm. That’s because enemies are lurking in the background, and they keep popping up throughout the psalm. So let’s take a look at them first. Enemies are described in terms of
- Advancing (v. 2) – approaching, drawing nearer and nearer
- Seeking to devour (v. 2) – they are thirsting for David’s blood
- As a host (v. 3) – they are like an army
- Seeking to besiege (v. 3) – they have pitched tents or are encamping in order to surround. This is not a passing or short-term thing. They are camped there.
- Set to war against (v. 3) – they are seeking to invade, to attack
- Surrounding (v. 6) – enemies are on every side
- Oppressing (v. 11) – this means to twist or press together. The feeling is they are oppressing or pressing on every side.
- False witnesses (v. 12) – in other words, lies are being circulated
- Breathing out violence (v. 12) – the word ‘violence’ also means wrong, cruelty or injustice.
When we look at these together, we get an idea of context or the atmosphere that David is under when he writes this psalm. The enemies are always there. The constant mention of the enemy attack shows that David is well aware of it and how intense it is.
Yet notice that David doesn’t try to minimize the extent or fierceness of what he is facing. He doesn’t ignore it, or try to pretend it isn’t happening – and neither should we.
But we also need to notice what David is NOT praying here. He is not praying or making declarations against his enemies. He is not petitioning God for their downfall or that they be swept away. There are certainly times when David does pray this way, but not in this instance. He’s doing something else here that we ought to take note of.
David’s focus
The key to this psalm is David’s focus. He is somehow able to switch his focus from the oppression, the lies and the attack surrounding him and centre his attention on the Lord.
Focus is something we all can struggle with, particularly when we feel under attack. When everything is in turmoil and the enemy feels very close, it is extremely difficult to take our attention off whatever it is that’s causing the stress. But David did it. Let’s walk with David through the psalm and see how he did it. There’s some keys here for us.
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?
Psalm 27:1
David begins with “The Lord!” Let’s stop right there. David does NOT begin with himself or how he is feeling, as we often do; he doesn’t even mention his circumstances. He begins with “The Lord” – Yahweh, the personal, covenant name of God.
My light, my salvation, my stronghold
The Lord isn’t just a light, salvation and a stronghold, but David personalizes it. He claims the Lord as these things for him – right here and now! He is MY light, MY salvation, MY stronghold! David is making some powerful declarations there. He knows who his God is, and therefore he knows who he is, in God. He goes on to declare,
When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me
they will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
Palm 27:2-3 (NIV)
“My heart will not fear… I will be confident.” When we know that we know that God is Lord, we can be confident and secure.
Whatever you are currently going through, why not follow David’s example and begin to declare who God is. “Thank you Father that you are MY light, MY salvation, MY stronghold, no matter what I face!”
