David begins Psalm 27 by making some clear declarations about who God is – and then he bases his own stance on these declarations. He deliberately aligns his thinking, his emotions and his response, with who he knows God to be. This was central to how David lived his life, and is also crucial for us to grasp hold of.
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?
…Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
Psalm 27:1, 3
What’s interesting is that at the time he writes this psalm David is surrounded by enemies. And even though he acknowledges their presence, they are kept in the background throughout the psalm. David’s focus is first and foremost on the Lord. (See the previous post for more on verses 1-3.)
After these initial declarations we might expect David to petition God for the downfall of his enemies, as he does elsewhere. I know that’s what I would want to do! Instead, David presses even further into God. His focus is not on the enemies around him; and his focus is not on himself. He just wants more of God!
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.
Psalm 27:4 (NIV)
David wants to dwell (to sit down, remain, abide) in God’s house. To gaze (or look upon with pleasure and delight) the beauty or brightness of the Lord. To seek (search out) more of who God is. It’s worth taking time to think about these words – “dwell,” “gaze,” and “seek.” They are intentional actions that take time and effort.
David is aware that God’s protection is there for him too. This doesn’t mean harm won’t come, but that there is security and even blessing in the midst of it. Even though surrounded by enemies, David presses further into God, and then he begins singing and offering joyful praise to God.
For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Psalm 27:5-6 (NIV)
David not only chooses to seek God, he also chooses to position himself within God’s protection and covering.
And here’s the challenge for you and me – where have we decided to sit; to remain; to dwell? What holds our gaze? What are we really seeking and searching for? David deliberately chose to live where God was; to focus his attention on the One who was his light, his salvation and his stronghold.
What will it take for you and I to be able to make David’s declarations our own? First of all, it takes a shift of focus away from ourselves. And secondly, it means an intentional shift of “address” – not only to seek out His presence, but to live (to sit down, to dwell) in His kingdom, where He rules and reigns. That’s what David did.
