Psalm 27
Pastor David Groendyk

The one word you could use to describe the tone of this psalm is ‘confident’. Even though David is not free from trials and enemies, he has a certain expectation and hope that his prayers will be answered and that the Lord will deliver him. Many Christians love Psalm 27 and have verse 1 (or more) memorized. It is a rousing introduction to this psalm, and it’s a message that all of us ought to internalize—the Lord is my refuge, so I should never fear anyone. Commentators agree that David is reflecting on all the ways in the past that the Lord has delivered him, and it is manifesting itself in David gushing over the Lord’s protection. All of us ought to be able to look back on our lives, see what God has done, and come to the conclusion that man can do nothing to us. You can see the effect that God has had on David’s confidence.

You can also see the effect that God has had on David’s affections. Verse 4 is both beautiful and instructive. David says that it is his singular, focused desire to be in the house of the Lord for the rest of his life so that he can see God’s beauty and inquire during times of need. Now, lest we misinterpret this verse, we have to understand that David is not talking about a building. He’s not wishing he were a priest, nor is he asking to set up a bunk in the temple. While it is an admirable practice to be at church whenever the doors are open, “the house of the Lord” does not ultimately refer to a physical location. It is a synonym for God’s presence. David wants himself to be the abode of the Lord, he wants to have God with him wherever he goes, and he never wants to know a day that God is not with him. We know that there are many things in life that vie for our attention and distract us away from God, and David is here saying that he wants to be continually aware of the Lord surrounding for guidance and worship any time he needs. On this side of the cross, Christians have the benefit and blessing of both Christ and the Holy Spirit dwelling within them, so we of all people should be assured of God’s never-ending aid when we need it.

When faced with trials or doubts, whatever they may be, the sanctuary of the Lord, that is, his presence, is the place to strengthen your faith and boost your confidence in the Lord, from whom we can expect divine protection and guidance. If you seek the Lord’s face, you can be confident that you will be bolstered and buoyed when you need it most. Therefore, as God has commanded us to seek his face, be diligent in doing so. Be diligent in keeping him near to your heart and keeping his Word stored up within you.