Part 5 – Psalm 27:1-14

Wrapping up my series on 5 Bible Passages for Times of Crisis with Psalm 27, I wanted to thank those who have been following along. My prayer today is that something I have written has been beneficial to you.

As a person with poor mental health, the last thing I want to hear from someone is “Hey! Just get over it!” or “Move on!” What many people do not realize is that depression cannot be “fixed” with a bandaid. And in some cases, medications may only be able to ease the symptoms. Please allow me to let you in on a little secret. My depression never really goes away. It is always there, I have become so adept at hiding it. Writing this weekly blog along with my drawing does help me to cope. But in all honesty, the only true coping mechanism is my faith and trust in Jesus Christ as my Savior. Whenever I am feeling empty, I lean on Him. He is my Light in this dark and dreary old world.

Introduction

Likely written during a tumultuous time for David, Psalm 27 is a go-to passage whenever I need reminding of God’s presence.

Psalm 27 can be divided into three sections. So let’s dive in to see what God has for us.

Psalm 27:1-6

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom should I be afraid? When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell. Though an army deploys against me, my heart is not afraid; though a war breaks out against me, still I am confident. I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking Him in His temple. For He will conceal me in His shelter in the day of adversity; He will hide me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high on a rock. Then my head will be high above my enemies around me; I will offer sacrifices in His tent with shouts of joy. I will sing and make music to the Lord.
(HCSB)

Charles Spurgeon in the Treasury of David wrote this about verse 1: “After conversion, our God is our joy, comfort, guide, teacher, and in every sense our light“.

Spurgeon goes on to say “He is light within, light around, light reflected from us, and light to be revealed to us. Note, it is not said merely that the Lord gives light, but that He “is” light; nor that He gives salvation, but that He is salvation“.

Imagine if you will a room in complete and total darkness. No visible light whatsoever until you flip a switch on the wall. The circuit, having previously been blocked by the switch, is now suddenly opened thereby allowing electricity to flow to the lightbulb. Having always been there, the light from that lightbulb now clearly illuminates the room and everything in it.

Bear with me on this one. Using the above as a metaphor, we can think of the switch as the sin in our life and God is light. Moreover, when we turn from sin, God’s Glory is shown through us. God is there all the time, however, our sin darkens our path.

Moreover, Remember back to the previous part of this series where we went through Psalm 23? David wrote in Psalm 23:6 that he wanted to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. David had such great confidence. Confidence that many in today’s dark work lack because of their sin. In our passage today, David again reiterates in verse 4 his expectancy to someday dwell in the house of the Lord. Are you confident today in your salvation?

Psalm 27:7-12

Lord, hear my voice when I call; be gracious to me and answer me. My heart says this about You, “You are to seek My face.” Lord, I will seek Your face. Do not hide Your face from me; do not turn Your servant away in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or abandon me, God of my salvation. Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me. Because of my adversaries, show me Your way, Lord, and lead me on a level path. Do not give me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing violence.

(HCSB)

In the second part of Psalm 27, we see David switching themes from confidence to a theme of prayer as he sought protection which can only be afforded by God. David was going through some very troubling times with King Saul wanton to kill him. Fleeing the king’s wrath, it is believed that David wrote at least this section (verses 7-12) of Psalm 27 when he was hiding in Nob (1 Samuel 21:1-9).

Troubled by King Saul, David’s prayer is one of almost desperation. If scholars are correct in the timeline of Psalm 27, David had just lied to Ahimelech, the priest at Nob (1 Samuel 21:2). Of course David was not on a secret mission of King Saul. On the contrary, he was fleeing from the king. In the prayer, David is pleading with God to hear his voice and to be gracious. Moreover, and almost in a demanding tone, David wrote “do not” four times.

We do not know if part one and part two were written at the same time however it would seem they may not have been. Just as Christians today, oh how quickly David forgot that God is always with him. Clouded by our own sin, our eyes fail to see God and His Glory.

Let’s take a quick peak at this passage from 2 Corinthians.

Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy, we do not give up. Instead, we have renounced shameful secret things, not walking in deceit or distorting God’s message, but commending ourselves to every person’s conscience in God’s sight by an open display of the truth. But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves because of Jesus. For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ. - 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Psalm 27:13-14

I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and courageous. Wait for the Lord.

(HCSB)

After his Prayer, David wraps up this Psalm with another dose of confidence. When believers pray to God, we can know for certain that He hears those prayers.

So when I am at my lowest, instead of turning to my old vices, I turn to God. Be strong and courageous, for the Lord is with you.

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If you made it this far, please consider commenting below, subscribing, and also sharing on your social media sites. Most importantly, I ask for your prayers. I write this weekly blog as an outlet in my fight against depression. However, my hope is that something I write here may help others who may be struggling. If you would like to help with my battle against depression, check out my online Etsy store and affiliate links. Most proceeds are donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

If you or someone you know may be contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or by dialing 988. You may also text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. In emergencies, call 911, or seek care from a local hospital or mental health provider.