Vulnerability often brings out the open attack from the enemies. This situation is often the most difficult one for people suffering. The enemies are many, and people once thought to be trustworthy would abandon you. Heartache and hopelessness are inevitable. How do we overcome this? This psalm empowers us to overcome the heartache and hopelessness.
Commentary:
Psalm 27:1-3. The psalmist begins with a proclamation of his fearlessness as a result of God’s protection. Unlike the taunting we see at our sport games, this is not about the psalmist. Its focus is on God. It is a genuine praise of God from the heart.
The situation for the psalmist was dire though. The enemies had come out of the shadow and intended to maim or kill. They numbered in many, and they surrounded him. Yet the psalmist was confident that God would destroy his enemies.
Psalm 27:4. The desire of the psalmist is to be in the presence of God. This is true for this life and the eternal life to come. The glory of God is in the temple.
There is no longer any temple in Jerusalem. There is a reason for that. Jesus proclaims that we will no longer worship in certain place because God is a spirit (John 4:21-24). Instead of an earthly place, we worship in spirit and in truth. We look forward to the heavenly temple in heaven (Revelation11:19).
Psalm 27:5-6. God’s protection was a real experience for David. When David was on the run, he sought out refuge from the priest. The priest gave him the bread for sustenance and the sword for protection. David would give a thanksgiving offering for what God has done in his life.
Psalm 27:10. David felt a great abandonment. Although his parents never really turned against him, he felt like he was largely forgotten. Yet he was comforted because he knew that God would always be by his side and would be ready to pick him up when he fell.
Psalm 27:11. Like a son loving his father by wanting to learn his way, the psalmist asks God to teach him His way.
Psalm 27:12-14. Trusting God is a persistent, continuing effort. In fact, if we stop believing, we will be despaired just like the psalmist said he would. We will be hopeful if we keep trusting God. The word “waiting” is a faithful watch, believing that God will come through in the right time. (See the commentary in Psalm 25:3).
Meditation:
Have you been a situation that God has rescued you from? If so, you have a thanksgiving to give in public. Only then, you would complete the cycle of getting the power to overcome heartache and hopelessness.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you that you rescue us in many ways. We pray that we have power to live out as the light of the world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
I’d like to add that God is still faithful when we think he isn’t or don’t feel it sometimes.He is definately working patience in us at all times, I think.
Comment by Monica — July 24, 2010 @ 5:29 pm