There are lots of problems all around us, from the Russian invasion of Ukraine to the sickness in our own families. And David was no stranger to such difficulties, being literally surrounded by his enemies on numerous occasions (Psalm 27:2, 3 and 12). So it is only natural for him and for us to pray that God would not abandon or forsake us (verse 9), that God would not deliver us over to those who lie about us and try to hurt us (verse 12).

But David goes a step further, for his true desire is not so much for God’s blessings, but for God Himself. Notice in verse 8, that he seeks God’s face. And in verse 4 he goes so far as to say that the only thing he asks from God is simply to be close to Him, to dwell in the house of the Lord. And why? “To behold the beauty of the Lord.” It is God Himself who gives David his greatest delight.

So, yes, David was confident that God would do great things for him, no matter how long he may have had to wait (verse 14). He knew that God would keep him safe, hiding him in His tent and putting him up high on a rock, so that his enemies could not reach him (verse 5). He knew that God would never abandon him (verse 10), and he longed for God to teach him and lead him in the way he should go (verse 11).

But the reason David had the confidence to expect and ask for such blessings is because he knew that God Himself is the greatest blessing anyone can have. For God doesn’t just lead us and guide us: He is our light. God doesn’t just protect us from our enemies: He is our salvation, our defense, and our strength (verse 1).

And so of course we have no reason to fear, no matter how serious our problems may be. For God has not only promised to forgive us and to cleanse us and to welcome us because of the work of Jesus Christ. No, by faith in Jesus Christ, God is already with us. And if we have Him, we have everything we could ever want or need.

Psalm 27 (NASB)

A Psalm of David.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?
2 When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.
3 Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident.
4 One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to meditate in His temple.
5 For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.
6 And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me; And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.
7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice, And be gracious to me and answer me.
8 When Thou didst say, “Seek My face,” my heart said to Thee, “Thy face, O LORD, I shall seek.”
9 Do not hide Thy face from me, Do not turn Thy servant away in anger; Thou hast been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation!
10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, But the LORD will take me up.
11 Teach me Thy way, O LORD, And lead me in a level path, Because of my foes.
12 Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence.
13 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.