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When evildoers come to devour my flesh (v. 2).
When a host encamps against me (v. 3).
No, Psalm 27 is not describing an upcoming holiday gathering with your family. Nor is it predicting what will happen in your next job review.
In Psalm 27, David is running from King Saul. He is being hunted and chased through the wilderness by an army seeking his destruction. I do believe this Psalm provides comfort for those walking faithfully in culture, school, family, or job.
Read this Psalm over and over when falsely accused or attacked.
David’s response to those attacking him:
My heart will not fear…In spite of this, I will be confident (v. 3).
Imagine your difficulties now and say, “I will not fear, and in spite of this, I will be confident.” Every time you experience the grip of fear, repeat these two verses of Psalm 27. When someone belittles or social media slanders you – remember, “I will not fear, I will be confident.”
The word of God brings deliverance and peace.
David explains his confidence:
For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy (vv. 5-6 NASB95).
In the culture of David, if a man entered another man’s tent, that tent became a fortress for the sojourner. Those providing hospitality gave both shelter and protection.
David had entered the tent of the Lord.
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 (v. 4).
This tent is available for us today.
I memorized Psalm 27 years ago. This Psalm has spoken strength to me in times of challenge, during my mistakes, during false accusations, and during distress. I don’t believe that I would have survived 49 years of being a senior pastor unless I had firmly believed David’s words that end Psalm 27:
I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord (vv. 13-14).
Remember: I will not fear, I will be confident.