Troubles

The Psalmist David found himself in trouble at various points of his life. It is unclear the exact trouble he was experiencing when he wrote Psalm 27. Jewish tradition holds that the writing occurred upon his last battle (2 Samuel 21), while other theologians believe the writing occurred prior to David assuming the throne. In any case, this Psalm provides great comfort for those who are experiencing trouble.

The Psalm opens with great declarations of faith overcoming fear. Fear is an overwhelming force when we are in trouble. For many fear of the unknown consumes us and debilitates us. One of Satan’s biggest weapons is fear. Fear often invades with unfounded anticipation of trouble. The moment the doctor calls for more test, fear sets in. When our young children have slipped from our view, fear overwhelms. An unexpected meeting scheduled with your boss, fear enters. The unknown is an abys of fear. Fear causes our minds to play the “What if” games. Those games only enhance our fear. We do well to turn our attention to words of faith and trust in God, building ourselves up in the most holy faith (Jude 1:20). The Psalmist focuses on God and His provision. David’s enemies are nothing compared to his God. When we “dwell in the house of the Lord,” we find peace, comfort, and provision. David realizes the “one thing” he desires is to be with God.

In the midst of our troubles, we must cry out to God and seek His face as David displays here in Psalm 27. God is omnipresent meaning He is everywhere at the same time. David firmly believes that God will hear him. Do you believe God hears you in your times of trouble? He does! True worship is seeking the face of God. Psalms 145:16 declares, “You open Your hand and satisfy every living thing with favor.” However, God’s face satisfies our souls (Psalms 4:6-7). The Psalmist cries for God with specific request where he asks for favor, continual presence, instruction, and protection, which outlines our prayer for times of trouble.

When others fail us, we can trust a God that does not fail! Often in our times of trouble, we can only depend on God and Him alone. These expressions from the Psalmist are still true for us today. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17, NIV).” We must look for the goodness of the Lord to come in the midst of our troubles. It is in these moments when God reveals Himself most assuredly. You can trust the latter part of Hebrews 13:5 (AMPC), “I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” We can also trust Psalms 84:11b (AMPC), “No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” In the moments of trouble turn your face to God and expect good things!

In closing the Psalmist speaks to his soul and commands,

Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord. (Psalms 27:14)

We must demand obedience of our mind, will, and emotions to remain focused on the good things God has instore for those who wait (Lamentations 3:25). In the Hebrew, the word for “wait” has a primitive root meaning to bind together (perhaps by twisting). In essence, the Psalmist is saying, “I am going to bind myself to you God with hope expecting your goodness to be given to me.” The visual is David’s arm bound together with God’s arm and declaring, “Lord, wherever this trouble is coming from, I am bound to your goodness, and I know that if I am bound to you, nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate me from your goodness.” In times of trouble, we must see ourselves bound to God and expect the display of His goodness in our lives (Deuteronomy 6:8)!