PSALM 27: 1,4,5 (NIV) - “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? …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. 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.”
 
In this Psalm of David, he reveals his trust and knowledge of God. David trusted God because he knew God and he had experienced His promises. David believed God would provide for him the way to deliverance, save him, defend him, protect him and be a constant place of refuge. Because of David’s faith in God, he called out to God in confidence during a time of fear and dread. David’s prayer in Vs. 4 & 5 showed that his deepest heart’s desire was to dwell with the LORD. David knew eternal life with the LORD was available to him and he knew that the only way to escape trouble was to be in the presence of God. To David, God was all powerful, trustworthy and never changing.

From David’s example of faith we can know that the LORD is our only true defender against the enemy. He has provided the light, who is Christ, to show us the way to truth and to HIM. Christ has saved us from the darkness of our sin and provided us with eternal salvation. We can be secure in knowing this just as David was sure of God’s plan for his life. God has a plan for all of us, but it is only known to those who put complete trust in God and accept His gospel.

Our request should be as David’s; the one and only thing to seek is the LORD. When we seek Him we begin a faith walk that enables us to see Him with eternal eyes—knowing Him better, trusting Him more, seeing Him in all His splendor and beauty and understanding the unconditional love He has for us.

David speaks from past experiences with God and many of us can do the same. He knew he needed to pray and ask the LORD to conceal him, protect him defend him and to provide him complete security. How can we trust Him with our whole heart and life? He has brought us this far, through many, many trials. Remember, it was and is our faith in His power, truth, sovereignty and loving kindness that holds us at the foot of the cross.

Prayer: Father, we thank you for your Word and how it builds our faith and encourages us. We thank you for the example of David and his faithful prayer. May we also seek You when we find ourselves in times of fear and dread. Forgive us for turning to other things when we know You are waiting to hear from us for deliverance. Thank you for loving us and caring for all our needs. We pray these things in Your Precious Son’s name, Jesus. Amen

Submitted by:  Rita Gwin