Psalm 27

This is a rather long psalm in two parts:

V. 1-6 is a statement about God. A statement of confidence and trust. V. 7-13 is a direct cry to God, a cry for his attention and help. The relationship of trust allows the speaker to boldly come before God.

That the speaker describes God as a fortress, a refuge, a shelter, and a rock, assumes that there is and will be trouble in this world and we need God’s help and protection.

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Psalm 27

¹ The Lord is my light and my salvation;
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold^[a] of my life;
    of whom shall I be afraid?

² When evildoers assail me
    to devour my flesh—
my adversaries and foes—
    they shall stumble and fall.

³ Though an army encamp against me,
    my heart shall not fear;
though war rise up against me,
    yet I will be confident.

⁴ One thing I asked of the Lord;
    this I seek:
to live in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the Lord,
    and to inquire in his temple.

⁵ 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 set me high on a rock.

⁶ Now my head is lifted up
    above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
    sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

⁷ Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
    be gracious to me and answer me!
⁸ “Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!”
    Your face, Lord, do I seek.
⁹     Do not hide your face from me.

Do not turn your servant away in anger,
    you who have been my help.
Do not cast me off; do not forsake me,
    O God of my salvation!
¹⁰ If my father and mother forsake me,
    the Lord will take me up.

¹¹ Teach me your way, O Lord,
    and lead me on a level path
    because of my enemies.
¹² Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries,
    for false witnesses have risen against me,
    and they are breathing out violence.

¹³ I believe that I shall 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;
    wait for the Lord!