For many this is a favourite psalm which releases hope, trust and confidence in the goodness of God. There are many points in David’s life at which the sentiments expressed in this psalm would have been relevant, most likely during the time of Saul’s persecution of him - see for example 1 Samuel 23:26. Indeed, David’s song of praise after his deliverance from Saul recorded in 2 Samuel 22 includes an echo of Psalm 27:1:  ‘You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light’ (2 Sam 22:29).

It’s a psalm rooted in two realities: that of the world around him and that of the continual presence of God which is a security, sanctuary and refuge. The structure of the psalm is fairly straightforward. It begins with a declaration of trust and faith in God which is the antidote to fear even at a point of physical threat to life (v.1-4); expresses the hope of a future in which he will enjoy the constant presence of God (v.4-6); pleads for a download in the present of that future reality of peace, protection and provision (v.7-12); and ends with an instruction, to himself as much as to anyone else, to take heart, be strong and wait for the Lord, once again expressed in the context of unshakeable confidence in the goodness of God.

It’s a psalm of perspective. Where will we fix our gaze? What are our priorities and preoccupations? For David it all begins and ends with seeking Him, meditating upon Him, living life rooted in that sense of calling and identity as the beloved. We have so much more understanding of who God is, lived and expressed in the life of Jesus. His preoccupation was to see the Kingdom come and He told us to have as a number one priority, “Seek first the Kingdom of God” (Matt 6:33). How wonderful the four Gospels are in helping us to ‘gaze upon the beauty of the Lord’.

It’s a psalm of promise. Friends may let you down, family may even forsake you, your citadel on earth may fall, but you are never alone, never forsaken, never overlooked, never abandoned by the One who loves you and gave himself for you.

It’s a psalm of perseverance. However dark the situation is today light is coming. Maybe it’s a country you’re praying for, a person dear to you, maybe even situations in your own personal life: hold on, can you hear the sound of the cavalry? Hope is rising, the goodness of the Lord is coming, God is worth waiting for. So, be strong and take heart.

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Resolve today to make your life revolve around the one thing: dwelling in the house of the Lord. (v.4).