Psalm 27:3-4: God’s Presence
Psalm 27:3-4: Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.
One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple. [1]
How should God’s presence affect us? David shows us that the Lord’s presence affects fortitude, enjoyment, and desire. [2] David’s fortitude was affected because his assurance is founded on the Triune God’s steadfast love, which enables him to face his enemies fearlessly. [3] David’s “enjoyment of God’s presence assures the evident goodness and love of God.” [4] Lastly, David’s desire, in the face of danger, is to be in God’s house and know Him. [5] In his fortitude, enjoyment, and desire, David is not just imagining away his struggles. [6] The Trinity’s presence enables David and Christians to face dark adversity with hope.
How has God’s presence affected your dark adversity? What is your source of fortitude, joy, and desire? Do you take solace in your capabilities? Is your joy found in materials and people? Is your desire for the struggle to just end? We can only have David’s confidence through faith in Jesus Christ. [7]
This blog was written by Seth Dunn
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016). All Scripture References will be ESV unless noted otherwise.
[2] Willem A. VanGemeren. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary with the New International Version of the Holy Bible in Twelve Volumes: Vol. 5 (Psalms-Song of Songs). General Ed. Frank E. Gaebelein. (Grand Rapids, MI: The Zondervan Corporation, 1991), 243-245.
[3] VanGemeren, Psalms, 244.
[4] VanGemeren, Psalms, 244.
[5] VanGemeren, Psalms, 245.
[6] VanGemeren, Psalms, 244, 245.
[7] 1 Peter 1:3.