PSALM TWENTY SEVEN

SINGLE MINDED SAFETY. 
 
   There is some controversy about the reason for this psalm. Three
suggestions come mainly to the fore:-  One is that it relates to Saul's
persecution of David. Another suggests that it is related to Absalom's
revolt. Yet a third suggestion is that it relates to Ishbi Benob, the
giant who nearly slew David, and would have done if young Abishar had
not stepped in. It may not be easy to find the exact reason for the
composing of this psalm, but one thing is clear - many are the
afflictions of the righteous. In all his troubles David sings, "One
thing have I desired of the Lord and that will I seek after."  This is
safety in singlemindedness. 
   The psalm begins with the declaration, "The Lord is my light!" 
There were seasons of darkness when his faith and courage were shaken
by the fierceness, taunts, and power of his enemies. But light is sown
for the righteous, and God's word is a lamp to his feet and a light to
his way. David sings, "The Lord is my salvation."  God is ALL needed
deliverance. So, God is light and God is deliverance. If God be for us,
who can be against us? 
   The psalmist settles his soul with, "One thing have I desired of the
Lord."  The meaning, literally, is - I have desired one thing
permanently; I have desired it so much that in comparison I have
desired nothing else. What is my ruling passion?  What is the last
thing I would give up?  TO DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD. What did he
mean by that?  Could it be that he thought it better to be a priest
than a king?  Or was he crying from his heart for peace in his kingdom,
so as to be able to go up to the house of the Lord daily?  Or was there
a deep longing to find the Spiritual Dwelling Place?  It was probably
the latter. It is good to know where I can meet with God. 
   Why did David desire this?. He gives three reasons:-  TO BEHOLD THE
BEAUTY OF THE LORD. To perceive and enjoy the loveliness,
desirableness, pleasantness, excellence, of the fair beauty and
gracious countenance of the Lord. TO ENQUIRE AT HIS PALACE. Enquire
simply means searching, seeking early, seeking diligently. There are
many exhortations in the Bible to seek the Lord. TO HIDE IN HIS
PAVILION AND IN HIS TABERNACLE. The pavilion was the king's tent in
battle and the tabernacle was his private quarters within that tent. So
in time of trouble, David sought the PRIVILEGED place of God's
pavilion, where His councils were held. In the time of trouble, David
sought the PRIVATE place of the inner tent, where he could hold
intimate communion with The King. THIS ONE THING WILL I SEEK AFTER. 
   Seek that presence of God to the exclusion of all else and you will
find perfect safety. 



Copyright (c) 1995, Hedley Palmer. All rights reserved.



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