Psalm 27 continues David’s series celebrating God as his protector (Psalms 25-28). The first half of the psalm contains a series of confident statements proving his full trust in God no matter who stands against him (Psalm 27:1-6). Whether he faced “evil men…adversaries and enemies…[or] war,” David boldly declared, “I fear no one” or “Whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1) The reason for his confidence was because he knew, “The LORD protects my life!” Because David was faithful to God, he believed that God would “surely give [him] shelter in the day of danger” (Psalm 27:5). As in Psalm 26:8, David declared his love for God’s house and his meeting with God so much that he wished he could just sit there and meditate on God for his entire life (Psalm 27:4).
The second half of this psalm almost sounds like a different person or situation. Rather than bold confidence, Psalm 27:7-13 sounds as if David were trying to convince himself of the truth of the first part. Although he genuinely believed God could protect him from everything, he still had moments when he became afraid, and without the Holy Spirit permanently indwelling him as Christians have, he often begged God to do what David knew he could do. It is also possible that David’s regrets and remorse for past sins led him to continually ask for God’s forgiveness instead of punishment.
Psalm 27:13 is an appropriate reflection for all believers, even today: “Where would I be if I did not believe I would experience the LORD’s favor?” The final verse gives the calm reassurance: “Rely on the LORD!”