God Will Answer

The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.

Psalm 27:1-2

WRITTEN BY DAVID—a man who saw his share of conflicts—Psalm 27 paints a picture of a man relying on God in the midst of trouble. David had many enemies throughout his life. He was pursued by relentless forces far beyond his own powers. He faced an implacable enemy who wouldn’t let up: King Saul. David’s own followers tended to write him off, and even some of his family members turned against him.

It’s hard to imagine how we would deal with such circumstances. We know from Scripture that David ran from his enemies (particularly Saul) for a long time, but he didn’t run because of cowardice—he understood that a confrontation would cost him and his pursuer greatly. Yet even in that conflict, David leaned on God and did not use unrighteous tactics. He trusted that God would take care of him if he maintained his integrity.

That’s the way we should face difficult circumstances as well—by being brave and courageous. Not giving up. Pushing through the difficult obstacles. Refusing to surrender. And sometimes, waiting, not acting hastily out of fear. David could afford to wait; he was safe in a fortress not made of rock or steel but built on God’s character and covenant promises. In time God blessed David and dealt with the murderous King Saul. He allowed David to unite the whole kingdom of Israel and become one of the nation’s greatest kings.

Sometimes God doesn’t bring deliverance on our schedule, which can be tough. Our enemies don’t always stumble and fall when or how we’d like. But God’s promise in this psalm and throughout Scripture is that they will not overcome us. In his plan, God will come through at a time best suited for us.