A great pale outcrop of rock high above a dark valley in the blue before dawn, one small glow of fire in a cleft near its top.

Trust · David

Psalm 27

Read it when you’re afraid. Even with an army around him, David has one request.

14 verses≈ 3 minBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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Where we are

1–41Book IDavid's prayers: 'The LORD is my shepherd'Psalm 27
42–72Book II'As the deer pants'; the throne under pressure
73–89Book IIIAsaph and Korah: the kingdom falls
90–106Book IVBack to Moses: the LORD reigns
107–150Book VSongs of ascents, and the last Hallelujah

The LORD Is My Salvation

Tap to go deeper: meaning, history and related Scripture

The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?

Psalm 27:1

One thing I have asked of the LORD;

this is what I desire:

to dwell in the house of the LORD

all the days of my life,

to gaze on the beauty of the LORD

and seek Him in His temple.

For in the day of trouble

He will hide me in His shelter;

He will conceal me under the cover of His tent;

He will set me high upon a rock.

Then my head will be held high

above my enemies around me.

At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make music to the LORD.

Question

Quick question

Look at what he doesn’t ask for.

What is the “One thing” David asks of the LORD?

A man small and far off, seen from behind, standing on a bare hilltop under a smooth low gray sky, arms at his sides.

Hear, O LORD, my voice when I call;

be merciful and answer me.

My heart said, “Seek His face.”

Your face, O LORD, I will seek.

Hide not Your face from me,

nor turn away Your servant in anger.

You have been my helper;

do not leave me or forsake me,

O God of my salvation.

0:20

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

A small child seen from behind, sitting alone on the stone rim of a village well in gray light, an empty road beyond.

Though my father and mother forsake me,

the LORD will receive me.

Teach me Your way, O LORD,

and lead me on a level path,

because of my oppressors.

Do not hand me over to the will of my foes,

for false witnesses rise up against me,

breathing out violence.

A terraced green hillside after rain, new barley and olive trees, small figures at work in a clean washed light.

Still I am certain to see

the goodness of the LORD

in the land of the living.

Wait patiently for the LORD;

be strong and courageous.

Pray

Name it

Say out loud what you are most afraid of right now. Be specific. Then pray verse 1 over it, slowly, and put your fear’s name in the question: “whom shall I fear?”

You’ve experienced

Psalm 27

0 of 150 psalms read

A verse to carry with you

The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?

Psalm 27:1

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