Faithful on Fridays Blog

Psalm 27:11-14

David began this warfare Psalm with a declaration of faith, The LORD is my light and my Salvation whom shall I fear … and emphatically repeated it. He’s confident that no enemy will triumph over him. He’s on such a high that even when confronted by his enemies, he knows what to do: seek God’s face, His direction, His guidance, and His constant presence.

And yet this man of God sinks low and gets back into heartfelt prayer. Emotions will do that; they vary, usually based on our outward circumstances. David seems to know that roller coaster of emotions and closes out this poem with a request for God to teach and lead him on a level path. He’s undoubtedly tired of the ups and downs of life and wants more balance; we call that an even keel.

That lower story refers to a flat, blade-like structure on the bottom of a boat that helps keep it upright by providing stability against sideway forces like wind or waves. When those waves rise and fall the cargo on the boat is no longer evenly distributed and the boat leans too much and could capsize. Can you see the upper story? When we allow our ‘cargo’ to lean too heavily on one side or the other we’re no longer on an even keel and we’re in danger. The wind and waves of life are a constant, they’ll always be there, but learning how to stay on course and in balance with our emotions, as David was asking, is vital. 

Remember what Jesus did when the wind and waves threatened His boat (Mark 4:35-41? He rebuked them by speaking “Peace! Be still!” Are we ready to do warfare against emotions that cause us to be ‘high’ one day, and ‘low’ another simply because of how life looks at the moment? Speak to those storms and command them to be still: that’s warfare. 

David asked his LORD to help him deal with his enemies or opponents who were unyielding and stubborn. He had adversaries or those who stressed him out by putting him in a tight position, there were false witnesses who lied and slandered him, along with violent ones (vs. 12), the Hebrew word ‘hamas’, yes, Hamas, who were cruel and oppressive. What was David’s answer? He looked to God’s goodness, in this life and also in the next, and was willing to wait for Him to show up (vs. 14). 

And so we wait as well, however, we wait in confidence that God hears our prayers, listens to our hearts, and will answer when the timing is right. Until that time arrives, we stand confidently in our position in Christ, we are Nike believers or overcomers, and regardless of how our life looks today, it will change. That’s true warfare, my friends, trusting God with what matters most in your life, continually looking to Him, and believing that when the time is right … you’ll see breakthrough. Don’t give up: endure.