Psalm 27: Why People Who Don't Like Us Can't Steal Our Peace

I've started this year by reading through Psalms.

Psalm 27 hit me in a mighty way, like a cool wind shot straight into my sternum. It's become a prayer and a mantra that I have on repeat in my heart and head.

As a Psalm of David, we aren't sure of the period of his life when he wrote this, but like many of his psalms, he talks about trouble from adversaries and violence. And he talks about why those things ultimately don't matter because of his relationship with God.

I'm going to share the New Living Translation below, and emphasize the parts that struck me as powerful, special, and necessary for times such as these.

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. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.

The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music.

Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation! Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.

Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I’ve never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence. Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.

Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

As someone who struggles with anxiety and stress, I find so much peace and comfort in these words. Now, I'm not being hunted down by men who wish me dead. (At least...not that I know of...) But I do know that there are people who don't wish the best for me, or for whatever reason don't like me. Usually, when someone doesn't like me I find myself feeling like a victim -- like my peace of mind has been stolen from me. (I've already confessed in previous posts that I'm a recovering people-pleaser, which may explain why this verse affects me so.)

But David isn't bothered by disappointing people or having people not like him; he isn't dwelling in anxiety, either. He's claiming who God is and what God has done for him. He's spending time with God, and letting that time transform any space into the sacred. He's walking intimately with God, inviting Him into his life, and asking God to participate in every movement.

Please, Lord, let these verses be the constant refrain of my heart. Please help me to be confident that I will see more of your goodness. Help me to lean into your timeframe over mine. Help me to be brave and steadfast.

“Wait at his door with prayer; wait at his foot with humility; wait at his table with service; wait at his window with expectancy.” -Charles Spurgeon