Psa 27 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-6 The Lord, who is the believer's light, is the strength of his life; not only by whom, but in whom he lives and moves. In God let us strengthen ourselves. The gracious presence of God, his power, his promise, his readiness to hear prayer, the witness of his Spirit in the hearts of his people; these are the secret of his tabernacle, and in these the saints find cause for that holy security and peace of mind in which they dwell at ease. The psalmist prays for constant communion with God in holy ordinances. All God's children desire to dwell in their Father's house. Not to sojourn there as a wayfaring man, to tarry but for a night; or to dwell there for a time only, as the servant that abides not in the house for ever; but to dwell there all the days of their life, as children with a father. Do we hope that the praising of God will be the blessedness of our eternity? Surely then we ought to make it the business of our time. This he had at heart more than any thing. Whatever the Christian is as to this life, he considers the favour and service of God as the one thing needful. This he desires, prays for and seeks after, and in it he rejoices.

‏ Psalms 27

* The psalmist's faith. (1-6) His desire toward God, and

expectation from him. (7-14)1-6 The Lord, who is the believer's light, is the strength of

his life; not only by whom, but in whom he lives and moves. In

God let us strengthen ourselves. The gracious presence of God,

his power, his promise, his readiness to hear prayer, the

witness of his Spirit in the hearts of his people; these are the

secret of his tabernacle, and in these the saints find cause for

that holy security and peace of mind in which they dwell at

ease. The psalmist prays for constant communion with God in holy

ordinances. All God's children desire to dwell in their Father's

house. Not to sojourn there as a wayfaring man, to tarry but for

a night; or to dwell there for a time only, as the servant that

abides not in the house for ever; but to dwell there all the

days of their life, as children with a father. Do we hope that

the praising of God will be the blessedness of our eternity?

Surely then we ought to make it the business of our time. This

he had at heart more than any thing. Whatever the Christian is

as to this life, he considers the favour and service of God as

the one thing needful. This he desires, prays for and seeks

after, and in it he rejoices. 7-14 Wherever the believer is, he can find a way to the throne

of grace by prayer. God calls us by his Spirit, by his word, by

his worship, and by special providences, merciful and

afflicting. When we are foolishly making court to lying

vanities, God is, in love to us, calling us to seek our own

mercies in him. The call is general, "Seek ye my face;" but we

must apply it to ourselves, "I will seek it." The word does us

no good, when we do not ourselves accept the exhortation: a

gracious heart readily answers to the call of a gracious God,

being made willing in the day of his power. The psalmist

requests the favour of the Lord; the continuance of his presence

with him; the benefit of Divine guidance, and the benefit of

Divine protection. God's time to help those that trust in him,

is, when all other helpers fail. He is a surer and better Friend

than earthly parents are, or can be. What was the belief which

supported the psalmist? That he should see the goodness of the

Lord. There is nothing like the believing hope of eternal life,

the foresights of that glory, and foretastes of those pleasures,

to keep us from fainting under all calamities. In the mean time

he should be strengthened to bear up under his burdens. Let us

look unto the suffering Saviour, and pray in faith, not to be

delivered into the hands of our enemies. Let us encourage each

other to wait on the Lord, with patient expectation, and fervent

prayer