Peace is the fruit of trust. When we lack peace it is oftentimes because we lack trust. We lack trust for God to save us, deliver us, heal us, or help us. We lack trust that He will care for us even when things are going bad. We lack trust in His goodness and His character when our prayers seemingly aren’t answered or suffering and hard times come.
David had a deep inner peace because he trusted God so deeply. When he was surrounded by his enemies, he trusted the Lord (Ps 27:2-3)
When evildoers come against me
to devour my flesh,
my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell.
Though an army deploys against me,
my heart is not afraid,
though a war breaks out
against me,
still I am confident.
He goes on to say some powerful things to chew on in v. 12
Even if my father and mother
abandon me,
The LORD cares for me.
His trust was in the Lord fully and not necessarily in the love from man. He knew the Lord cared even if his parents were to reject him. And from his history, we know that his brothers weren’t a fan of him and even when his father brought his sons before Jesse to anoint as king, he didn’t call David from the pasture. David was the outcast in his own family. But he was a great man because he knew the care of the Lord over His life.
He ends this psalm with a strong admonition. An admonition similar to “be patient in affliction” (Rom 12:12). David says it this way in Ps 27:13-14:
I am certain that I will see
the LORD’s goodness
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD;
be strong and courageous.
Wait for the LORD.
Waiting for the LORD in affliction and uncertainty. No easy task when everything in you wants that suffering to ease. But David gives us a great example. We must trust the LORD in all circumstances. This is the place of peace. This is the echo of the ages.
Though he slay me, yet I will trust him
(Job 13:15)
But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty,
that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.
(Dan 3:17-18)
