David begins this psalm by mentioning three aspects of the Lord that encouraged him not to fear his enemies. His opponents had unreliable and deceitful character flaws whereas the Lord was true and reliable. His God has no flaws, he is like light, and therefore David can depend upon him for deliverance, even when the number of his enemies is large and even an army. Eventually, they will be defeated (vv. 1-3).
In verses 4-6, David states the most important goal of his life, to worship God and to consider his beauty, especially in the location where sacrifices were made to him. David knew that he was a sinner, unworthy of divine protection, and unfit for God’s presence. Yet the means of getting access to God were revealed at the tabernacle in the various sacrifices offered there. We know that they pictured the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross which guarantees access to God’s presence and protection. Through Jesus, we can thank our faithful God gladly for the deliverances we receive regularly from him.
Yet in the meantime David was facing danger; therefore he turned to God, to the God who had encouraged David to seek him (vv. 7-10). In his troubles, David did not want to lose God’s favour. It looks as if even his parents had become unreliable, perhaps because of pressure forced on them during the time of Saul’s pursuit of him. The closest on earth might fail us, but the Lord never does, says David. His faith grabbed hold of this reality, but he still had to pray earnestly about it.
David realised that he needed divinely-given wisdom in his current troubles (v. 11-12). Therefore he asked the Lord to teach him what to do when so many were against him. He is precise in what he wishes to have — a level path. A path is the provision from God for making progress in pursuing his plan for our lives. David knew, and so do we, that the existence of enemies need not hinder advancing in the ways of God. But we should pray for his wisdom daily.
Despite his current difficulties, David was sure that he would yet see better times (vv. 13-14). He would not be slain by his enemies, no matter how powerful they seemed to be. His strategy was to wait for the Lord after waiting on the Lord. Willingness to wait for God’s time is not an expression of indifference or of weakness, but is evidence of having received wisdom from above, a wisdom that empowers strength in one’s heart and outlook. In David’s case, it all came true, and it does with all who follow his example.
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