Perspective and Reality

David, from Psalm 27:

“When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; thou war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident.” — Vs 2-3.

How to get this kind of perspective?

We don’t know much about David’s enemies, but he had plenty. He may have been in war in the spiritual realm, maybe health, financial and relational challenges. We do know the opposition was colluding, surrounding him, intent on taking him down.

The perspective of the natural man is that he needs to take on his enemies, up his game, do more and do it better, somehow muster up some courage even though it be hopeless. Or maybe the trouble is too overwhelming, he is alone and strategizing on how to fold his tent and save face.

Any man would be void of confidence, filled with dread and fear, plotting his defenses and getting ready to deal with the shame of defeat.

Then David makes an extraordinary statement: “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple.” — V 4

In the middle of facing all his encroaching enemies, certain failure and impending threat of death, David boils it down to one desire: dwell in the presence of God and meditate!

What kind of man thinks like this?!

The outcome is found in vs 5-6: “For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me. He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me. And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.”

Concluding Observations:

• God provides us His perception of reality. Changes in circumstances are not my avenue to solutions to problems; rather the battle for perspective rules the day. My battle is not for control of circumstances but with the spiritual, for my mind. The outcome of circumstances belongs to God. David concludes in Psalm 62:5, “For my hope (expectation) is from Him, He only is my rock and salvation.”

• God does not promise better circumstances, but does promise an adjusted, correct perception of them. Ultimately, my hope or expectation must be in God, not the circumstances or results.

• As God has offered victory in how and what we think, David teaches us to pursue quiet meditation time with Him. The more time with Him and His Word, the deeper and more secure the foundational perspective.

• The opposition is strong, capable and able to take me down. Alone, I do not have the capability to defeat them to win the day.

• However, David stands up to his enemies as if he is strong, pretending confidence and leaning in hope and courage on the One who is capable of the win.

• As fundamental as this might sound, most of us need this reminder most days, given today’s opposition to our thinking and the pressure to cave in to circumstantial thinking. This may be the most prolific challenge and opportunity facing men today.

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