Psalm 28

 

As David begins Psalm 28, he is once again in a dark place.  In other psalms, he has talked about God's hiddenness; and here, he feels God's silence, as he asks God not to be deaf to his prayers. Maybe David felt this way because he was weighed down by his own sin.  We see that he pleas for mercy, contemplates the actions and fate of the wicked, and talks about not wanting to "go down to the pit" nor to be dragged "off with the wicked."   However, toward the end of this prayer, David gains perspective, and recognizes that the LORD indeed hears and answers.  So David is able to close in praise and thanksgiving, for God is his strength, shield, refuge, and shepherd.

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:

  • Verses 1-2
    • Whenever I have felt like God is silent and not answering my prayers, what might be some of the reasons I felt that way, in spite of the truth that God does hear and answer?
    • Just as David lifts up his hands in prayer, how can physical expressions enhance our prayers to the LORD?
  • Verses 3-5
    • What thoughts come to my mind as I contemplate the actions and fate of the wicked?  (For example, the need for evangelism? Or patience to endure through sufferings related to evil?)
  • Verses 6-9
    • Attributes or images of God that repeatedly bring David comfort in times of darkness include the LORD as his strength, shield, refuge, and shepherd. What attributes or images of God bring me the most comfort and encouragement in dark times?
    • Verse 9 says that we are God's heritage, inheritance, or possession.  Moses said to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 4:20, "But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be a people of his own inheritance, as you are this day."  Similarly, Titus 2:14 says that Jesus "gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good."  Reflect on what a blessing it is that we belong to the LORD!


If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video:

  • "Blessed Be the Lord" (Psalm 28) by The Psalms Project:  Link

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