Levels of Confidence
Psalm 27 suggests three levels of confidence in God. Through the various experiences of life, our faith can be seen to progress through these.
- Confidence in the Abstract (Psalm 27:1-6). Faith in this case is more than just a theory, but it is largely untested. In the psalm, David is speaking of his aspirations, and how he expects the Lord to help him. This could be illustrated today by the new Christian, or perhaps the young Bible college student, determined to follow Christ and make a difference in his world.
- Confidence in Action (Psalm 27:7-12). Theory is put to the test in a crisis situation. David cries out to the Lord for help, assured that He will hear and answer. To follow the above illustration, here is the Bible college graduate, facing the burdens and conflicts of ministry.
- Confidence in Affirmation (Psalm 27:13-14). This is the testimony of experience with God, and the counsel of one who has found the Lord sufficient in a trying time. He speaks from his heart and challenges others to appropriate what he has proven to be true.