Scripture: Psalm 27
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked advance against me
to devour[a] me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
4 One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, Lord, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, Lord;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.
13 I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
Today's Meditation:
Where shall I find confidence? Who can I trust? This is the question David is asking in this Psalm. He sees confidence begins with fellowship with the Lord—in his dwelling place and in nature. He earnestly desires to see the face of God. But then he starts to question and tell God what to do. He is honest with God about his fears and pleads for God’s protection and help.
This heartfelt communication with God leads him to the point where he can say, “I am confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” (vs.13) He understands, however, that we may need to wait for this revelation!
God is not offended by our open conversation and confession of fears. Nor does he condemn us when we tell him what to do!
Prayer:
Father God, I do long to see your face. Do teach me and lead me and protect me. Bring me to the place where I can say with David, “I would have lost heart if I had not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” * Amen.
Nancy Lamar
*New King James Version