Today’s psalm: Psalm 27:1-14
God’s holy warriors are never to be afraid. This is because God Himself is our guide, our refuge, our strength and our salvation. “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?” (v.1).
This is not to underestimate the enemy. The enemy is very powerful and can do much harm. Minions of the evil one are all around us, seeking to destroy us, but they cannot stand against the power of our God. “When evildoers come at me to devour my flesh, these my enemies and foes themselves stumble and fall.” (v.2). The hordes of the enemy are vast, bearing down on us from all sides, waging total war. But we are not afraid because God is with us. “Though an army encamp against me, my heart does not fear; though war be waged against me, even then do I trust.” (v.3).
The opposite of fear is not lack of fear. We can be afraid of dangers we are facing. Fear is a God-given emotion. But the opposite of fear is trust. Even in our fear, we move strongly forward, because we trust in the God who sends us. We know He will protect and deliver us. We know He has already won the victory for us.
And so holy warriors enter into the fray with confidence. “Even now my head is held high above my enemies on every side!” (v.6a). In the midst of trouble and conflict, God is an unfailing shelter and refuge. “For God will hide me in his shelter in time of trouble, he will conceal me in the cover of his tent; and set me high upon a rock.” (v.5).
To remain secure in God’s protection and power, holy warriors constantly seek Him. “‘Come,’ says my heart, ‘seek his face’; your face, Lord, do I seek!” (v.8). To keep along the right paths and not be led astray, especially by the deceiving enemy, holy warriors look to and strictly follow Him. “Lord, show me your way, lead me on a level path because of my enemies.” (v.11).
God’s way inevitably leads to life everlasting, in the eternal presence of God. Holy warriors keep to that vision and hope. “One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek: to dwell in the Lord’s house all the days of my life” (v.4a).
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