Psalms Reading – 1.26.2022
Psalm 27
Of David.
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 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.
David rhetorically asks himself why he should be afraid because he is confident that the Lord is his light, salvation, and strength. David had reason to be afraid because he seemed to always be facing a crisis. However, David declared, even though an army would come against him, he would choose not to be afraid but be confident in God.
Once again, David reveals the central purpose of his life was to dwell in the house of the Lord and gaze upon God’s beauty. These are expressions that display his deepest desire to draw intimately close in relationship with God. David is saying he cannot get enough of God!
In the midst of his assurance of faith, he requests the Lord to be merciful and not turn away from him. David speaks confidently that even if his mother and father would forsake him, the Lord would receive him. David continues the positive faith speech in stating he is confident God is going to answer, and He will see evidence of the Lord’s goodness. He tells himself to be strong and take heart as he puts his hope in the Lord.
This psalm is a terrific model for us to use positive faith talk when we are faced with many challenges or a severe crisis. Though armies of opposition are coming toward us, take heart, the Lord is greater!
Memory Verse:
Psalm 25:4-5, Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Question(s) to Consider:
What are you facing today that you can use this positive faith talk to encourage you?