Year in the Bible Daily Reading:
Leviticus 1-3; Psalm 27; Hebrews 2 Listen to Today's Reading
Psalm 27
As you go through the readings for today, Psalm 27 just hit a chord with me. No pun intended. It is a song that David sang while being surrounded by overwhelming enemies, desperate, fearful of defeat and death, with no seeable options, a real “Jesus take the Wheel” moment. Instead of surrendering, he turns to his faith in the Lord “Lord is my Light and my Salvation, whom shall I fear?”, and “The Lord is the strength of my life”. Through faith all things are possible. The Lord caused his enemies to “Stumble and fall”.
I suspect we all have been in David’s shoes at some time in our lives. Were your first thoughts centered on fighting back, looking for a fix, bailing out, giving up, turning to a chemical escape, looking for the back door? Or, was your first action to go to God in prayer?
In my earlier days I admit that I typically dug in my heels and tried to fight my own way out. Not always with much success but I kept trying. Over the past 20 years (post age 50 after several mission trips, 40 Days of Purpose, Men’s Group, etc), I started going first to God in prayer. He never bailed me out by some miracle, but somehow, He helped me come up with better solutions, helped me find timely support from friends, an unforeseen path that led me forward.
As you read through David’s song Psalm 27, I suspect you found numerous lines that reminded you of popular Christian songs of Hope, Faith, and God’s overwhelming Love. Some of the lines that hit me were :
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
2 My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell.
3 My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.
4 That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, He shall set me high upon a rock. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation.
11 And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies. (parallels Psalm 23)
14 Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalm 27 (NKJV)
It seems that when we go to God in prayer and open our hearts to His Grace and Love, it opens our minds to listen to the Holy Spirit guiding us through life’s challenges. That gift of an unseeable guide given to us at our baptism is always there waiting for us to…just…ask. Prayer brings the Word (Bible) to life just as Jesus taught.
One of the great songs based on Psalm 27 is Psalm 27 (The Lord is My Light) done by Jordon Kauflin and Laura Story.
Questions for Reflection:
- What’s your gut reaction when life throws a wrench into your day/life?
- Do you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit nudging you towards an action or solution?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, Please guide me to remember to go first to you in prayer when I’m challenged or need guidance. Help me to listen to Your soft whispers helping me to find Your path that You have already planned out for me. Give me the wisdom and humility to know that Your hand is always reaching out to guide me, if I would only accept it. Help me to remember that You are my Light and Salvation, through You my fears dissolve. This I pray, and if it be Your will. Amen.
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