Whom Shall I Fear?

It's wonderful to be back hom after an incredibly busy and whirlwind trip to the US. I'm excited to resume writing the devotional and reconnecting with all of you. I begin my mornings by spending time on my balcony in quiet prayer, seeking peace and allowing God to speak to my heart. My morning prayers include a plea for wisdom and encouragement, so that I may share God's word with you all effectively. This week, we will delve into the emotional highs and lows of David as depicted in Psalm 27. I will break down the Psalm into four parts, and on Friday, we will summarize the Psalm as a whole.

"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?

When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident."

Psalm 27:1-3

In the first three verses of the Psalm, we observe David's profound confidence in God. He presents God in three distinct and significant ways: as his light, his salvation, and his stronghold. As his light, the Lord is the source of David's joy, understanding, and life. Salvation implies being "saved" from something; David understood that it was his Father who delivered him from his enemies. Lastly, David describes God as his defense, his strong tower or fortress that protects him from his adversaries.

In verses 2 and 3, David emphasizes that regardless of the enemies that come against him, even an entire army, his heart will not succumb to fear. Instead of allowing fear to take hold, he possesses a powerful confidence that his Father watches over him, is his source of joy, is the one who saves, and is his mighty defender. The theme of fear is one of the most potent messages in the Bible. God does not want us to live in fear. If we live in fear of someone or something, we are lacking trust in God's protection. He desires us to trust Him fully, to be unafraid, and to live our lives knowing that God is for us! Let's all memorize Psalm 27:1, so that when fear begins to creep into our lives, this scripture will remind us that there is no reason to fear when God is our light, our salvation, and our defense.

As we continue to explore Psalm 27, let's delve deeper into the following verses to understand the full scope of David's message and his unwavering faith in God.

Verses 4-6: Seeking God's Presence

"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord."

Psalm 27:4-6

In these verses, David expresses a singular desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all his life. This reflects his deep longing for God's presence. David's ultimate wish is not for material wealth or earthly power, but for an intimate relationship with God, to continually experience His beauty and guidance. He trusts that in times of trouble, God will protect him, hiding him in His shelter and lifting him above his enemies.

David's commitment to offering sacrifices with shouts of joy and singing to the Lord emphasizes the importance of worship in our relationship with God. Worship is not just a ritual; it is an expression of our love and gratitude for God's protection and blessings. When we focus on God and His goodness, our perspective shifts, and we are lifted above our fears and adversities.

Verses 7-10: Cry for Help

"Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! You have said, 'Seek my face.' My heart says to you, 'Your face, Lord, do I seek.' Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in."

Psalm 27:7-10

In these verses, David transitions from a confident declaration of faith to a heartfelt plea for God's presence and help. He acknowledges his dependence on God's grace and mercy. Despite his confidence, David is aware of his vulnerability and the potential for feeling abandoned. However, he reaffirms his commitment to seek God's face, illustrating a relationship built on trust and persistence in prayer.

David's declaration that even if his parents forsake him, the Lord will take him in, highlights the depth of his trust in God. This trust is not based on human relationships, which can fail, but on God's unwavering love and faithfulness. It's a powerful reminder that God's love is constant, even when human love may falter.

Verses 11-14: Teach Me and Lead Me

"Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"

Psalm 27:11-14

David concludes Psalm 27 with a request for guidance and protection. He seeks God's teaching to navigate the challenges posed by his enemies. His prayer is not just for deliverance but for direction, underscoring the importance of walking in God's ways even amidst adversity.

David's confidence in seeing the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living is a testament to his hope and faith. He encourages us to wait for the Lord, to be strong, and to let our hearts take courage. Waiting on the Lord is an active expression of trust, involving patience, strength, and courage. It’s about trusting God's timing and His plan for our lives, even when we face difficulties.

As we reflect on Psalm 27, we see a comprehensive picture of faith, trust, and relationship with God. David's journey through fear, confidence, longing for God's presence, seeking help, and requesting guidance mirrors our own spiritual journeys. By studying and meditating on this Psalm, we can find inspiration and encouragement to face our own fears and challenges with the same confidence and trust in God that David exhibited.

In summary, Psalm 27 teaches us that:

God is our light, salvation, and stronghold.

Our deepest desire should be to dwell in God's presence.

We can cry out to God in our times of need, trusting in His unfailing love.

Seeking God's guidance and waiting on Him requires patience and courage.

Let us internalize these truths and apply them in our daily lives, continually seeking God's presence, trusting in His protection, and following His guidance. Through this, we can live fearlessly, knowing that God is always with us.