Day Eight
Word: Psalm 27 (NLT)
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
2 When evil people come to devour me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
I will remain confident.
4 The one thing I ask of the Lord—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
6 Then I will hold my head high
above my enemies who surround me.
At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,
singing and praising the Lord with music.
7 Hear me as I pray, O Lord.
Be merciful and answer me!
8 My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”
9 Do not turn your back on me.
Do not reject your servant in anger.
You have always been my helper.
Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me,
O God of my salvation!
10 Even if my father and mother abandon me,
the Lord will hold me close.
11 Teach me how to live, O Lord.
Lead me along the right path,
for my enemies are waiting for me.
12 Do not let me fall into their hands.
For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;
with every breath they threaten me with violence.
13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.
14 Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
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David, the poet of these words, is better known for the pastoral Psalm 23, a song of shepherds, green pastures, and still waters. His was, however, a violent life! He faced mortal danger even as a shepherd when attacked by lions and bears, not to forget his battle with the giant Goliath who promised to feed his flesh to the birds and wild animals (1 Samuel 17). David’s success in battle made him an enemy of the reigning king, who hunted him relentlessly for years. David hid in caves, faked insanity, and lived in exile in order to survive.
Even after becoming king, it took seven years to secure his throne, only to have it seriously threatened later by his own son Absalom. So bloody were David’s hands that the God he served denied him his deep desire to build the first permanent temple in his honor (1 Chronicles 17:4; 1 Kings 5:3).
Psalm 27 are the words of a national leader who is always under attack from “evil people,” “enemies,” even “mighty armies.” Where does the Commander-in-Chief, the King, turn when he is afraid, when he trembles, when those closest to him abandon or betray him?
King David said he finds sanctuary in the house of the Lord, his fortress! Not only does he find security there, he also finds counsel and instruction:
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” . . . . Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path . . . .”
Great leaders seek counsel and instruction, finding their confidence and security not in themselves and their own power, but in the only real Power and Authority. And they have enough confidence to wait . . . bravely and courageously, but they can wait.
Prayer: Teach us, Father, not to be afraid of attack or the enemy, but to find our national confidence and security in you. And when we do not know what to do or who to trust, when our national bravery and courage are tested, give us leaders who will wait patiently, not passively, but actively wait on You. Amen
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