March 21, 2007

Evening: Psalm 27:1-14
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 evildoers assail me to devour my flesh— my adversaries and foes— they shall stumble and fall.

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

4 One thing I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

5 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 set me high on a rock.

6 Now my head is 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.

7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!

8 "Come," my heart says, "seek his face!" Your face, LORD, do I seek.

9 Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation!

10 If my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will take me up.

11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.

12 Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence.

13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

14Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

Today’s psalm is a very comforting one. We are told that we have no troubles when we trust in God. It is a wonderful sentiment. No matter how much our daily lives may stress us and no matter how many daily trials and tribulations we must face, if we have confidence in God, then we are protected, loved and cherished. Many times we are faced with what can seem to us to be a horrible situation that we cannot climb out of. Many times we muster our strength and can ultimately climb out, but there are situations, situations that we all face at one time or another, that we cannot change no matter how hard we try. I think this psalm speaks of those times. Times when there may be no way out for us through problem solving, planning, apologies, etc. It is during those times that we should have great comfort knowing that the Lord will not abandon us and that he will help us through the most difficult of times. Michael M.