Read
(By David.)
A Prayer of Praise
1You, Lord, are the light
that keeps me safe.
I am not afraid of anyone.
You protect me,
and I have no fears.
2Brutal people may attack
and try to kill me,
but they will stumble.
Fierce enemies may attack,
but they will fall.
3Armies may surround me,
but I won't be afraid;
war may break out,
but I will trust you.
4I ask only one thing, Lord:
Let me live in your house
every day of my life
to see how wonderful you are
and to pray in your temple.
5In times of trouble, Lord,
you will protect me.
You will hide me in your tent
and keep me safe
on top of a mighty rock.
6You will let me defeat
all my enemies.
Then I will celebrate,
as I enter your tent
with animal sacrifices
and songs of praise.
7Please listen when I pray!
Have pity. Answer my prayer.
8My heart tells me to pray.
I am eager to see your face,
9so don't hide from me.
I am your servant, Lord,
and you have helped me.
Don't turn from me in anger.
You alone keep me safe.
Don't reject or desert me.
10Even if my father and mother
should desert me,
you will take care of me.
11Teach me to follow, Lord,
and lead me on the right path
because of my enemies.
12Don't let them do to me
what they want.
People tell lies about me
and make violent threats,
13but I know I will live
to see how kind you are.
14Trust the Lord!
Be brave and strong
and trust the Lord.
Reflect
How’s your faith? Are you trembling in the lowlands or triumphing on the highlands? In Psalm 27, David’s faith goes from the mountaintop to the valley, and beyond. His faith isn’t static and neither is ours. Sometimes it soars (v.1-6), sometimes it sinks (v.7-10), and sometimes it’s satisfied (v.11-14).
Here’s how David describes each facet of his faith:
Soaring faith is sure faith. David is sure of his salvation (v.1a), sure of God’s strength (v. 1b), sure of his spunk (v.1c), sure of God’s ability to sustain (v.2-3), sure of finding God in the sanctuary (v.4), sure of his safety (v.5), sure of his situation (v.6a), sure of his sacrifice (v.6b), and sure of his song (v.6c).
Sinking faith is shy faith. David gives three reasons for his sinking faith: 1. He’s troubled by his search for God’s face (v.7-8). The phrase “see your face” is idiomatic language that refers to God removing His blessing (cf. Psalm 22:24, 30:7, 143:7). 2. He’s troubled about being spurned by the Father (v.9). The word “leave” emphasizes how David is feeling distanced from God. 3. He’s troubled about being spurned by his family (v.10). The word “desert” emphasizes David’s sense of isolation.
Satisfied faith is stable faith. David is strengthened in the knowledge that he can call on God to do three things: to steer (v.11), safeguard (v.12), and steady him (v.13-14).
From the mountain to the valley. David’s faith is stabilized when he learns to wait on God (v.14).
How’s your faith? To maintain a satisfied faith: God says, “I will make you strong if you quietly trust me” Isaiah 30:15.
Respond
Lord, sometimes my faith is soaring and sometimes it’s sinking. Please stabilize my faith – help me to be quiet and trust in your strength. Amen.
Lawson Murray
Lawson is the President of Scripture Union Canada and the Managing Editor of theStory™. Lawson takes every opportunity to enthusiastically invite people of all ages to connect with Jesus and His Story. He says, “We have been given the greatest story ever - God's Story! Should we not, with all our might and energy immerse ourselves in it? I believe we should. For without the Story we really have nothing to offer the millions who hunger and thirst for something more. But, with God’s Story we have what everyone needs!” Publications: Bible Engagement Blog; Children’s Ministry Basics Blog, Bible Engagement Basics; Bible Beginners