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
“You, LORD, are the light that keeps me safe,” begins this psalm attributed to David, the man chosen by God to become Israel’s greatest king. From his youth as a shepherd, tending his father’s flocks day and night, David had known darkness and its dangers. But his confidence in the LORD was so sure, so true, that even in times of darkness he could proclaim, “I am not afraid of anyone.”
David was a mighty military man, familiar with battle, and we hear that experience in this prayer. He speaks of being surrounded and attacked in the midst of war, but maintains his resolve to keep his trust in God.
Verse 4 provides insight into the reason for his trust, by offering a glimpse into the beauty and intimacy of relationship that David maintained with God. Being in close fellowship with his LORD was David’s greatest longing. He knew God could be trusted, because he knew God.
Verses 7-10 present a contrast to the closeness of relationship that we hear in the previous verses. God seems far away. David calls out to him, desperate for evidence that God hears his plea. But then, in v 11, the psalmist turns his focus from what he wants God to do—to what he knows he needs to do himself. His prayer changes from “God—do this!” to “God—help me to do this.”
David’s final words are a reminder to himself to “Trust the LORD!” In spite of appearances to the contrary—God is at work. David recognizes that the onus is on him to wait on God for his deliverance.
May we, like David, remember that no matter the nature or depth of the darkness that surrounds us, God is present, active, and working out his purposes.
Respond
God my light, you are the One who illuminates my way, revealing the path you have set before me. Teach me to follow that path, walking with strength and courage, so that when you seem silent I do not grow weary or afraid. For I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Patricia Paddey
Patricia Paddey has worked with Canada’s mainstream media in positions at the CBC, CTV and The CNW Group. Since 1998, she has managed a thriving freelance business, creating print, broadcast and online content for Christian media and non-profit organizations. An award-winning writer, she has been published in a wide array of Canadian publications. With an undergraduate degree in Radio and Television Arts, she is pursuing an Master of Theological Studies part-time, and works as Director of Communications for Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto.