Psalm 27:1, 4-9 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 27:1, 4-9 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1The 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?
Verse 4One 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.
Verse 5For 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.
Verse 6Now 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.
Verse 7Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!
Verse 8"Come," my heart says, "seek his face!" Your face, Lord, do I seek.
Verse 9Do 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!
Devotion
The words of this psalm, traditionally ascribed to king David, speak of courage, trust, and confidence that belong to the God of salvation. The psalmist’s life, like that of David, is full of heartaches and troubles; yet his heart and confidence remain always in God. The psalmist knows that those who trust in God’s protection can live in safety without fear, knowing that God’s gracious presence will never depart, even when enemies seem to constantly be a threat.
The same is true for us. No matter how bad our enemies hurt us, God will not leave us. To live in God’s light and in the promise of God’s presence are comfort enough, and for that we give God our thanks and praise.
Prayer
O God, we thank you for being the constant in our lives. Help us as we boldly live in your presence and your light. Help us in keeping our hearts always in you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.