Psalm 27 (NRSV)
Devotion
As in yesterday’s story of Abraham, the psalmist takes us on a journey from fear to trust. The NRSVUE translation captions the psalmist’s prayer as a “Triumphant Song of Confidence.” Verse one’s doubled poetic imagery poises the conversation between confidence and fear: the Lord as light, salvation, and stronghold has difficulty in gaining a hearing in the heart that is transfixed by fear—“Of whom shall I be afraid?”
The heart’s fears will need to be taught. And so the psalmist teaches us in a journey of recollection of the ways of the goodness and salvation of the Lord. (27:2-12) Until finally the fear is overcome and faith can find its proper way into the light: “In the land of the living, I believe I shall see the goodness of the Lord.” (27:13) Against that confidence, the psalmist’s final invitation seems almost too simple for the now courageous heart: “Wait for the Lord” (twice). “Be strong, take courage!”
Prayer
O Lord, my light and my salvation, teach me to have confidence in your goodness, that I may know that daily I can find shelter in your presence and love. Amen.
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