Meditating on the Psalms

This week we’re going to take a look at some of my favorite Psalms. The Psalms have the. capacity to get you through tough times, help you rejoice in good times, and raise your spirits in praise to God at all times. This is one book in the Bible that everyone can relate to. Today I have chosen a portion of Psalm 27:

The Lord is my revelation-light to guide me along the way;
he’s the source of my salvation to defend me every day.
I fear no one!
I’ll never turn back and run from you, Lord;
surround and protect me.
² When evil ones come to destroy me,
they will be the ones who turn back.
³ My heart will not be afraid even if an army rises to attack.
I know that you are there for me, so I will not be shaken. Psalm 27:1-3 (TPT)

This is a Psalm of David written before he was anointed king of Israel. Even though it had been prophecies years before, and even though he had run from Saul for nearly a decade, no doubt David was still feeling in awe of this responsibility. 

However, just like when facing the lion and the bear, David spoke words of confidence not in himself, but in the faith that he had that God was with him. He saw God as his light, to show him every way no matter how dark the way. He saw God as being the source of his very salvation – his every day was in the hand of God. He saw himself as confident in his love for the Lord and vowed to never walk away from him; yet he asked for God’s protection. He also prayed that when his enemies would come against him, that they would not be successful, even turning away from him. He also exuded the confidence that no matter what he faced, God would be with him, therefore he would be able to endure. 

In hindsight, we know that David at one poidnt did turn away from the Lord, following his desire for another man’s wife. We know that there were times when he cowered away from facing things his children had done, choosing to remain silent, rather than confronting them, even when it appeared the kingdom was going to be taken away from him. Yes, David made mistakes, even sinned. Yet, maybe based on this prayer, we know another thing about David. He did not LIVE in those dark places. Every time he failed, he would get back up again and with sorrow he would repent:

God, give me mercy from your fountain of forgiveness!
I know your abundant love is enough to wash away my guilt.
Because your compassion is so great,
take away this shameful guilt of sin.
Forgive the full extent of my rebellious ways,
and erase this deep stain on my conscience. Psalm 51:1-3 (TPT)

David was a man who was subject to error,  but he LIVED a life of serving God, possibly strengthened with the prayer of Psalm 27! We may not be lions and bears, Burt we also can find strength in this Psalm.

Maria