Psalm 27
David sustains his faith by the power of God.
THE LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and inquire in his temple.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea will I sing praises unto the LORD.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
Hide not thy face far from me; put not they servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait upon the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
This has become my favorite single passage in scripture. There is so much here! In the last couple months it has been to me a source of comfort, strength, beauty, peace, love, and a sense of God's character. Every time I read it, a chord in my heart is struck, and I am broken down. How can words with such power and love exist for us?! I could read this all day. I have on a few occasions sat and read it over and over again for an hour or so. There is such richness here! When I am sick with longing and aching for the hand of my Father, there is this... "My cup overflows."
In my Bible, above the Psalm, it says David sustains his faith by the power of God. How many times do we go through trials that at the very least wear our faith out and thin? The world around us is filled with the devil's forces: people and things constantly trying to overwhelm us. How often do wish for something that would help sustain our faith? You know what; here it is. It's sitting next to you on your table, in an open book. It's hanging on the wall. It's on your phone and computer. It's on the audio you tape that you can listen to at any time. Here is your strength. The words of God lay before you. Take them! Close your eyes and imagine God's voice actually speaking them to you. Feel the warmth and love of his heart, and hold it close to you forever. Never have words been so beautiful, then when from the mouth of God, directly to your ear.
So be encouraged, dear friend and reader, and don't forget to read Psalm 27.
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