Psalm 27:1 (NIV84)
1 The 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?
Are you a fan of scary movies? Do you cover your eyes when the music gets ominous? Do you bury your head in a pillow anticipating what’s around the corner or what might happen next? It’s easy to live life that way, isn’t it?! Instead of cherishing the freedom that is ours in Christ alone and celebrating the gift of life he gives us to live in praise of his holy name, we cower in fear of what might be waiting around the next corner or fret about things over which we have no control.
Here’s an important lesson King David teaches us with the words of Psalm 27:1. Seeing who the Lord is and what the Lord does helped him understand these big questions, “whom shall I fear,” and, “of whom shall I be afraid.” Without God, even King David could only respond, “anyone and everyone!” Without our God as “my light and my salvation” we are in the dark and on our own. Without the Lord as “the stronghold of my life” we are not protected from the devil’s schemes or even our sinful self. David understood that. He knew that he needed his God in all things… or else. Whether running for his life from King Saul or heading into battle with Israel’s army or fleeing from his own son, Absalom, who sought to take over the kingdom, David needed his God to lead him, to guide him, to protect him… or all would be lost.
David, though, was never alone. Neither are we - in this life or in eternity. God is always with us. He never ever leaves us to fend for ourselves. Rather, he guides us by the power of his Holy Word and leads us forward in glory to his holy name. Our devotions this week build off the theme, “When Christ Went to Calvary… He Eliminated My Enemies.” He really did. He conquered death. He crushed Satan’s head. He made it so that we – his precious blood-bought children - never need to fear anything- or anyone- again. Why? Because the same One who sent his one and only Son to die for us does not abandon us in our daily struggles of life. Because he loves us. Because he cares for us. That truth alone is what allows us this Lenten season to join with David and proclaim “The 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.”
PRAYER: Thank you, Lord God, for reminding me through your Word that you are with me always. Continue to keep me in your tender care and protect me from Satan, this world, and even my own sinful flesh. Embolden me to live for you, confident that you lead me where you want me to go. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.