Reflections on Psalm 27

A Psalm of David. 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 a 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 to 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, I will 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 thy 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 on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Such faith! David trusted God to deliver him, to save him, even to strengthen him. How often do we I say I trust God but walk as though I were alone? I say, "God shall deliver," and yet I attempt to be my own strength. I claim He is my rock, but I do not cling to Him as I should - I do not cling to Him as though He is the one who shall save me. "God helps those who help themselves...find your own way" society says, and I think in some ways I believe that. But oh, such is not the case! Heart, hear me, it is the Lord who helps, cleave to the Cross and find your deliverance.

Some will cite James and say that faith without works is dead, and they are right of course. But the works are not of you, or me, or Bob next door. It is Christ who enables us to move, we could not otherwise. Christ raises us, and Christ moves us, and we find our freedom in allowing/ submitting/ not fighting against that movement.