(Encouragement from Psalm 27)
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? (Psalm 27:1)
We have light in order to see, not the light itself, but everything else in that light. The Lord banishes our darkness and in the One who is the Light of the world we are able to see our life in truth – its origin, its condition, its purpose and its destiny.
It is not just, “He saved me”, but much more, “He is my salvation”. Therefore I can say with David, “The Lord is the strength of my life.” It is not that I am strong – I am not – but God Himself has become the reason that I shall not fail and He is the guarantee that I shall finish my course with joy.
One thing I have desired of the LORD,
That will I seek:
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. (Psalm 27:4)
Is he asking too much? No, not at all! The opening words of the much loved 23rd Psalm, “The LORD is my shepherd“, are the secret to this longing being made a reality. David concludes this matchless song of the Shepherd’s care with the assurance, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23:6). The Shepherd hears our heart’s longing – follow Him, delight in Him, and learn from Him.
Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD! (Psalm 27:14)
Christian, have we not been shown the way? Be patient, be courageous, look not at yourself. You are called by the Most High into fellowship. Heed His call!
(Photo courtesy of Sarah)
“Fierce and long the battle rages, but our help is near;
Onward comes our great Commander, cheer, my comrades, cheer!
‘Hold the fort, for I am coming,’ Jesus signals still;
Wave the answer back to Heaven, ‘By Thy grace we will.’ ”
By His grace, we will.