Psalm 27:1
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?
Who are you afraid of? Who has the power to take away what
you love, or withhold what you want? In this psalm, David is facing personal enemies who want to destroy him. Not many of us will have experienced that kind of targeted personal attack. (Although, sadly, some do face violence and hostility even within their own homes. In that situation it would be right to
seek practical help and physical protection, as well as turning to God).
But perhaps the 'enemies' you fear right now are things rather than people ... sickness, financial pressures, not being able to cope with lockdown, losing things you've worked hard to achieve, missing out on whatever you 'should' have been doing right now. Maybe those things are happening to you already. Or maybe you're gripped by the fear that they might happen.
In the midst of significant danger, David reminds himself of
something wonderful. He is not alone. He is not dependent on his own resources, strength or power.
God is his light in the darkness of fear and uncertainty.
God is his rescuer in the face of danger. God is his stronghold when he is weak and vulnerable. If those things are true, our dangers - whether real or imagined - no longer have the power to overcome us.
Who or what are you afraid of today? Talk to God about those
things, be honest about your worries. And thank him that he is your light, your salvation and your stronghold. Ask him to help you to remember and really believe those things, whatever you are facing today.
