Read Psalm 27:1-7
“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?” (v. 1).
The Psalmist speaks of darkness and weakness – the inability to see or comprehend and the inability to cope. Both paralyze our lives with fear. In the clutches of each, we are separated from our resources as children of God and rendered useless in our service to Him. It is no wonder that our God says “fear not” so many times in Scripture. He repeats that encouragement and command today.
Without minimizing or altering our circumstances, God offers himself as the antidote to our apprehension. For darkness, he is light – my light! W.T.Purkiser says so beautifully that our God is “shining in a dark place, dispelling the shadows, showing all things in their true colors; . . . driving away the fears that lurk in the dark.” For weakness, he is strength – my strength. I will face the threatening circumstances in the power of His might. Karolina Sandellberg wrote, “Day by day and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here. Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.” (Public Domain) Light for darkness and strength for weakness. The Psalmist said, “Of whom shall I be afraid . . . the Lord is.” (William Snider)
Though a host of men were laid against me, yet shall my heart not be afraid
And tho’ there rose up war against me, yet will I put my trust in Him.
Frances Allitsen (Public Domain)
This devotional is the Friday, October 14, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.