Confidence In Emergencies
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the Light of the world, and the One who leads me in the way of light and life.
Read Psalm 27:1-14
[1]Of David. 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? [2] When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. [3] Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. [4] One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. [5] For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. [6] Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. [7] Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. [8] My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. [9] Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. [10] Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. [11] Teach me your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. [12] Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. [13] I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. [14] Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What requests and confidence does David express here?What was it like going from darkness to light? In the dark we can become aware of what’s around us. Unexpected things may come as a shock and we may feel vulnerable and scared. It’s easy to think, “Why me?” That must have been what David thought sometimes, yet he clearly found that faith works, especially in emergencies. The great thing about the Psalms is that they describe almost every aspect of normal life, including emergencies and times when we feel isolated and that God is far away (9). David describes God as his light and salvation (1). He sees problems as inevitable (2,5). Read the psalm again and notice all the positive statements David makes as he seeks to put God first, come what may. As he puts circumstances into perspective (4-6), notice what happens. He stops praying for his own safety and starts asking for God’s blessing on a much bigger scale. God is here in hard times. He also wants us to look at the bigger picture and to bless us and relate to us on a much bigger scale.
Apply
Pray for yourself or others who feel stuck or unsafe. Pray that God will bless you on a much bigger scale.
Closing prayer
Lord God, I know I can trust You in all situations. Keep me mindful of that and trusting You.
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