September 11, 2016
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

TAKE COURAGE!

Please see the links to our EXTRA Bible Study notes at the bottom of the page.

Opening Prayer

Today, Lord, let me breathe, think, sleep, dream and live praising You. I want to walk in the joy of Your presence.

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 THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Reflect

The psalmist (David) knew the meaning of fear. When his nerve failed he turned to God. In so doing, he discovered that, though God may not always remove the causes of fear, he does give us the inward resources to deal with them.

 Dotted among many thoughts in this psalm are three references to the heart. In Hebrew thought the heart was the seat of the mind and will, not simply the emotions. “You think in your heart, and your heart shapes your character, choices and decisions” (Christopher Wright). When, therefore, Israel was bidden to love God with her whole heart, it meant her whole self. In terms of covenant relationship with God, it meant committed loyalty, total obedience and confident trust in God’s provision of needs and protection from enemies. We see this being worked out in this psalm.

 

When the enemy (whether literal or metaphorical) feels like a pack of hunting animals or an encroaching army, God’s light and strength provide the answer to fear (1–3). The heart can be at peace emotionally, mentally and even physically (3,5,6). I once came across a picture of a bird bath in the shape of a stylized sun, with a face and hands outstretched. In the hollow is a bird sitting serenely on its nest, held in total safety—a lovely picture of the heart that is deeply trusting God. When our greatest desire is to put God first, to be in his presence (his “house,” 4), our heart reminds us actively to seek God’s face more and more (8) and be committed to his way (11). This is an act of the will, a singleness of purpose, not simply emotion. When things seem particularly dark (and, like many of us, the psalmist knew the pain of family breakdown, 10), the heart can take courage in a trusting commitment to waiting on God (14). 

Apply

Which of the psalm’s references to the heart resonates most with you at the moment? Why do you think that is?

Closing prayer

Lord, thank You that my fears can be overcome by Your peace.

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