Whom Shall I Fear?

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Christianity, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Devotional, Faith, God, Hope, Pandemic, Protection, Salvation, Security, Trust

“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?” (Psalm 27:1, ESV)

            Psalm 27 is a joyful celebration of confidence in God’s protection and love, and a profession of the spiritual heart’s desire for His presence.  It begins similarly to Psalm 23, though Psalm 27 stresses the protection of God, rather than His provision; accordingly, it uses a military image—the fortress—rather than the pastoral picture of the earlier psalm.  But both share a delight in the peace of belonging to God.  In Psalm 27:1 a particularly powerful declaration of security in God is expressed by the parallel expressions, which declare God’s power to shield His own, followed by the rhetorical question, who, then, should we fear?  No one.

            God is the Savior of His people.  If you take refuge in Him, you have nothing to fear.  He is the light that guides His children through the darkness, their salvation against all danger.  He is the unassailable fortress that protects His people from all enemies.  Who can harm those who have God for their protector?  No one.  No one at all.  Shelter in the Lord amid the storms of life, and take comfort in God’s salvation.

In the Presence of My Enemies

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Christianity, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Devotional, Faith, God, Hope, Pandemic, Protection, Providence, Security

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5, ESV).

            Combining the themes of provision and protection that have already been unfolded in this psalm, verse 5 presents us with a startling image: a meal set out among foes.  What would be the place of danger has become the place of refreshment, because God is able to disarm the wicked and close the lions’ jaws (Dan. 6:22).  So danger has given way to hospitality, complete with anointing and plentiful drink.            

God is abundantly able to protect and provide.  He can work in our situation such that we not only survive, but thrive.  Look to Him when you are afraid or discouraged, and lean upon His almighty strength to be your salvation.  The heavenly Father cares for His children, and brings them through the darkest times.

A Stronghold

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Christianity, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Devotional, God, Hope, Pandemic, Power, Protection, Security, Strength

“The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” (Psalm 9:9, ESV).

            In this song, David expresses his gratitude to God for deliverance from his enemies (vv.1-4).  God is mighty, and His sovereignty is displayed in universal governance over the powers of the world (v.5); He has totally triumphed over evildoers (v.6).  His sovereignty is expressed in verse 7, “the LORD sits enthroned forever”, which works out in His righteous judgment upon the earth (v.8).  In this setting, David expresses his confidence in God’s power to save and deliver those who trust in Him.            

God is mighty and merciful.  We should turn to Him in trouble, and call on Him in distress.  He cares for the vulnerable; He shelters His children.  When we take refuge in His almighty power, nothing can happen to us that is outside of His control.  It is a blessing to know that, if we belong to Jesus Christ, then no matter what we go through, we are safe in the Father’s hands.

The Rising of the Day

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Christianity, Glory, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Life, Praise, Prayer, Protection, Providence, Trinity, Work

Bright sunrise and sere grey skies alike declare your glory with the rising of the day, O Majesty Divine. Father, Son, and Spirit, God so mysteriously one and three, be glorified in the rustling morning and in my rising heart. Turn my heart to you today. Fix my eyes on you as I go about my tasks, so that in labor and learning I will live in devotion to you. Strengthen and protect me, God Almighty, for your glory—Amen.

Strength for the Night

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holiness, Holy Spirit, Peace, Prayer, Protection, Strength

Gracious and Eternal Spirit, thank you for your watchful care today. Breathe forth your peace and strength into me tonight, so that I may continue to serve you diligently, and to protect me from the temptations of darkness. Sustain me by your love and strengthen me by your power; waking and sleeping, be my light into truth and my shield of protection. Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer in the fellowship of your love—Amen.

A Pillar of Fire

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Advent, Christmas, God, holiness, Light, Prayer, Protection, Wisdom

In darkness as in light, you are light, Lord God. You were a pillar of fire to Israel; be also to me a flame in the night. Drive away all the shadows, Holy Light. In mercy, let me keep near to you until the day is new. Guide my thoughts and guard my soul from danger and temptation. Let me rest secure in the power of your glory. Warm my heart with your never-ending love. Bless me tonight, I ask—Amen.

God Our Shield

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God, Prayer, Protection, Providence

Thank you, Lord, for your preserving and protecting power today. You have kept me safe and strong, and cared for me in every way. Though the world is full of danger, you have guarded me during the sunlit hours, and you will be my shield through the hours of the night. The darkness holds no fear, when you are my defense. Let me rest in the shelter of your might, and entrust all things to your care. Amen.

The Shadow of His Wings

Tags

Prayer, Protection

“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings”           (Psalm 17:8, NIV)

            What a beautiful prayer David makes as he looks to God for protection.  We like to think of ourselves as strong, but when we try to stand on our own we will find ourselves weaker than we expected.  The history of Israel is a parable for all of us, in that sense.  We will be so much more secure if we stand on the Rock, if we take shelter beneath the wings of the Almighty.  He is strong.  Nothing can stand against Him, and nothing can harm us unless He permits it—and if He permits it, He is able to bring it about for our good and His glory.

            What does this look like in our lives?  I think it is a call to return to prayer.  It’s hard to live in dependence on God if you aren’t constantly turning your thoughts to God, speaking to God, submitting everything you do to the sovereign will of God.  We’re so reckless, we go about doing our own thing, and (every once in a while) offering a perfunctory request that God will bless our plans.  How much better to pray, constantly and fervently!  How much better to look to God and give Him all our fears and all the dangers of life facing us and say, “hide me in the shadow of your wings”!