Saturday, February 25, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading 
Psalm 27

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?

When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh—my adversaries and foes—they shall stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.

One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.

For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.

Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!

“Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek.

Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation!

If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up.

Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.

Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence.

I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (NRSV)

Reflection

Quite frankly as I look around me, I am sorely afraid. There is violence all around. The violence of war is not close but does touch me. The violence in the streets is very close and may well touch me. There is outright hatred all around, venomous hatred that infects so many aspects of our society. There is disease that still kills way too many, particularly those with higher levels of susceptibility. Of course we all have personal problems or tragedies.

Where is God? Has God abandoned the creation, given it up as a bad job?

Something on the order of 3,000 years ago the psalmist was led to create Psalm 27 as an antidote to fear. These words from so long ago invite me to believe again that my faith in God will never desert me no matter what happens around me or even in my heart.

Fear is a normal part of life, yet God calls me and promises that I will not be alone “for God will hide me in God’s shelter in the day of trouble; God will conceal me under the cover of the tent and will set me high on a rock.”

With the psalmist “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” I will heed the words “wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

Prayer

Precious and ever-faithful Lord, I pray today that I keep your promise in the forefront of my heart and mind. Let me be ever mindful that there is nothing whatsoever that can separate me from your holy presence, that you are by my side in all things and at all times. Let me be a vessel of your saving grace to everyone I meet. Amen.

Written by Blake Anderson, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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