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Wednesday, April 13

Psalm 27: 1-3 and 13-14 (NRSV)

1.“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 evil doers assail me to devour my flesh – my adversaries and foes – they shall stumble and fall.
3.Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet shall I be confident…
13.I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14.Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

Devotion

This chapter of Psalms is called the “Triumphant Song of Confidence of David,” and it is, indeed, a testament to God’s steadfast love.  Our enemies are all around us, seeking to do us great harm. As I see the devastating damage in Ukraine, I am fearful and lack King David’s confidence in God’s protection. I think I understand why many are fleeing the war and why others have chosen to stay and fight for their homeland. If I were in their circumstances, what would I do? As stated in verse 11, I should ask God to “… teach me his way and lead me on the level path because of my enemies;” I should ask God to “…hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble” (v. 5). But do I have the faith to ask him?

I believe that some of our enemies are also within us – we are often “our own worst enemy”; we harbor fear and lack faith in God’s great power to deliver us. How difficult it is to “Wait for the Lord!” And yet, if God is with me, “whom shall I fear,” as asked in verse 1? Am I able to be an activist for God and not a procrastinator for my enemies? I do want “to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life” (v. 4) It seems so simple! I must only turn my eyes to the Lord and wait!

Prayer

Our dear heavenly Father, thank you for always protecting us – even when we do not realize it. Help us to turn to you when we feel surrounded by enemies. Be with us when we forget that your time may be different from ours. Help us to wait. Amen.

Karen Siple