PSALM 27

Ryan Brammer, Pastor of Ministry Support

Recently, I sat at the bedside of someone as they passed away. It was both a rejoicing that they would soon be in God's presence and a great sorrow. I read Psalm 27 out loud, slowly, and let God's words minister to them.

Ever since, the words of Psalm 27 have not left me. They are an encouragement to me, a re-centering, and a reminder of what is most important. I suspect we all need to hear Psalm 27 today, as God's word is always profitable, but I suspect some of you really need to hear it. Because life can be full of trouble, and maybe trouble has hit; health concerns, family issues, relational upheaval, financial difficulty... maybe just a general sense of lostness or disconnection, maybe you just feel weighed down.

Whatever your situation, spend a minute in a selection of verses from Psalm 27 with me.

Psalm 27 - ESV

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?

4 - One thing that I have asked of the Lord, that will I seek after; That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire of His temple.

5 - 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 lift me high upon a rock.

7 - Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! You have said 'seek my face'. My heart says to you, 'Your face, Lord, do I seek".

11a - Teach me your way O' Lord and lead me on a level path

13-14 - I believe that I shall look upon 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."

The Psalmist declares that God is the light that illuminates his path and life, showing him where to go. He declares that God is His salvation and the stronghold of his life. He declares the safety, the security, and the love of God's presence. So of whom shall we be afraid if God almighty is our stronghold? Even in trouble, God is there. His kindness, his compassion, His love, and His presence never leave us. Although trouble still hits, we are secure with God in every way that matters most.

In light of this, we say along with the Psalmist, "lift us high upon a rock in the day of our trouble". When we get stuck, when we need rescue, "Lord I shall not fear, but I still long for your help".

Although the Psalmist has faith and believes in God, he still cries aloud, asking and pleading for God's grace and for His voice. So we set our intention as the Psalmist does. In our hearts, we say "Lord, your face, do we seek". When chaos swirls around us, we look for God. We seek Him out.

Through any storm, any trouble, through whatever lays on our hearts and minds today, we recognize that we are disciples who are always learning to follow their master, Jesus. So we ask God, as the Psalmist does, "teach us your ways, and lead us on straight paths". We trust that there is purpose in all things and we trust our master as He leads us, even if the path is sometimes bumpy.

Finally, whether our faith feels strong, weak, or barely there, it is only the smallest amount that is needed to move mountains. With the faith we have, we echo what the Psalmist says by declaring, "We believe that through anything, through this obstacle, this moment, this relationship, this sickness or this season... that we shall look upon the goodness of the Lord. We will wait (Lord, give us patience), we will be strong (Lord be our strength), we will allow our hearts to take courage (Lord, open our hearts to this possibility and posture of courage). We make this faith decision today."

It is my prayer that the words of Psalm 27 sink deep into your heart - especially if today, or "these days", are more difficult and troublesome for you. God is good and He is with you. Look to Him, not with passivity, but with dependence and trust - as the Psalmist does.

It is a privilege to serve you, and to be part of this faith family. Much love,

Ryan