Love That Never Fails

85. Wait for the Lord

As we journeyed through David's life some chapters ago, it was clear that he experienced many turbulent times. The following Psalm is evidence that despite the darkness, God always brought light, salvation, strength and hope amidst the prevailing circumstances. Today, let's take time to meditate on the many blessings we have in Jesus as we read 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 the wicked advance against me to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

David is so sure of God's presence and protection in difficult circumstances, just as he was when he faced Goliath the giant in his youth. Over the years, his strength and proficiency as a warrior would have grown but instead of relying on his own strength, David sought the Lord's. Experience had shown him again and again, that God could be trusted, no matter how great the enemy was! Fear was not a factor!

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.
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.
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.

David's beautiful personal encounters with the Lord in His temple were always so treasured! They centred him and it was the memories of these moments of joy that he took with him into situations when he was surrounded by enemies. Do you know that joy of sitting with the Lord, gazing upon His beauty? It's these precious moments in our daily quiet time that prepare us for whatever battles we face during the day ahead. Like David, you may even find yourself singing in the midst of a battle!

Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek.
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.
Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.

Notice the way it is David's heart that reminds him to seek the Lord. Sometimes circumstances look very grim and often our minds tend to take over, paralysing us with fear! In contrast, if we follow our heart and seek God, we will see a great shift in the outcome. Even the loneliness of rejection from our closest friends or relatives does not need to bring us down as the Lord will always welcome us. We are never alone!

Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.
I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27:1-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The last part of this prayer to the Lord, shows us David's teachable heart. When we rely on God's Word to teach us, we too will have straight, less dangerous paths to travel on! Look at how David had confidence even amidst the confusion of deceitful adversaries. From the midst of the direst circumstances, he has complete assurance that he will still be able to see how good God is! Do you see with your eyes of faith despite the bleak circumstances of 2020? Do you expect to see God's goodness?

David finishes this psalm in such a strong way, imploring us twice, to wait for the Lord. This is such a good word for us all after months of uncertainty with COVID-19. We might have prayed and waited before but it's not time to give up! We need to continue to seek Him daily and rely on Him for the strength and courage we need in the current circumstances we are in.

Let's pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You so much for the great encouragement these words bring me today!
How I want to make David's prayer my own! Thank You that in You I have nothing to fear! You keep me safe and help me to move forward even in the midst of these trying times we are having this year.  I will not rely on my own strength but Yours!
These beautiful times with You are what I will take with me as I face the day.

Thank You that You never forsake me, so I am never really alone! I don't need to fear anything today or in the future because You are my constant source of help and strength! Help me to continue to wait on You Lord and to know that I will see Your goodness today.

Please give me the courage I need,
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.