Bible Society of South Africa

War and peace – Day 2

Protection

Bible text(s)

Psalms 27

A Prayer of Praise

1The LORD is my light and my salvation;

I will fear no one.

The LORD protects me from all danger;

I will never be afraid.

2When evil people attack me and try to kill me,

they stumble and fall.

3Even if a whole army surrounds me,

I will not be afraid;

even if enemies attack me,

I will still trust God.

4I have asked the LORD for one thing;

one thing only do I want:

to live in the LORD's house all my life,

to marvel there at his goodness,

and to ask for his guidance.

5In times of trouble he will shelter me;

he will keep me safe in his Temple

and make me secure on a high rock.

6So I will triumph over my enemies around me.

With shouts of joy I will offer sacrifices in his Temple;

I will sing, I will praise the LORD.

7Hear me, LORD, when I call to you!

Be merciful and answer me!

8When you said, “Come and worship me,”

I answered, “I will come, LORD;

9don't hide yourself from me!”

Don't be angry with me;

don't turn your servant away.

You have been my help;

don't leave me, don't abandon me,

O God, my saviour.

10My father and mother may abandon me,

but the LORD will take care of me.

11Teach me, LORD, what you want me to do,

and lead me along a safe path,

because I have many enemies.

12Don't abandon me to my enemies,

who attack me with lies and threats.

13I know that I will live to see

the LORD's goodness in this present life.

14Trust in the LORD.

Have faith, do not despair.

Trust in the LORD.

Psalms 27:1-14GNBOpen in Bible reader

Psalm 27, like Psalm 91, is a psalm of protection. The poet continues to trust in God through everything that happens to him. The situations he describes are intense. Yet, he remains confident.

The contrast between war and trust in God is great. Above all, the poet wants to be close to God, in God’s house. He is confident that God will not only protect him, but also lead the way – a safe way, to God himself.

The psalmist closes his text with confidence. He says, “I know that I will live to see the LORD’s goodness in this present life” (Good News Translation). He has this expectation on God. “Trust in the LORD,” he repeats, determined (Good News Translation).

What do you recognise in yourself about the firm confidence that the psalmist has?

Bible Society of South Africav.4.26.9
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