Today’s Reading:
Psalm 27 (vv. 1-6)

Psalm 27 ascribed to David is characterised by strong distinctions like lament and laud; persecution and praise; warfare and praise. The psalmist used these three issues to balance the ups and downs of real life. In the next three days we are going to discuss the psalmist’s distinctions - a) He talked about his privileges (vv. 1-6); b) He talked with God about his problems (vv. 7-12); c) He talked about his perseverance (vv. 13, 14).
“The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 3Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. 4One thing have I desired 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 behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. 5For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. 6And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me; therefore, will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.
Light in this context is the ‘light of redemption’ rather than in the darkness of condemnation (Ps 27:1; 18:28; Isa 60:1; Mic 7:8; Jn 8:12; 1Jn1:5). In verse 2, the psalmist likened his enemies to vicious beasts. It also describes slander and defamation (v. 2, Job 19:22; Jer. 30:16; Dan. 3:8; 6:24). … they stumbled and fell (v. 2) described the devastating defeat over all those who rose and conspired against him (Isa. 3:8; Jer. 46:6). The primary concern in David’s life was to live in the presence and purpose of God (Ps. 15:1; Phil 3:13). In Psalm 84 verse 10, David said, “…. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” David realised that in the presence of God, he will enjoy the privileges of divine protection as being hidden in God’s shelter.
Whatever anyone reading this is facing, be it persecution in all ramifications, gang-up of envious agents of darkness, wicked elders, or unlawful decision and judgement of darkness or physical challenges; verse 1-6 serves as encouragement. It exhibits a confident faith in the Lord as our light, our salvation, and our strength. God’s presence provides the inner resources to overcome fear during difficult experiences , physical or spiritual (Ps. 23:4). The love and care of God by far transcends the love and care of our parents (v. 10). Whatever situation we are in, the Lord knows about it and he will never abandon us mid-stream to fall, to sink or to be put to shame. He has not called us in vain to serve him, or to be ridiculed. Rather, the psalmist is encouraging and teaching us to totally commit ourselves and ways to God and exhibit a dependent trust in Him.
Continue to do what you are doing for God, completely focused on Jesus and the Holy Spirit will see us through. But note that if you have not surrendered your life to Jesus Christ as Lord and Master, He cannot send the Holy Spirit to help you. If you are willing to surrender your life to the lordship of Jesus Christ, repeat this confession: “Father I acknowledge I am a sinner, in your mercy forgive my sin. Lord come into my life and take total control by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Be my light, my salvation and my strength; and overshadow me. Thank you, Father, in Jesus name.”
My Father and my God I thank you for this your son/daughter. Lead him/her to a Bible believing, living church where he/she would be nourished to maturity in Christ Jesus.
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
Prayer:
Father, thank You for being my light, my salvation and my strength, in Jesus name.
Thank You for a lasting sacrifice in Christ Jesus.
Thank you for you will never leave us nor abandon us in the mid-stream of world’s wickedness, in Jesus name.
Thank you for victory over all that rise against us, in Jesus name.
By the power in the blood of Jesus, the power and spirit of fear is shattered to irreparable pieces, in Jesus name.
Father, let me dwell in Your presence all the days of my life, in Jesus name.
Lord, everything you have not planted in your church, let them be uprooted, revive and fill your church with your Pentecostal power and fire, in Jesus name
Lord, by your mercy and power, take total control in Christian homes and guide and teach your children in Jesus name.
Father, let Your Church teach the world about Jesus, in Jesus name.
Father, use the situation in our nations to populate your Kingdom, in Jesus name.
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