For various reasons I've been spending a lot of time, personally and professionally trawling throught the Psalms recently. Yesterday morning a friend pointed me in the direction of Psalm 27. Given my personal circumstances at present and Advent fast approaching the closing verses are particularly appropriate. Here's my take on it...
The LORD is my light and my salvation:
Who have I got to fear?
The LORD is the fortress for my life:
Of what shall I be afraid?
Though many enemies besiege me on all sides,
my heart will not fear;
though world war three break out against me,
even then will I be cool, calm and collected.
One thing I ask from the LORD,
this is what I’m looking for:
that I may live in the presence of the LORD all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the glory of the LORD and to serve him in his holy place.
For when times are tough he’ll keep me safe behind his ramparts
He’ll lift me up beyond the reach of those who would pull me down
He’ll hide me in the folds of his tent,
high on the rock of his faithfulness
Then I will worship with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
Listen LORD, I’m calling at the top of my lungs
Be merciful LORD, and answer me.
My heart said to me, "Seek God’s face!"
So I sought your face, O LORD.
Don’t hide your face from me now.
Don’t turn me away or forsake me
You have always been my helper.
So don’t reject me, O God my Saviour.
Even when my father and mother turned their backs on me,
Your arms were ready to receive me.
Point me in the right direction, O LORD;
lead me along paths where I’ll feel safe from ambush.
Don’t deliver me into the hands of my enemies,
For they will say or do anything to bring me harm.
Despite all that’s going on around me, I am still confident of this:
I will see God’s goodness bear fruit this side of the grave.
Wait for the LORD;
take heart, hold on and wait for the LORD.
The LORD is my light and my salvation:
Who have I got to fear?
The LORD is the fortress for my life:
Of what shall I be afraid?
Though many enemies besiege me on all sides,
my heart will not fear;
though world war three break out against me,
even then will I be cool, calm and collected.
One thing I ask from the LORD,
this is what I’m looking for:
that I may live in the presence of the LORD all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the glory of the LORD and to serve him in his holy place.
For when times are tough he’ll keep me safe behind his ramparts
He’ll lift me up beyond the reach of those who would pull me down
He’ll hide me in the folds of his tent,
high on the rock of his faithfulness
Then I will worship with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
Listen LORD, I’m calling at the top of my lungs
Be merciful LORD, and answer me.
My heart said to me, "Seek God’s face!"
So I sought your face, O LORD.
Don’t hide your face from me now.
Don’t turn me away or forsake me
You have always been my helper.
So don’t reject me, O God my Saviour.
Even when my father and mother turned their backs on me,
Your arms were ready to receive me.
Point me in the right direction, O LORD;
lead me along paths where I’ll feel safe from ambush.
Don’t deliver me into the hands of my enemies,
For they will say or do anything to bring me harm.
Despite all that’s going on around me, I am still confident of this:
I will see God’s goodness bear fruit this side of the grave.
Wait for the LORD;
take heart, hold on and wait for the LORD.
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